I am going out of town for three or four days over the holiday weekend, and I am feeling rather guilty about leaving my cat alone for this length of time. Of course, she will have plenty of food and water (those handy dispenser bowls) and a fresh litter box before I go. I can arrange to have someone stop by to check on her, but in general, when strangers stop in, she hides from them and they would likely not see her anyway. I could bring her to a friends house, already full with three other cats, but I think that this could result in more emotional damage than just leaving her alone for a few days (Not having met any other cats since we got her, I suspect she believes she is the only cat on earth, and the shock of seeing others could have considerable repercussions). My friend says that as long as a cat “has food and a box to shit in” she’ll be just fine. I guess I just think my cat is a bit more sensitive. Any thoughts?
If your cat is shy, leaving her in a strange place with other animals would be worse than leaving her alone. You might want to consider leaving the TV or radio on for company, and a time for the lights. Having someone poke their head in once a day just to make sure everything is OK is a good idea even if you didn’t have a pet.
I crave an art that passionately transcends the mundane instead of being a device for self-deception.–Griffin, from The Griffin and Sabine trilogy.
Yes, leave the tv or radio on to something she likes. My own cats love Animal Planet. She should be fine for a few days on her own, and it sounds like you’ve done all the needed prep. If she has toys, make sure they’re out where she can get to them, too.
I think you should peruse the Cat Barf thread.
I have two cats, so I have never worried about them feeling alone.
I have left them in the house for a week before, a bunch of food and water (in the large dog dishes so I knew they wouldn’t run out.)
My TV can be set to turn off and on, more for looking like someone is home than for the cats, but my female cat watches tv a lot.
I used to always have a lamp on, with a florescent bulb, in the living room. Whether I am home or not, it was always on.
Your kitty should be fine for 3-4 days though, having the TV on will help eliminate outside noises that may scare him/her.
Your cat may be a little ticked off at you when you do arrive home, so bring some kitty treats with you when you get home. Put down your bags and love your kitty like you have never loved him/her before 
Yes, I’m insane, but…
Explain that you’re not deserting them, there will be plenty of food, water, and litter, (an extra litter box might be a nice touch, though), that you will miss them and love them very much.
And have someone stop by - even if they just watch a streak bolt away, they can confirm your beloved is lively, if not happy.
Also, if where you live is not too rural…for future holidays, you can hire a pet sitter who will visit your kitty once or twice a day. It isn’t expensive, and that way someone changes the water and litter.
Personally, I love my pet sitter. She leaves a little diary of what the cats did, how much they ate, etc. Additionally, sitters will bring in your paper/mail, water your plants…mine is worth her weight in gold.
I know the indecision you are going through R.Dog, I am having the same thoughts this weekend too. I will wave goodbye on Friday morning and see the cat again on Monday evening; I am especially concerned as he is a very affectionate cat and I got him from a pound in the first place. He will be supplied with all the sand, food and kitty toys he could want, and my neighbour will look in every day to replentish stuff. However, for my longer trip in January I will drop the cat off with a friend, as he shouldn’t be alone for 2 weeks, even if he is supplied with food and water. I hope he doesn’t leave me any “Special messages” for when I return.