Mary asks:

We are going on a 5 day vacation. Our son will check on our cat once daily and then twice daily when he is off. Will she be ok for this long?

Barbara’s answer:

I have left my cats for that long with only someone coming to check on them and make sure their food and water were ok and litter box cleaned. My cats do not take well to strangers (including people they have known for a long time, but are not family). So, I don’t think it would have helped for someone to stay there longer and try to pet them or play with them.

The cats did not like the change in routine, but they survived just fine. Be sure that the person coming by has your vet’s contact information, knows where the cat carrier is, and has your written permission to seek veterinary care, if needed.