Every cat owner faces those moments when life pulls them away from home. Maybe it’s a long workday, a weekend getaway, or even just a few hours running errands. You kiss your furry friend goodbye, confident they’ll be perfectly fine lounging in their favorite sunny spot until you return. Yet when you walk through that door, something seems off. Your usually well-behaved kitty has knocked over a plant, left a “surprise” outside the litter box, or is acting more clingy than usual.
The truth is, even our independent feline friends need more consideration than we often give them when we head out the door. Cats are social animals, and they notice when you’re gone. While they might not greet you at the door with the enthusiasm of a golden retriever, cats form deep bonds with their humans and can experience genuine stress when left alone for extended periods. Let’s explore the most common mistakes cat owners make when leaving their pets home alone, so you can ensure your kitty stays happy, healthy, and content while you’re away.
Not Providing Enough Mental Stimulation
Picture this: you’re stuck at home for hours with absolutely nothing to do. No books, no TV, no phone, nothing. That restless, frustrated energy building up inside you? That’s exactly what your cat experiences when you clear away all their toys before leaving.
It’s tempting to put everything away before you leave your cat alone because it’s nice to return to a clean house. But your cat needs opportunities for enrichment while you’re gone – a bored cat will find their own sources of entertainment if need be. This “entertainment” often involves your curtains, houseplants, or that expensive throw pillow you love so much.
Boredom could cause them to overgroom, overeat or destroy your furnishings! Instead of coming home to destruction, leave out a few toys that you know will excite your cats and place them in areas they visit throughout the day. Just remember to avoid anything with strings or small parts that could become choking hazards.
Closing All the Blinds and Shutters
Your energy-saving instincts might be kicking in when you close all the blinds before leaving, thinking you’re being responsible about utility costs. However, you’re actually depriving your cat of their favorite form of entertainment: the great outdoor theater that plays right outside your windows.
For many cats, a window perch can be an endless source of entertainment Think about it from your cat’s perspective. Those moving leaves, passing birds, neighborhood squirrels, and even the occasional delivery truck create a constantly changing show that can keep them engaged for hours.
Natural light also helps maintain their circadian rhythms and prevents that gloomy, depressing atmosphere that can contribute to feline anxiety. Unless you’re dealing with extreme weather conditions, consider leaving at least a few blinds partially open to give your kitty access to their personal nature documentary.
Neglecting the Litter Box Before You Leave
It’s simple: No one wants to use a dirty toilet, says Dr. Graddy. When you’re gone, the last thing a stressed cat needs is a dirty litter box, as it can be yet another cause of anxiety. Yet so many cat owners rush out the door without giving the litter situation a second thought.
A clean litter box before departure isn’t just about basic hygiene. When cats feel stressed about their owner’s absence, they may need to use the bathroom more frequently. If a cat is insecure they will pee more. Now if both boxes are dirty where is she going to go? Your favorite rug or that pile of clean laundry becomes their backup plan.
The litter box should be scooped daily, or twice a day if you have multiple cats. Make it part of your pre-departure routine, just like grabbing your keys and checking that you have your wallet. Your cat will appreciate the fresh facilities, and you’ll avoid unpleasant surprises when you return.
Relying Completely on Automatic Feeders
Technology seems like the perfect solution for busy cat parents, right? Set up that fancy automatic feeder, program it for the right times, and your cat’s meals are sorted. What could go wrong? Unfortunately, quite a lot when you’re dealing with mechanical devices and curious cats.
Automatic feeders sometimes fail or don’t work as anticipated These devices can malfunction, get knocked over by an overeager cat, or simply run out of food faster than expected. Automatic feeders will run out of food, and self-cleaning litter trays will stop cleaning.
Cats may overeat due to stress, knock over their water dish, or get injured – so it’s not okay to just leave them with a big bowl of food and keep your fingers crossed If you’re going to be away for more than a day, having a backup plan or someone who can check on these devices becomes crucial for your cat’s wellbeing.
Forgetting to Cat-Proof Your Space
When you’re home, you naturally keep an eye on your cat’s activities and can quickly intervene if they start getting into something dangerous. But when you’re away, that curious nature that makes cats so entertaining can quickly become a safety hazard without your watchful presence.
It’s not uncommon for our cat sitters to find a cat locked inside a closet or bedroom because a door accidentally closed behind them. Close any door fully if you don’t want your cat to have access to a room or if you don’t want to risk them getting locked somewhere that doesn’t really serve a purpose for them.
Big offenders include string or ribbon, houseplants, electrical cords, and pieces of their toys that come loose. There’s a lot your cat can chew on or swallow that is not only dangerous to them but can also damage your home. Before heading out, do a quick safety sweep of your home, securing loose cords, removing toxic plants from reach, and ensuring your cat can’t accidentally trap themselves anywhere.
Assuming Your Cat Doesn’t Need Social Contact
The myth of the aloof, completely independent cat has done a disservice to our feline friends. While cats may not need the constant attention that dogs crave, they still form meaningful bonds with their humans and can experience genuine loneliness when left alone for extended periods.
Cats can and often do get lonely when their guardians are gone for varying lengths of time The stereotype that cats are solitary and aloof is false, and felines can experience separation anxiety. While they may not be as vocal as dogs that are stressed, they still struggle with change.
If you regularly work long hours or frequently travel, for your peace of mind and your cat’s well-being, you should hire a pet sitter. Even just having someone stop by once a day to provide fresh food, clean the litter box, and offer some social interaction can make a tremendous difference in your cat’s emotional wellbeing.
Leaving Your Cat Alone for Too Long
Here’s where many cat owners make their biggest mistake: overestimating how long their feline friend can comfortably be left alone. Just because cats sleep a lot doesn’t mean they can handle days of solitude without consequences to their physical and mental health.
Experts recommend not leaving your cat alone for more than 24 hours. If you go away for a prolonged period, you should hire a sitter to keep your cat company. Most vets recommend that your cat can be left home alone for no more than 24 hours.
Healthy, adult cats shouldn’t be left alone for more than 24 to 48 hours. Some veterinarians suggest that longer absences may be acceptable with proper arrangements for care and monitoring. The key is understanding that every cat is different, and factors like age, health, and personality all play a role in determining what’s appropriate for your specific pet.
Not Planning for Emergencies
This might be the most critical mistake of all. When you’re home, you can immediately notice if your cat seems unwell, is acting strange, or has gotten into something they shouldn’t have. But when you’re away, hours or even days can pass before a serious problem is discovered.
Some medical emergencies come on very quickly in cats and can be fatal if not treated right away. Signs like difficulty breathing, inability to urinate, excessive vomiting, and severe lethargy and/or collapse are serious and won’t be caught if your cat is left entirely alone.
Having someone check in on your furry friend at least once a day while you’re away can help mitigate these risks. And, if your cat does become ill or injured, they can receive the veterinary care needed as soon as possible rather than waiting for you to return home. Even if you think your cat will be fine, having an emergency contact who can check on them or has a spare key can be a literal lifesaver.
Conclusion
Leaving your cat home alone doesn’t have to be stressful for either of you. The key is preparation, understanding your cat’s individual needs, and recognizing that even our seemingly independent feline friends require thoughtful care when we’re away. From providing adequate mental stimulation to ensuring their basic needs are met safely, these small adjustments can make a world of difference in your cat’s comfort and wellbeing.
Remember, every cat is unique. What works perfectly for your neighbor’s laid-back tabby might not suit your anxious rescue or energetic kitten. Pay attention to how your cat responds when you return from different types of absences, and adjust your approach accordingly. With a little planning and consideration, you can maintain your cat’s happiness and health while still living your life.
What do you think about these common mistakes? Have you noticed any of these behaviors in your own routine with your furry friend? Tell us in the comments about your experiences leaving your cat home alone.
