If anyone knows anything about me they know I love my cats but I also, like many, have work that takes me away from home, on occasions longer than the routine 9 to 5. I also enjoy getting out and about visiting friends, museums or art exhibitions.
The health and happiness of my little feline buddies is so very important to me so very early on I needed to understand the answer to the question, Can cats be left alone?
Can You Leave Your Cat Alone?
The simple or not so simple answer is, yes cats can be safely left alone, in most cases, when you are not there for short periods of time. However, exactly how long will depend on the cat and how long you are going to be away.
As a general guide most vetinerarians, feline behavourists and experts generally agree that a healthy adult cat can be left on it's own, provided it is given the correct care and resources, for up to 24 hours.
Although cats are perceived as being independent animals, this is somewhat mis-understood. Yes, the majority of cats don't crave constant interaction in the same way dogs can. However, cats are social creatures and do like to be in the company of others whether that is sitting on a lap, the other side of the room or just in the same home.
My cat Saga, an indoor/outdoor cat, when coming into the house would usually call out to me or seek me out whether upstairs or down. Once she had confirmed that I was around she would happily go and rest herself where ever she pleased happy with the knowledge that I was in the house.
Questions to ask before leaving your cat home alone.
Many cats will be absolutely fine on their own as most cats will happily sleep 12 + hours a day so for the majority leaving them alone whilst you are out at work for 8 or 10 hours shouldn’t be a problem. some may actually enjoy the peace and quiet.
How long you can leave your cat alone really depends upon your individual cat, it’s environment and your relationship with them. These are the things that you need to take into consideration when deciding to leave you cat alone.
- Are they indoor or outdoor cats
- Whats their personality like
- What cat Breed is it
- What is their health like
- Is it an only cat or pet
- Is it a kitten or an Senior cat
Leaving Outdoor Cats Alone
Outdoor cats may have an easier time being left alone than indoor cats because they have more sources of entertainment to keep them busy. They often tend to be more independent, not just relying on their guardians to keep them entertained.
Outdoor or outdoor/indoor cats should be provided with access to your home or if this is not possible then a warm or cool protected shelter when left alone to ensure they have a safe place of refuge.
However if your cat is normally an indoor only cat NEVER let you cat have access to the outdoors just because you are going to leave them alone for a time.
IMPORTANT: Outdoor access is for outdoor savvy cats and cat guardians only. The dangers are just too great for the inexperienced.
Your cats personality
You know you little buddies personality best so being their guardian it is you who needs to make the decision on leaving you cat home alone.
Some cats are really attached to their guardians whilst others are like family members who just like the convenience of having you around to provide for their needs. The overly attached cat being left alone for long periods could lead to separation anxiety.
Some Cat Breeds Are More Anxious When Left Alone
Some cat breeds are more prone to suffering from separation anxiety then others, including many of the exotic breeds. This is not an exclusive list but breeds such as Birmans, Exotic Shorthair, Ragdolls, Siamese and Sphynx cats can be more susceptible.
Consideration should be given of any special needs by shortening time spent away from the home or getting someone in to check and play with them or providing them with a companion.
How Is Your Cat's Health?
If your cat has any health, medical issues or needs regular medication they should not be left entirely alone for extended periods. Depending on their needs they should have someone visit to check on them and give them any appropriate comfort or medication.
Does Your Cat Have A Companion?
If you have multiple cats or even a family dog they can stop each other feeling lonely. The majority of cats like company of some form but please don’t assume that just getting an additional cat/s will automatically solve this issue.
Some cats get along with other cats better than others in part due to the early socialization with other cats. Sometimes just like humans cats don’t want another forced on them but would rather choose their own friends.
So if you do plan on getting you cat a companion this should be a long time in advance of them ever being left alone together to make they are friendly and compatible and can get along together without constant supervision.
Can A Kitten Be Left Home Alone?
You cannot leave kittens alone for any where as near as long as older cats. Kittens need more frequent regular meals, more attention and monitoring and constant access to fresh water.
So for very young kittens I would suggest no more than a couple of hours. Once the young cat is perhaps 6 months plus, you can probably leave them alone whilst you are away for a normal working day but not a full 24 hours. Even then it would be a good idea to arrange a visit to check on them at lunch times or get someone else to, if you are unable.
Kittens like any young animals or human toddlers for that matter, are curious and can easily get into danger eating unsuitable objects or plants, getting stuck in various objects like pots around the home, in crevices or even in the back of that comfy sofa.
Also be aware of any sharp objects or small objects, cables, plants or chemicals including household cleaning products or plant fertilizers. That you kitten could swallow.
It is recommended that if you intend to leave a kitten alone unsupervised that you set up a spare room that you can safely kitten proof or perhaps a large enclosed pen ensuring to provide all the essentials like food, water , litter box etc. not forgetting some safe toys.
Minimize the time alone for your kitten or get a pet sitter to drop by.
Leaving Elderly Cats Alone
Older cats are much less likely to get up to no good like there younger counter parts but they could encounter difficulties within their environment. So typically like their human counter parts elderly cats need a higher level of care and attention so you shouldn’t leave them alone for longs periods of time .
Older cats are more subject to changing temperatures, so make sure they have a cool or cozy place to nap depending on the temperature and season. Make sure they have good access to water I suggest making more than one water bowl available for them just in case one runs dry or gets knocked over or contaminated with kitty food.
Elderly cats are more susceptible to illness or injuries from jumping and falls like sprains, torn ligaments and even broken bones. They are of course also more likely to suffer form various health problems.
If you do have an elderly cat who is unwell you really need to make sure that you are not leaving them alone for too long and ensure that they receive regular checks.
What Should You Do Before Leaving Your Cat Alone?
You want to think about safety, and resources like food, water, toileting and entertainment.
Cat Proof Your Home
You should always give consideration in making your cats environment a safe one, this is especially important when they are left alone unsupervised. You need to make sure that there is nothing around that could harm or injure them.
When cats are left alone they may potentially become bored and act differently, out of character, so leave aside those thoughts of “my cat never or would never do “x” The risks can just be too great. Things to consider:
- Remove access to any dangerous chemicals this includes household cleaning products ensuring they are safely stored away. e.g. Be mindful of any bathroom cleaning products you might automatically leave close by the toilet.
- Keep toilet lids closed. Cats can get trapped, also there could still be residues of cleaning products in the bowl and around the toilet rim.
- Remove any potentially toxic foods. E.g. Make sure you or your family members do not leave any chocolate bars lying around
- Remove access to any potentially toxic plants. Even if your cats don’t normally chew your cherished foliage, if they become bored things can change.
- Refer to this list from the ASPCA to discover what plants are toxic and which ones are safe for your pets. Toxic and Non-toxic Plants
- Remove any sharp objects that your cat could brush against, fall upon or chew
- Remove any small toys that your cat could chew, ingest or choke on
- Make sure there are no places your cat could get trapped or stuck
- When putting plastic bags in the trash make sure to cut both ends in case kitty puts their head in there out of curiosity. This is a very good standard practice anyway.
Many countries have laws that require all plastic bags to have small holes placed in the normally closed or bottom end of the bag. This is done with child safety in mind but they might not be so effective for the small heads of our pets. - If leaving for longer periods of time make sure to empty the trash.
- Unplug any paper shredders to prevent nasty accidents with dangling tails. Better still adopt the practice of only plugging in your shredder when needed.
- Make sure there are no dangling cables around especially electric cables that kitty could chew, become tangled in and pull that heavy lamp down on top of themselves.
- Securely wedge or close doors so you cat doesn’t get trapped in a room without food, water or litter facilities.
Think About The Weather
Whatever weather you experience in your part of the world you cat shares that experience too. So just because you are away from home does not mean that you should turn off the heating or air conditioning. Remember this is your cats home too and their needs need to be taken into consideration.
Cats on the whole are more comfortable with warmer temperatures then we humans, a legacy of their semi-desert ancestry but under recent years more and more of us have experienced unanticipated heat waves and as a result more pets owners have had to seek veterinary assistance for their cats heat related illnesses.
Many people think cats will be fine in the cold, they’ve got a fur coat after all. Yes this is true for the majority but they wear this coat 24/7 so are just as subject to temperature changes as the rest of us.
Depending upon your environment and the time of the year you should always make sure that your cat has somewhere they can go to cool down , an air conditioned room or even a cool floor.
You should also make sure they have warm resting spots in case it should turn colder, like cat beds and blankets, though many cats given the option would like nothing more than curling up on or in their guardians bed given the chance.
Extreme weather events are becoming more common, Heat waves, Freezing temperatures, hurricanes and tornadoes so you need to think and plan how you would take care of your cat if one of these occurred affecting your home when you were away.
Access To Food
Cats need regular meals and If your cat is a natural grazer then you can leave a bowl of kibble for them to help themselves to as required. Do not leave wet food out for your cat during the day as this can turn sour or easily get infected with insect eggs etc.
Many cats get accustomed to us providing 2 or 3 meal times (for adults cats) during the day. However, some cats are not good at restraining themselves if we leave a whole days plus worth of food out for them when they are not used to it being presented this way.
They might gorge themselves leading to stomach upsets and stress, and increased anxiety when they discover it is not automatically being topped up and provided at their routine meal times.
How can I feed my cat while I’m away?
There are a number of different types of automatic pet feeders on the market from gravity fed bowls for dry biscuit food (Kibble) to ice pack cooled feeders for wet food where the food receptacles remain covered keeping the food safe and fresh.
Feeders can be triggered to open via a timer, the close proximately of your cats microchip or even can be triggered by you remotely with your phone. The microchip detecting feeders are good where you have more than one cat and they are on different diets.
I personally do not like the phone trigger options as if you phone or the signal fails then this would lead to poor kitty going without.
If using an automatic feeder check that is is working properly and perhaps use it for 2 or 3 days before your planned absence so your cat is used to it and knows what to expect. Make sure that any batteries for these are in good condition or new.
I would still recommend leaving some dry kibble for your cat as there is no guarantee that automatic feeder wont fail in someway.
For food and entertainment you could hide some kibble in egg box trays, or a puzzler feeder or make your own feeder toy from the inner cardboard tubes of toilet rolls.
Make sure your cat has plenty of water available.
It is vital that your cat stays hydrated and has good access to water. Make sure you fill her regular water bowl. I would seriously recommend adding extra bowls of fresh water around you home too.
I make use of regular deep water bowls (They keep the water cooler) and water fountains. Making sure both are available and topped up. Water fountains aerate the water which help to keep it tasting fresh.
I would never just leave a water fountain as these can fail if the filter gets dirty or if the electricity should go off. I can’t stress too much how important it is for your cat to have access to water at all times as dehydration can become extremely dangerous for cats very quickly.
Make sure your cat has access to a litter tray
If you do not have one already then get an additional litter tray for you home and make sure your cat is acquainted with it, well before you go. If you are not on hand to clean it when required then this could discourage your cat from using it.
Cats don’t like using unclean toilets any more than we do. This could leave them with no options but to find more unsuitable (for you) places to leave their deposits. Dirty litter boxes can result in increased anxiety for your cat
Provide Entertainment For Your Cat
If you are going to be away for a long period of time make sure they have enough to keep them entertained
A good appropriately placed scratching post will help to keep your cats claws in shape and reduce the risk of your cat damaging your furniture or walls.
If you usually have the TV or Radio on when you are home then you can leave these on or perhaps have them come on on a timer.
Provider a perch or a cosy bed by a window so he can keep an eye on the neighbourhood and partake in a little bird watching.
You should also provide them with some of their toys for improved mental stimulation to help prevent boredom and increased anxiety
What are the best toys for cats home alone?
Leave some of your cats favourite toys around for them to play with like balls, catnip toys, food mazes, cardboard boxes and cat tunnels etc. Avoid wand toys or feather toys when you are not around as cats can roll around and cat caught up in wand string or band and if any of the feathers come lose they could easily swallow them.
Of course if you have a pet sitter or friend checking up on them then I am sure they would enjoy a shared play session with these toys too.
There are a number of devices that you can operate remotely that use a laser or other movement to enable you to play and even speak with your cat whilst away from the home. I am not a big fan of these at all as they may amuse the owner but could stress out your cat despite what the manufacturers may claim.
You may understand the telephone and remote communication but does your cat? Why can your cat hear your voice coming from this thing and not see you? What has happened to their owner ?
Many owners also like to speak with their cats over the telephone getting great joy when they hear of the cats apparent warm response by the person actually with the cat. Please, please think of this from your cats point of view as all may not be as it appears to be. This can actually increase anxiety in your cat.
Additional Tips
- Provide a good cat scratching post will reduce the risk of your cat damaging furniture
- Make sure that your cat has access to a safe hiding place that they can escape to if they feel the need for peace and quite or feel scared. Even if a cat has a companion they sometimes need to have time just to themselves.
A cat alone can more easily get upset and stressed if they have not got their guardian to “protect” them. They could see another cat through the window or potentially numerous outdoor things that could spook them. Perhaps they are are feeling a little anxious and feel they need the security of their own personal little space.
- Don’t wash any of your bedding or pillows and leave these on the bed as this can re-assure your cat
- Place one of your worn t-shirts in one of your cats favourite resting places. The familiar scent should reassure them and help to prevent some separation anxiety.
- If your cat might be prone to stress when left alone for a time. You could consider using a plug in Pheromone diffuser. These are not to be confused with essentials oil diffusers which can be toxic to cats.
Pheromone diffusers release pheromones into the air which have been proven to calm and relax many cats. The scent of these is not strong or usually detected by our less sensitive human noses.
- If your cat is likely to go outside whilst you are away, ensure they are micro-chipped and that your contact details are up to date.
Last but not least you need to consider what you would do if you could not get home or were seriously delayed for some reason. This could result from delays due to bad weather , flight or other transport issues or issues related to your own health for example.
It is always a good idea having a family member, friend or neighbour who you can call on to visit your home to check in on your cat in an emergency if necessary.
Summary
We hope that this article has answered your questions about leaving you cat alone at home.
It's normal for any pet parent to be a little concerned about leaving their feline friends alone. By planning ahead you can give your cat freedom in the house while also keeping her safe and happy while you're out.
A happy cat at ease in their own environment should not have any problems being left alone for short periods of time so long as you make sure they are safe and have the resources they require.