Answer: Obviously, the cat mustn’t simply be abandoned to fined its own food when you go away. If it is moved to someone else’s house, if often escapes back home where there is no-one to feed or care for it.
The best alternative to boarding (from your cat’s point if view it is probably preferable) is for a friend or relative to visit your home twice a day to feed and look after your cat in its own familiar environment.
