How long can you leave a cat alone

If a cat deviates from its normal behavior, it can be due to many different things. It is important to always first and foremost find the underlying cause of the behavioural change, which can be both physical or psychological.

Cat laying on the floor and looking at the camera

How long can you leave your cat alone?

The Swedish Agricultural Agency say the following:

"An adult, healthy cat needs supervision at least twice a day. Kittens, sick cats and females that are about to give birth need more frequent supervision. In addition to daily supervision, the cat must have free access to water and a sufficient amount of nutritious food. Even the outdoor cat must receive food, water and supervision at least twice a day.

Remember to see this as a minimum. For your cat to feel as well as possible, daily stimulation, activation, play and cuddles are important."

Things to consider when leaving your cat alone

Even if cats are not herd animals, they need social contacts. How big the need is differs between breeds and individuals. Keep in mind that no cat does well from spending too much time alone, but they do well from care, activity and play. If you are going to leave your cat alone for a long time, it is important that it has a stimulating home environment. All cats want a place to lie, a scratching board and the opportunity to climb. This is of course especially important for indoor cats, but even cats that are allowed to go outside need an adapted home environment.

How long can you leave your kitten alone?

A kitten can be left alone for short periods of time quite soon after it moves into your home. But leaving it alone for several hours is not recommended. In order for the kitten to feel secure in its new home and with its family, it is good to gradually get used to being alone.

How long you can leave your cat alone also depends on the individual, so it is important that you take your cat into account!