Zip sulks if left for four days. I've done it once, but she was very very unhappy when I came back, and I don't intend to do it again. Three days I can do, because she knows I will come back.

Now that there are two cats in the house I feel less guilty. The worst thing about leaving a cat alone is boredom, and with Jam in she certainly ain't getting bored. I start to feel bad if I am away for more than two nights, however. I suspect it's me more than them.

I have relied on friends to come and have a look at the cat in the past, feed them, check on them, play with them. Some time I have had people stay in my house, that has lots of space and other advantages, in return for keeping the cat company.

Nowadays Zip is used to Alex's house and when I have to go away for more than a weekend I just bring her there.