We’ve learned from these experiences, and now we always check Yoda in at a cat boarding home or facility when we can’t take him with us on our short travels. To have a guilt- and worry-free vacation, make simple adjustments so your cat is a happy camper while you're away. Absolutely. 4. When we spoke to one of our roommates, she mentioned how Yoda wouldn’t stop meowing for attention at her door. I haven't been able to stop worrying about my cat and I'm not even gone!! However, in the case that you are unable to hire a pet sitter to care for your cat, boarding your pet at a professional boarding facility is a better option than leaving her home alone. It is sweet you think so dearly of your kitty and I would totally be the same. xx, Your email address will not be published. But one thing, I believe, that has followed the stereotype of cats longer than anything else is this: Cats are capable of staying at home alone for long periods of time because they are “solitary” or “independent” pets. Here’s what you should consider (and do) before leaving your own cat at home while you’re on vacation. Like on your bed. Of course, you should always talk to your vet about your plans to get even more recommendations for your pet, and to ensure that they’re in proper health to be alone for an extended period of time. Sure, cats can go to the bathroom on their own without you having to be there. While leaving your cat home alone might be tempting, we highly advise against it. 7. You never know, maybe he’ll throw a pawty whilst you’re away! What are your thoughts about this? There are currently no items in your cart. Before you leave, you’ll insert a specified portion of food into each of the device’s compartments. The length of time you can leave a grown-up cat alone depends on the cat, his diet and your environment. Required fields are marked *, Welcome to The Fluffy Kitty - a cat lifestyle blog inspired by our adopted cat Yoda! Join me over on my new channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkKBpmRdcDIiZJQob4JUZvgI make new cat mom videos every week! How Long Can You Leave a Cat at Home While on Vacation? Site & Contents © BaxterBoo.com®. Think of it this way. My cat is a scardy cat, every time someone comes over he bolts and hides for at least a few hours. Cats do this, dogs do that, cats rule, dogs drool… and so on and so forth. Get your cat a babysitter. Assess Cat's Needs. While en route to the airport or train station, your excitement about going away is often quashed by a feeling of guilt that you’re leaving your beloved feline home alone for such a long time. Introducing a new toy, or even a food puzzle, boosts mental stimulation and playtime, so they won’t get bored as easily (which quickly transforms into loneliness). We had to leave Yoda for 3 nights once when he was about the same age. This is a common feeling among cat owners. If your cat stays at home during the vacation 1. 🙂. It’s not a secret that most cats don’t travel well and people will usually leave their feline family member behind when they head out on a family vacation. Most common house plants are actually poisonous to cats, and while your pet might not normally chew on them, the stress of being at home alone could drive them to do so, potentially leading to serious illness. Before you leave, provide a new toy or a new scratcher or post for your cat to play with. Leaving Your Cat at Home or in a Kennel While You're Away Although some cats travel well, most really don't enjoy globe-trotting. There’s nothing quite like unwinding on the beach in the summer, hitting the slopes at your favorite ski resort in the chillier months, or simply going to spend some time with your far-away family. Furthermore, leave behind a sum of cash to be used in emergencies. 12. We had a housesitter 24/7 for two weeks. If you leave for 2 days, cat pee/poop will build up fast. Renée comes to visit Allegra and Ruby twice a day, … Some forum users share anecdotes about leaving their cats alone “for a few days” without experiencing any problems. That’s when we really cracked down on planning our travels around Yoda. The voices coming from the system can help your cat feel as if there is someone else present. It doesn’t matter if it is your mother, your in-laws, a sibling, or even your neighbor’s... 3. Again, stress often leads cats to adopt temporary new behaviors like chewing, and cords tend to make a pretty target. Now he will either be in a carefully-selected boarding facility with other cats, cat trees, and companionship; if not possible, we rearrange our travel plans. So we know. Boarding your cat. When we finally arrived back in Mexico, Yoda had lost 1 kilogram of weight from stress. Before you decide to leave your cat at home, make sure to take into consideration the following: Cats won’t mind if you leave for a day or two, but signs of stress and loneliness will show if you leave for longer periods of time. 10. Use trash cans, phone books or any other heavy objects you might have to block your interior doors completely or partially open. If you’re going to be away during the winter, consider getting a safe space heater for your cat’s favorite room to help keep them comfy and happy in your absence. This is an excellent way to be absolutely sure that your feline friend is getting the nutrition they need while you’re gone. … Cats can get bored and lonely without companionship from their owners and without playtime/mental stimulation. Staff is usually on-site to ensure your cat’s well-being and engage with your cat during playtime sessions. While it might seem like a lot of work, it’s crucial to take each of these steps if you really want to ensure your cat’s safety and happiness while you’re away on vacation. Yoda comes first. Not knowing what to do, she kept feeding him. Have you ever had to leave your cat at home alone? If your cat is staying home while you go on vacation, ask the pet sitter to meet them as many times as possible, well in advance of your absence. He is used to having us (me, hubby and 2 kids) around him most of the day. Cats tend to be much more independent by nature, and therefore you can leave them at home alone more easily, and without worrying as much about their safety and happiness. Some people say that leaving a cat alone for up to 24 hours is okay, while others recommend cutting your absence short at 36 hours or 48 hours. I thought about buying one of those “cat cams” kind of like a baby monitor. November 20, 2017 Jennie Richards 3 Comments. Boarding facilities also aim to feed and nourish your cat on time, so you’re fluffy friend never misses a meal. Offer to pay them or at least return the favor. This will allow your cat to look outdoors throughout the day and provide plenty of excellent amusement opportunities – as well as sunshine to nap in – while you’re away on your vacation. Just like dogs. If you have a particularly rambunctious cat, you might want to consider removing lightbulbs from any lamps and other lighting sources that they might be likely to knock over during play. Cats eating a dry-only diet are especially at risk of dehydration, which leads to many urinary problems. At the time, we thought a family member was close to passing away, so I had chosen to stay longer with family in the US. My cat LOVES lots of attention, he sleeps with me every night and is sitting by me at all times. Cats can get bored and lonely without companionship from their owners and without playtime/mental stimulation. While we recognize all cats are different, we have personally experienced how our absence negatively affected our cat Yoda while we were away. One of the few downsides to going on an otherwise exciting vacation is the fact that we need to be separated from our cats. It wasn’t until we came back that we realized just how much Yoda truly missed us. If you need to leave your cat for extended periods of time, then check out the alternatives to leaving your cat alone. Open at least one window so that your cats can get some fresh air. I have someone coming to my house once a day or every day to feed him, change water, clean cat box and give him some treats. 6. Therefore, you should leave your cat at home for no more than 48 hours without someone there to take care of them. This will help your cat … I hate having to learn a lesson twice. And I’m pretty sure that many of you feel the same way. Cats love routine, consistency and familiarity, so when we go on vacation our absence can be stressful for them. In fact, if you intend to leave your cat at home while you’re away for more than a few days, there are several steps you need to take in order to ensure that your feline friend is happy and healthy the entire time. Hire a pet sitter. Depending on where you live, it’s a good idea to check any temperature regulations in your home before you leave your cat. But this person couldn’t stay with him 24/7, so she came only twice a day. This way, if your cat happens to get trapped in a room, unexpectedly runs out of food or water or gets sick, you’ll have someone who can help them out while you’re away. What about your furry friends? So exactly how much time is appropriate to leave a cat fend for himself while you’re away? Unbelievable… I just read an article online about leaving your cat at home alone while going on vacation. Multi-cat households might want to double up on the number of litter boxes. Therefore, I am curious whether you would suggest that I leave the cat with a friend and her cat or whether I should leave the cat at home and ask someone to check on her daily. 14. That’s when we realized that cats, at least our cat, suffered from mental stress being left at home alone. Don’t only give a key to your home to your pet sitter, but give one to a … How did it go? At the same time each day, this food will be released into a bowl for the cat to eat. Fill the water bowls with fresh water. Many thanks for your feedback and comment. I understand! We’ve had to do it before, we’ve been in that situation. In-home sitting: Cats love familiarity, which is why leaving them to sleep the day away in the comforts of their own home is ideal. © Copyright Fluffy Kitty 2015-2020 | All Rights Reserved | As Amazon Affiliates, we may earn from clicks and purchases at no cost to you. However, if you’re a pet owner, you probably feel pretty restricted when it comes to making and executing travel plans of any sort if they’re likely to last more than a day or two. Your cat's individual needs play a role preparing to leave him when you travel. 5. Read more about our story on our about us page. Less time is ALWAYS better, but we’d estimate that 48 hours, or roughly two days, is the maximum amount of time cats should be left unattended. This just helps to keep your cat’s surroundings more familiar, and ensures they feel safe while you’re away. However, just because you have a cat it does not mean you should give up going on vacation for 20 years or until the cat dies. Cats are known to be more independent and generally low maintenance pets (as opposed to dogs). Cooling Pad Put a door stopper under EVERY OPEN DOOR in your house to ensure that your cats (or a strong wind) don’t accidentally... For good measure, put food and water in EVERY ROOM of your house or apartment — just in case. Beyond that time frame, water may get too dirty to drink and the litter box full. (Picture Credit: Getty Images) on How Long Can You Leave a Cat at Home While on Vacation? One of the most common questions is how many days a cat can be left home alone while its owners are on vacation or traveling for business. In fact, we don’t recommend leaving your cat at home alone for more than 2-3 days. I need to go away for 3 nights next month. Even when you’re away, you can entertain your cat by providing toys for cats home alone: a cat tree, a ball of string or open paper bags can provide your cat with a daily dose of fun. Bonus Tips For Leaving Cats While On Vacation Bring Out The Suitcase. If you’re leaving home for more than a day, you really want to get a pet sitter or consider boarding your cat. We are lucky that we can work from home. But as we’ll see, there’s much more to cats’ well-being than having access to the litter box or having fresh food and water. Leave your blinds up in most rooms. There are many different factors that can affect your dog’s health, and one that is often overlooked by pet owners is dental care. I’m leaving for 4 nights. I think 3 days/nights isn’t pushing it and especially because you have your mom visiting to play and interact with him he should be okay. Try Cat-Scented Socks. Dogs need to be let out to use the restroom 2.) These cameras are typically tied to apps that you can access at any time, making getting visual confirmation of your cat’s safety easier than ever. Usually, we always consider taking Yoda with us first wherever we go – but if the move and expenses are too high, we find a local sitter or caretaker to keep him company. Most people hate to ask for favors, but in this case, don’t be shy. Leaving your cat at home is a good option IF you’re not going away for periods of time longer than 48 hours. 1. The statement that cats can stay at home as long as they have food and water is just, in part, a myth. Make sure the litter is okay. If your cat happens to suffer from separation anxiety, you may want to leave a few of your own unwashed shirts or other clothing articles on your bed or in another easily accessible place. Although this might be the option we like the least, there are automatic... 2. This should be a last resort, as many cats are extremely sensitive to changes in surroundings and routines. Just like us! Leaving Cat Home Alone While On Vacation 1. The main concern with leaving a cat at home while on vacation is a cat’s mental health. Hello, I really enjoyed reading your post and I am sure you can give me some advise. But again, if you can’t find a caretaker, this is where a cattery or boarding facility will be the best option to ensure your cat’s well-being while you’re gone. All pets are different and have unique personalities. Tips for leaving cats while on vacation. Especially with 2 or more cats. To our surprise, Yoda was a lot heavier when we came back! If you have a friend or sitter coming in every day, the time they can be left alone can be stretched to more than 48 hours. Cats get bored with their old toys. ... one of my parent’s friends left her cat alone for a week while she was out on vacation and her cat … Many dogs love to romp and play in the snow during the winter, but this fun activity can lead to uncomfortable snow and ice balls accumulating in your dog's fur. My mother will be able to visit twice a day but I am so worried he might get lonely or feel that we abandoned him. I plan to get a feeder and waterer so that can last a week at least at a time. 3. How to Find a Great Pet Sitter for Your Cat. At the same time, our housesitters and Yoda’s baby sitter had to leave, so we asked another friend to take care of Yoda. However, that doesn’t mean you can just leave your cat without taking special precautions. Some cats, like Yoda, will overeat or not eat at all. This allows your cat to have full access to the house while you’re away without fear of accidentally pushing a door closed and trapping themselves during their escapades. If you happen to be particularly anxious about being separated from your furry friend, try setting up a couple of motion-activated webcams in places they’ll visit often, such as the water bowl and litter box areas. 2. Your cat can use this scent as a means of calming themselves in your absence. Don’t only give a key to your home to your pet sitter, but give one to a good friend or other family member as well. Therefore, you should leave your cat at home for no more than 48 hours without someone there to take care of them. If you’re leaving for long periods of time, consider getting a … Boarding a pet is always a great idea. Cats do get lonely, but it seems your cat likes his solitude, so I don’t think it will be bothersome for him unless he is really attached to you and craves your attention when you are home! But does that mean it’s really okay to leave your cat at home while you’re away? These such things include, leaving your cat with enough water and food, managing its litter box and most importantly, keeping it entertained. Your email address will not be published. 9 Adventurous Cat Breeds That Like to Travel. If a litter box is too crowded, sometimes cats will choose to do their business elsewhere. This way if something happens and your pet sitter can’t make it to your house for a few days, you’ve got a backup. What are the pros and cons of leaving your cat at a cattery or boarding facility versus at home? Leaving cats at home to fend for themselves is never an option. I thank you in advance. Stimulation - while you may not be around personally to entertain your cat, this doesn’t mean that your cat has to go without entertainment for the whole day. And here it is folks – cats, although they can use the bathroom on their own. (+ Pumpkin Cat Food Recipes). Keep in mind that, cats tend to be independent, territorial animals. I try to remember most pets have to go a full 8-9 hours without their humans when they’re working. Dog owners will always find a solution for their pup when they leave the house for a couple of days. But traveling means leaving my cats behind – and that’s something I’m never completely comfortable with. Why? The first thing you want to do is make sure your cats have enough food... 2. hi I will be going on a one week vacation and I will be leaving my 15 year old cat alone at home with no one to watch her. Maybe it’s the first time you’re leaving your pet with a sitter overnight, or maybe you’ll be on two-week excursion—either way, you’re feeling bad about it. Feeding him (on top of what the sitter was providing) was her way of keeping him occupied. And even having someone present in the house every day (our roommate) wasn’t enough either. Providing a cat water fountain helps entice your cat to drink more, even while you’re away. There have been times she was left alone for up to 2 weeks, and my cat was just great the whole time, but I haven't been on vacation in a long time, so she was much younger at those times (5-10 years old). Let’s dive into discussing this hot topic: How much time is appropriate to leave your cat at home alone? You’ve got your swimsuit, sunscreen, and beach reads packed but wait! Growing up, it was common to hear the usual cats vs. dogs tale. From our experience, we know not to leave our cat alone for longer than 48 hours without someone coming to take care of him. What Insects & Bugs Are Poisonous To Cats. Since we’ve traveled extensively with Yoda, we have often found ourselves in situations where leaving Yoda at home was our only option. While this might seem like simply another expense, it’s always smart to have someone who’s going to check in on your kitty each and every day. It’s also one exacerbated when you go on even a short vacation. Cats who eat dry food that you can make readily available may be left on their own for 24-48 hours as long as fresh water is accessible as well. Leaving a cat home by itself is a common practice, and many people think it’s perfectly safe. Feeding your cat during your vacation. Need a Pet Sitter? They often provide exceptional 24/7 care with state-of-the-art cat accessories like trees, shelves, activity mats, toys, and so on. Yoda goes long days sometimes without us and he usually has just been taking advantage to get in a full day’s nap. But despite being ready to go and knowing your pet is in the best possible hands, you still have a nagging feeling of anxiety about leaving your cat or dog behind while you head out on a fun trip. Broken bulbs could, of course, be a huge fire hazard. Would you enjoy staying home alone without anyone to talk to or play with? How to Reduce Your Cat’s Carbon Paw Print, Eco-Friendly Ways to Dispose of Cat Litter, Homemade Cat Litter | How to Make Eco-Friendly Cat Litter, PrettyLitter Review: The Health-Monitoring Litter, How to Find My Lost Cat: What You Should Do, Can Cats Eat Pumpkin? The Fluffy Kitty blog inspires cat owners around the world to live a more adventurous and eco-friendly life with their cats. We’ve never seen him be more needy and cuddly in his life! 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. But we’ll never do it again! She said he was constantly scratching at her door to be let in for attention. For example, while living in Nepal, we had to leave Yoda alone for 12 days with a sitter – someone who came in once or twice a day to feed Yoda, give him fresh water and clean his litter box. 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