[Veterinarian's Guide] Preparing Your Cat for a Safe Time Alone at Home

There may be times when you have to leave your cat home alone due to work or other commitments. This article will explain how to prepare your cat for being left alone.

Anxieties and Countermeasures when Leaving Your Cat Alone

While cats are not pack animals, they tend to feel anxious when suddenly left alone. This section discusses the anxieties cats experience when left alone and how to address them.

Causes of Anxiety in Cats

In the wild, cats often live solitary lives, not forming groups. However, pet cats tend to form a pseudo-parental bond with their owners, becoming very attached. Therefore, being left alone can lead to feelings of abandonment and anxiety. Many people are away from home for half a day or more for work. Not knowing when their owner will return is also a source of anxiety for cats.

Methods to Reduce Anxiety

To reduce anxiety, placing a T-shirt with your scent on it in the cat's bed can provide comfort. Also, leaving cat toys (such as balls) can distract them and keep them entertained.

Pheromone products available at veterinary clinics are also effective in reducing anxiety.

Cats should generally not be left alone for more than 24 hours. For longer periods, consider hiring a pet sitter or using a pet hotel.

Preparation and Environment Setup Before Leaving Your Cat Alone

If you don't prepare properly before leaving your cat alone, unexpected problems can arise. Thorough preparation is essential.

Preparing Food and Water

Prepare water and food based on the anticipated duration of your absence. Since cats can spill water, provide multiple water sources. If you leave all the food out at once, your cat might eat it too quickly and vomit, so using a timed feeder is a good idea.

Litter Box Setup and Cleanliness

Typically, you need one litter box per cat plus one extra, but when leaving your cat alone, you won't be able to clean it if it gets dirty, which might cause your cat to hold it in. Increase the number of litter boxes.

Always clean the litter box before you leave, and ensure the cat litter is about 5 cm deep. There are also self-cleaning litter boxes that you might consider using.

Creating a Safe and Comfortable Space

When leaving your cat alone, you might consider using a cat cage. Since cats enjoy vertical movement, a multi-tiered cat cage (2 or 3 levels) is ideal. For the cat's stress levels, a spacious cage is preferable. Place a litter box and a bed inside the cage.

Many owners allow their cats to roam freely in a room rather than a cage. When a cat is left alone, various problems can occur, such as ingesting unsafe items, falling, electrocution, heatstroke, or hypothermia. The room where the cat will be left alone should have as few objects as possible. Electrical cords, in particular, pose a risk of electrocution, so put them away. Cat trees need to be secured to prevent them from tipping over. If the room temperature is not appropriate, the cat's health can suffer. It is important to use air conditioning. Providing a hiding spot for your cat allows them to escape from the air conditioning draft and retreat if they feel stressed.

How to Handle Long Absences

There might be times when you have to leave your cat alone for an extended period. However, 24 hours is the maximum time a cat should be left alone at home. For longer absences, use a pet sitter or a pet hotel.

Utilizing Automatic Feeders and Water Dispensers

While it's necessary to secure enough food and water for the time you're away, cats can sometimes overeat or overdrink and vomit. Also, they might become dehydrated if they run out of water.

Automatic feeders and water dispensers can help by dispensing food on a timer or automatically refilling water when levels are low. If you'll be away for a long time, it's advisable to use such devices.

Monitoring with a Pet Camera

You're likely curious about how your cat is doing while you're away. A pet camera can give owners peace of mind. In the event of a major problem, you can also rush back.

Choosing Toys and Playthings

Leaving toys out for your cat can help alleviate boredom while you're away. Toys with strings are not suitable for unsupervised play due to the risk of ingestion. Also, toys made with animal fur should absolutely not be left out, as they also pose a high risk of ingestion.

Balls too large to be swallowed or stationary cat teasers are recommended.

Additionally, hiding treats can provide a fun searching activity, which also helps relieve stress while you're away.

Follow-up and Care After Absence

What to Do Upon Returning Home

When you return home, first praise your cat. It's important to engage in plenty of physical interaction. Cuddle and pet them generously. Giving them a delicious treat is also a good idea.

Then, check the room and your cat for any abnormalities. Confirm if they ate and drank, used the litter box, if any toys are missing, and if they caused any mischief. If you find anything unusual, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Precautions to Keep Your Cat Safe While You're Away

Managing Dangerous Items and Safety Measures

If dangerous items are left out while you're away, they can lead to various accidents. Be sure to put away anything your cat might mischievous with before leaving them alone. Particularly dangerous items include electrical cords, string toys, plastic bags, sharp objects, glass, medications, and houseplants. In the room where your cat will be left alone, try to minimize clutter or store items in places your cat cannot access. Using a cat cage for their alone time is also a good option. If the room where your cat will be left has a stove, it's also necessary to engage the child lock on it.

Checking for Hiding Places for Cats

Cats need hiding spots to feel secure while left alone, and to escape from air conditioning or direct sunlight. These hiding spots should be in a quiet area where the temperature is regulated by air conditioning or other means. Cardboard boxes or cat houses are sufficient for hiding spots. Even if your cat is in a cage, provide a hiding spot inside.

Prepare for Emergencies

It's necessary to have emergency measures prepared in advance for unforeseen circumstances.

For example, if you can't return home at your scheduled time or if your cat needs to be left alone for more than 24 hours unexpectedly, entrust a spare key to a relative or friend and ask them to care for your cat.

If your cat seems unwell upon your return, or if you spot any abnormalities on a pet camera, you need to visit a veterinarian immediately. During the day, most clinics are open, but at night, during Obon, or New Year's, the number of available clinics is limited. You should list several clinics that offer emergency care.

Summary

Leaving your cat alone for a short time might not be a major concern, but if you'll be gone for a whole day, implement various measures before leaving them alone. While owners naturally feel anxious, cats feel even more so. Take steps to ensure they can stay home comfortably.

Never leave a cat alone for more than 24 hours.