My cat, Jasmine, is a seasoned car traveler. Although she has to stay in a carrier while I drive -- to keep both of us safe -- she truly seems to enjoy the change of pace. Having her along usually adds to the fun of a vacation.

But this summer I was flying to the East coast to visit a friend who is allergic to cats. Bringing Jazz along was not an option.

What to do? I weighed my options: leave her at home alone with friends looking in on her, board her in a commercial kennel, or hire a pet sitter.

Some cats do well left alone in their own homes for a few days with a heaping bowl of food, lots of water and a large litter box. But, leaving a cat alone for more than a day or two is asking for trouble.

I learned this the hard way many years ago. After a five day absence, I looked forward to a happy reunion with my cat. I walked in the house, put down my bags, opened my arms and greeted the cat with enthusiastic affection. He glared at me, turned his back and walked haughtily, just out of arms reach, through the house to the bedroom. I followed, cooing terms of endearment as he jumped up onto the bed.... where he proceeded to relieve himself on my best bedspread! Who says animals can’t communicate? I’d left him alone for five days - well provisioned but without human companionship. Clearly, that was too long.

On the other hand, leaving a cat in her own home with a familiar friend or family member stopping by for a daily visit can be purrfectly satisfactory!

Boarding in a commercial kennel is another option. A good boarding facility does more than provide the basic requisites of food and shelter. It ensures that animals have a chance to exercise and play. Since boarding can expose pets to health risks, they need to be up to date on all their vaccinations, including bordatella (Kennel Cough). It is a good idea to leave the kennel with an ample supply of your pet’s usual food (to minimize the risk of tummy upset), familiar toys and some articles of clothing or blankets with your scent.

Some kennels board only cats... much to the relief of some cats!

Another option is to hire a Pet Sitter. For about $15 a day a pet sitter will come to the home, clean up after, feed and play with the pet while you’re gone. Most pet sitters love animals but your animal might not love the pet sitter. Before hiring one, arrange for your pet to meet him or her. Make sure to check references and get your pet’s approval before hiring a Pet Sitter. If your pet doesn’t like the Sitter, look for another one.

No matter which option you choose, be sure to leave clear and detailed directions about the care you want your pet to receive. Include contact information and the name and phone number of your veterinarian.

When you return home you’ll know right away whether your pet was well-cared for during your absence. A dog that has been well cared for during a guardian's vacation will be delighted to see him -- but not frantic. Dogs tend to be more exuberant than the average cat, but desperation is not a good sign. If you return home from a journey to find your pet depressed, not eating, cowering, hiding, or cringing, then something has gone seriously wrong. Either he is sick or the care he got while you were away was poor and possibly frightening. Listen to what your pet is trying to communicate and vow to do better next time.

I decided to leave Jasmine at home, in familiar surroundings, with neighbors she knew and liked looking in on her once or twice a day.

After a five day absence, I walked in the house, put down my bags, opened my arms and greeted her with enthusiastic affection. She looked up at me from the sofa where she was lounging next to the radio the neighbors had thoughtfully left playing for her. Stretching gracefully, she dropped to the floor and came at a dignified pace to greet me with ankle rubs and a loud purr. For a cat, it just doesn’t get any better than that!