Cat lovers - We're going out of town for four days. I have

[MJN]

a neighbor who will feed our cat. Our temps have been cold lately. I can ask my neighbor to put her in the garage at night, but will she be okay out for most of the day? The temps in the day are b/t 40-50. She goes out now when we're home and stays for 3 hours or so, but that's all for the day. I don't want her to get sick. Will she be okay?

Thanks,

Molly

P.S. I've never had a cat before when we've gone out of town in the winter. I hope this isn't a stupid question. :-)

[Mx5]

My cats come and go in and out of our garage, even in 0 degree temperatures. They have warm cozy places to sleep, water (in an electric bowl) and food.

Since your cat is accustomed to being outdoors, he/she will be fine. Your temperatures are not dangerous.

[Jean in Newcastle]

My cat would stay out in that kind of weather and be ok. My biggest fear would be night-time when the temp. drops but you've thought of that. Remember they are wearing a fur coat!

[Mandamom]

I wouldn't worry about temps either but usually when we go on trips I try to get my outside cats in. Doesn't always work though.

[Jean in Wisc]

If they are use to being inside, I make sure they stay inside for the vacation. I am afraid they might wander off or get into trouble when they are not use to being outside all the time. I don't think the cold weather would be the problem if it stays in the 40's--it's just the different schedule that would bother me.

I'd keep kitty in the house or garage the whole time. I don't know if it is right, but then, I'm a protective mama.

[Audrey]

I'd keep kitty inside -- not because of the weather, which is not cold at all! I have barn kitties who are happy to scamper around at -30?C!

But... I'd keep kitty inside because of the unusual switch in routine. Cats hate change like that. I'd err on the side of caution and just leave a key with the neighbour to feed the kitty inside.

[percytruffle]

I agree, being a cat person myself. I wouldn't risk it.

Lisa

Percytruffle's Place (http://http://percytrufflesplace.blogspot.com/)

[GreenKitty]

I would just keep her inside with lots of food and water, that should make her fat and happy while your gone. Also she can curl up someplace to sleep nice and cozy.

It's only for a few days, I wouldn't take the chance that something might happen to kitty in a garage.

[Gwen in TX]

Agreeing on keeping kitty in. The change in "no people to love me, call for me, need me" might cause all kinds of outdoor trouble. Kitty will do better with a towel or blanket on a favorite chair, and neighbor feeding inside.

[Valerie in MI]

We routinely leave our cats alone for 4 days at a time. Sometimes longer. No need to have anyone in to feed them. Just pour out more than enough dry food and a bowl of water too big to evaporate (or leave a toilet open). They'll be fine.

[momo4]

My parents always leave their kitty inside with a litter box, food and water. They have a neighbor check on him, clean, and restock his supplies if they are gone for more than 4 days.

They used to let him come and go, but were worried that he might get in to a fight or something while they were gone. He can't get into too much trouble in the garage.