How to find long-term cat boarding while I'm away at college?

She is really cute! I would see if any of your friends would be willing to take her if you would pay for her food, vet expenses, etc while they had her. I would make sure you put it in writing that you are to get her back after the 3 months of summer vacation just so there isn't any confusion. This is the best solution I can think of if a house sitter/vet clinic boarding aren't reasonable options. I hope this helps!

This is a great question! First off, thank you for your military service, it is very much appreciated. I know how hard it is to move around and not be able to take your pets with you. With Finn, it is absolutely fine to have someone look after him for a year, then take him back when you return home. I know this from personal experience. When I moved to New Zealand almost a decade ago from the US, I couldn't take my cats (or dogs) with me just yet, and they had to stay with family for about eight months before they could be shipped out. They were fine with staying with my family and then being shipped out to me in New Zealand. Yes moving is stressful, but cats can adapt, and there's no reason why you should give up Finn when you love him so much. Cats are amazing pets, and they are resilient, so I recommend having him stay with someone for a year and getting him when you come home. It gives you another great reason to look forward to coming home :-)

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You can definitively do this and it should go well. I recommend you use a product called Feliway which can help him feel more at ease and help with the transition. You may obtain this from your local pet store or online. Best of luck!

First of all he isn't too young just as long as he is fully vaccinated. you should make sure this is a nice boarding place, not a huge one if possible, they don't need to be vet clinics (those are usually less comfi for the cats). just bring him some of his toys, his bed and his food, he should be fine!

I would recommend getting an automatic feeder, 2 pet water fountains, and make sure there are 3 litter boxes set up for the kitties while you are gone. Also Lottie proof your to ensure they don't get into things. This website may have some more tips on things you can leave to keep them entertained and out of trouble while you are gone. Indoorpet.osu.edu It also wouldn't hurt to ask a trusted neighbor if they wouldn't mind stopping by to check on your kitties for you OR if the funds permit , searching for a pet sitter to come by midway though your trip to tend to the kitties. Most cats are pretty self sufficient so they are probably going to be ok either way. Safe travels!

If Penelope is bonded with you she will likely be fine, but there are a few things you can do that might help make the move easier. Look into Feliway products and start using before the move and at new house. A vet checkup before a major change is never a bad idea since stress can exacerbate underlying illness. Keep food and litter the same as what she's accustomed to using if you make any changes don't do it right away with the move and make sure to change things slowly and gradually over the course of a week or two. Possibly get her some toys or beds now that you will take with you when you move so she has a familiar scent. And make sure that you're being realistic about when and where you're moving, if it will be a good move for Penelope. The fact that you're thinking about it this far in advance means you do have her best interest in mind. But many times pets are abandoned by college age students who don't understand the responsibility of taking care of them; so make sure you're doing what's best for her and hopefully you would be able to visit if you do leave her at home. Good luck with your decision and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I'm sure Callie will miss your husband while you are on vacation, but cats do well when their "people" leave them for a period of time. I always recommend having someone take care of your cat in your house. Callie may or may not come out for this person, but that is always better than boarding a nervous cat at a kennel. Keeping her routine as much the same as possible is ideal. I would also recommend trying to decrease stress by adding a Feliway Diffuser ( https://www.feliway.com ) to your house. This is a calming pheromone that will work for a month. If you have any other specific questions, please feel free to post again with more details and one us will be happy to try to help you. Good luck! Thanks for using PetCoach.