When we lived in Virginia and went away overnight --- our cat would stay outside. We'd leave enough food and water on the deck, there was plenty of shade and shelter, and he liked sleeping under the deck once in awhile (I think it was like 'kitty camping') until we got back.
But now that we're here in AZ, I don't want him outside for even 2 or 3 days straight. I'm worried that it's too hot, that he might go 'exploring' and not be able to find his way back since out here we have 'walls' to separate yards instead of fences and it's easier to get lost, and I worry about what desert critters might be out there, just laying in wait for a naive --- and tasty --- cat like mine.
Any advice from an AZ resident for a newbie like me?
Keep the cat
Keep the cat indoors.....have someone come over and checke on it and give it food and water every day, or board it somewhere. If you go to Petco or Petsmart I'll bet they can give you the names of a few places who offer kennel service...or your vet might do it.
Not to be a nag.....but kitties should really be indoor animals here in a more populated area. :) It's safer for them. My mom lives in rural Kentucky and she lets her cat spend a lot of time ouside in the woods by her house.....but here its a different story. I see too many cats run over in the road.
I agree this is a dangerous
I agree this is a dangerous world for kitties. I'm trying to slowly wean my cat off going outside and turn him into an 'indoor' cat. I'm hoping once it gets REALLY hot this summer, he'll decide on his own that frolicking outdoors is NOT what it was in green and grassy Virginia!
Thanks for the advice and I'll use it to find him a good sitter!
If you live in the
If you live in the surrounding areas of the Valley bobcats and coyotes do come in to look for cats and small dogs. I would look into hiring a pet sitter. They are generally less expensive than boarding and your pet gets to stay at home.
I found a really good petsitter on Craigslist.
sure, fine, whatever
a cat of mine was eaten by
a cat of mine was eaten by coyotes so I don't reccomend leaving it outside, depending on what part of the valley you live in. Here's a great excuse to meet a neighbor and have him or her check in on the cat every day. That's what I do. I have great neighbors. I find that my cat needs minimal attention. Over three days you can usually leave enough food. But it will need fresh water. They won't drink water unless it's totally fresh. There are also those water fountains that you can get at the petstore so this way the neighbor just needs to stop in and give the cat a little attention and reaasurance.
We have the most awesome
We have the most awesome neighbors in the universe and we all have pets. We take turns watching each others animals. It's a great relief and it's somebody you already know/are comfortable with, so you don't feel funny about a stranger in your house.
Have you been here long enough to feel comfortable asking one of them? I find that the exchage itself works well, plus a restaurant gift card is a nice addition.
Good luck!
Mouse_tales is a discussion leader in the East Valley for arizonamoms.com. She is a business owner, community volunteer, and aspiring runner (whew!), who most enjoys her roles as wife & mom. Her children range in age from 4 to 13.
That's a great idea to get a
That's a great idea to get a co-op going with the neighbors and their pets. I think I'll suggest that and see if I can get one going.
My only concern would be how my cat would warm up to them --- this house is still new for him and I don't want him leaving us 'presents' to show he is NOT happy with the change in his routine! But I supposed he'll have to learn sometime...
He might leave "presents"
He might leave "presents" for you anyway! :-)
If you are uncertain as to how your boy will warm up to whomever will be watching him, start introducing them about 1 week beforehand. Our dogs are both monster-big and boys so this has been an essential part of the set up.
I hope it works out for you because we have saved $$$$ from this co-op system. Good luck!
Mouse_tales is a discussion leader in the East Valley for arizonamoms.com. She is a business owner, community volunteer, and aspiring runner (whew!), who most enjoys her roles as wife & mom. Her children range in age from 4 to 13.
If you love your cat, you
If you love your cat, you should always keep him inside. We have so many friends who have lost animals to coyotes. The coyotes can jump into a back yard with a 6 ft. tall fence. It is just a matter of time.
soccermom