Cats ·
How long can a cat be left alone? Plan the gap, the setup and the visits
Most adult cats are fine alone for a working day, but a night away is a different question. Cats Protection says about 12 hours is the most to plan for, and not often; Battersea says never leave a cat completely alone overnight or for a weekend.
Tell the planner your cat's age, health and how long you'll be out, and get a plan for food, water, litter and visits. Ask your vet about anything medical.
So, how long is too long?
Cats have a reputation for being fine on their own, and many are happy with a quiet day to themselves. But "fine on their own" has limits. Food goes stale, litter trays fill up, and a bored or worried cat can get into trouble. The sources don't all agree on the exact number, so this guide gives you the range and then lets you check your own plan.
What the welfare groups say
Cats Protection says most adult cats are fine alone for a day or overnight, with the longest sensible stretch being around 12 hours, and only now and then rather than every day. Young kittens should be left for just a few hours at a time, and older cats or cats with health needs need more frequent checks.
Battersea is more cautious about nights away: it says it is never advisable to leave a cat completely alone overnight or for a weekend, and suggests someone visits twice a day if you are away.
A working day is usually fine. A night or more means someone visits. Kittens, seniors and cats with health needs need shorter gaps.
Set up the room before you go
Whatever the length of the gap, the same basics apply. Leave fresh water, and consider more than one bowl in different spots. Wet food spoils within a few hours, so only leave what will be eaten in that time; dry food should be replaced at least every 12 hours. Scoop the litter tray before you leave, and keep it clean. A tray that is already dirty gets worse the longer you are away.
Put away anything dangerous: string, wires, medicines, cleaning products and poisonous plants such as lilies, which are very dangerous to cats. For an indoor cat, check windows and doors, and for an outdoor cat make sure the cat flap works and the microchip details are up to date.
Keeping them busy
A bored cat is a worried cat. Give them somewhere high to watch the world, somewhere hidden to retreat to, and a few safe toys. A puzzle feeder or a scattered portion of their normal food gives them something to do. Rotate toys rather than leaving them all out.
Nights and holidays
For one night or more, plan for people. A friend or neighbour can visit twice a day to feed, play and scoop. A professional sitter can come a few times a day, or stay. A licensed cattery suits some cats, especially if they are nervous of visitors, but can stress older cats who are used to their routine. Book early, and bring up-to-date vaccination records.
Whoever steps in, write down feeding amounts, your vet's number, and where things are. Leave it with the person, not on the fridge only.
What to look for
- The cat's age. Kittens and seniors need shorter gaps than healthy adults.
- The length of the gap. Around 12 hours is the most you should plan, and not often.
- A real person for overnight. Someone who visits is a better plan than extra bowls.
- Your cat's health. Anything medical needs a vet's say-so.