Leaving a cat alone in your home might be suitable for a short trip away, but leaving cats alone for 2 weeks is never a good idea.
Most felines will be perfectly content being left alone for up to 8 hours while you're at work. As long as fresh water is available, some cats can be left alone for up to 24 hours. However, longer or more frequent periods of time away, such as full days or nights away from home can be more disruptive.
Yes. Your cat should be fine. Provided they have enough food, water and litter - you could always put out an extra litter box - a cats will be fine if left alone for a few days.
In general, vets say it's okay to leave your cat alone for up to 24 hours at a time. As long as they have a clean litter box, access to fresh water, and a full meal before you go, they should be fine for a day. Any longer than that, though, is pushing it.
While the number of hours a cat can remain alone might vary, experts advise against ever leaving a cat on its own for more than 24 hours. If you need to leave your cat for extended periods of time, then check out the alternatives to leaving your cat alone.
Many cats will be fine on their own for up to two days. However, you need to ensure they have access to fresh food and water at all times. For a one-day trip, filling up their food and water before you leave should be sufficient. But for anything longer, you'll probably want an automatic feeder and waterer.
Vacations are meant to be fun for people, but due to the change in routine, they can, unfortunately, be a cause of stress for cats and result in behavior problems and separation anxiety.
As we said above most cats will be fine if left alone for one night and might not even notice your absence, if provided with enough food, fresh water, and toys. However, young cats under four months old and breeds such as sphynx, Scottish folds, and rag dogs, do best with human company.
Regardless of their reputation, cats do get lonely when they are left unattended for long periods of time. Research proves that cats are social beings that form strong bonds with their owners. Do cats get sad when you leave? Short answer: yes.
A Boarding Facility (Kennels)
In addition to this, boarding is probably the best place to leave your cat when you are on vacation. Boarding facilities should be run by professionals who make sure your cat always has food and water, is supervised at all times, and is getting quality one-on-one time.
In most cases, it's fine to leave your cat at home if the home is secure and safe. The challenge with keeping your cat at home is finding someone to check on your cat regularly—which is a problem you don't have when you decide to board your cat.
Use a pet sitting service. You can either arrange for a sitter to visit a few times a day or 'live-in' and care for your cat while you're away. There are lots of options and you will have the opportunity to interview prospective carers first so you can meet them and allow them to meet your cat in advance.
Prolonged periods away could rub even the coolest cat the wrong way. If you don't want your furball to turn into a neurotic stress ball, it's best to keep your kitty's temperament in mind and generally stick to the above guidelines of a maximum 24 to 48 hours solo time.
However, cats should not be left alone unattended for more than one day. While each cat's individual needs vary, it's important to not leave them alone for prolonged periods of time to minimize risk of separation anxiety, medical issues, and frantic attempts to escape or avoid abandonment.
No matter how independent your cat is, we do not recommend leaving your cat alone without daily visits from a friend or a professional cat-sitter for more than two or three days. Today, there are many options to care for your cat while you are away. Keep in mind that, cats tend to be independent, territorial animals.
The bottom line is, most dogs can't recognize faces on phone screens or tablets. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't FaceTime or Skype with your pets while you're out of town! It won't harm them, and they may even recognize and be comforted by the sound of your voice.
"Domesticated cats are used to being with people on a day-to-day basis. I don't recommend leaving a cat for three months. The long absence might take a mental toll on the cat which could lead to urinating out of the box or even becoming anti-social."
Book a cat sitter
Consider getting a cat sitter – either a friend, neighbour or family member who can visit at least twice a day and make sure your cat is well-fed and safe. Before you leave, make sure you leave the following: Emergency contact details. Details of your vet.
Take it from someone who already has done that multiple times: yes they will, especially if you and your cat have a strong bond. Cats are loyal and affectionate. They might not always show it, but never will they forget their favorite human.
Like dogs with the same condition, cats may cry and become upset as you prepare to leave. More often, they don't react to your departure. They wait to “act out” once left alone, and urinate, spray urine, and defecate on owner-scented objects—most typically the bed.
It's actually pretty common for cats to act strangely or aggressively after their humans return from vacation. They're sensitive to change and you being gone has not only disrupted their routine but also their bond with you.
On average, most veterinarians would say that a cat can safely be left alone for no longer than 24 hours, with 36 hours being the absolute max limit.
Twice-daily visits are ideal for cats who eat two separate meals in the morning and evening, cats who take medication, and for kittens and seniors who would benefit from being checked on more often. Again, they can be shorter or longer visits depending on your cat's needs.
If you have a cat sitter supervising them for an hour or two per day, you can safely leave them for up to a week. Any longer than that and your kitty will surely miss your constant presence at home!