How Long Can I Leave a Cat Alone
Cats have a reputation for beingness solitary creatures, merely anyone who has ane knows that'due south non entirely true. In fact, some cats are social butterflies who love to be kept visitor at all times! Cats form strong bonds with their human and animal companions and can go distressed or alone if left alone for too long.
Of grade, every cat is different. Just there are some accepted guidelines for how long you tin can get out a cat home alone. Read on to respond the question: how long can you exit a cat alone?
Can my cat stay home alone while I'g at work?
Many people choose to have a pet true cat instead of a dog because cats are known for existence more low-maintenance. And in regards to staying home alone during the day, it's truthful: cats can be lonely for longer than dogs. Afterward all, their bathroom is indoors, so they don't need someone to take them out for a walk!
In general, adult cats are content being left home alone for eight-12 hours. Only cats can go bored and lonely even in a short period of time. 1 way to assistance? Entertainment! When you become out for the day, go out some safety toys and enrichment activities for them to play with. You could even leave the radio or telly on a soothing station at low volume.
Tin can I get out my cat alone overnight?
In full general, vets say it's okay to exit your cat alone for upwardly to 24 hours at a time. As long as they have a clean litterbox, access to fresh water, and a full meal before you lot get, they should be fine for a solar day. Whatsoever longer than that, though, is pushing it.
If you're going to be gone for more than one night, suit for a friend or pet sitter to visit your cat, scoop the litterbox, and refresh the food and water bowls. Think of it this way: would you lot want to exist stuck in a room with stale food, dingy water, and a clogged-up toilet? I sure wouldn't. And it's not fair to put my cat through that, either.
Even more than worrisome than messes is the possibility all of a sudden disease or injury. Cats can get themselves into jams; just consider the mischief they cause when y'all're home to supervise! And a sudden illness or condition like urinary blockages can become serious chop-chop (source).
Historic period makes a deviation
Kittens and senior cats are vulnerable and may need some extra intendance when you lot leave them lonely.
Kittens historic period iii-half-dozen months more often than not need three feedings per solar day, every four-6 hours or so. In addition, kittens are clumsily curious and may try to climb up the curtains or consume something they shouldn't while you're away. You can set up them up in a kitten-proof room, but it's also a proficient idea to have someone bank check on them during the solar day.
As for older cats, they tin can exist extra-sensitive to changes in routine. Stress can turn to illness in an older kitty. In addition, senior cats may demand extra feedings or medication during the day. For these reasons, senior cats should non exist left alone overnight.
Help your cat stay decorated while y'all're away.
If you're going to go out your cat alone for more than a few hours, y'all can set them up for success while yous're gone. Feed them a meal presently before you get out, and refresh their water bowl before you walk out the door. Finally, leave them with a clean litterbox.
Oh, and don't forget the entertainment! One manner to ease cats' time home alone is with toys, scratchers, and other forms of enrichment to keep them decorated. "Play-lonely" toys like fluffy assurance, crinkle/crackle assurance, and catnip mice provide fun and distraction when you're gone. You can too leave the TV on low volume with a nature program running.
If your true cat is actress-curious or mischievous, set up a "cat-prophylactic" space for them to hang out in while yous're away. Bathrooms and laundry rooms make great true cat rooms, too. Set them upwardly with a litterbox, food, water, and enough toys to go along them busy until you get domicile.
How pet sitters tin aid
Equally mentioned, information technology's okay to exit your cat lone for part or all of i day. Only it's smart to prepare for delays and emergencies. What if there'due south a snowstorm, or your auto breaks down, or something else prevents you from making it abode in fourth dimension for your cat's evening meal? Even if you programme to exist home for your true cat, plans can modify.
The truth is, even the almost solitary cats need someone to check in on them once a day. A reliable pet sitter can give your cat the intendance they're accepted to while you're gone. For some cats, a quick stop-in to scoop the litterbox and refresh the nutrient and h2o bowls is enough. Other cats may benefit from a longer visit with a play session and enough of pets.
Whatsoever level of care needed, a professional Rover sitter tin help. You lot tin have someone watch them at your home or board them at the sitter'southward house. Or, you tin can ask a friend to fill in. The important thing is that your cat has someone looking after them until you get home.
Further Reading
- The Best True cat Toys of the Year, According to Cats
- How Practise Cats Choose their Favorite Person?
- The xiii Best Healthy Kitten Treats for a Growing Cat
- 100 All-time Orange Cat Names with Popularity Rankings
Source: https://www.rover.com/blog/how-long-can-you-leave-a-cat-alone/