How Long Can You Leave a Cat Alone?

Cats are considered low-maintenance pets in many ways. For example, they don’t need to go on walks, they don’t have to go outside to relieve themselves, and they are good at self-grooming. 

Given that cats can attend to many of their needs themselves, cat parents might wonder whether it’s OK to leave their kitty alone for an extended amount of time. But how long can you leave a cat alone?

The answer depends on multiple factors, such as the age, personality, and health status of the cat, as well as if there are any other pets in the home. 

How Long Can You Leave a Cat Alone?

In general, healthy adult cats can typically be left alone for eight to 12 hours at a time. However, there are exceptions to this guidance. 

• Very young kittens still drinking a milk replacement must eat every two to three hours and can’t be left alone for longer.

• Healthy weaned kittens shouldn’t be left alone for longer than four hours. 

• Healthy kittens that are 5–6 months old can be left alone for up to six hours at a time.

If your cat is sick, you might need to shorten how long you leave them alone so you can give them medication and keep an eye on their condition.

And if your cat is particularly curious and likes to explore, it might not be a good idea to leave them alone for long in case they get into any dangerous things such as toxic human foods, plants, chemicals, or electrical cords. 

What To Consider Before Leaving a Cat Alone

Despite some cats’ independent nature, cats are social creatures that need a lot of interaction with their humans. Cats miss their humans when they are gone for long periods.

In fact, cats get much more enjoyment when playing with their humans than when playing by themselves, and a 2017 study found that many cats will often choose their humans over their food. 

In addition, there are some risks to leaving a cat alone for an extended amount of time:

• Cats can get into dangerous substances, such as toxic plants or chemicals.

• Certain cats might have a tendency toward destructive behavior, such as scratching furniture, when left alone. 

• Cats that are left alone for too long might also experience house-soiling accidents. Cats generally prefer to use a clean, frequently scooped litter box. 

• If you have multiple cats that don’t always get along, leaving them alone together increases the risk for cat fights and injuries. 

• If your cat has a chronic illness, it’s difficult to predict when they might experience a medical emergency. 

• Even young, healthy cats can experience medical issues. And if your cat is alone for too long, it’s possible that medical attention could be delayed. 

• Your cat can also become bored and lonely when left alone for too long. This can cause anxiety in your cat long term if they routinely spend several hours a day alone. 

Can I Leave My Cat Alone for a Week?

No, cats cannot be left alone for a week. Even if you leave out enough food and water, cats can become ill, bored, distressed, and destructive when left alone for days.

It’s recommended to hire a pet sitter if you need to be away from your cat for more than a day. A cat sitter should visit at least once a day to provide fresh food and water, scoop the litter box, and play with your pet. 

Tips for Leaving a Cat Alone

Even if you’re leaving your cat for less than one day or have already arranged for a pet sitter for longer absences, you can take measures at home to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible for your cat. 

1. Use Calming Products

Calming products like Feliway® MultiCat pheromone diffusers and Purina® Pro Plan® Calming Care probiotic powder can help your cat to better navigate the stress of your absence. It’s even better if you start using these products a few weeks before you leave; this will help them be more effective. 

You can also leave items that have your scent in your cat’s favorite resting spots, which can be soothing for them when you’re gone. 

2. Provide Outlets for Stimulation

Giving your cat window perches and toys to play with is important for their mental well-being while you’re away.

3. Prep Your Pet Sitter

Prepare your pet sitter with your cat’s diet information (feeding amounts and times), medication dosing schedules, your contact information, and contact information for your primary veterinarian and local emergency veterinarian. This is an important step in ensuring that your cat is well cared for while you are away.