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How long can cats be left home alone?

November 14, 2021

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I get asked this question a lot, “How long can cats be left home alone?” The answer to this question is simple: it depends on the cat. Some cats are very social and don’t mind being left alone, while some cats become stressed when they’re away from their owners for too long. If you want to know how long your specific cat can be left at home, give us a call, and we’ll set up an appointment to come by!

It’s important to recognize that there are different times for different cats. Cats who live with other pets or humans tend to be happier being at home alone than cats who live solely indoors. Also, a cat who has been left alone before will have an easier time being left behind again, so if your cat is new to being left at home, don’t leave them for too long.

Cats are social creatures and need a company

Cats can be left home alone for limited periods, but they will do better if someone is there with them. If you are around your cat often, you may not have to worry about this too much because your cat will become accustomed to being left at home for short periods. But if you are not home often or have a new cat, it’s best to contain them in one room or confine them to specific areas in the house.

If you’ll be gone for a lengthy period, it’s worthwhile to hire someone to check on your cat or give your neighbor, so they don’t feel neglected. You may also have a friend or neighbor stop by every now and then so they don’t get lonely. If you’re going to be away longer than 8 hours, perhaps boarding your cat in a kennel is your best option.

Cats used to be at home alone for long periods and whose owners have a flexible schedule can often be left for up to 8 hours. After 8 hours, the cat will probably need food or start getting into things they shouldn’t. If your schedule is unpredictable, it’s best to have a neighbor or friend stop by every so often so they don’t feel abandoned.

Is it safe to keep my cat at home all alone while I go to work?

Yes, you can keep your cat at home all alone while you go to work. However, they should be confined in one room or in specific house areas to avoid getting into things they shouldn’t. If you plan to leave your cat longer than 8 hours, perhaps boarding your cat isn’t such a bad idea. 

Cats should be confined in one room or specific areas of the house. At the same time, you are gone, but if they are used to being left alone for long periods, and their owners have a flexible schedule. Then it is safe for them to be left for up to 8 hours.

Take your cat to your work

I started taking my cat to work with me. Just about every day, I would have him in his carrier and take him into the office. He would find a spot near the window and doze off while I worked. Sometimes, people would come by and pet him, which he really seemed to like. He was getting attention from other people who made him feel less abandoned when I was gone all day at work.

Leaving your cat alone in your home for 48 hours

After 8 hours, the cat will probably need food or start getting into things they shouldn’t. If your schedule is unpredictable, it’s best to have a neighbor or friend stop by every so often so they don’t feel abandoned. There is a vast difference in the number of hours that different cats can be left alone.

Cat looking on red laser dot

Things cats need to stay home alone

A water fountain, scratching posts, automated cats toys are some things your cat may need when you are not home to play with them.

Cats typically get stressed when they have left at home alone, and their owners must come back every day, so they don’t feel abandoned. 

Is it OK to leave a cat for the weekend with food and water?

Cats should be confined in one room or specific areas of the house. At the same time, you are gone, but they are used to being left alone for long periods. Their owners have a flexible schedule, so it is safe to leave a cat at your house with food and water for up to 48 hours.

Leaving your cat alone in your house for 48 hours is not recommended. Cats tend to get stressed when they have left at home alone, and their owners must come back every day, so they don’t feel abandoned. If you plan to be gone longer than 8 hours, perhaps boarding your cat isn’t such a bad idea. 

Conclusion

Cats are creatures of habit. They need to know what is going on in their environment and feel safe. Cats who have been left alone for long periods can develop undesirable behavior patterns such as refusing food or messing where they shouldn’t despite consistently using the litter-box appropriately when you were there for them.

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