Good Morning. Cats are just easier

They are so self reliant and easy. My parents want us to travel down to see them over Christmas and we have 2 dogs that don't travel well and all the kennels and such are booked up here. Cats are so easy. You leave extra dry food and water out, and an extra litter box for good measure, and go without a second thought. 

Many of us who have had WLS are not cats any more, we are the doggies that must be taken along. We don't travel well or blend into our temporary environment well. {sigh}   We will find a way to make my 2 doggies and me work through this mandatory travel but it ain't going to be pretty. I must plan things out..where I'll sleep so that when the older dog and I wake at 4AM we won't wake the rest of the house. How to pack my vitamins and protein powder stuff for the 5 days we're down there...ugh. I'm an old spoiled doggie...I don't want to do this. : (

--g

Yep, I was going through my travel protein bag this morning while my coffee was brewing so I would be ready to leave this morning for Ky.  My dogs have never boarded and we don't take them with us.  Since I have the ponies that need care while I am gone too, I get someone to come here.  It may be a little more expensive but at least everyone is in their own home and routine.  We thought about taking them when camping but it would be so much more stressful for us and them.  This seems to work for us.

While cats ARE easier, you can't just leave them...they can cause too much havoc left alone (kinda like toddlers). So even if we take the dogs with us, we have a pet sitter in every day we aren't here to check on them, feed them, clean the litter box, and give them fresh water. (water in a bowl over 24 hours old gets just too yucky!!!)

I've done pet sitters for years...in fact it's easier and CHEAPER to bring someone in then to board them. But you have to find the right person and the animals have to like the person. Our's do...they like the pet sitter we have now.

So while the kennels are booked, check into a pet sitter, Gina.

For us traveling, we do require more care than before...we have to plan ahead.

Liz

I love cats!  But... when we traveled, we did just leave our cats with food, litter, etc.  I've gotta say though, when we got back - oh boy - did she ***** us out royally!  My daughters cat is pretty high maintenance when it comes to getting attention, so when they're out of town, and I'm in town, I need to go over and talk to him, pet, play, etc.  I told her next time they go, and I'm in town, just bring him to my place.  That way he'll get his attention.

We used to board our dog.  They loved him there and he always had a good time.  We had a pet sitter a few times.  It's hard finding just the right one.

Now - regarding travel and supplements... I guess since I don't drink my protein like I should, that has pretty much gone out of my travel bag, but my vitamins.. when I went to FL last weekend I dumped into a plastic ziplock bag my vits for the time gone.  I did take them all and it worked out good.  I used to do the pods... I got lazy.  At work I also have my calcium chews on my desk all the time - that way they're in sight and I remember them.  

My friend's cats have to be fed at least 2 times a day - they are very spoiled.  She has a sitter that comes in and takes care of hers while she is gone.

We boarded Little Willie once or twice and while they were really good to him - it just took him too long to get over the stress of staying at a kennel with a lot of barking dogs.  My SIL loves him so he now goes to her house when we are going out of town and that is such a relief.  One time she was gone too so he went to my DD's house and DGD loved it!!  I think he likes my SIL better-LOL!!

I think I have the traveling with protein and vitamins down pretty good to at least take them with me.  Now when I am off my routine I usually get behind in the calcium chews during the day because I don't realize what time it is.

Gina, I would look into a sitter also.  There are several people here who do that and are very dependable and reliable.

Linda

How do they not travel well? car sick?

The older one has to be carried outside and up stairs and has the bladder the size of a pea. I'm waiting to hear back from my mom that they can even accommodate the 2 dogs. The younger one is afraid to ride in the car but will be ok once he gets settled.

Oh lord love them. what we do for our fur babies,lol.

I have three grown cats, and a 1/2 grown kitten. The "baby" is quite a handful, much like a toddler. DH and I decided last night to not put the Christmas tree up this year because she will just un-decorate it for us. We are also leaving for my DD's house a few days after Christmas, so I would have to not only pack for two VSG'rs, but I would have to get that tree down before we left.

Neither one of us have flown since surgery, the three times we've been to DD's, we drove. But this time, we fly instead of spending 6 days in a car. Any suggestions on flying with protein, vits, etc? I'm a little stressed about the whole TSA thing.

As for the kitties, I have a friend who will be over every day to check on them. We look in on their creatures (they have show rabbits, chickens, and barn cats) while they travel. They do send their dogs to a specialty kennel which is like a doggie hotel. So, I know the furry family will be alright.

I'm a little sad about the tree, and a quite stressed about flying. But, the last time we flew, we barely fit in the seat so this should be interesting.

I have two dogs and a parrot and they were my biggest worry when I thought about coming out to MI for surgery. The parrot is the very worst by the way! I got my sister to come stay for 2 weeks, thank goodness she is between jobs she brought her two dogs and went to my house so one big zoo there right now. Years ago I had cats and I do think they are easier to leave then dogs for sure. Best of luck arranging it all Gina