Undoubtedly, you want to spend as much time as possible with your feline companion at home. Cats are lovable creatures that provide you with companionship, a sense of responsibility, and fulfillment.
However, work, social events, and personal obligations sometimes take you out of the home. Short periods of time will usually be okay since cats tend to be very independent. But what to do when you need to leave them for longer periods of time?
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Below is a guide for leaving your feline alone at home.
How Long Can I Leave My Feline Alone?
Felines tend to be more independent than other household pets like dogs. It’s common for pet owners to be a part of the full-time workforce, which requires them to be away from home up to 8 hours at a time. Your cat will likely be fine in that time span. They can even be alone for longer periods of time and won’t require as much attention.
However, your pet does require your presence. You are able to refill its food and water bowls and clean its litter box if they use one. They also need some comfort and affection.
Adult felines can be left alone for about 1 to 2 days. After this time, they will have run out of water and food and dirtied their litter box.
Follow these tips for making sure your furry friend is as comfortable as possible during short time periods.
- Consider the weather: During the summer months, especially if you live in a hotter climate, indoor temperatures can quickly become dangerous to your cat’s health. Leave the air conditioning on while you’re gone to ensure they don’t overheat.
- Turn your house into an entertaining environment: Turn on your TV or radio before leaving for the day. These sounds and visuals help your pet feel less alone. Also, invest in new toys or scratching posts to keep them entertained throughout the day.
- Leave plenty of food: If your furry friend is a picky eater, an automatic cat feeder for wet food is a great choice. It keeps their favorite food fresh and enticing to eat.
- Add extra water bowls: In addition to the primary water bowl, set up a few extra ones around your house. This ensures your feline will have plenty of water in easily accessible spots.
- Double up on litter boxes: Set up 2 litter boxes while you’re gone. This reduces the chance of your cat using the bathroom elsewhere in the house.
- Get another cat: This step is a big commitment. Only do so if you have the financial resources and want to support a second creature. A second kitty will provide companionship and comfort to your current feline. Before leaving them alone, make sure you introduce them properly and ensure they are comfortable with each other.
Going Away for a Vacation?
If you are going on a trip that will last for more than 2 days, don’t leave your feline to fend for itself. If you really want to leave the cat at home, get a qualified sitter. Follow these tips for interacting with your sitter:
- Establish care instructions: Will your sitter be caring for your pet at their home? Or will they be visiting your home? How long should they sit with your feline each day?
- Provide information: Provide details like the medication they require, feeding times, and personality traits.
- Encourage communication: Provide your sitter with yours and your veterinarian’s updated contact information. Ask your sitter to contact you if they notice any changes in your cat’s behavior, demeanor, or feeding habits. These could be indicative of feelings of anxiety or more serious on-going medical problems.
Provide your feline companion with the care that it deserves by following these tips. Don’t be hesitant to adopt these points based on your unique circumstances!
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