[Clio_86]

I have two cats: a four year old and a three year old. Two bonded males.

I have left my cats quite a few times. The first time, I went to the UK for two weeks and my neighbor watched them for me. We have a weird apartment where I have a fire escape exit that opens into another apartment. So when I went on vacation, I left my fire escape exit open and my cats were able to stay in the comfort of our home while also being able to visit my neighbor upstairs if they felt lonely (this is an indoor exit and my cats are indoor pets).

The second time I left my cats was for two weeks. I went to Germany for a mandatory research trip and had the same set-up with my neighbor. According to my neighbor, one of my cats was very social and came to see him frequently for cuddles and pets. My other cat, according to him, rarely came up and was much more shy.

I have also traveled for shorter trips and have hired professional pet sitters. These instances worked out well.

However, in 2019, I have to leave my country for approximately four months. This is a very long time for me and I am super nervous. I am really looking forward to the opportunity to travel and spend four months in Germany, but my main concern regards my cats. My neighbor also moved last month.

Due to the lengthy period that I have to be away, I have made plans for a fellow cat lover who is a grad student (and who would benefit from four months free rent) to live in my apartment in order to watch over my boys while I am away.

Even though it seems like I have this issue sorted out, as the time comes closer for me to book my plane tickets and start planning, I feel like I'm a mess. I'm really paranoid about leaving my cats and feel super stressed.

Does anyone have experience with leaving pets for a long period of time? I once left my family pet when I was 13 years old for two months, and he remembered me when I came back. I also had a horse, which I gave to my cousin, but it always remembers me when I go visit (I know this because my horse hates women - but still likes me when I visit).

This situation is just hard on my heart. Despite it being a great life opportunity. My pets are my family and I want the best for them. I feel like I have set up the best possible scenario, but I still worry. My pets are my babies.