My cats cope well even in our absence

When Joylyn Fernandes from Bahrain needs to travel, she makes sure her cats are comfortable and stress-free in their own home.

We usually go to our home country for a month and on shorter vacations to other places.

I have 3 rescued cats, Caribou, Gracie & and the visually impaired Rafael. We do not send them to any pet sitter as we believe that it may stress them out. Instead, we hire our helper to come in for a few extra hours daily. He feeds them twice a day and spends some time with them. 

What works well is that the helper and the cats know and like each other. We check in with him daily to make sure all is well and if he needs anything. We have a WiFi-enabled CCTV installed. This helps us check on the cats through our phone 24X7. We call out to them through the camera which tends to get some funny reactions from them.

I also hand over a key to my friends to check in on them whenever they can. I keep all their favourite foods, treats and litter stocked up.

This way, my cats have the comfort of being in familiar surroundings and cope well, even in our absence.

Date Nut Balls

Make and carry along these divine bliss balls so that you can indulge your sweet tooth even when travelling.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dates, pitted
• ½ cup mixed nuts
• Ginger, as per taste
• ⅛ tsp unrefined salt

Method

In a blender, process the dates with the nuts and ginger. Add salt and blend to a smooth paste. Roll to make small balls and serve.

Serves 3-4

Food For The Mind

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Live and let live
                  

Our planet belongs to us and it belongs to the animals too. Most species of animals have lived on the earth longer than we humans have. However, humans have been exercising dominion over animals, not only in the food industry but also in the pharma and cosmetics industry, entertainment, fashion and pet breeding. Think for a while, if we were in their place, would we like what they go through? By choosing not to be a part of their suffering, we can contribute to their welfare. Here are a few ways you can do that while on holiday.

1. Avoid zoos Zoos, contrary to popular belief, are rarely safe havens for animals. Animals which should have been roaming freely in the wild are confined to tiny, cramped areas just for our viewing pleasure. They are miserable in these artificial habitats for their entire short lives. By not visiting a zoo, we won’t be a part of this animal exploitation.

2. Refuse to ride Ponies, horses, donkeys, camels and elephants are common modes of transport in famous tourist spots. However, these animals are often not fed enough and are made to work extended hours. Riding on starving, sick and terrified animals should not be anybody’s idea of fun. By choosing not to ride on them, we can show them the compassion and respect they deserve.

3. Enjoy safaris responsibly Safaris may be a great way to witness the wild, but we need to be mindful that we are only a guest there. We must not encroach on their territory, stay quiet at all times and respect their “homes”. Follow the instructions of your guide.

4. Scuba diving/snorkelling mindfully Deep in the oceans, we may want to touch the exotic undersea life or get tempted to feed them. This can harm them and their surroundings. Let’s leave the underwater habitat as we found it.

5. Visiting someone who has a pet If you are invited to a home with pets, you can carry gifts for them, like a toy or a feeding bowl. If you aren’t comfortable around pets, inform the pet parents in advance. Never feed someone’s pet without their permission.

6. Leaving behind your own pets Our pets are family. It is ideal to leave them with family or friends who would take care of them like their own. Also, now we have the option of paid facilities that care for pets and give regular updates to the parents.

7. Travelling with your pet Taking vacations with pets increases bonding and creates precious memories. Many hotels and restaurants now are pet-friendly. Road trips are the best way to travel with pets. Indian Railways also allows pets in some classes of travel.