How Long Can You Leave a Cat Alone?

Traveling, a long work day, or an overnight stay – all these events force owners to leave their pets at home. Cats consider themselves independent pets; sometimes, it may seem that they couldn't care less about your presence. However, this is not true. How long can you leave a cat alone? Let's learn more about kitties' self-sufficiency and how to make their stay at home alone comfortable.

Understanding How Long Cats Can Safely Be Left Alone

According to some studies, cats think that we are just their big friends, the same species as they are. This makes our cohabitation comfortable for them. If you are absent for a long time, your pet will experience stress, affecting its activity, appetite, and health.

If you own a kitten, you should allocate more time for it in the coming year. It needs your care and attention. Experts advise not to leave kittens alone for more than 4 hours.

The optimal time for adult cats is up to 12 hours because they are used to your routine and can adjust to it, entertaining themselves independently. Senior cats should not be left alone for more than 6 hours unless someone can check on them, but this depends on their health.

What's the Maximum Time of How Long Can Cats Be Left Alone?

The time depends on how accustomed your pet is to this practice and how often you leave them. Experts believe a healthy adult cat can be left alone for up to 48 hours if they have access to water, food, and a toilet. Exceeding this time can harm them: firstly, pets become bored and uncomfortable, and secondly, they need fresh food and water.

Guidelines for Leaving Cats Alone with Food and Water

Okay, we have done the bare minimum: our cat will be well-fed and watered. What instructions should novice owners know to minimize harm? How long can a cat be left alone with additional nuances? We have prepared a tiny checklist:

• Litter tray. Leave the tray clean and fresh. If you will be away for more than 24 hours, leave two clean trays your pet uses.
• Toys. The longer you plan to be away, the more varied the toys your cat should have. Choose interactive entertainment and leave them in different parts of the apartment. You can add both familiar and new toys.
• Safety. Ensure your cat is not in danger: remove all sharp objects, leave the kitchen surface clean, and close all open shelves with valuables.
• Monitoring. Installing special cameras to monitor your pet would be a good idea. You can also ask friends or neighbors to check on your cat once a day.

The list of prepared things may vary depending on how long you leave your pet. If you just need to work in the office, then food, water, and a tray will be enough.

Factors Affecting How Long a Cat Can Stay Home Alone

Many owners fear spending too much time traveling or being away from home because their cats may worry or forget them. In fact, the amount of alone time that is appropriate for a cat is influenced by many factors that are beyond your control:

• Age. Kittens require more attention than adult cats. They need care, feeding, play, and training, so leaving them home alone all day is not an option. Adult pets feel great at home all day long.
• Health. If your cat has health issues, a diet, or other doctor's recommendations, you must adjust your schedule to the pet's needs and change the time of how long you can leave cats alone. Of course, additional care will also take up your time.
• Cat breed. Some cats, such as Siamese and Abyssinian ones, are naturally active and social. They love to be around their owner, play with them, and interact. As a rule, they experience more stress and boredom when alone.
• Presence of other pets. If your cat is the only four-legged one waiting for you at home, it is likelier to miss your presence than a cat with company. It could be another cat or a dog with whom they get along, and it will be much easier for him.

Noise from neighbors, psychological state, presence of toys, comfortable temperature – these things also affect the cat's comfort and can make it more tolerant of how long a cat can stay home alone. Many pets, accustomed to staying at home since childhood, calmly endure your working hours without getting bored in your absence.

Preparing Your Home for Leaving Cats Alone

If you regularly leave your cat alone at home, these actions should become your routine. Firstly, they will help the pet to experience loneliness without stress. Secondly, this will help to save valuables and avoid torn wallpaper and overturned furniture.

• Zoning and safety. Some cats can open doors, shelves, and even the refrigerator. If you notice such behavior in your furry friend, try to buy tools for newborns and toddlers: door blockers, plugs for sockets, and so on.
• Comfort zone. A comfortable bed, chair, or pillow is an essential element in a cat's life to understand how long can cats be alone. There, it feels cozy and safe. Make this place quiet and away from irritants.
• Territories. If possible, leave the cat a place to explore the territory. The hallway, kitchen, toilet, or glazed balcony will be an excellent option for games and walks.
• Diversity of space. If you are just starting to leave the cat alone at home, add an alternative to their activities and games: shelves for climbing, a new scratching post, etc. This will cover the need for physical activity and help relieve stress.

These tips will help keep your pet physically and mentally healthy, active, and interested during your absence. They are suitable for long separations and your small trips or 

Tips for Keeping Your Cat Safe and Comfortable While Alone

Phew, now your cat can be safe and comfortable without us having to worry about it! To make sure it is as comfortable as possible, here are a few more tips on how to be a mindful owner even when you're away:

• Train your pet. Increase their alone time gradually so you can increase the time of how long cats can stay alone.
• Auditory cues. If your cat is sensitive to sounds, leave them with a TV or radio.
• Leave the lights on. Many cats are actually afraid of the dark, despite having exquisite eyesight. Leave them with an automatic night light or other light source.
• Automatic feeder. You can set this gadget to add water and food to your pet hourly. Your cat will get portions while staying full and will get used to a strict schedule.

If your cat exhibits signs of stress, such as excessive meowing, destructive behavior, or inappropriate elimination, they may not cope well with being left alone. In such cases, you may need to reassess how long cats can stay alone and whether extra care is required.

How FlatRover Can Help When You Need to Leave Your Cat Alone

The main options that many people use are pet hotels and hiring a sitter. In fact, a hotel can be a stressful place for a pet, and a good sitter will be expensive. FlatRover is our solution that unites pet owners and travelers from all around the world who are ready to help take care of furry friends. Here you can:

• Choose a person to sit with your pets. Browse all options and offer people your order in exchange for housing.
• Evaluate the sitter. The personal profile function and reviews will help you know how responsibly the guest coped with their job.
• Leave your cat in comfort. No transportation, moving, and stress. Your cat will chill at home with a cool hooman while you relax or go on a business trip.

Pet sitters' profiles are verified and checked so you can confidently leave the house knowing that your little friend is safe and the time of how long cats can stay home alone is secure. Subscribe to our social networks for new updates!

FAQ

What are the risks of leaving a cat alone for too long?

Leaving your cat home alone for longer than you initially expected can have unpleasant consequences. Your cat could face serious health issues if water spills or food runs out. Long isolation can cause stress or anxiety in the cat. Many pets can start to behave destructively, scratching upholstered furniture and ruining the wallpaper. Therefore, it is essential to stick to your schedule and not leave your cat home alone for a long time.

How can I prepare my cat for being alone?

Your task is to provide your pet with maximum comfort through entertainment and avoidance of stressful situations to understand how many days you can leave a cat alone. If you invite a pet sitter, try to stay in the same room with the new person and the cat so that it knows that this guest in the house is safe.

What should I leave for my cat when I'm away?

It depends on your household habits and the cat's behavior. For example, you should leave a light on if your cat is afraid of the dark, a pot of green grass, or hide small treats to keep your pet playful and active. This list depends on how long a cat can be alone. And the basics: food, water, a clean pot.

Can I leave my cat alone over the weekend?

Yes, an adult cat can be left home alone for two days. However, this is not a good idea if your cat is not used to being alone and, you have not left them for a whole workday before. Kittens, pets with health problems, or senior cats have shorter time of how long can you leave a cat alone with food and water.

What are signs that my cat didn't handle being alone well?

If you notice sudden changes in your cat's behavior, you should renew your mental connection and not leave it alone for long periods. For example, if it begins to eat less, meow more, or behave destructively, this may be a sign of stress and the reason to reconsider the time of how long you can leave a cat.