New pet sitter but, make sure to get a lot of references

Yeah, I agree, new pet sitter. Cats can be pretty flexible when it comes to friendly people, but new places make them freak out!

How long will you be gone? I had one really independent cat that didn't like to travel and he was left home alone for up to four days, with just a neighbor sticking their head in and checking on him. He didn't like canned food or anything other than dry food, so he was super easy! The current gang, not so much.

Kitty will be better at home. I recently signed up with a pet sitting company called Fetch! Maybe there is one in your area or some other similar company. They have people available to come to your home to care for your pet. We requested to have someone they knew well since we are like most people, nervous about having strangers come in while gone. We've used two different people through Fetch! and they have both been great. Also, our Fetch! has excellent yelp reviews. Their website has photos of their sitters and their experience with animals.

My sitter referred me to a friend so hopefully all will be ok. My kitty is so good, I hate to upset him since he's so undemanding. Petting, brushing and dry kibble is all he asks of us.

Oh, good. Have her come over, meet kitty, get the key, learn any "tricks" about the house or kitty. Then have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I've left my cat alone for several days at a time, with a neighbor peeking in once or twice at most. She ate dry food, had plenty of water, and an extra litter box -- no problems.

Another vote for leaving him home - glad you have someone. Im on a lost cat forum -helping people find their lost or displaced pets - and any moving or transporting of cats is always fraught with peril - carrier breaks, somehow cat gets out at rest stop never to be seen again , etc. etc. Cats love their people but they unlike dogs are more closely bonded with territory and sense of place. Generally pretty stressful for them to be in strange place with strange odors - not fun for them.