Poor kitty! You obviously have become frantic - dare I say paranoid - with worry about your situation. Fear not! There are ways to cope with all of this.

Unlike us, humans have mixed feelings about habit and routine. They want spontaneity and change in their lives. I know. I know. It’s hard to imagine such thinking but experience proves me right. They take vacations to escape the routine of their lives. Such a strange and sad reality. Sigh.

But back to your needs. I have a foolproof strategy for you to detect their travel plans ahead of time. It’s easy. Keep an eye on their bags and suitcases. When humans travel, they fill these with all sorts of useless items. Apparently, they need a variety of disguises and so they have outfits for different occasions. If you see them filling their bags, you can safely assume that they’re about to leave. This will be especially likely if they’re smiling and laughing together while looking at papers with road markings and pictures of buildings with swimming pools. If you notice any of these behaviors, know for certain that they are going away!

Resolve to change your attitude toward their travel. Consider their absence as an opportunity for you to enjoy the luxury of private spa treatments and meditation. Relax in a sunny window and, while breathing deeply, groom yourself thoroughly. Visualize yourself as Kitty Extraordinaire. Enjoy the moment. Think happy thoughts. Take full advantage of the comforts of your home. Drape yourself across the dining room table when the sun is shining on it. Stretch out on the sofa. Leap onto the bed and tuck yourself under the pillows. Dream good dreams.

Turn off the TV. This is an absolute must! There’s nothing worthwhile for cats on TV. Better to read. Are you familiar with the Dr. Seuss books? I highly recommend The Cat in the Hat. It will make you laugh and give you all kinds of wonderful ideas for enhancing your own life and wardrobe.

Befriend the neighbor who cares for you when they are gone. In the unthinkable event that your companions don’t return, he will adopt you if you become dear to him. Become dear! Purr and demonstrate your affection. Smile and chat sweetly when he arrives. Be a darling.

Finally, if you feel a need to guilt your companions when they return, hide under the bed. Refuse to come out. Sob and whine miserably! When they bring you the special kitty treats (and they will, I promise) be kind and forgiving.

You can’t stop humans from traveling but you can make the most of it. Enjoy your time alone and, when your companions return, let them enjoy your company!