Vacuum religiously instead. Most vets will probably recommend a dry food and perhaps some supplements if that is not practical. To stimulate appetite when kitty is not eating, try small amounts of a favorite treat food first at mealtime. They also carry inexpensive catnip-infused scratching pads and catnip. If you are curious about Trader Joe's, no matter where you live, write me and I will give you contact information.
Vacation time is problematic.
It is very stressful on cats when their folks are away, and it can be harmful physically to FeLV or otherwise sick cats. Keep a positive attitude. Many cats live for quite a long time with a very good quality of life with the virus. However, if the cat's quality of life deteriorates, you must do the best thing for the animal, even if it means saying goodbye.