Can I leave my cats for 2 days with the cat flap open?

[trocatroc]

I have to go away at the last minute and will be gone for 2 days. I'm wondering if I can leave my cats alone for 2 days with plenty of food and water but also, should I leave the cat flap open? I usually don't allow them out at night because the neighbours cat is out at night and they have got into fights in the past (my cats are smaller than the neighbours cat). My cat flap does not have an auto lock and I don't have anyone to come and let them in an out. I'm wondering if it is better to risk it and leave the cat flap open for the 2 days or keep them in the whole time? Yes, I'm a sad cat lady and I care far too much about my cats!!!!

[Bohemond]

If they are not used to being out at night I wouldn't. But be prepared to come back to a stinky house!

[trocatroc]

Thanks for your reply. I think I might just keep them in like you say. I will worry the whole time I am away otherwise, although I will feel guilty because they are used to roaming around outside all day long. But the lesser of two evils....

[nannynome]

Try to find a cat sitter in your area? They could come in morning and evening, feed and lock/unlock cat flap?

[500smiles]

Two days isn't long but what if something happens to one of them?

They could be injured / unwell for quite a while before you were back.

Am prepared to be told I'm over protective of my cat though

[trocatroc]

I am actually going away today and there are no cat sitters available as it is so last minute. I have not long moved to the area so I don't really know anyone yet to ask as a favour.
The cats are currently outside so I'm hoping they actually come back in before I have to leave!
I have let them go out at night before when I have had to work late and have found them curled up asleep on my bed, but that one time the neighbours cat attacked one of mine was horrible and I had to take her to the vet because she'd been bitten so badly on her legs and neck. If something like that happened when I am away it would be awful...
I do have a next door neighbour who I'm friendly with but he hates animals so I can't very well ask him to check on them.

[EauRouge]

I wouldn't. Maybe if I was just gone overnight, but not for 2 days. Have you got a local FB page? There are always people on mine offering pet sitting services. I'm sure there'll be loads of students trying to earn a few quid now it's the summer holidays.

[trocatroc]

The thing is something could also happen to them indoors too and I wouldn't be there to do anything about it either! Perhaps I should just try to find a cattery, but I've heard cats hate catteries.

[gargalesis]

I have left my two cats for two night before without any problems. I never lock the catflap though, so that wasn't an issue for me. I'd say go for it, I'm sure they will be fine.

[addictedtosugar]

Likewise, we leave our cat for upto 2 nights, but he has access to the house and garden at all times when we're here, so it isn't very different to normal for him.
But with the neighbours cat, I'm not sure....
Can you get another litter tray in the house before you go?

[trocatroc]

Ok, I have managed to arrange it so that I can come back tomorrow evening instead. Do you think it will be ok to leave them inside for that amount of time? It is still 2 full days but 1 less night.
Thanks everyone for your replies and suggestions.

[gargalesis]

You're going away this morning and coming back tomorrow evening, you mean? I'm sure they will be fine. Just leave tons of water all over the house.

[wigglylines]

I would leave my cats at home over taking them to a cattery.

Yes they'll be fine IMO, especially as they have each other for company.

[Mostlyjustaluker]

Can't you ask the neighbour to pop in and feed them. They are cat people too.

[MrsRonBurgundy]

I've done this before and my cat was absolutely fine. She was used to going outdoors in the daytime but as I didn't have a cat flap, I kept her in with a littler tray.

I gave her a lovely bit of roast chicken when I was going and an absolute mountain of biscuits and a few bowls of water.

When I got back, there was still loads of biscuits and water left and she sulked for about an hour but then was fine.

They'll be fine. Just go heavy handed on the food and water and id keep curtains shut if possible as it's warm to keep it cool in the house

[trocatroc]

Thanks everyone. I have decided that I will back tomorrow evening and keep them indoors. :)