Originally Posted by ChinaBlue

I take the easier option now and get a catsitter to live in - it is a giant leap of faith to have a stranger in your house but at least I know the cats are much happier and having six cats it makes little difference costwise. If you go through an agency the petsitters carry their own insurance and you can interview them prior to booking them; if you are not happy with them you can ask for someone else. Most are retired folk.