![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/catscapades\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/LilySadface-300x225.jpg\")
When you prepare to leave the house, do you get \u201cthe look\u201d from your cat? Do her eyes seem to be pleading for you to stay? Do you feel guilty for leaving and often assure her that you will be back? What do you think is going through her mind at that point? What is she thinking as you walk out the door?<\/p>\n
And what about when you leave with a ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/catscapades\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/EasternCruise-002-225x300.jpg\")
suitcase? How do you explain that to your cat? She knows by now this means she\u2019ll have to sleep alone that night and maybe several more nights. Do you try to sneak away\u2014you know, pack when she isn\u2019t in the room because she makes you feel guilty for leaving her? I\u2019ll bet you sometimes find your cat curled up inside your suitcase or sitting on top of it. Have you almost cancelled a trip because of her reaction? Do you sometimes cut a visit or shopping spree short because you know she\u2019s waiting at home for you?<\/p>\n
It\u2019s really okay. She doesn\u2019t want to go with you\u2014remember, she hates the carrier and you\u2019ve never gotten her used to a leash. She\u2019s just a little spoiled because you feed her on demand, create a lap for her to curl up in, talk to her, give her nice massages and even treats. But she\u2019ll be okay while you\u2019re gone.<\/p>\n
But there\u2019s more that you can do. Don\u2019t close her in, for example. Leave a window blind open so she can watch the birds, other cats, and neighbors while you\u2019re gone. Make sure her favorite toys are accessible. Maybe bring in a new one\u2014one that offers a challenge\u2014a treat pops out when she bats it or something like that. And be sure to leave something you\u2019ve worn recently on the bed or sofa for her to lay on. She\u2019ll love taking in your scent while you\u2019re gone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When you prepare to leave the house, do you get \u201cthe look\u201d from your cat? Do her eyes seem to be pleading for you to stay? Do you feel guilty for leaving and often assure her that you will be … Continue reading ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/catscapades\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/LilyShoe-e1543403611897-225x300.jpg\")
You\u2019ve arranged for someone she\u2019s familiar with to come in and clean her litterbox, feed her, and give her a little companionship a couple of times a day. You can also make her life more bearable by leaving a little soft music playing while you\u2019re gone. Did you know there\u2019s music designed for cats\u2014to comfort them? Check it out here. https:\/\/www.kickstarter.com\/projects\/355308040\/music-for-cats-0<\/a> (There\u2019s also monkey music, if you happen to have a monkey.)<\/p>\n