Thanks everyone for your replies.
So, I have decided to take them to a local vet hospital and have them boarded. It's a huge waste of money, but given that I'm leaving in a few days, I don't have much time or energy to interview several sitters to meet the cats.
I originally did ask my friend, who states she doesn't like pets, to come over to sit. But, she lives in a separate town that's about 20-25 minutes away. Even though it doesnt seem like much, she has a 7 month old and a 3 year old whom she'll have to tote over here. She's a very good person, but my perception based on her personality and the fact that she has 2 small kids, is that she won't be over here 3, or even 2, times per day to feed the cats and watch over them. And I'm nervous about her allowing her 3 year old to zoom around my home, unattended.
I visited the boarding place yesterday. THe cats will have a lot of room to roam around, and they will be getting around the clock attention, with the vet being in house for almost all of the day on the days I'll be gone. And I know for certain they'll be getting their regular meals.
Lesson learned, though. When I get back, I'll begin looking for a regular sitter so that I won't have to board them ever again.
Thank you everyone for your recommendations
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