Do cats need accompany?
A guide to leave your cat alone safely.
Many pet parents are attracted to cats because they are perceived to be independent with lower maintenance. However, can I leave them alone overnight or over a long weekend?
Understanding your cat’s behaviour.
Cats are known for sleeping a lot, typically around 12 to 18 hours a day. As they grow older, they tend to sleep even longer. Despite they are independent, they rely on us for security and affection. This is especially true for cats that suffer from separation anxiety syndrome, which can cause behavioral problems and destructive tendencies when left alone for long periods of time.
While cats sleep a lot, their sleeping patterns are quite different from humans. They tend to sleep multiple times throughout the day. On average, they sleep for around 78 minutes and are awake for around 26 minutes at a time. If they are left alone for long periods without seeing us, they might become bored or stressed.
What I can do in case I need to leave them alone?
To be honest, it is nearly impossible to stay at home with our cat all day. Many cats are regularly left alone every working day. However, we can prepare well to minimize the risk when your cat is alone at home:
Ensure your cat can access fresh food and water.
If you don’t have a water fountain, consider having multiple water bowls available in case one gets spilled. To avoid overeating, an automatic feeder is a helpful tool. Additionally, dry food may be a better option because wet food can spoil easily, especially if left out for more than an hour.
Have multiple litter boxes to ensure they are clean.
It’s important to ensure your cat has access to a clean litter box. Consider creating temporary litter boxes simply by wrapping unwanted carton boxes with garbage bags and filling them with cat litter. It helps ensure your cat is comfortable and happy during your absence.
Ensure your home is safe.
Leave the toilet seat down, and doors at home open, tuck the drawstrings of your blinds or curtains so they won’t get trapped. Put chemicals and toxins somewhere they can’t access. Remember to keep windows closed, keep your cats inside to avoid putting them at risk.
Environmental stimulation.
Cats like companions. Keep them busy with toys, scratching posts or boards and puzzle feeders. If possible, turn on some music so they feel less lonely.
After all, it’s essential to know your cat’s personalities and habits when it comes to staying home alone. For instance, once I took on a cat-sitting job, and only then did I discover that the little lady is afraid of the dark. (Even her mum doesn’t know about it!) It was a sleepless night until I set up a motion sensor light the following day.
If you are planning to be away for more than 2 days, it is advisable to hire a pet sitter to check in on your cat at least once per day. This will minimize the stress of your cat, who might not do well in a pet hotel. The pet sitter can take care of your cat’s needs by providing fresh food and water, cleaning the litter boxes, and providing playtime too.
At FurrySitter, we understand that stress-free pet sitting is crucial to the well-being of your furry family member. That’s why we offer a complimentary meet-and-greet session for first-time customers. During the session, our sitter will meet with you and your pet, getting to know them and their unique needs. This is especially helpful for shy or anxious pets or those with a strong bond with their owners. We don’t just provide vacation care, but we’re also here to support you on your busiest days.
Book your meet-and-greet with our team today to ensure your cat’s stress-free pet-sitting experience.