How long okay to leave cat alone

Automatic cat feeders can deliver food to your pet at regular times. You can leave multiple litter boxes around as well. Kitty-proofing your home before you go decreases the chance of injuries. A stimulating environment can prevent boredom, and you can also check in on your cat if you set up a pet camera , such as a Petcube Bites 2 which lets you fling treats out to them.

Keep in mind that technology can fail you and that no toy can replace human interaction. Leaving a cat alone for three days without someone dropping by is not a good idea. The reasons listed above apply in this case as well.

If you have no other option, consider a boarding facility. You may think that your feline will be happy there with all the other cats and people to play with, but cats are territorial animals.

A new environment with all those unfamiliar faces will not be easy but the stress your cat will endure during those three days in a boarding facility is better than leaving them completely unattended.

Leaving a cat alone for a week can end in a disaster. If you have to go away for the entire week, you must find someone to at least check in on your feline. A friend, a family member or a pet sitter are all viable options.

If no one is available, consider a boarding facility. Too many things can go wrong. You want to think about food, water, safety, and entertainment. Fill the water bowls with fresh water. Make sure your cat has enough food at disposal. When you know you will only be gone a few hours, you can skip this step and stick to the regular feeding schedule.

Cats love routine. You can maintain a feeding schedule if you get a pet food dispenser. Kitty-proof your home. If there are plastic bags in the trash, cut both ends of the bag as a precaution.

Unplug paper shredders to prevent accidents. Make sure there are no dangling cables around. Keep the toilet lid closed. Enrich the environment. Scratch posts, toys to keep, window posts, and quiet resting places are a start. Having two will make your home less lonely for pets when you leave.

When you have to be away from home for more than a night or two, having a cat sitter can take the worry out of a trip. This article for dog owners can help you determine how to find such a person and what to look for. To help your cat sitter do the best job possible, prepare a dossier with pertinent information, including:. If the sitter will not bring the cat into her home, tell her how long you expect her to spend with the cat when she's not attending to his immediate needs.

Also, a responsible sitter should contact you if she observes changes in your cat's behavior, appetite, litter box habits or grooming. And the best sitters of all will send you a photo and text every day to say your cat is doing just fine, but still misses you. All rights reserved. Vet Finder. You have JavaScript disabled This may result in reduced functionality and affect the graphical presentation of this site.

Think About the Weather In summer and hot climates, keep kitty cool by leaving the air conditioning on. This will allow your cat to stay in the safe place they feel most comfortable, with regular check-ups to feed them, play with them and change the litter tray. This is the least disruptive option, not to mention the most cost-effective.

While this service costs more money, it can be a fantastic solution because this way your cat is in the environment they know, but also have regular care and company. You can also arrange a stay in a cattery. This is a popular choice and there are many well-managed, caring boarding catteries across the country. We believe people and pets are 'Better Together'. Our programme promises to support you through every stage of your journey. Next article. Travelling With Your Cat.

Related topics. Our experts are here to help you. Lastly, do not underestimate the importance of an enriched environment to keep her days fun and prevent boredom. If you have an outdoor cat, she will also benefit from plenty of natural, exciting sources of stimulation. Below are a number of ways to improve her quality of life and liven up her day while you are at work. If your cat is comfortable staying alone on a regular and daily basis, she is likely to be able to handle you leaving her alone overnight or for a day.

In this case, keep in mind the following additional tips:. No matter how independent your cat is, we do not recommend leaving your cat alone without daily visits from a friend or a professional cat-sitter for more than two or three days. Today, there are many options to care for your cat while you are away.

Keep in mind that, cats tend to be independent, territorial animals. They are generally attached to their home environment and usually take much longer than a dog to get used to new surroundings. Consequently, the best option is to have a pet-sitter come in and visit your cat rather than traditional pet boarding. Some pet sitters will even stay in your house if you prefer that option.

Try to provide several perches around the house, especially overlooking a window, so your cat can enjoy watching what is going on outside. Don't skimp on toys , an endless source of fun and stimulation. A cat tree is a good way to let your cat safely enjoying climbing.