Since most cats sleep 13 to 18 hours a day, leaving them home alone while you're at work is usually no problem. However, if you have a kitten, an elderly cat or a cat who was recently adopted, there are some additional precautions you should consider. How long can your kitty safely be left on her own? If you're leaving a cat home alone, here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your pet stays physically and emotionally healthy.

How Long Is Too Long?

How long you can leave a cat home alone really depends on the individual cat and your relationship with your feline friend. If you've just adopted a new kitty, she will need time with you at home to learn your schedule, get into a daily routine and know what behaviors are appropriate in your home. PAWS notes that you should supervise any interactions with other household pets during the first few weeks with a new cat to make sure your fur family is adjusting to the addition. The first few weeks are also a crucial time for you and your cat to bond and develop a relationship.

Cats who have been in your household for a few months or years may be perfectly happy home alone for 8 or 10 hours, but they may also become bored, lonely or stressed. Keep an eye out for signs like overgrooming or going to the bathroom outside the litter box, and talk with your veterinarian if your cat's eating or litter box habits change.

Cats need a steady supply of food and fresh water just like any animal, so any pet left alone will need access to both, as well as a clean litter box. In addition to these basics, your kitty will appreciate safe ways to amuse herself like jingle toys, a cat tree to perch on or even a rustling paper bag.

Looking Out for Kittens and Senior Cats

Age plays into how long you should be leaving a cat home alone as well. Kittens are curious creatures, and they can endanger themselves by scratching, pawing or eating dangerous objects like wobbly vases or poisonous houseplants. The Nest recommends kitten-proofing one room and equipping it with a litter box, food, toys and fresh water if you need to leave young cats unsupervised.

If your kitten has to be alone for more than 12 hours, it's best to find someone to stop by and check on her. Have that person check on your pet's food and give her fresh water. If your cat has access to multiple rooms, your cat sitter should also walk around your house and make sure your kitten hasn't gotten stuck in any small spaces or closed herself in a room or closet.

Although older cats may be less likely to get into mischief, they may struggle more with environmental factors. If you're leaving your cat alone during hot summer days, make sure she has a cool place to nap and can access several bowls of water in different spots around your home while you're gone. Since older cats are more susceptible to illness, find a pet sitter who can stop by at least once a day if you're going to be away for too long.

How Your Schedule Changes Impact Your Cat

It's important to pay attention to your cat's behavior during changes in your household's schedule. When children return to school, for example, some cats might enjoy the extra alone time while others might experience separation anxiety. Consider adding new toys and scratching posts, leaving the radio on as soothing background noise, or adopting another pet to keep your cat company. If you do welcome a second pet into your home, be prepared to be home for the first week or two to supervise your pets' interactions before leaving them alone for extended periods of time.

Finally, remember that even the most sophisticated automatic feeders and water dispensers are no substitute for human interaction. Your kitty needs the attention and exercise she gets from spending time with you, so find a reliable cat sitter who will give her daily playtime and cuddles if you're going to be out.

It's normal for any pet parent to be a little concerned about leaving their feline friend alone. By planning ahead you can give your cat freedom in the house while also keeping her safe and happy while you're out.

Chrissie Klinger Chrissie Klinger

Chrissie Klinger is an educator, writer and mother of two children, three dogs and three cats. Her dog Jake loves sitting on her lap every chance he gets! She enjoys living an active and eco-friendly lifestyle in rural Pennsylvania.

Related articles

When Are Cats Full-Grown?

Learn key signs to tell if your kitten is reaching cat adulthood, including life stage specifics and special considerations for gender, breed & more

Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives?

Learn all about the ancient proverb of cats having nine lives, including its origins & where it came from, its meaning, and why the number nine was chosen.

How to Make DIY Cat Shelves

Creating DIY cat shelves gives your cat a place to play and relax that isn't your dining table! Here's how to make them attractive and functional.

Hill's Kitten Foods: A Healthy Choice for Your Kitten

Discover the benefits of Hill's line of kitten foods and how they provide complete and balance nutrition for growing kittens.

Skin Problems to Watch For in Your Cat

Learn about 5 of the most common skin problems that can manifest in cats, as well as how to detect if your cat might have one of them.

What Temperature Do Cats Like?

Cats love to be snug and cozy, but what temperature do they really like best? Learn about the optimum cat climate and how you can accommodate it.

All About Cancer in Cats

Learn about the different types of cancer in cats, how to spot the signs of cancers in your kitty, and treatment options for improving her quality of life.

Why You Should Brush Your Cat's Teeth Regularly

Learn why brushing your cat's teeth regularly is important. Good oral hygiene and care involves right supplies, method and cat food formulated for oral health.

Feline Aging & How it Affects Your Cat's Brain

Learn about the impact of brain aging and cognitive brain disorders that can affect cats. Good brain health is critical as your cat ages.

Why Cats Like to Pounce

Discover the science and reason behind why cats like to pounce prey or toys, as well as peculiar behaviors to let you know when she's about to pounce.

Kitten Psychology: Understanding What Your Cat is Thinking

To provide your kitten with the best possible care, it is important to understand her. Learn more about what your kitten thinks and does.

Hyperthyroidism in Cats: Warning Signs, Management & Treatment

Learn how to spot the warning signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism in your cats. Read more to know what questions to ask your vet.

Pregnancy in Cats: Signs & Preparation for Delivery

If you have or think you have a pregnant cat, click to learn more about how to properly care for her needs including preparation and delivery tips.

Cat Arthritis: Signs, Causes and Treatment

Get the answers to your questions about cat arthritis here, from signs of arthritis in cats to treatment for feline arthritis.

How to Read a Cat Food Label

Learn important things to look for on a cat food label, such as the difference between ingredients & nutrients, and how it can help you pick a cat food.

Cat Dry Nose: When to Be Concerned

Learn the reasons why your cat's nose may be dry and whether it might be a sign of a larger concerning issue or a common symptom of something smaller.

Cat Play: How to Keep Your Kitty Engaged

Keep your cat both mentally and physically active with these fun tips for play and exercise even when you're not home.

Choosing the Best Kitten Food: What to Look For & Avoid

Learn how to identify the kitten food that best aligns with her nutritional needs, keeping her active and healthy as she grows into an adult cat.

Choosing the Right Food for Your Senior Cat

Senior cats over age 7 have different nutritional needs than younger cats. Learn what to look for when choosing a food for older and aging felines.

Can Cats See TV?

Do cats actually watch TV when they're chilling out on the couch with you? Learn more about how cats engage with and react to electronic screens.