How Long Can You Leave Cats Alone?

Many people think of cats as independent, but that perception often overlooks how much they value companionship and affection. In multi-pet homes, cats not only bond with their human families but often enjoy the company of other animals, too. Even feral cats form strong social connections with one another. So, do house cats get lonely?

Given that cats appreciate companionship, you might be wondering: How long can you leave cats alone? Do they feel lonely when left for extended periods? What are the signs of loneliness in cats?

The answer depends on your cat's personality and needs. Some cats are more independent, while others are deeply bonded and more sensitive to being left alone. Read on for a general sense of what's safe and healthy and what to do when you leave your cat home alone to help them feel content in your absence.

Cats who are closely bonded to their humans or animal companions can experience stress when left alone for too long, and prolonged stress can take a toll on both their physical and emotional well-being. When deciding how long it's safe to leave your cat alone, consider where your cat fits within these broad categories.

Kittens

Can you leave a kitten home alone? Should you? Like all babies, kittens have different needs than healthy adult cats. They require more frequent meals and potty breaks, and they sleep up to 20 hours a day. Because they're curious and full of energy in short bursts, they can also easily get into trouble when left unsupervised.

Cats are natural grazers, ideally eating small amounts throughout the day. Kittens in particular have small stomachs and high energy needs, making it even more important to offer several meals a day — typically three to four meals until around six months of age, and at least twice daily after that. You may even need to wake up a sleeping kitten to make sure they eat on schedule. The amount each kitten is fed will depend on their individual needs — a veterinarian can help determine the proper feeding amount. The length of time you can leave a kitten alone should align with their feeding schedule and required level of supervision.

Here are some general guidelines for leaving kittens alone:

• Under six months: Limit alone time to two to three hours at a time.

• Over six months: Alone time can extend to four to six hours.

In all cases, always ensure you've kitten-proofed the space — remove cords, secure furniture and block access to small objects or dangerous areas. If you must be gone for a longer stint, arrange for a pet sitter or friend to check in on your kitten periodically.

Healthy Adult Cats

Most healthy adult cats sleep twelve to sixteen hours a day, broken up into short naps throughout the day. Over time, they often adjust their routines around your schedule, sleeping more while you're away at work, for example, and becoming more active when you're home. Depending on whether your cat eats meals or free-feeds, you can leave dry food out or use a timed feeder for wet or dry food.

The general guidelines for healthy adult cats are:

• Eight to twelve hours: Safe for most healthy adult cats.

• Twenty-four hours: Occasionally okay if food, water, a clean litter box and a safe, comfortable environment are available.

• Forty-eight hours: Avoid leaving a cat for two days unless absolutely necessary, such as in an emergency.

Remember that unexpected issues can occur while you're away: water bowls can spill, timed feeders can malfunction and your cat could become ill or injured. If you aren't sure how long you'll be away or plan to be away for longer than 24 hours, arrange for care.

Senior Cats

Cats are generally considered "senior" at age seven. While many healthy senior cats can be left alone for the same amount of time as adults, senior cats tend to sleep more and may develop age-related health conditions that require closer monitoring.

For example, a diabetic senior cat may need medication at regular times each day. Routines like this will determine how long you can leave your cat alone. Monitor your senior cat's health closely, and adjust their care plan as needed. In general, shorter absences are safer — don't hesitate to enlist pet-sitting support!

While separation anxiety in dogs is well-documented, fewer studies have evaluated these behaviors in cats. According to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) report, anecdotal evidence suggests that 13–19% of cats may exhibit signs of distress when left alone. These behaviors may include vocalizing, destructive scratching, knocking over objects, inappropriate urination or defecation (often on or near your bed), excessive grooming or appearing withdrawn or apathetic.

While previous studies suggest that older female cats might be more prone to separation anxiety behaviors than male cats, the NIH survey found no differences based on sex, breed or whether the cat was adopted from a shelter or elsewhere.

Cats with separation anxiety typically act out within the first twenty minutes or so after you're gone. That said, stress from other causes — such as environmental changes like a new home or guests visiting — can also result in similar behaviors (e.g., inappropriate urination or increased scratching). Fortunately, providing adequate enrichment in the form of toys, puzzles, scratching objects and interactive play can significantly reduce stress and separation-related behaviors.

In multi-cat households, cats can provide each other with companionship and comfort, reducing loneliness and the risk of separation anxiety. If your cats get along well, you can typically leave them alone for the same length as singleton felines as long as you provide plentiful resources.

For cats who don't get along, leaving them unsupervised increases the potential for conflict. Most feline disputes arise over resources like food, water, litter boxes and sleep spots, so it's important to ensure there are plenty of resources for all cats. This helps prevent problem behaviors while you're away. If needed, separate your cats while you're gone using pet gates or relegating them to different areas of your home. Provide all the necessary resources and enrichment in both spaces.