Should I leave my cat at home or at my family’s place while I am away
My cat is my little everything, and I am worried sick of leaving her for 5 days. She is the sweetest, most cuddly thing, but also a total liability. She eats stuff she shouldn’t (rubber bands, hair ties, plastic, paper, you name it) and has zero sense of danger. She’s fast, curious, and startles easily, if I trip or make a sudden noise she’s gone.
We just spent 3 weeks at my parents’ and moved back home 5 days ago. Now I’ve got a 5 day trip coming up and can’t decide.
Option 1: Home alone, mum checks in daily, camera set up
Worry: longer gaps between visits if something goes wrong, though the camera helps a lot with that. I’m also genuinely scared that 5 days with so little human interaction could take a real toll on her, even with check ins and a camera.
Good thing: home is already set up the way I need it. Windows shut, no random small objects around, it’s her normal space, and I’d be way less anxious about her physical safety.
Option 2: Back to my parents’ for the 5 days
Worry: during those 3 weeks I had to remind my family more than once to close windows and the balcony door. She also bolts toward open doors when startled or when she hears people, so every check in is a chance for her to slip out. She’s also scared of my grandpa.
Good thing: so much more company and human presence around, plus she’d get to play with my family cat, which she got used to over those 3 weeks.
Leaning toward home with the camera but honestly going back and forth, the company and presence at my parents’ feels like it could matter a lot for a cat this attached to people. Anyone been in a similar spot or see something I’m missing?
Posted Jun 13, 2026, 11:29 PM UTC