Our kitties are very important to us and we adore them. But surely pet parents occasionally need to leave the house? For most of us, leaving our cherished kitties behind is inevitable, whether we’re going on a vacation or off to work. Despite their image as solitary creatures, cats do not particularly enjoy being left alone for extended periods of time.
According to Molly DeVoss, the found grown-up catsBehavior Solutions and a Certified Feline Training & Behavior SpecialisA whole day cats shouldn’t be left alone for more than 24 hours— and only that long if you can provide fresh meals in meal timers at regular intervals and plenty of enrichment and entertainment.” Furthermore, according to DeVoss, kittens between the ages of two and six months shouldn’t be left alone for longer than eight hours, and kittens younger than that shouldn’t be left alone at all.
Up to a point, there are many ways pet parents may keep their cats entertained, happy, and engaged when they are away from home: by giving them delectable food, enrichment activities, and entertainment. Several factors, such as your cat’s age and behavior, determine how long you may leave them alone and how they handle being apart. We’ll explain how to determine whether your cat enjoys being by themselves as well as what to do if you have a planned stretch of time apart.
Can You Leave Cats Alone for How Long?
While cats value their independence, being apart from their pet parents can nevertheless cause them to feel lonely and cause behavioral abnormalities. Domestic cats are not as lonely as wild cats, even if they can live independently. In fact, domestic cats tend to prefer to form social groupings when there are sufficient resources available.
The chart that follows explains how long cats can be left alone, how to keep them safe while you’re not there, and what might happen if they are left alone.
| Time spent alone | Cats that are independent | Actions to take to ensure their safety | Potentially harmful consequences for the cat |
| When working | Adult cats | Leave stimulating hobbies and secure toys alone. You can also leave soothing or feline-friendly music playing. | Generally, cats can tolerate this kind of separation. |
| Overnight | Cats that are adults (not elders) | Provide an electric litter changer, brainteasers, scratch posts, and an automatic feeder. | The majority of cats will be alright, but some behavioral issues or separation anxiety may become apparent. |
| 24 hours | Cats that are adults (not elders) | Provide an electric litter changer, brainteasers, scratch posts, and an automatic feeder. | While the majority of cats won’t mind, others could begin to fear that you won’t return. |
| three to ten days | Not one | For this amount of time, no action will be adequate. | It is not advised to leave your cat alone for this extended period of time. They could start to doubt their chances of surviving, develop dread, stop believing in you, and want company. Litter trays that clean themselves will stop cleaning, and automatic feeders will run out of food. Your cat’s survival may result in a very untidy home. |
Why it’s acceptable to leave cats alone while we work
Many of us have to go to work in order to ensure that our cats receive the food and treats they are entitled to! The majority of cats don’t mind brief separations, even if they are left alone at home throughout regular 8-hour workdays.
According to DeVoss, “It’s perfectly acceptable to leave cats alone for brief periods of time—in fact, just like us, they need some alone time.” “Even the most gregarious cats require alone time occasionally.” She continues by saying that cat parents should be aware of when their pets need some “feline time” and avoid giving them too much attention.
Can You Leave a Kitten Alone for How Long?
It makes sense that kittens couldn’t handle as much alone time as older cats can because they often require more companionship and care. According to DeVoss, most kittens shouldn’t be left alone for more than eight hours at a time. “Your kitten is bonding with you during these formative months, learning about the environment and routine in the home,” the expert explains. “This is the ideal time to start preparing them for adulthood.”
Establishing a room specifically designed to keep your kitten safe is a terrific idea if you must leave them for brief periods of time. It also has all the messes! Because they are often compact spaces with easily maintained flooring, bathrooms and laundry rooms are excellent choices. Here are six simple steps to help you build up a cat-proof environment.
- Ensure that electrical cords are stored or secured with tape.
- Take out any indoor plants.
- Take out or store breakable objects.
- Verify that doors and windows fully latch and close.
- Fill up any possible gaps.
- Place the food and water bowls in one area of the room and the litter box in another.
After that, prepare the space with items to occupy your kitty while you’re out. The ideal combination is a safe scratching surface or post and a cozy cat bed! Furthermore, “play-alone” toys that offer entertainment and diversion while you’re away include fluffy balls, crinkle/crackle toys, and catnip mice.
What Takes Place If You Don’t Give Your Cat Enough Time Alone?
Cats can become highly distressed after extended periods of separation, and you may see a variety of behavioral changes. These could be more noticeable in elderly cats who are accustomed to a certain schedule. You should always consult your veterinarian to rule out discomfort or sickness as with any changes in behavior.
Cats do not typically exhibit behavioral changes while they are kittens, but adult cats who are left alone will exhibit noticeable behavioral changes, according to veterinarian Dr. Michael Fleck, co-host of The Pet Buzz radio show. Below, he listed six possible modifications.
- destructive actions. Your cat may be trying to relieve stress by sending out soothing smell signals, as evidenced by their scratching of the sofa and damage to door frames.
- Overindulgent meowing. When you go home after a long day apart from your cat, you could discover that they are talking more than usual.
- urinating outside of the trash can. Because cats like to be clean, they could start to urinate or poop outside of the litter box if you neglect to clean it while you’re gone.
- Depression. Anorexia, being more reserved than usual, over-grooming, hiding, or self-mutilation are some indicators of sadness.
- Fear and anxiety. Each cat experiences anxiety in a different way, but symptoms may include shyness, weeping, or trepidation. Once you’re home, anxious cats may become more clinging. Additionally, studies have shown that cats frequently spend more time wandering around than usual when they are separated from their owners.
- hostility. In addition to being destructive, your cat may also be aggressive toward people and other cats.
Five Ways to Protect Your Cat While You’re Away
While many cats do well when left alone for brief periods of time, there are many resources available to keep your cat occupied, fed, and clean while you’re away. Some of these resources include the following.
entertaining games & toys
Leaving appropriate toys for your playful cats will help keep them engaged both mentally and physically while you’re away. “Toys that detect movement can be beneficial as they activate when your cat approaches them,” says Stephen Quandt, a Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist.
DeVoss also advises leaving reward puzzles out for them to arouse their hunting instincts and keep them from getting bored. DeVoss concludes by advising placing comfortable cat perches and bird feeders in front of windows so your cat can see everything happen up close!
Anxiety-lowering surroundings
Feliway and other pheromone diffusers can be beneficial, but Quandt points out that not all cats will benefit from them based on research.
DeVoss advises against doing this and instead proposes leaving your cat to watch TV or listen to music. There are several options available, such as Cat TV on YouTube or soothing classical music.
feeders that are both electrical and automatic
Though Quandt advises making sure your cat is accustomed to using the feeder before you leave them alone, automatic feeders can assist in ensuring that your cat doesn’t miss their regular meals.
He adds that water bowls grow unpleasant after a day or two and that cats also want access to fresh water. His counsel? Make an investment in pre-filled water bowls.
Litter boxes that operate on autopilot
Given how tidy cats are by nature, it is not advisable to have a dirty litter box. Quandt believes it’s pushing it to let your cat use a standard box for a few days without cleaning it. For pet parents who are busy, a robotic litter box is a lot better option. However, before using one, make sure your cat is accustomed to it.
Safety precautions for the home
Quandt advises making sure your cat is secure before leaving them alone at home. These precautions include looking for electric cables, toxic plants, foods, human drugs, and objects they could snag on or get stuck in.
He continues, “Pet cameras might be the best thing you can get because you can see your cat in real life.” “Point them toward your cat’s favorite spots to hang out, including the feeding area.”
When a cat is left alone, can a cat sitter be of assistance?
Hiring a cat sitter, if you have the funds available, is a terrific method to ensure that your cat is well-fed, comfortable, and entertained while you are away from home. Quandt restates the statement, saying that “taking a cat’s physical and mental health seriously and treating them like a family member whom you love” are essential components of being a decent pet parent.
In addition to ensuring your cat is fed properly, cat sitters will also make sure your cat is safe, comfortable, content, and healthy in their own home. It’s possible for a dependable cat sitter to earn your cat’s affection, making it much simpler to leave your pet without feeling bad. Quandt ends by saying, “In the end, if you have to go for a few nights, do the loving, kind, and responsible thing: get a cat sitter.”
