Hey everyone, I’m feeling really anxious about this situation and could really use some advice!
I had to fly internationally to visit my family for a month, and I couldn’t bring my two cats with me. They’re both really social and get sad when they’re alone, so I knew just having someone come by to feed them twice a day wouldn’t be enough. I almost canceled my trip over it, but I hadn’t seen my family in a year, so I was really torn. Luckily, I arranged for a good friend to house-sit while I’m away. She knows my cats well, and they love her, so it seemed perfect.
The only issue was that she wouldn’t be able to stay the last week of my trip because her sister was due to give birth. I figured it would be fine to have some other friends drop by to feed them, change their litter, and hang out for a bit during that week.
But then, three days into my trip, my friend messaged me saying her sister went into labor early, and she had to leave the next day. We arranged for my other friend, who lives nearby, to stop by twice a day to feed them and spend a little time with them. However, she’s extremely allergic to cats, so she can’t stay the night without having severe reactions. Now my cats are spending nearly 22 hours a day alone.
I’m really sad and worried about them. We’re two weeks in with three weeks to go, but I feel like this is way too little social interaction for them. I can’t help but feel guilty, and if I had known this would happen, I think I would’ve canceled my trip.
Any advice on how to move forward? Or am I overthinking this and they’ll be fine? I’ve ordered some enrichment toys to keep them entertained, but I can’t shake this feeling of guilt. 