Can Cats Tolerate a Weekend Alone? Olga Can’t!

Hello, I’m Christopher! Learn my introduction to study extra about me and my foolish Russian Blue cat, Olga.

I don’t journey usually, however till lately, Olga by no means appeared too upset once I returned dwelling after spending a number of days away. For a number of years, I traveled out of city to spend Thanksgiving with my household, and Olga was all the time pleasant once I returned. Nevertheless, she wasn’t very glad once I left her alone a number of weeks in the past. I solely spent two days within the woods, and my cat sitter dropped by to feed her and play along with her.

She meowed once I walked within the door, however once I approached to pet her, she hissed and backed away. I attempted to tempt her to play with a silvervine stick, however she appeared insulted and ran beneath the mattress to cover. The one time she had hissed at me earlier than was once I returned dwelling after being abroad for 10 days.

Once I talked about Olga’s response to a veterinarian, she stated the unusual odors I absorbed from 30 hours of touring in all probability bothered her. I didn’t assume a weekend away would trigger the identical response, however the woodland odors on my garments appeared simply as repulsive as these from an airline’s cabin.

Olga didn’t keep offended for lengthy, and after I took a bathe, she greeted me with a cheerful cry as a substitute of a hiss. She ultimately fell asleep in my lap and appeared to overlook the odd scents I introduced into the home. Olga was extra unbiased and didn’t maintain a grudge once I left her alone.

Now, she spends a lot of the day round me and has turn into a spoiled cat. She nonetheless enjoys her “alone time,” however when she sees me strolling towards the storage door, she assaults my legs and whines. She doesn’t thoughts once I exit the again door as a result of she will observe me within the yard from one in all her window perches.

Leaving Olga alone wasn’t an issue till I began working from dwelling full-time. She’s friendlier now and enjoys begging for dinner a number of hours earlier than I end working, and she or he’s in all probability happier that I clear the litter field extra usually, however she’s additionally extra depending on me. She follows me round the home and is extra vocal once I ignore her pleas for an early dinner.

It’s fascinating how a lot my new schedule affected Olga’s character. Though the change was gradual, I’m stunned that she’s now not aloof and quiet. She doesn’t look glad once I return from a brief journey, however I’m glad she’s able to hissing.

It’s not the response most cat homeowners wish to see from their pets, however it’s a significant defensive measure that serves as a warning earlier than an assault. Olga has by no means interacted with a canine or cat face-to-face besides when she’s in her provider on the vet’s workplace and hasn’t felt the necessity to hiss at one other animal. She’s by no means been scared by or threatened by one other creature, and I’m honored she solely hisses at me when she’s offended.