Many people think cats are fine on their own. They are often seen as independent animals that require little care. But how independent is a cat really? In reality, cats are social creatures that bond with their owner and environment. Prolonged absence can lead to stress, boredom and behavioral problems such as excessive meowing or being unzipped.
In this blog, you will read about how long a cat can stay alone, how to properly prepare her for being alone and what measures you can take to ensure her well-being.
The Character of Your Cat Determines Everything
Not every cat reacts the same way to being alone. Some cats spend their time sleeping and seem little bothered by your absence, while others get restless and wait for you at the door. Your cat's character plays a big role in this.
Independent cats find their own way and have less need for direct contact. As long as they have access to food, water and a safe resting place, they get along just fine. Social cats, on the other hand, constantly seek company and can quickly feel lonely. This can manifest itself in attention, demanding behavior, meowing, stress or even unwanted behavior such as urinating outside the litter box.
How do you know if your cat has trouble being alone? Watch for the following signs:
- Does your cat stay in the same room as you, even if you don't do anything with her?
- Does she follow you around the house and meow when you leave a room?
- Does she react tense or stressed when you put on your coat?
Does this happen more often? Then your cat probably has more trouble being alone than you think.
The appropriate time per stage of a cat's life
The maximum time a cat can stay alone depends on several factors, including age, health and environment.
- Kittens (under 6 months old): Kittens need a lot of attention and feeding and cannot be left alone for more than a few hours. They are curious and playful, but also fragile. Being alone for too long can harm their development and well-being.
- Adult cats: Most adult cats can handle an 8- to 12-hour workday just fine, provided they have adequate stimulation and a safe environment. Some cats can even stay alone for a day, but this varies from animal to animal.
- Senior cats: Older cats require more frequent medical care and may feel lonely more quickly. Prolonged absence can cause stress, so a sitter or regular monitoring is strongly recommended.
Although some cats manage well when left alone for a day or more, others become restless after only a few hours. It is therefore important to observe your cat closely and discover what her needs are.
What does a cat need when she is home alone?
If you want to leave your cat alone with peace of mind, you need to set up her environment in the best possible way. This not only helps against boredom, but also makes her feel safe and comfortable.
Adequate Water and Nutrition
An automatic feeder can help maintain a regular feeding pattern, especially if you are away for long periods of time. Also, the drinking fountain from Poopy is ideal, as cats naturally drink little and running water can encourage them to stay hydrated.
A Clean Litter Box
Cats are very clean on their own and do not like a dirty litter box. An unsanitary litter box may cause your cat to do her business in other places in the house. Consider The poopy nano 2 self-cleaning litter box if you are away often.
Stimulation and Enrichment
To combat boredom, it is important that your cat is able to entertain himself. Provide toys, scratching posts and high vantage points. A window with a bird view can also be a source of entertainment. In addition, interactive feeding puzzles are a good way to keep your cat occupied.
A Familiar Scent
Cats feel safer when they have your scent around them. For example, leave a worn shirt in her favorite sleeping spot. This gives her a sense of safety and security even when you are not there.
Could a second cat be a solution?
Some owners think a second cat solves their pet's loneliness. This can indeed work, but by no means always. Cats are territorial animals and not every cat is waiting for a roommate.
When does it work?
- If the cats were raised together from a young age.
- If both cats have similar character and are social.
When does it not work?
- If your cat has been alone for years and has no need for conspecifics.
- If the cats have a strained relationship and avoid or even attack each other.
A second cat should not be an impulsive decision. Make sure both cats are a good match and build their acquaintance slowly.
How do you recognize a lonely cat?
Cats show subtle signals when they feel lonely or bored. Notice:
Excessive meowing and attention seeking.
- Unwetting or urinating outside the litter box.
- Destructive behavior, such as scratching furniture.
- Listlessness or just hyperactive behavior as soon as you get home.
If you notice that your cat is feeling lonely, you can try to make her environment more attractive or arrange for a cat sitter during extended absences.
What If You're Gone Longer?
Sometimes you have no choice but to be away from home for longer periods of time. In that case, a cat sitter is the best solution. This prevents loneliness and gives your cat the care it needs. A sitter can come by daily to feed, clean the litter box and play with your cat for a while.
In addition, prolonged absences can lead to unpleasant odors in the home. Consider an odor filter such as the Poopy Aero to keep your home fresh so you come home to a pleasant environment.
Want to know more about cat care? Then also read our blog on ''When can my cat go outside''.
