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I had to be out of town for two weeks due to a family reunion. I had a professional pet sitter stop in twice a day to check on Charlie to feed him, scoop his litterbox, and play with him. Yet, when I got back just now, I noticed that it appeared that Charlie had gained some weight. When I played with him, his jumps seemed sluggish and he could no longer reach his high perches.
I am concerned about his health, but fortunately I have a vet appointment for him today anyway for the FVRCP booster, so I'll be able to get tips for his diet too.
The pet sitter fed the same amount as I do, although I suppose that Charlie was less active when I was away, without having me to encourage him to play five times+ per day.
I was wondering what TCS members do for their cats to encourage them to be active, while the humans are away. I did leave out lots of independent play toys (Charlie's favorite ping pong balls, catnip mice). I had previously purchased a PetCube Play in the hopes of being able to check in on Charlie and get him to run around by chasing the laser pointer, but the device ended up being an expensive doorstop because it wouldn't connect to my phone despite a whole morning of attempting to set it up.
This whole thing makes me wonder if Charlie gets bored, even if I'm just out of the house for a bit. He's never been destructive or anything, but I can't be with him 24/7, and I'd hate for him to feel lonely or bored at any time, which has made me consider getting a friend for him, which I have been contemplating for some time. Charlie is very calm and friendly, but I am still concerned that another cat would stress him out.
I'd love to hear all of your opinions!
I am concerned about his health, but fortunately I have a vet appointment for him today anyway for the FVRCP booster, so I'll be able to get tips for his diet too.
The pet sitter fed the same amount as I do, although I suppose that Charlie was less active when I was away, without having me to encourage him to play five times+ per day.
I was wondering what TCS members do for their cats to encourage them to be active, while the humans are away. I did leave out lots of independent play toys (Charlie's favorite ping pong balls, catnip mice). I had previously purchased a PetCube Play in the hopes of being able to check in on Charlie and get him to run around by chasing the laser pointer, but the device ended up being an expensive doorstop because it wouldn't connect to my phone despite a whole morning of attempting to set it up.
This whole thing makes me wonder if Charlie gets bored, even if I'm just out of the house for a bit. He's never been destructive or anything, but I can't be with him 24/7, and I'd hate for him to feel lonely or bored at any time, which has made me consider getting a friend for him, which I have been contemplating for some time. Charlie is very calm and friendly, but I am still concerned that another cat would stress him out.
I'd love to hear all of your opinions!