Cats may seem aloof, but evidence suggests that cats do get lonely. They also need a certain level of care in order to stay safe and healthy. Here, our Redmond vets offer advice on how long you can leave a cat alone and how to keep them content while you're gone.
The Myth of the Independent Cat
Cat parents know that our feline friends are much more sociable than their reputation might have us believe.
So, do cats get lonely? Like people, our feline friends have a diverse range of personalities. While some cats may be consistently aloof and prefer their own company, other cats happily greet their owners at the door when they get home from work each day looking for attention. So, some cats will likely adjust better to time alone than others - but at the end of the day, your cat still relies on you for their basic needs.
Your Cat's Age Matters When Leaving Them Alone
Very old and very young cats tend to be more vulnerable and need more attention than middle-aged cats. As do cats with health concerns. So be sure to take extra care when leaving cats with health conditions, kittens, and senior cats alone.
Young Cats & Kittens
Kittens typically need to be fed 3 or 4 times a day until they are about 6 months old. Younger cats also tend to get into more things when left alone. If you know that your lifestyle means that your cat will need to get used to time alone, begin training your kitten by gradually increasing the amount of time you are out of the house. Speak to your vet for instructions on how best to get your kitten used to being left at home alone.
Kittens under 4 months old should not be left on their own for more than 4 hours at a time. This time can gradually increase as your kitten gets older, but if you need to be away for an extended period of time it may be best to have a friend or family take care of your cat or at the very least pop in once or twice throughout the day to ensure they are well-fed, have water, and to give them some attention.
Boarding is also an option if you're going to be away overnight. Many boarding facilities offer fabulous care for cats of any age, complete with lots of love and attention.
Senior Cats & Cats With Health Issues
Older cats can be very sensitive to routines, which means that changes to their normal day can be stressful for them to handle. Stress can lead to an increased risk of health conditions and stomach issues. It's also common for senior cats to require extra feedings or medication throughout the day. For these reasons, it may not be a good idea to leave your senior cat alone overnight. Many pet boarding facilities provide medical boarding for animals in need of a little extra TLC while their owners are away making this a great option for senior or unwell cats. If your cat must stay home alone, have someone visit your house twice a day to check on your senior cat.
Your vet knows your senior cat best, speak to your vet about how long they believe your cat can safely be left alone.
Middle-Aged Cats
Under some circumstances, it may be ok to leave your healthy, adult cat alone for 24-48 hours. Of course, this will depend upon a number of factors including your cat's personality, your living conditions, and whether they are used to spending time alone. In most situations, it's best to bring your cat to a trusted boarding facility or have someone stay with them if you're going to be away for 24 hours or more. Always speak to your vet for their professional recommendation about how long your cat can be left alone.
Tips for Leaving Your Cat When You Need to be Away
If you are planning to be away from home, here are a few tips to help ensure that your cat stays safe while you're gone.
- Speak to your vet to find out if they have any concerns about your cat being left alone. Your vet knows your cat's health concerns and is in the best position to give you advice on your cat's wellbeing.
- We strongly recommend that you have someone check on your kitty once or twice a day while you are gone, to ensure that your kitty is safe and has enough food and water for the duration of your absence.
- Check the weather and be sure that your thermostat is set so that your home will remain at a comfortable temperature while you're away.
- Provide your cat with enough food for the duration of your time away. Automatic food dispensers that you can schedule to give your cat a set amount at mealtimes may be a good idea.
- Ensure that your cat has plenty of clean water in a bowl that will not tip over and spill. Cat water fountains are available from pet stores. These handy devices can help to help your cat's water fresher and cleaner while you're gone.
- If your cat is particularly fussy about their litter box you may want to leave 2 fresh clean boxes of litter for them. Be sure their litter is completely clean before you leave.
- Consider leaving a radio or tv on so that your cat hears voices while you are away. It may help to relieve your cat's boredom
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.