The Myth of the Independent Cat
Cat parents know that our feline friends are much more sociable than their reputation might have us believe.
So, do cats get lonely? Like people, our feline friends have a diverse range of personalities. While some cats may be consistently aloof and prefer their own company, other cats happily greet their owners at the door when they get home from work each day and then follow their owners around the house meowing. So, some cats will likely adjust better to time alone than others based solely on their personalities, but all cats need their people, and some more than others.
Your Cat's Age Matters When Leaving Them Alone
Very old and very young cats are more vulnerable and need more care than middle-aged cats. Cats with medical issues do as well. Take extra precautions when leaving sick cats, kittens, or senior cats alone.
Young Cats & Kittens
Kittens typically require three or four feedings per day until they reach six months old. When young cats are left unsupervised, they tend to misbehave. Kittens under the age of four months should never be left alone for longer than four hours at a time. If you know your cat will need to adjust to spending time alone due to your lifestyle, begin training your kitten by gradually increasing the amount of time you spend away from home. Consult your veterinarian for advice on how to properly train your kitten to be left alone at home.
If you need to be away for an extended period after your kitten is 6 months old, it may be best to have a friend or family member take your cat to their house to care for them. If that isn't possible, have someone come by once or twice a day to check in on your young cat to ensure they are safe, have plenty to eat, and get some social interaction to keep them entertained.
If you have a young cat and need to be away from home for more than 2-4 hours, pet boarding is an excellent option. Many boarding facilities provide excellent care for cats of all ages, including lots of love and attention.
Senior Cats & Cats With Health Issues
Older cats are more sensitive to routines, so changes to their normal day can be stressful for them. Stress can increase the risk of health problems and digestive issues. Senior cats frequently require additional feedings or medication throughout the day. For these reasons, it may not be advisable to leave your senior cat alone overnight. Many pet boarding facilities offer 24-hour care for animals in need of extra attention while their owners are away, making it an excellent choice for senior or ill cats. If your senior cat must stay at home alone, have someone visit twice a day to check on him.
Your vet knows your senior cat best, speak to your vet about how long they believe your cat can safely be left alone.
Middle-Aged Cats
It may be safe to leave your healthy adult cat alone for 24 to 48 hours in some situations. Of course, this is dependent on a number of factors, including your cat's personality, living conditions, and whether they are accustomed to being alone. If you're going to leave your cat alone for a day or two, make sure the temperature in your home isn't too hot or cold, that there's enough (dry) food for your cat to eat while you're away, and that there's plenty of clean drinking water! Before you leave, double-check the litter box to ensure it is empty.
You can help prevent your cat from becoming lonely or mischievous by taking them to a reputable pet boarding facility in your area. Pet boarding allows you to leave the house knowing that your cat is safe and well-cared for while you are away.
Tips for Leaving Your Cat When You Need to be Away
If you are planning to be away from home, here are a few tips to help ensure that your cat stays safe while you're gone.
- Speak with your veterinarian to see if they have any concerns about leaving your cat alone. Your vet is familiar with your cat's health issues and is the best person to give you advice on your cat's well-being.
- We strongly advise having someone check on your kitty once or twice a day while you are away to ensure that he or she is safe and has enough food and water for the duration of your absence.
- Check the weather and be sure that your thermostat is set so that your home will remain at a comfortable temperature while you're away.
- Provide your cat with enough food for the duration of your time away. You may want to invest in an automated pet feeder to ration the food and keep it fresher.
- Make sure your cat has enough clean water in a bowl that won't tip over and spill. Cat water fountains are sold in pet stores. While you're away, these handy devices can help keep your cat's water fresh and clean.
- If your cat is particularly fussy about their litter box you may want to leave 2 fresh clean boxes of litter for them.
- Consider leaving a radio or tv on so that your cat hears voices while you are away. It may help to relieve your cat's boredom.
- Take your cat to a pet boarding facility in your area. Cat boarding facilities can provide your kitty with a clean and bright environment where they will be well cared for and have plenty of human interaction.
Boarding from Animal Medical Center
At Animal Medical Center, our boarding facility is cat friendly, and our professional and qualified veterinary team will ensure all of your cat's needs are being met, we will answer any questions you may have and offer trial stays to make sure we are the perfect fit for your pet.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.