Fostering independance...

[canadiangirl]

Hello all!
So, I have decided to have a pet-sitter come in and look after my cat while I am away for a week. The sitter will come in for 45 minutes a day, feed and socialize with my cat (cat's name is Bonnie, is one half of what was once Bonnie and Clyde, but Cyde died a few years ago ).
I am a bit worried though, because Bonnie is a very dependant cat - she sleeps with me, follows me everywhere and is usually waiting by the door for me to come home from work. I am concerned about her staying alone at night and most of the day, although I'm sure she'll just sleep 90% of the time!!!
Am I just an overconcerned Mom? None of my friends and relatives can pop in for extra visits (we are all going to the same wedding). What are your thoughts on this? Can I get her to become less dependant on me?
Hmmmmmm

[Lucky Rescue]

You can't get her to be less dependant. Don't know how old she is, but as she ages, she will become MORE dependant on you.

I"m sure she misses Clyde a lot, and that is part of the problem.

Under the circumstances, I think you are doing all you can for her while you will be away!

Could you hook up a timer that can turn the TV, lights and/or radio off and on? It might help her not feel so lonely.

[mona_b]

Thank you for deciding to get a pet-sitter in for your Bonnie.I know some others have said it was ok to leave her for the week by herself.....

If I remember correctly,Bonnie is 12?

I think LR's suggestion of the timer is a great idea.

[Bill & Bob]

Cats are interesting beasts. Before I got Bob, I used to kitty sit for some friends of mine with two cats for weekends when they went out of town. Male and female, brother and sister. All I would do is show up in the late morning and let them out, then come back in the early evening and change their water, litter, food and let them back in again. I'd hang out with them for a while, quite a while if they were feeling frisky and social. I haven't had oodles of contact with cats, but I've found all the ones I've known very independent. Most of the time they would come back in and just crash on the couch. Over the xmas holidays, the two kitties and I always watch the burning log on the public access channel on TV together for a few hours on xmas eve. Sort of a tradition now.

[chico2]

Canadiangirl you are doing the right thing,too bad she is the only cat,you are not leaving before June,right? Any chance of getting her a new companion before then?
Otherwise what Lucky suggested sounds like the best you can do.
I always fret for weeks before we go away ,although my son stays here with the cats. As soon as Rocky sees the suitcases,he knows what's up and starts acting up On our return home,he'll ignore me for a few days,but is soon back to his normal self