I just remembered something about leaving Ripley alone. The first time we did this was in 2001 when we went to the beach. We left Monday afternoon and got back Friday afternoon. Ripley had not touched his food and had lost weight. I was worried about him but he recovered quickly. The next time we left him like that was the following year for 3 days and he ate everything in sight.

We always leave several bowls of food and several bowls of water around the house. On top of that I leave the two bathroom sinks full of water because those are his favorite places to drink anyway.

Up until 2001 (from 1992-2001) my parents would come and house/pet sit for me. They called it there mini- vacation. Unfortunately due to their health problems they are no long able to do that. I've had to board Disney at a kennel and leave Ripley alone but now with two more cats I'll have to rethink that plan.