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Cats make wonderful pets, but most are unwilling to leave the house to travel, unlike dogs. If you need to go to work or take a short vacation, you might be wondering how long you can leave your pet alone. The answer depends on several factors, including your cat’s age, personality, health, training, and past experiences. Healthy adult cats can generally manage for the duration of a standard workday, while kittens, senior cats, or those with health concerns may need more attention. In these cases, it’s best not to leave them alone for more than 2–6 hours at a time.
Keep reading as we answer your doubts about the topic and provide tips and tricks for spending time away from home without worrying about your cat.
How Long Can an Adult Cat Stay Home Alone?
Healthy adult cats can handle being alone in the home for approximately 8-10 hours without any significant issues arising. The cat will likely sleep much of the time, using the litter box once or twice and requiring some food and water. You need to ensure that your home provides environmental enrichment that satisfies your cat’s physical and mental needs. This will increase their activity level, reduce mental stagnation, and prevent certain behavioral problems. Providing an enriched environment is vital for indoor cats because it’s easier for them to get bored and lead a less happy life.
How Long Can a Kitten Stay Home Alone?
Kittens require more attention than adult cats. They are curious and can wander off into dangerous parts of the home if no one is watching, and they are more likely to get into trouble. Kittens also need food and water more frequently than adult cats, so most experts recommend leaving a kitten alone for no more than 2-6 hours, depending on their age. If you must leave the house for longer, you will need to find someone to watch your kitten until you return.
What Preparations Should I Make If I Need to Leave My Cat Home Alone for the Day?
If you need to leave your cat home alone for the day, a few simple steps can help make sure it’s as comfortable and entertaining for your pet as possible.
- Make sure there is enough food and water so your pet doesn’t get hungry or become dehydrated.
- If possible, let the cat have free run of the house and secure the doors so your cat doesn’t get locked in. Trying to limit your cat’s space to one room can stress them out, which might cause them to misbehave.
- Make sure the litterbox is clean and there is plenty of litter. Ideally, provide two litter boxes.
- Check the temperature of the house. It’s quite common and even recommended to turn off the air conditioner when you leave the house, and many people will even reduce the heat setting if they know that they will be away for a while. However, cold and hot temperatures can stress out a cat and make them uncomfortable, so we recommend using the automatic settings on the system and leaving the temperature set as usual when you leave.
- Provide toys and other environmental enrichment that will keep your pet entertained while they wait for you to return. This may include cat trees, scratching posts, window perches, or even a custom catio to allow them to safely experience the outdoors!
What If I Need to Leave My House for Several Days?
If you need to spend more than 12-24 hours away from home, you will need to take extra steps to ensure that your cat gets the care that they need. You should only consider this possibility if you have a healthy adult cat. We recommend that you ask a friend, a family member, or a cat sitter to stop in and check on the cat once or twice a day. The person should also hang around for a little while to interact with your cat and help them feel less alone.
If no friends or family members are available, check your local newspaper and other sources to find a pet sitter who can help, or you can take the cat to a kennel or shelter for temporary boarding. Your cat won’t be as comfortable as they would be at home, but you will ensure their safety.
If you do decide to leave your cat at home alone for the night, it’s recommended to invest in a pet camera so you can check in on them virtually. You might also want to ask a neighbor or pet sitter to drop in. Ensure you leave your vet’s contact details in case of an emergency.
What Can I Expect If I Spend a Significant Amount of Time Away From Home?
Spending too much time away from home can cause your cat anxiety, and they might become lonely. These feelings can manifest in many ways, but usually in the form of bad behavior, which is how your cat shows you that they are unhappy. Scratched or torn furniture and clothing are common, as is relieving themselves outside the litterbox. Caretakers might also notice increased meowing and aggressive behavior.
Summary
Despite cats’ reputation for preferring to spend much of their daily time alone, cats love and need their owners’ company. They are dependent on their owners for food, water, a clean litter box, playtime, and affection. Healthy adult cats can usually be left alone for a standard workday, so they should be fine for approximately 8-10 hours, but if you need to spend any more time away from home, we recommend having someone check on your cat to ensure that they have everything that they need and to spend time with them. If you have a small kitten, you will need to keep a constant eye on them, so you will only be able to leave them alone for a few hours.
- See Also: How to Socialize an Adult Cat
Featured Image Credit: Dima Berlin, Shutterstock
