I haven't left my new two alone for an extended period of time (yet), but when Goldie was alive at first I'd board her at a local shelter or the vet's while I was away. The last time I boarded her, she came back with fleas and and a UTI so that ended that. Ever since then I've always gotten a "critter sitter." Now it's my building manager; he lives right downstairs and has two cats himself and loves mine so I know they're in good hands. They will be checked at least twice a day, food, water and litter will also be taken care of. I always leave enough food out to last the time I'll be away -- I have a food "tower" and a water tower so they won't starve or go thirsty.

Of course my two are so "voluptuous" right now, I don't think they'd starve anyway ...