How Long Can You Leave A Kitten Alone

People who live with cats know that they’re not nearly as aloof or independent as alleged. Although cats don’t require daily walks like dogs, your presence matters to them and not only because you have the ability to open a can, fill a water bowl, and clean a litter box.

• Still, there may be times when you must leave your adult cat for overnight or longer.
• Ittens younger than four months should not be left alone for more than four hours.
• Older than that, they can handle another hour or so.
• When they reach six months, they can tolerate an eight-hour day without company.) The length of time you can leave a grown-up cat alone depends on the cat, his diet, and your environment.

Cats who eat dry food that you can make readily available may be left on their own for 24-48 hours as long as fresh water is accessible as well. Beyond that time frame, water may get too dirty to drink and the litter box full. To prepare for leaving your cat alone, take steps to make your absence as low stress on him as possible.

What happens if you leave a kitten alone too long?

Some adult cats like their solitude, but kittens need lots of socialisation and activity. When they’re in their busy kitten months, their little brains are working on forming strong bonds with their human and animal companions. Being left alone for long periods of time can cause loneliness.

Is it OK to leave a kitten alone for 8 hours?

Kitten-Proof Your Home – Kittens between two and four months of age should only be left alone four to six hours at a time, not a full workday.2 When they’re a little older, around six months, you can be gone all day. But they’ll certainly be happier if you can check in on them at lunchtime or ask a friend to stop by.

When you’re gone, make sure your house is kitten-proofed. Younger kittens might do better when confined to a small, safe room with lots of toys, water, food, and litter. Kittens love little crinkle toys, catnip-filled toys, and mouse toys. They can stay entertained endlessly with simple toys like these.

Kitten-proofing your home involves securing anything breakable, covering electrical cords and any small holes a kitten could disappear into, and removing house plants or anything your kitten might chew on or swallow that could harm her. If you have a dog or an adult cat, you want to make sure your pets are safe together before you leave them alone.

How long can you leave a kitten unattended?

FAQs – Q: How long can kittens be left alone? A: You can leave a kitten home alone for short periods of time. Kittens younger than four months of age should not be left alone for more than a couple of hours. Over four months, they can handle up to five hours.

1. When they turn six months, they should be able to handle your 8-hour workday.
2. Eep in mind that each cat is unique.
3. Some may handle alone time well while others can have problems.
4. Always ensure that your kitten has food, water, a safe place to rest, and a few toys to play with.
5. Q: Do cats get lonely on their own? A: Cats can get lonely, depressed and anxious on their own.

Each cat is different and will respond according to their personality and habits. If you have to leave your cat alone regularly for longer periods of time, watch out for signs of depression and cat separation anxiety. Q: Are cats OK by themselves? A: Some cats will do OK by themselves while others will get lonely and destructive.

You should observe your cat’s behavior and habits. Most cats can handle and even enjoy their alone time. If you will be away for hours or days at a time, plan ahead. Provide food, water, and a safe environment. Consider a pet sitter or a family member who can check in on your kitty. Q: How long can you leave a cat home alone during the day? A: You can leave a healthy adult pet home alone for 8 hours or more at a time.

Cats are generally more independent than dogs. You can go to work without having to worry that your cat will trash your entire place or upset the neighbors. But, if your cat has a health issue or separation anxiety, get a pet sitter or minimize the time spent alone.

Is it OK to leave a 3 month old kitten alone?

Kittens & Young Cats – Most of the time, kittens have to be fed 3 or 4 times a day until they are approximately 6 months of age. Young cats also tend to get into mischief when left unsupervised. Kittens under 4 months old should not be left on their own for more than 4 hours at a time.

If because of your lifestyle, your cat will need to get used to time alone, begin training your kitten by gradually increasing the amount of time you are out of the house. Ask your vet for instructions on how you can get your kitten used to being home alone. If you need to be away for an extended amount of time when 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’s not possible, have someone pop by your place once or twice a day to check in on your young cat to make sure they are safe, have plenty to eat, and get some social interaction to relieve boredom. If you have a young cat and have to be away from home for more than 2 to 4 hours, pet boarding is an ideal solution.

What is the single kitten syndrome?

One thing we pride ourselves on at Kzoo Cat Cafe and Rescue is striving to find the best fit for every single one of the kitties who comes through our doors. Since potential adopters are able to spend time with them and get to know them in a comfortable environment, as well as our staff, fosters and volunteers getting to know them and their personalities while they are with us – we use our best judgement in assessing if a home is a good fit for a particular cafe kitty, or kitties! As kitten season comes around, we will have lots and lots more cute cuddly kittens looking for homes.

but did you know, most rescues will not adopt out single kittens on their own!? It’s because of Single Kitten Syndrome Single kitten syndrome is the idea that young kittens, when raised with other young kittens and cats and then adopted into a home by themselves, can become aggressive, anxious, stressed, and even develop behavioral issues like inappropriate chewing/scratching and inappropriately using the litterbox.

Young kittens learn appropriate social behaviors from each other! Even if you never ever leave your house, as much social interaction as you can give your kitten, there are still social needs they require from other cats. When kittens are growing up together, they learn to play with each other and learn that biting and scratching hurts! Without an appropriate playmate, a cute kitten ‘playing’ with your hand or arm can become.

Not so cute real fast. They also crave social interaction within their species, which is why you’ll see kittens that are bonded groom each other, play together, and curl up and nap together – and most of our kittens grow up in foster homes with other kittens (related or not) and we like to see them go to their forever homes with another kitten they are already comfortable and familiar with, if not to a home where there are already buddies that want a new fun kitty friend to play with.

There are of course some exceptions (we don’t need to hear the ‘but I adopted a kitten by themselves and they were fine’ stories.) but that’s why we do our adoptions the way we do! We take EACH application for EACH kitty on a case by case basis to evaluate the fit before sending anyone into a home.

• If a kitten was raised by a bottle baby foster with their siblings, and 6 other bottle babies – they’re not going to be adopted out by themselves.
• People can get upset with us and leave bad google reviews, and send judgemental emails, as always, but our policies will not change.
• We are in this for the best interest of our kitties, and nothing else.

If you are thinking about adopting a kitten this season, consider a pair! They’ll always have a friend to play with, cuddle with and won’t feel bored and alone. Plus, you’re saving TWO more lives by allowing us to take in two more kittens in their place.

Why Bonded Pairs Should Be Adopted Together (For Animals INC) Single Kitten Syndrome Kitten (Youngest Old Cat Lady) Kittens: Better Together! (Humane Society of West Michigan) Single Kitten Syndrome (MEOW Cat Rescue) Single Kitten Syndrome (Community Cat Coalition) Single Kitten Syndrome (Seattle Area Feline Rescue)

Will my kitten hate me if I leave for a week?

Leave Toys & Entertainment – Cats are extremely social creatures that require lots of love, attention, and playtime. Though they may seem antisocial at times, the fact of the matter is that your cat LOVES you, and really hates it when you’re gone. Leaving your kitty alone for an extended period of time will likely cause serious anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior.

Can I leave my 4 month old kitten alone overnight?

Cats are known for being low maintenance pets that make great companions. However, it is important to note that kittens do require a lot of supervision, attention, and care until they reach adulthood. Therefore, it is not recommended to adopt a kitten if you will not be home for most of the day.

1. Ittens need a lot of socialization and playtime as these are critical to their proper development.
2. If they are left alone for a long period of time, they are likely to get into trouble! Here are some general guidelines you may want to consider before leaving your kitten home alone: In general, a kitten between 8 weeks to 4 months can be left alone for about 4 hours.

After 6 months, they can spend close to 8 hours on their own. Leaving your cat alone all day is not ideal which is why you might want to consider adopting two pets so they can keep each other company while you are not home. Please note that you should only consider adopting another pet if you have the time and resources to care for both pets.

What to do with kitten when at work?

How to keep your kitten calm when they’re home alone – There are a number of things you can do to help your kitten remain calm while you are out of the house:

Don’t make a big deal of your departure as your kitten can pick up on your worry. Instead, practice casually coming and going and leave your kitten alone for longer and longer stretches of time so they become used to it Create a safe place in the room, like a bed with blankets or a hot water bottle that your kitten can snuggle up against If you have a blanket or towel with their mother’s scent on it, your kitten will find this soothing and reassuring Spend time playing with your kitten well before you leave the house. If they are tired, it will help reduce their anxiety levels when you leave them home alone Make sure food and fresh water are readily available Provide them with some toys, maybe filled with food or treats, These will keep your kitten entertained and help them relax Leave the radio or TV on as a distraction If possible, having another kitten as a playmate can alleviate their boredom as well as teach your kitten valuable social lessons

Will my kitten be OK home alone?

Can you leave kittens alone? – It’s important to note that kittens and adult cats are different. Kittens need more regular care and contact, especially in the beginning and when they’re adjusting to their new home. Kittens shouldn’t be left alone for more than a couple of hours. Adult cats are much more self-sufficient during the day.

At what age can you let a kitten roam the house?

Each case is different, so get to know your kitten – Ultimately, the decision of when to let a kitten roam the house independently depends on a variety of factors, including the kitten’s individual training, development, and character. However, as a general rule of thumb, most cat owners feel comfortable with allowing their cats to roam the house unsupervised by the age of 4-5 months. Until then, supervise your kitten during their exploration of the house, especially during the first few weeks. Keep an eye out for any potential dangers and intervene if necessary. Gradually increase the area of the house that your kitten is allowed to explore, and always ensure that they have access to food, water, and a litter box.

Can I leave my kitten for 48 hours?

First, Consider How Old Your Cat Is – If your kitten is a new arrival, they will need a lot more care and attention! During the first 8 weeks, try not to leave them home alone for more than an hour or so at a time. A new kitten should stay housebound for 8 weeks, until they’ve had their required vaccinations.

• If your pussycat is over 4 months old, and in a safe environment, they can be left alone for around 4 hours.
• At six months old, they should be OK to leave for 8 hours alone, and once they are an adult cat, they can be left for as long as 24-48 hours – if they have the right resources.
• If you are planning to leave your cat alone for the first time, however old they are, be sure to do this gradually and start by leaving for only short periods at a time.

You can then build this up once you are confident that your pussycat is fine being left alone.

How much attention does a kitten need?

All of us at Milwaukee Paws Pet Care are blessed to work with such an amazing and loving group of pets. We feel quite humbled to be able to go to “work” every day to care for animals who have stolen our own hearts and become a part of our own family, too! And we know we often focus a lot on the dogs and puppies we help care for, but there are many feline friends we have taken quite the liking to, too! While dogs bring a special light into a home, cats allow us to really learn to appreciate their affection and their individual and often quirky personalities! If you have a cat or two (or three!) in your household, then you likely know just what we mean! If you’ve never gotten close to a kitten or a cat or have never had one growing up as a child, you should know what sweet, affectionate love and shenanigans you are missing out on! If you already have a cat, or have had one growing up, then you know exactly what it means to meet the demands of a fun, creative feline friend! However, this is often not an assumption when someone decides to adopt a cat, as so many assume cats are independent and therefore don’t need much attention or care.

1. Even those of us who have cats in our homes may not realize just how much love and attention our own beloved cats need from us! Cats require much more attention than the average person may expect.
2. Cats, while often independent creatures, still crave attention and love, in addition to their obvious nutritional needs of fresh water, clean litter, and food.

If you decide to bring a cat or kitten into your home, you should be prepared to spend at least 20 minutes a day giving your cat loving one-on-one attention. Obviously, each cat is going to have its own spunky personality, and some may prefer to spend hours alone, while others may have a stronger desire to play and spend even more time with its owners.

Do cats get bored alone?

Yes, surprisingly cats do get bored. If a cat is left at home alone for hours, with no interaction or stimulation, then the chances are they will get bored. Cats are highly intelligent animals, thus needing a certain level of stimulation. If they go too long without stimulation, boredom occurs.

Are indoor cats happy?

Indoor Vs. Outdoor Cat: Frequently Asked Questions –

Is it better to have an indoor or outdoor cat?

The decision of whether to have an indoor or outdoor cat is ultimately up to the owner. However, most vets will recommend keeping your cat indoors as there are many safety and health concerns for outdoor cats. An outdoor cat runs the risk of exposure to dangerous diseases, parasites, toxins, and even other animals and cars.

Are outdoor cats happier than indoor cats?

There is a belief that indoor cats aren’t as happy as outdoor cats, but this is not true. Your cat may look happy outside as they’re roaming through nature, but in reality, they could be getting exposed to life-threatening hazards. There are plenty of ways you can improve the quality of your cat’s life and ensure they remain active, while keeping them safe inside.

Is it cruel to keep cats indoors?

Keeping your cat indoors, away from the dangers of the outside, is definitely not cruel, as long as you provide them the stimulation and action that they need. Get plenty of toys, towers, and scratch posts so you can keep your cat constantly stimulated, while they’re staying safe at home.

What is the difference between indoor and outdoor cats?

The main difference between an indoor and an outdoor cat is that an indoor cat doesn’t leave the inside of your home and an outdoor cat either goes back and forth from inside to outside, or lives entirely outdoors. When you see your kitty staring all big-eyed at the trees outside, you’re probably tempted to let them out.

What harm can that do? While letting your cat outside might be completely harmless, it can also be very dangerous. The outside world is a big place, full of a lot of dangers and threats for your little kitty. A cat can live a long and happy life, while sticking to the confines of your home. But if you do let your cat outside and they come home with some weird skin condition, it’s good to have a vet on hand.

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Medically treat your cat’s issues today. From home. Medically treat your dog’s issues today. From home. : Indoor Vs. Outdoor Cats: Is It Better To Keep My Cat Inside?

Is it OK to have just 1 cat?

Bring the Outside to Him – The world outside is just full of things that cat find fascinating—birds, bugs, squirrels, blowing leaves—what cat wouldn’t love to spend the day exploring the big outdoors? As delightful as the outside may be, however, it’s also full of danger. As a matter of fact, the average life expectancy for an outdoor cat is 8-12 years shorter than indoor cats! The good news is that you can bring many of the wonders of the outside to your cat without exposing him to the risks.

• Put up a few cozy perches in sunny windows around the house.
• If possible, put up a bird feeder outside one window to bring the entertainment up close! A single cat can still be happy, healthy, and well-adjusted.
• Just make sure to set aside quality time for human companionship, and keep his environment entertaining and interesting.

Guest post by Kristen Levine Pet Living, the place for stories, science & advice for living happier and healthier with pets.

Is fading kitten syndrome real?

Fading Kitten Syndrome Fading kitten syndrome is a set of symptoms that are associated with a failure to thrive in neonatal kittens. Fading kitten syndrome is not a single disease. It can have many underlying causes, many of which lead to rapidly declining health, or even death, without immediate intervention.

What not to do with a new kitten?

What Not to Do with Your New Kitten When you acquire, things that you do, or don’t do, can make a big difference to the way the kitten turns out. Happy and confident adult cats don’t just happen but are the product of good decisions and correct treatment of the kitten from birth right up until the juvenile period (around ).

A kitten’s genetic makeup may be out of your control once you have selected the right individual for you, but you can sculpt or distort the raw clay of your kitten’s genetic legacy by how you look after him and act toward him. If you do the things right – and, most importantly, prevent things that are potentially damaging – the kitten will turn out to be (as the US Army advertising jingle goes) “all that he can be.” The so-called sensitive period of development for kittens is between 2 and 7 weeks of age.

The sensitive period has been defined as a time during development when the kitten is most sculptable by environmental influences. This is a time when primary social relationships and emotional attachments develop between kittens and people and between kittens and other animals.

• Note that most of the sensitive period has elapsed at the normal time for adoption.
• However, that does not mean that learning stops, just that it slows down, so it is still important for new kitten owners to get a grasp of the essential features of proper socialization and training.
• It does mean though, that what has happened at the breeders will influence your kitten’s temperament and behavior for the rest of its life so it is as well to consider this carefully.

As cute as 7-week-old feral kittens may be, they will never be good around most people. Alternatively, a kitten raised in the kitchen of a friendly breeder’s busy home may be, in a manner, immunized against many of life’s surprises. Paws to consider! How to raise a good kitten has been discussed by numerous authorities though the message has still not percolated through to all new kitten owners.

In essence, when raising a newly acquired kitten, owners should concentrate on being patient and considerate while using positive reinforcement to reward acceptable behavior. Negative punishment (withdrawal of some benefit) can be employed in the event of any deliberate, unacceptable behavior, But even informed owners sometimes fail to appreciate the absolute no-no’s of raising kittens.

True, some of the most important caveats are simply the converse of what should be done, but it doesn’t hurt to include these items in the list for greater clarity.

No Yelling, Threatening, Or Physical Punishment. teaches a kitten nothing, except how to avoid the punishment. It is far better, and far more humane, to teach the kitten what to do rather than to punish it for something it is doing. Also note, that punishment after the fac t is not only inappropriate; it is pointless. The only type of positive (direct) punishment that might, on occasion, be acceptable is that delivered remotely by some anonymous contraption.E.g. some kind of booby trap arrangement to discourage kittens from “counter surfing.” **Don’t Expect Too Much Too Soon.**Setting one’s standards high is one thing but a kitten cannot do what a kitten cannot do (or doesn’t understand). Temper your expectations. Go with the flow. Also note, takes time. Don’t expect a kitten (or cat for that matter) to learn how to sit on command in one session. It may take three. **Don’t Blame The Kitten For Sharpening Its Claws On The Furniture When You Haven’t Made Proper Provisions.**Kittens need to scratch various materials. Scratching is a natural feline behavior, not something designed to make you unhappy. Don’t declaw the kitten to solve your problems with a furniture-scratching kitten. Instead, make sure the kitten has plenty of places to scratch that are acceptable to you. The rule is N+1 scratching posts, Use logs, tree branches, old furniture etc. Cover surfaces to be scratched with easily shredable carpet or hessian). Don’t employ scratching post that are too small or wobbly. Don’t hide them away. That destroys the point of scratching for the cat. Scratch marks are meant to be seen. Don’t Let Your Kitten Go Outside Unless Supervised And On Lead The outside world is full of hazards for a young cat. There are coyotes, hawks, automobiles, and dreaded diseases. Occasional excursions outside on lead are acceptable but make sure you stay with the kitten as it explores. **Don’t Make Your Kitten A Recluse.**This may sound incompatible with the 4 above but it really isn’t. Kitty parties at home are a good way of socializing kittens to strangers and other animals. Arrange to have people with whom the kitten is unfamiliar visit your home under pleasant circumstances. Rent a movie. Watch a ball game. The strangers are encouraged to interact positively with the kitten, passing it between them and treating it kindly. These gatherings should be held once a week (preferably 2 or 3 times weekly) until the kitten is 4-5 months old. It is a good idea to include people of all types. This is active socialization to people. It is a good idea for some of them to bring along friendly dogs, if you don’t have dogs at home. **Don’t Expect Your Kitten To Understand Sentences.**It’s okay to burble along to your kitten as you take care of it, but just don’t expect it to understand anything apart from the tone of your address. Kittens can learn a number of word cues (“commands”) – even hundreds of them – but the words are simply sound cues. **Don’t Allow Young Children (Under 6 Years Old) To Interact With Your Kitten Unsupervised.**It comes as a surprise to many people to learn that children and kittens, though both cute, cannot be trusted alone together. Bad things tend to happen. The most obvious one is that the child will do something bad to the kitten by way of experimentation and the kitten will respond adversely. This will not do the child or kitten any good. **Do Not Feed Your Kitten Human Food: And Do Not Feed From The Table.**Kitten food is best for kittens (AAFCO approved, is most desirable). Adding who-knows-what quantities or an assortment of human foods will not only detract from the optimal (proprietary) food but will encourage fussiness. Also, if the human food is fed from the table, you will wind up with a kitten that mooches around the table at mealtimes and tries to stare you down for food. Start out the way you intend to continue. **Do Not Expect Love and Attention To Substitute For Being A Good “Kitten Parent.”**It is tempting to give young kittens all the love and attention they evoke without requiring anything in return. With kittens, as with (and children), it is important to set limits of acceptable behavior. This is especially important as kittens go through the feline equivalent of “the terrible twos” at 4-5 months of age. Bad behavior, like excessive biting or clawing, should be punished by immediate withdrawal of attention (following sharp exclamation of a word like, Ouch! or No-bite!). This is how kittens communicate with each other. **Don’t Assume Your Kitten Can’t Be Trained,**Kittens can and should be trained to understand and obey some “commands.” Clicker training, using food as the reward, is the best approach. Training your kitten to understand a few words will improve your relationship with it and make it a better feline citizen. **Don’t Ever Get Angry With Your Kitten.**Work hard to remind yourself, whatever happens, that this is a baby you are dealing with. If you loose your cool, you will act incorrectly, your kitten will think you psychotic, and you will loose all respect and trust. Be a good kitten parent. Stay cool. Following these 10 simple rules can help create the kitten of your dreams, not nightmares. The basics are the same as in child-raising. Have fun, be fair, but be firm (the 3 F’s) and set limits. “As you reap, so shall you sow.” Pay attention at the beginning and the rewards will be positively unimaginable.

: What Not to Do with Your New Kitten

Will my kitten forget about me if I leave 4 days?

What About Cats? – Maybe you’re not a dog owner. Maybe you’re a cat owner. Cats are. we’ll say some of them are less affectionate than dogs are. They also seem to pay less attention to us and do not seem to react when we come back into the house. So do they remember us at all? The answer there is also yes. Cats have excellent long term memories, just like dogs. Whether or not they care to remember you is a different matter. Dogs pretty much love everyone that treats them well, so if you’re in their life they’ll remember you and be excited to see you.

Do kittens get sad when they leave?

Whether to leave your cat or kitten home alone and for how long is a question on every cat parent’s mind, especially for the first time. Cats and kittens can get separation anxiety like children do, so here are some tips to help identify it and how to help your furbaby deal with you being gone.

Will my kitten forget me if I leave 5 days?

An older kitten almost certainly will remember you after a month if you’ve formed a close bond. If the kitten is very young or if your relationship isn’t a close bond, it may not remember you.

Do kittens get lonely if left alone?

Yes, cats can get lonely. For all their solitary behaviour, cats are social creatures that need stimuli and interaction as much as humans do. Companionship, whether with humans or other cats, is an important part of any healthy feline’s life. Leaving your cat at home while you go to work should not prove problematic.

Can you leave a kitten alone for 48 hours?

Key Points

Healthy adult cats are typically fine at home alone for 8-24 hours so long as you kitty-proof their environment and prepare food and water. Kittens or senior cats who need daily medication need a bit more attention, and generally shouldn’t be left alone for more than 8 hours (at most!) Consider a cat sitter or boarding facility if you’re planning on leaving your kitty alone for 24+ hours.

While we are keenly aware of the importance of leaving our dogs alone for too long, we tend to think of cats as independent creatures able to survive on their own. However, domesticated felines may not as independent as you’d think. In fact, a study conducted in 2020 suggests that cats, like their canine counterparts, can suffer separation anxiety, depression, and loneliness when left alone for too long.

Will my kitten be OK alone for 12 hours?

How Long Can You Leave A Cat Alone? Contrary to popular belief, cats don’t like being left alone. Yes, they are independent and aloof, but they prefer being independent and aloof in people’s presence. After all, it isn’t much fun ignoring someone when there isn’t anyone around to ignore.

just like dogs, suffer from, which can lead to behavioural problems as well as serious health issues down the line. With this in mind, we are discussing how long you can leave your cat alone and what you can do to make the time apart easier on you, and more importantly, on your bundle of fluff. As always, we have included our popular Frequently Asked Questions section at the end of the article.

With lockdown easing and life slowly getting back to normal, many pet owners will be returning to office jobs or activities outside the home. While this is good news for us humans, your furry family members might not be as delighted. This brings us to the question – is it OK to leave my cat alone for 12 hours? Yes, it is OK. In fact, cats that eat dry food can be left on their own for up to 48 hours if, and only if there is also fresh water available. Kittens, on the other hand, should not be left without company for more than eight hours. Suppose your job or lifestyle dictates that you are away from home fairly regularly. In that case, you might want to consider getting a cat breed that is low maintenance, independent and easier going than others. These are our top 7 breeds that will do well, whether you are there or not.

This particular breed of cat can keep itself entertained for hours at a time and doesn’t need a lot of attention. Sometimes mistaken for a Maine Coon, the Norwegian Forest cat is content on its own. As long as it has food, water and a clean litter tray, it is happy. The American Wirehair is one of the most nonchalant cat breeds around and does exceptionally well when left to its own devices.

Persians, like Ocicats, are very good at keeping themselves busy. And when they are not doing that, they are napping. Like the other independent breeds listed here, a Persian wouldn’t know (or care) if you were home or not. Although the Scottish Fold is very active and likes playing, it can keep itself busy.

• It also doesn’t demand a lot of attention from its owners.
• Nown as the gentle giant of the cat world, the Maine Coon can be left on its own without causing havoc around your home.
• It is well-behaved, independent and an absolute pleasure to have around.
• Not only is the Russian Blue absolutely beautiful, but it is also one of the most laid-back breeds around.

Happy in its own company, it requires very little attention or supervision. Of course, it is essential to keep in mind that while these breeds do well with the minimum attention from their humans, how your cat will do depends on its personality, its health and the environment.

Setting up a camera – One of the simplest and most effective ways to see what your cat does when you are away is a. Using your mobile phone, you can keep a close eye on your pet to see how it copes when you aren’t there.

Checking the house – A quick check around the house will give you a good idea of what your kitty gets up to when you are not around. For example, a warm cat bed means it sleeps while you are out. While a scratched or torn up piece of furniture means it is stressed when left alone.

Keep an eye on your cat’s general behaviour – a content cat will use its litter tray, eat regularly and groom itself normally. However, a cat that is experiencing separation anxiety will display behavioural problems, including a lack or loss of appetite or messing outside of its litter box.

If your cat is used to you being away for several days at a time, there is no reason you can’t leave it alone for 72 hours. However, you will need to plan beforehand so that your pet stays happy, healthy and stress-free in your absence. Below are five key factors to keep in mind, and plan around if you will be away from your cat for an extended period.

While some cat owners are happy to leave food in a bowl for the time they are away, others turn to technology. One of the easiest ways to ensure your pet has access to food is with an automatic cat feeder. Like this, newer models are suitable for dry and wet food and come with a built-in ice pack. We especially like that you can programme the feeder to serve up to five meals in total, which takes care of your cat’s mealtimes while you are away.

To make sure your cat has access to clean and fresh drinking water, it might be worth getting a. Yes, a good old bowl filled with water will also do the trick, but it could be spilt over, and the water can get dirty. Before you leave, make sure your cat’s litter boxes are clean and filled with new litter.

• As you know, cats don’t enjoy using smelly old litter trays and could very well end up using your entire home as their toilet.
• To stop this from happening, we suggest placing several litter trays around the house, especially in rooms your cat likes to hang out in.
• Cats left alone are bound to explore, which means getting stuck in some precarious situations.

If you are away for two or three days, make sure the washing machine and tumble dryer doors are closed, possible escape routes are blocked off, and the shed and garage doors are correctly shut. If you have an elderly cat or one that requires medication, get a neighbour or friend to visit every day to give your pet any medicine it needs.

Leave the contact details of your vet in case of an emergencyAsk a neighbour to pop in once a day to make sure your cat is safeGet a for your free-roaming cat, or in case your indoor kitty gets out

Your cat must have plenty of things to do while you are away. Toys and other activities will keep boredom at bay. Popular options include:

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If lockdown has taught us anything, companionship is critical, even for the most stand-offish of cats. If you will be leaving your cat on its own for eight, 12, or 72 hours, ensure it has some form of company. This could be someone popping in for an hour or two, or if that’s not possible, leaving the radio or TV on in your absence.

Cat sittersBoarding kennels or cattery

Take note that you will need to make arrangements for either of these beforehand. Cats thrive on routine and being in a familiar environment, which is why we recommend getting a pet sitter that comes to your house. A reputable sitter will know how to take care of your pet. But to make the process a lot easier, it is a good idea to have the most crucial information handy. Put together a document that includes:

A telephone number where you can be contactedContact details of your vetContact details of a friend or family member in case of an emergencyYour cat’s feeding timesAny medication information (times, doses, etc.)Any notable quirks or personality traits the sitter should know about

Before you leave, you should stock up on food and cat litter and show the sitter where everything is in the house. Most professional sitters will ask to meet with you before you leave. This allows them to meet you face-to-face and also be introduced to your cat.

• During this time, you can share any bits of information that will keep your pet calm and happy while you are away.
• A cattery or boarding kennel isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but sometimes it is the only option.
• To help find the best cattery in your area and what you need to look out for, take a look at this.

As difficult as it may be, there are times when your cat will need to be left on its own. Hopefully we have provided you with the information and tools to make this time apart stress-free for your moggy and guilt-free for you. As always, we love hearing from you.

Can I leave my kitten for 24 hours?

How long can kittens be alone? – Like all babies, young cats need frequent meals and careful supervision. A neighbour or friend could pop in to feed your kitten if you’re at work, for example. By the time they’re a year old and fully grown, a healthy cat should be fine if left overnight – but as Nicky suggests, never leave them for more than 24 hours.