Leave cat inside or outside while on short vacation?

Question

I'm thinking about taking about a 4 day/night vacation next week, but I'm worried about what to do with my cat. Some back story:

Before I moved in here he was a strictly outdoor homeless cat, who was self sufficient. I "adopted" him over 5 years ago and ever since he has eventually become a cat that spends about 3/4 of his time indoors (but could spend quite a lot more time outside, I just prefer him indoors with me). He's a very large, chubby kitty, by no means is he small. He still enjoys going outside, where he hunts and just hangs around the property. He never strays too far, I can always go out and call him to come inside. When he's inside he has food, a litter box, & obviously fresh water around the clock. 

I've only left him inside overnight all by himself once and that was just over Christmas, I was only gone for around 36 hours. He seemed to do alright, he ate normally and used his litter box.

My question is, whether it would be a better idea to leave him inside or outside? If I left him outside there would be water & food left out for him, but the temp does dip into the 30's at night. There are places for him to cuddle up under a porch though. Also, like I said, he used to spend all day and night outside before I came into the picture, so he's experienced cold temperatures a lot. I don't have anybody who could come and check on him, whether he is inside OR outside, so that isn't an option. 

If anybody has any questions to help better answer my question, I will gladly answer. Sorry this was long and rambling.. I just love my cat and want to do what's best for him. Thank you!

Jason Free · Accepted Answer

As the owner of several cats over the years,.. Your cat will do just fine indoors and might be safer do to weather and other animals,. Get a nice clean litter box and a good supply of cat food out something for weight control and indoor blend, Friskies makes a wonderful indoor blend also a nice medium bowl of water and maybe a blanket on the sofa ,. Your kitty will be safe fed healthy warm and I'm guessing wont even know your gone lol

Epinions Reviewer. · Answer

I have 8 cats 4 in & 4 out. When it is really cold 2 of the outside ones come in overnight,
while the other 2 huddle close together in their thermal homes & never come in. 

From what you stated I would try & keep him inside in this instance.
You never know, he may eventually want to stay indoors permanently?

good luck, E

? · Answer

Leave him inside with enough food and water. When you get back from your vacation you should continue to keep him inside only. Indoor cats live longer healthier lives and have much lower vet bills then outdoor cats. As far as I'm concerned people that let their cats outside shouldn't be allowed to have cats.

Eva · Answer

If you don't have friends or family in the area to come take care of him, call a pet sitting company so they can come once a day to check in on him, feed/water, play, and clean the litter box. Plenty of pet sitting companies have very reasonable rates for one cat visit per day.
If you can't find a pet sitter, and if he just eats dry food, get an automatic feeder and water fountain for him. And leave out plenty of cat toys for him. 4 days should be fine if he has 2 litter boxes, lots of toys to entertain himself with, and enough food and water out. Much better than leaving him out in the cold - that option has no benefits.

Dusk Maiden Of Amnesia · Answer

PLEASE take your cat to a sitter. Call a local vet and see if they can board the cat. That is the only way to insure that your cat will be safe when you come home. Have someone watch the kitty if you cant afford to board the cat. But don't leave him inside or outside alone. I hope you find a safe place for kitty to stay while your gone.

Anonymous · Answer

A trick I learned from some friends of mine is to put some kind of a dish in the sink or bathtub and set the faucet to just drip every few seconds.  That way it's constantly fresh water.

hearns · Answer

How long are you going to be long gone? you should no longer leave your cat outdoors. At suited, he ought to run away or be picked up via the pound. At worst he ought to get attacked via an animal, hit via a motor vehicle, harm via a man or woman, frozen interior the components, etc. notwithstanding in case you reside in a "heat" climate, what if a unexpected chilly front or hurricane comes through in case you're away? What are you going to do to assist the cat in case you're long gone? you're able to be able to desire to have your cat interior, with your pal battling via to feed and water him common, and to grant him slightly employer. in spite of the undeniable fact that, once you are going to be long gone for an significant quantity of time (i.e. countless weeks/month), you will have your pal or somebody else board the cat.

rachelw09 · Answer

I would leave him inside, it sounds like he does fine and I think it would be safer for him.

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Leave cat inside or outside while on short vacation?

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