Even though cats are pretty self-sufficient, you shouldn’t leave your cat home alone for more than 2-3 days maximum. If you have a young kitten, an older cat, or a solo cat, that time should be more like 1-2 days but you know your cat(s) the best.
Clothing Items with your Scent
While you’re gone, give your cat a piece of clothing you’ve worn recently so they can cuddle with it. Since cats are frequently drawn to their humans’ scents, cuddling with your favorite sweatshirt can make them feel safer and more at ease while you’re away. A pillowcase or pair of pajamas also works well if you recently did laundry!
Keep in mind that every cat is unique, so if yours doesn’t seem interested in your clothes, don’t worry. Just make sure your cat has lots of cozy spots to curl up, like beds, blankets, and cushions.
REMOVE DANGEROUS AND/OR VALUABLE ITEMS
Any breakable objects, plants, or other items your cat might like to chew on (like wires or plastic bags) should be placed in a closed room out of the reach of any potentially bored or nervous cats.
Certain cat toys, such as balls, handleless paper bags, and cardboard rolls from p. or paper towels, stuffed animals, and toys with catnip inside are usually okay to leave out for your cat to play with while you’re gone. Make sure to get the following before leaving your cat alone because other cat toys could be dangerous if you’re not around to supervise:
- Dangling toys
- Flirt toys with ribbons, feathers, strings or elastic
- Small parts on cat toys that could be chewed off and swallowed, like bells
- Anything edible that your cat might play with around the house (such as bottle caps, rubber bands, dental floss, and hair ties)
Before leaving your cat alone, make sure all human food is out of reach because some human foods are toxic to cats.
Ensure that the temperature in your home is comfortable for your cat by adjusting the thermostat. With smart thermostats, you can check and adjust your settings from a distance, making things even easier.
Though it could be tempting to draw all the shades closed for privacy or energy savings while you’re away, think about leaving one or two open so your cat can enjoy a sunny window nap.
Numerous video monitoring apps are available that allow you to see your cat from a smartphone. Certain cameras even allow you and your cat to hear each other’s voices! This is a great way to give yourself peace of mind when traveling or to quickly lift your spirits during the workday!
You can allow a show or music to stream quietly while you’re away if you know your cat likes (or is used to) having the TV on or playing.
How long can you leave an elderly cat alone?
Changes in routine can have a greater impact on senior cats, so be mindful of the possibility of anxiety and keep an eye out for signs of stress in their behavior upon your return. Your elderly cat will require routine check-ins if they have a particular feeding schedule or need their medication at certain times.
While adult cats can be left alone for up to 24 hours at a time, senior cats should ideally only be left alone for 12 hours at a time, depending on their needs and habits. You can always find out from your veterinarian how long they believe your elderly cat can safely remain at home alone.
FAQ
Is it OK to leave a cat alone for 48 hours?
Will my cat be sad if I leave for 2 days?
Can cats survive 2 days alone?
Can you leave cats alone for a weekend?