Leaving NIP alone

Question
I have a 9 year old Male who is very warm and we are definately close.
However, I am gone thruout the week usually Monday thru Friday.
My father comes and visits with him for about an hour everyday but he is
beginning to show some behavioural symptoms of being alone or seperate
from his master.
1) He is still affectionate but no longer "hangs out" in my lap or next to me
either he is in my face or under the bed which is usually where he hangs out.
2) He seems to just hang out under the bed when I am gone and now even
when I am home.
He is OK for the most part and I am afraid to move him again (which was a
real struggle) or seperate him from me long term as we are definately
bonded.
I have the option of moving him to my fathers place but that would separate
us more.
What can I do?
Concerned about NIP

Answer

dog crate Shawn,

A cat should NOT be left alone 5 days a week! Your cat is showing serious signs of depression and boredom, and that can lead to behavorial and emotional problems and/or medical issues.

It is possible that it would help to get him a kitty friend about the same age and temperment for companionship, but at 9 years old (which is approximately 52 years old in human years), he may not accept another cat.

Why would it separate you more if he were to stay at your father's while you were gone? An ideal thing would to get him a big dog crate so he could stay at your father's when you are gone. At least he would have people around and company, and it would be a safe place for him to stay in. I use one for cat sitting and it is ideal. I got mine at Petco. I am attaching a picture of it.

Can you take him with you in a cat carrier? Keep him in the motel, or where ever you stay? He NEEDS companionship, whether it is yours or someone else's.

Tabbi