How Long Can You Leave Your Cat On Their Own?

by Jeaninne Carreon October 2, 2024

As cat owners, one question that comes up a lot is, "How long can you leave a cat on its own?"

Are you a new kitten parent?

Or do you have an older cat that’s used to doing its own thing?

It’s super important to get to know what your cat needs to keep them happy and healthy.

While cats are generally independent creatures, how long they can be left alone depends on their age, health, and personality.

In this blog, we’ll explore the following (click the links below to jump to that section):

How long is too long?
Getting your cat ready for your absence
How do cats cope when you’re away?
How can you stop your cat from getting bored?

How Long Is Too Long? Understanding the Duration of Your Absence

You can usually leave a healthy adult cat alone for 24-48 hours.

But, you’ll need to make sure their basic needs are sorted—plenty of food, fresh water, and a clean litter tray.

As well as fresh water and food, your cat needs something to keep them entertained so they don’t get bored.

However, if you've got kittens or older cats with health conditions, leaving them alone might lead to problems like health issues or emotional stress.

For young cats, especially those still getting used to their surroundings, even a couple of days might feel like forever without some company.

Older cats might need a bit more TLC due to age-related issues like kidney disease or arthritis.

For cats of any age, if they’re left alone too long without enough food or water, it can be risky.

Pet parents should look after not just their cat’s physical needs but also their emotional well-being.

Cats can get separation anxiety, especially if they’re used to lots of attention.

Make sure to leave their cosy blanket in their anxiety-relieving cat bed for comfort when you're not around.

Longer Absences: What to Do for Extended Time Away from Home

If you’re going to be away for longer, leaving your cat on its own might not be the best idea.

Cats can get anxious or bored without interaction, which can lead to behaviour issues.

In this case, it’s best to hire a professional cat sitter or look into cat boarding.

For peace of mind, you could go for a trusted pet boarding service that offers great care.

Make sure the place has plenty of room, fresh water, and lots of love to keep your kitty happy while you're away.

Alternatively, ask a friend or pet sitter to check in on your cat and give them some company.

Leaving clear instructions, like feeding schedules or how to manage any medical conditions, will help make sure your cat gets the right care.

How Cats of Different Ages Cope with Being Alone

How long you can leave your cat alone depends on how old they are.

Kittens and younger cats need more attention compared to middle-aged or senior cats.

Young cats might struggle with separation anxiety and tend to explore, which can sometimes lead to trouble.

Interactive toys and gadgets can help keep them entertained.

Keep your furniture safe by covering them with a sofa cover for cats.

For older cats, they may enjoy the peace and quiet but still need regular check-ins for food, water, and litter box needs.

If your older cat has health issues, it’s best to consult your vet for advice.

In some cases, they may need extra care or attention.

For senior kitties, consider getting them an orthopaedic pillow, especially if they’ve got mobility issues.

Preventing Cat Boredom and Ensuring Emotional Well-Being

Cats, especially indoor ones, can get bored or anxious if they’re left alone for too long without things to do.

To stop your cat from getting bored, make sure they’ve got plenty of toys, scratching posts, and cosy beds.

If you’re a first-time cat owner, getting to know your cat’s personality will help you figure out how well they cope alone.

Some cats are more sociable and love company, while others are more independent and are fine being left alone.

If your cat tends to get lonely, having a cat sitter or a friend drop by to play and feed them is a good idea.

For cats that like their independence, an automatic feeder and water bowl can do the trick.

What to Do If Your Cat Has Special Medical Needs

If your cat has medical issues, it’s important to arrange extra care when you’re not around.

Cats with diabetes, kidney problems, or arthritis need close monitoring, and some might need medication at specific times.

In these cases, leaving them alone, even for a short while, may not be a good idea.

It’s best to hire a cat sitter who’s experienced with these conditions, or consider a boarding facility that can give them the medical attention they need.

Conclusion

How long you can leave your cat alone really depends on their age, health, and personality.

As always, check with your vet for any medical advice and make sure your cat’s physical and emotional needs are being met for their overall well-being.

For more pet care tips and products, don't forget to have a look at our shop’s range.

Looking for some products that could help you out?

Check out our Online Shop!

Here’s a useful product in relation to this blog post:

MrFluffyFriend - Anxiety Relieving Cat Bed