Most of us automatically consider cats to be more independent than dogs. After all, they bathe themselves, don’t require as much exercise or stimulation as dogs, and many seem quite content to be by themselves.
But that thinking often leads cat owners to think it’s perfectly safe to leave their cats alone for an extended period. But that’s not what our vets at Jacksonville Community Pet Clinic would recommend. Our vets recommend leaving your cats alone for no longer than 24 hours for many reasons.
Shattering the Independence Myth
While cats in the wild are primarily solitary creatives, domestic cats have learned to live in larger, socially stable groups and bond with other animals and humans in their households. Cats thrive on routine and look to us for their very survival. If you are gone too long, this can lead to separation anxiety which can lead to destructive behavior like scratching your furniture or eliminating outside the litter box. When you are gone too long, your cat can feel like it’s lost access to everything it counts on you for—fresh food, clean water, a clean litter box, and most importantly, you.
What to Consider Before Leaving Your Cat Alone for an Extended Time
Even if you have a well-behaved, healthy adult cat that rarely looks to you for entertainment or cuddles, you’ll still need to consider their basic needs. If you leave for an entire weekend, you may think your cat will be fine with some extra food and water. But what happens if the food goes stale too fast or gets eaten on the first day? Or if your cat tips over the water dish and then has no more to drink, risking dehydration? And if that litter box gets too dirty, it can make good cats decide to go elsewhere.
Factors You Should Keep in Mind Before Leaving Your Cat Alone
Age
A healthy adult cat can be left alone for a day, but a kitten should never be left alone for an extended period. We recommend that a one- to three-month-old kitten be left alone no longer than four hours at a time, while a five-month-old can be left a little longer, and a six-month-old can be left for the workday.
Health
If your cat has any health issues, 24 hours is too long to leave them alone. Diabetic cats often need medications or injections throughout the day, while an elderly cat may have mobility or memory issues. It’s also common sense to know that a cat recovering from surgery or injury needs additional care throughout the day and night.
Number of Pets in the Home
Cats with other cats to play with might fare better than cats left alone, but they still need to be secure in knowing their physical needs will be met.
Seasonal Considerations
If it’s the dog days of summer or the middle of winter, you can risk your cat getting overheated or too cold while you’re away if the power goes out. If the weather changes abruptly while you’re away, your cat could become trapped in a deadly situation.
Individual Personality
Cats, just like people, are all unique. Some are very good at self-entertaining, while others constantly crave your attention. The latter type of personality can become quite agitated when you’re not around for any length of time, even with other cats in the household.
If You Do Need to Leave Your Pet Alone for a Day, Try These Tips to Keep Them Comfortable
If you must leave your cat alone longer than 10 hours, here are some tips to meet their needs and keep them safe.
- Get a refillable water dish or water fountain for fresh water.
- Get a refillable food bowl or spread several bowls around the house for a treasure hunt and to slow your cat’s eating.
- Leave the TV or radio on for some background noise.
- Kitty-proof your home by removing chemicals, cleaners, poisonous plants, plastic bags, strings, and plugged-in electrical cords that are accessible.
- Leave toys, puzzle games, window seats, and scratching posts to keep your cat busy. Be sure to lock up the feather and string toys, which should only be offered under supervision.
Veterinarian’s Advice
If you are going to be away for a weekend or longer, it’s best to ask a friend, neighbor, or family member to check in on your cat once to twice daily. Even with all the food and water they could handle, your cat could still injure themselves, the power could go out, the refillable bowls could malfunction, the dirty litter box or boredom could drive them to be destructive, and any number of other unforeseeable things could happen if no human is there to protect your precious pal. Or you could get a professional on the job.
Hiring a cat sitter is a fabulous way to ensure your cat’s safety while you are gone. A pet sitter can feed and water your cat daily, clean the litter box, play and cuddle with your kitty, and keep an eye out for any injuries or hazards during each visit. Your cat will love companionship and attention, and you can enjoy your time away without worrying about how your cat is doing.
Above All, Make Sure Your Cat is Healthy Enough to be Left Alone
Regular wellness appointments are the best way to ensure your cat is up for an extended time alone. We’ll also ensure your pet is up to date on pet shots and monthly preventatives. Can’t come to our clinic? We offer a mobile vet clinic as well. Be sure to ask us about special savings on food and medications.
