From your post, you sound like a wonderful cat owner. I guilt-trip myself about my pets constantly and my guilt causes me to enjoy them less. Please try not to feel guilty...I have a feeling your kitty is very, very happy to live with you, and is safe! It's natural to want a break! Some of my cats are quite elderly and very, very needy (for example they want to climb on me when I'm eating because they forget they just ate). I adore my cats, absolutely love them so much, but yes - sometimes when I eat away form home it is a relief to finish my meal without kitties climbing all over me. The break is nice.