Christmas cat care

[Cloball]

I have a quandary... And a fussy ?. We've only been responsible for M since June so this situation hasn't come up before but what do you do with your cats over xmas? For context he gets stress cystitis and gets into fights frequently (fairly graphic photos are available), previously my sister has cat sit for me but as we're going away with her for Xmas that isn't an option.

The choices are:
1) ask my nice neighbour who I don't know that well. The is seems a bit much as we'll be away for 5 days and they'll likely be away for at least some of the time or busy. Also what happens if he gets into another fight and has to go to the vet?
2) find local cat sitter. Main question is how do I vet these? Also as above the fighting situation.
3)Cattery. I like this option as he will be monitored relatively closely and can't cut his face open again but OH thinks it will stress him out and isn't keen.
4)take him with us. This would be the easiest for us but would definitely stress him out so I've pretty much ruled this out.

Everyone at work thinks I'm over thinking it ? self timer feeders have been suggested. Help!

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Neighbours/pet sitter was always my preferred option when I went away. It’s far less stressful for the cat but if you can find somebody to do it over Christmas it will be expensive, probably more than putting him into a cattery. Your local vets practice should be able to recommend a few reliable sitters.

 

[splashgirl45]

couldnt you get him used to staying indoors more and then leave him indoors and get someone to pop in to feed him and clean the litter tray. that way there is no danger of fight injuries as he wont be outside and if you get him used to being more of an indoor cat between now and then he shouldnt feel so stressed..