Most of the time, traveling is quite safe for cats. For extended trips that will be a week or longer, traveling with your cat may make more sense than leaving them at home. Being away from home with your cat for several days allows them to get comfortable with a new environment and stay on their usual routine.
Cats can be left alone for up to 72 hours. If you're going to be gone for any longer than that, then you should make sure a friend, family member, or neighbor has a key to check up on your cat.
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.
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.
If you want to leave your cat at home while you are on vacation, a good option is to have a cat sitter come in every day to clean the litter box, provide your kitty with fresh food and water, and offer them some cuddles and quality one-on-one playtime.
How long can cats safely be left alone? Most adult cats are fine being left home alone for up to 24 hours, under the right conditions (more on that below). If you need to leave for two or three days, a full week, or longer, you should make sure someone is coming over to care for your cat daily.
Absolutely not. Unless you have someone coming in every day at least twice daily to clean the litter box, and to provide fresh water and food, you should never leave your cat alone for that length of time.
“Adult cats shouldn't be left alone for more than 24 hours — and only that long if you can provide fresh meals in meal timers at regular intervals and plenty of enrichment and entertainment,” says Molly DeVoss, Certified Feline Training & Behavior Specialist and founder of Cat Behavior Solutions.
"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."
Some cat owners know this: you return from a holiday but your cat acts pretty indifferently! Other cats even behave like they are "offended" and pretend not to see you at all. But many cats are very happy when their owners come home. They meow, come and sit on your lap or on your keyboard ...
Most of the time, cats travel quite well with no need for any medication. Some cats, on the other hand, do experience stress when traveling. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your cat if she does not travel well.
You don't want to go too long in the car without stopping and giving them the option to get out. I would plan to stop max every 3 hours but also listen to your cats needs. If they're getting restless stop earlier for them. Give them water, food, and maybe even offer them the litter box.
If your cat is displaying symptoms of separation anxiety, there are some things you can do to help lower your cat's distress. Leave the TV or a radio on while you're gone. This can help the cat feel less alone as well as give them something to be curious about.
Your vet should also have a good idea of which local catteries they trust. A good cattery, with professional, caring and responsible staff, good care protocols and emergency planning, is the next best solution if your cat really cannot remain in your home with a sitter.
But that thinking often leads cat owners to think it's perfectly safe to leave their cats alone for an extended period. But that's not what our vets at Jacksonville Community Pet Clinic would recommend. Our vets recommend leaving your cats alone for no longer than 24 hours for many reasons.
Anyone simply "present" in their life is someone they may remember, but not associate with any emotion. But as long as you and your cat have shared a pet or two, and as long as you fed them a few of their favorite meals, your cat will remember you as well no matter how long you are gone.
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.
They require more regular care and contact to adjust to your home. So, if you're wondering “Can I leave my cat alone for a week?” The answer is a resounding NO! But there are things you can do to keep your cat safely in your home while you're away.
Keep your cat entertained with toys
Classic toys like plush catnip mice, bell toys and even cardboard boxes can entertain some cats for hours. But if you really want to bring some excitement while you're gone, interactive electronic toys are the best toys for bored cats.
Single kitten syndrome is the idea that young kittens, when raised with other young kittens and cats and then adopted into a home by themselves, can become aggressive, anxious, stressed, and even develop behavioral issues like inappropriate chewing/scratching and inappropriately using the litterbox.
Line your cat carrier with familiar and comforting bedding - use something they usually sleep on or an old piece of clothing that has your scent. Covering the cat carrier with a blanket or towel may also help keep your cat relaxed.
Most cats are able to make it through even an eight-hour drive without using the litter box, but there's no sense in tempting fate. Do not let your cat roam around the car while you are driving.
Although some cats may be well suited to travel and there are times when you may not have much choice, changes in a cat's routine or surroundings are usually stressful. The majority of cats are creatures of habit and prefer to stay in a familiar environment. Start by asking if your cat will enjoy the experience.
Many of us like to take our furry friends along when we travel. Whether by airplane, train, or car, any kind of travel can upset your cat and cause stress behaviors. Unfamiliar, confined environments can be stressful to your otherwise well-behaved pet, and spending time in unfamiliar spaces could add to that.