Most cats can easily be left alone for a few hours. However, there are various aspects to consider for regular and/or longer absences or a weekend trip. We explain what to look out for to make it easier for your cat to be left alone.
Leaving kittens alone - is that possible?
For the first ten to twelve weeks of their lives, kittens are surrounded by their mother and siblings around the clock. Then, for most of them, the day comes when they move into a new home. This is a big change and challenge for the little kittens. Even though some of them may be quite shy at first, they are all looking for affection and someone they can trust. This doesn't happen from one day to the next, but trust has to grow gradually. It is therefore important to take enough time in the first few weeks and, if possible, not to leave kittens alone.
Ideally, you should take a week or two off, unless other family members are at home. It takes time for kittens to get over the separation from their family and adjust to their new humans. This phase should be used for lots of cuddles together and as little stress as possible. This could arise, for example, if the kitten wakes up and is suddenly completely alone in the apartment. It is better to wait a few weeks until the new arrival has settled in and a certain daily routine has been established.
There are big differences in the character of cats: Some are shy and reserved, others bold and fearless. This can have an impact on how easy it is for them to be left alone. However, this does not automatically mean that a confident cat will have an easier time. It is possible that the ceiling will fall on its head much more quickly because it is bored, while a calm or even somewhat anxious cat may be quite happy to be completely undisturbed for a while. In any case, it is important to keep the phases of being alone to a minimum in the first few weeks. This is especially true for kittens or when a cat is kept alone.
Many things play a role in how long it takes before a cat can be left alone. In addition to age and character, the breed can also play a role. For example, Siamese cats, Maine Coons and Sacred Birmancats are generally considered to be quite affectionate, which is why they may find it more difficult to be left alone than a domestic cat, Norwegian Forest cat or Russian Blue. However, exceptions are the rule, which is why individual assessment is always crucial.
If you are forced (e.g. for professional reasons) to leave your cat alone regularly, you should start training in good time. It is unfortunate if the cat is cared for around the clock and then suddenly has to be left alone for several hours. It is better to slowly but surely increase the amount of time your cat is left alone. This takes time and requires a certain amount of effort. But this investment can pay off for a lifetime. It gives you a good feeling when you know that your cat has no problem at home. This is quite different if there is a fear that it will feel uncomfortable and possibly trash the home or leave unpleasant-smelling marks.
Ideally, leaving your cat alone should be practiced and gradually extended in small steps. This is no different for dogs, although as typical pack animals they usually have more problems with this. Cats sometimes sleep for longer periods during the day and are less affectionate. Nevertheless, it is an advantage if they are slowly accustomed to being alone. Start with just a few minutes at first and increase the time slowly but steadily. Refrain from theatrical goodbyes or greetings, but don't make a big fuss about it. If possible, look inconspicuously through the windows from outside, listen at the front door or ask neighbors if they have heard anything during your absence. If everything seems to be going well, you can extend the phases to several hours over the course of a few weeks.
Much depends on the individual character of a cat, but there are also a few ways to make it easier for them to spend time alone. One very effective option is a second cat. There is much less boredom together. So if you want a cat and know that it will have to be left alone regularly, it's best to get two. Together they can cuddle, play or chase after each other.
Another way to achieve social contact is to let them go outside. With the help of a cat flap , the house cat can go outside at any time. But think about the traffic situation. Unfortunately, many cats become victims of road traffic every year. In addition, outdoor cats fall ill more often, which is why their life expectancy is lower than that of an indoor cat. A garden with a cat-proof fence or an outdoor enclosure would therefore be ideal. If outdoor access is not possible due to the living situation, you may be able to provide access to a cat-proof balcony. This also provides a welcome change.
If outdoor access is out of the question, a second cat and all kinds of cat utensils will help. Above all, this includes a high scratching post that can be used for climbing, scratching, dozing, jumping and looking down. In this respect, cats also enjoy comfortable places to lie on windowsills that offer an interesting view.
All kinds of cat toys are also very welcome. Be generous here and offer variety. A rotation is ideal: remove a toy every day and get a new one out of the drawer that has been lying dormant for a while. You can also impress many cats with intelligence toys. They have to get hold of treats, which is an interesting challenge.
This is particularly important if mainly dry food is offered. If you are away for a longer period of time, it is better to offer dry food instead of wet food, as this spoils less quickly. To provide more variety here too, you can hide some of it in the apartment or make it available at certain times via an automatic feeder.
With a little training and good preparation, most cats can cope with a few hours alone. The situation is different when a weekend trip or even a vacation is planned. Then the question arises as to whether the cat could possibly come along. Dogs are immediately available for this, but cats are not. They are much more territorial and usually prefer their home to a trip. It is therefore necessary to clarify how this can be organized. Not so easy with a single cat without outdoor access, but with two cats with enough variety, a weekend trip is hardly a problem. However, don't rush off, but prepare everything in advance. This includes, above all, cleaning the litter tray again. Also fill up food and water bowls, hand out treats and check that no windows are tilted. You should also have a reliable person who checks the cats once or twice a day.
You should not leave your cat alone for more than two days. This is only possible if they can go outside and are very independent. This means, for example, that it eats very little at home because it feeds on mice and hardly ever uses the litter tray because it does its business outside. But even then, you should not leave your cat unattended for one or even two weeks. In any case, you will need a cat sitter to check on your cat every day. This means giving fresh water and replenishing food. The litter tray should also be cleaned and, depending on how much attention a cat needs, the sitter should have some time to spare. If an animal is unhappy with the situation in the long term, it could end up peeing in a corner here and there. For this reason, the first vacation without a cat should not be two weeks long. It's better to test the situation with a sitter for a maximum of one week first. Ideally someone from your circle of friends or the neighborhood. Otherwise, you will find a large number of offers on the Internet. Meet in person beforehand to get an impression. Only if you have a good feeling should you choose the person. After all, you want to spend a relaxing vacation and know that your cat is in good hands.