Does Your Cat Really Need You?

Even if your cat seems to be an independent creature, they rely on your presence more than you realize. Cats generally feel comforted by the presence of the human members of their pack. You can somewhat compensate for your absence by creating an enriching environment that stimulates your cat’s senses.

You’ll need to address practical matters as well. Make sure your cat’s food and water bowls are stable and impossible to spill or knock over. You may need an extra litter box since a cat won’t use a litter box once it gets too full. Even after taking these precautions, you should never leave your pet alone for longer than 24 hours.

The Maximum Time Duration You Can Leave Your Cat Alone

The age of your cat will determine how long your pet can be alone without supervision. If you have a kitten three months old or younger, you shouldn’t leave them alone for more than four hours. Once your kitten reaches six months, you can leave them alone for a full eight-hour workday.

It’s just as important to consider your cat’s health in addition to their age. Even though many adult cats can stay home alone for 24 hours, certain medical conditions require a more consistent presence. For example, a diabetic cat may need insulin treatments throughout the day.

There might be other issues to keep in mind as well. A senior cat with mobility problems could injure themselves when left without supervision. If your cat suffers a traumatic experience while left alone, they may develop separation anxiety. In that case, leaving your cat alone might no longer be a possibility.

Tips for Time Duration in Leaving Your Cat Home Alone

There are a few things you can do to make it easier for your cat to spend time alone. While you still shouldn’t leave your cat unsupervised for longer than 24 hours, these tips can help your cat adjust to the solitude:

• Install refillable food and water bowls
• Leave a radio or TV on to provide noise
• Remove hazards like cleaning chemicals, dangling cords, and plastic bags
• Leave kitten-safe toys to help your cat entertain themselves