Yes, my alter ego The Crazy Cat Lady has resurfaced just in time for the holidays! 
Early tomorrow morning I will be packing up my little car and driving an estimated 14 hours to see my best friend in the Ozark Mountains. And, as you have probably figured out by the title of this post, The Cats of Doom will be going with me!
They don’t necessarily have to go: Last weekend one of my friends told me that he is staying home over the holidays and that if I wanted to go anywhere, he would be happy to feed them while I was gone. I considered his generous offer, but in the end I had to reject it because of Mouse.
For those Holidailies readers who don’t know, in addition to her tiny attitude problem, Mouse has feline hyperthyroidism and is on medication for it. She gets a pill every morning and evening and though I don’t have any problems giving it to her, I would never ask a friend to put himself in mortal danger by asking him to do so.
As a result, I realized that if I was going to be away over the holidays I had the following options:
One, I could take my friend up on his offer and just have him feed the cats while I am gone. Last year I wasn’t too worried about leaving Mouse without her medicine for a few days, but her dosage is higher now so I am a little more troubled by it. And because I don’t think my friend could give Mouse her pill even if he wanted to, I abandoned the idea.
Two, I could board Mouse with the vet so she would be sure to get her pill while I am gone and have my friend feed the other three. I briefly considered this option, but in the end rejected it because honestly, I am too cheap to pay to have her boarded.
Three, I could take Mouse to Arkansas with me and leave the other three at home and have my friend feed them. This seemed like a workable option, but I thought if I was going to go to all the trouble to pack up one cat and take her with me, why not take all four?
Sure my car will be full of kitty carriers and I will have the “joy” of listening to Scooter talk to me during the entire trip, but the fact of the matter is that taking four of them really isn’t any more of a hassle than just one.
Besides, I will have a more enjoyable holiday if my family (feline as it may be) is with me anyway.
KarenD says:
Cats of Doom–hee! I didn’t think you sounded like a Crazy Cat Lady at all until I got to the “why not take all four?” part. Based on the cats I know, I can think of plenty of reasons. Though I’m sure your kitties will be better behaved. Happy travels!
21 December 2007 at 12:13
Dacee says:
Have a fun and safe trip! I can see your car loaded with kitties going down the road, with an obnoxiously large and brightly colored bumper sticker that says “Crazy Cat Lady”
21 December 2007 at 12:57
Laura says:
I still don’t understand how being a Crazy Cat Lady is a bad thing. My DH and I only have 3 and I would love to be the neighborhood cat lady.
Be safe on your trip with your babies! Merry Christmas!
21 December 2007 at 21:33
Sonya says:
Just popping by to wish you and yours a VERY Merry Christmas!
Looking forward to hearing all your news in 2008!
Good luck with your ‘cal luggge’…AKA – the cats of doom! hahahah
22 December 2007 at 06:32
Sonya says:
Oops! That should be ‘CAT luggage, lol
22 December 2007 at 06:32
Sweet Pea says:
I’m okay leaving ours home for a night or even two, since we have an automatic feeder and water dish, and an automatic litter box, but three or more, he goes with us. He does not like it one little bit and tries to hide under the beds. We have to pack the night before or at least get everything downstairs by the garage door, then make sure he’s out of the bedrooms and close the doors. Once he’s in the car, he whines pitifully until he makes himself throw up, then he goes to sleep. Such a lovely trip!!! LOL
22 December 2007 at 09:03
Sue says:
That is certainly going to be an interesting car ride. I hope you all arrive safely with your sanity intact. Hopefully it will go smoothly. My DD drove from Colorado to Michigan with her cat Isis when she came home, and we were both surprised at how well Isis really did in the car for such a long period. Hope you and your family (furry ones include) all have a wonderful Christmas.
23 December 2007 at 16:14
Allura says:
Oh, a 14hr car ride with four kitties? That ought to be delightful. Mine never go further than the vet.
For Mouse, have you ever tried Pill Pockets? They’re a cylinder-shaped treat that you can shove the pill in and seal up around it. As long as you’re careful not to touch the ‘pocket with the same hand that touched the pill, most cats will just scarf it down. One of mine’s on a daily med, and it made it hugely easier on him. No stress, no fight, he just thinks it’s a treat. My vet sells them, but you can get them online, too. No connection except happy customer.
Good luck with the travel…
24 December 2007 at 01:27