How Long Can I Leave My Cat Alone?
How Long Can I Leave My Cat Alone?
Although cats don’t require as much supervision as other pets, some kitties are super social and love the company of their humans. Similarly to dogs, cats grow strong connections to their owners and can become distressed if left alone too long. Of course, every cat is different and there may be times when you leave your adult cat alone overnight.
The main things you should take into account when figuring out how long you can safely leave your cat home alone are their age and health:
Kittens (age 3-6 months)
A general rule of thumb is that a kitten can be left alone 1 hour per every month of age and needs about 3 meals a day, roughly every 4-6 hours. Keep in mind that cats are intelligent and curious creatures, so they may try to climb up furniture and squeeze into hard to reach places if left alone. You can always set them up in a kitten-proof room, not a pen, but it’s a good idea to have someone check on them during the day.
Adolescent and Adult Cats (age 1-10 years)
In general, adult cats can easily be left alone for about 8-12 hours at a time with the possibility of being left alone overnight under the right circumstances. They don’t need much supervision as long as they eat beforehand with access to fresh water, a clean litter box, and toys to keep them occupied.
Senior Cats (age 11+)
As for senior cats, they may be extra-sensitive when left alone and prone to stress and anxiety which can take a major toll on their health. Additionally, senior cats may need more focused care and supervision, especially if they require extra feedings or medication throughout the day. For these reasons, senior cats should not be left alone for long periods of time or overnight.
Can I Leave My Cat at Home While I'm at Work?
In regards to your work schedule, most adult cats are content being left alone for long periods of time. If you plan on leaving for the day, make sure they have access to fresh water and a clean litter box. It also might be smart to invest in some stimulating cat toys for your feline friend - anything from a cat tree to string toys will help keep your cat entertained. To make them feel less alone, you can simply leave the television on for background noise or a soothing playlist at low volume.
Can I Leave My Cat Alone Overnight?
Most vets believe that it’s acceptable to leave your adult cat alone for up to 24 hours at a time— which is arguably one of the best benefits of being a cat owner over a dog owner, as dogs certainly can't be left alone as long. As long as they have a hearty meal before you leave with access to a clean litter box and fresh water, they should be content for the day. If you’re planning to be gone longer than 24 hours, however, you should make arrangements for your cat:
Ask a Friend to Stop By
Cats are known to be picky and high maintenance when it comes to cleanliness; if the food is stale or the water is old, it’s safe to say that they won’t touch it until it's replenished. Same goes with their litter box; if it’s messy and full they might start looking for a cleaner place to do their business and sometimes that place is in your bed or on the couch.
Whether or not you'll need a friend or family member to drop by or a pet sitter will depend on how long you'll be gone. If it’s just over 24 hours, ask a friend to come by and visit; it would be more than enough to have them pop in and scoop the litter box, refresh the water and food bowls and maybe give your cat a cuddle or two. If you plan on being gone much past the 24 hour mark, you might want to find a pet sitter to drop by for longer visits or come stay with your cat while you’re away.
Find a Reliable Pet Sitter
A pet sitter can give your cat the care they’re accustomed to while you’re gone. You can expect a pet sitter to come by and handle all the daily chores and provide stimulating play sessions paired with lots of pets. Even if your cat is anti-social, they will definitely appreciate the idea of having someone there to keep them company. The important thing is that your cat has someone looking after them until you get home.
Plan for Emergencies
It's a good idea to prepare for delays and emergencies. Even if you don’t think you'll need a pet sitter and plan to make it back home in time to look after your cat, something might come up and plans can change, so it's always handy to have someone on standby. Extra water stations and food bowls readily accessible around the house are useful in case you get delayed, plus a second litter box would also go a long way if you're out of the house for longer than expected.
So, in response to the question, how long can I leave my cat alone? Up to 24 hours, depending on their age. If you’re going to leave your cat alone for the day, make sure you set them up for success while you’re gone. And if you’re going to be gone for over 24 hours, make sure you get someone to come check on your four-legged friend. Crazy about cats? Check out our Cats Collection for fun cat-themed apparel including shirts, hoodies, mugs, and more.
