Leave a Cat With Short-Term Caretakers

Choose a caretaker who can come to your house at least once a day, and preferably twice a day. Cats are happier when they can stay in their own homes. Work out a clear visiting schedule with the visitor. Remember to provide them with the extra set of keys.

If you cook special food for your cat, fix up a batch in advance. Place portions in individual sandwich bags for each day you'll be gone.

Put in writing everything your caretaker needs to know: detailed feeding instructions, name and numbers for your vet, phone numbers for you.