Recommendations For Leaving A Cat At Home

Written and verified by the lawyer Francisco María García

Last update: 27 December, 2022

Changes in their surroundings aren’t exactly what cats like most. When you go on vacation during the holidays or have to go away for more than a week, it’s best not to take them with you. However, these recommendations for leaving a cat at home will help make things easier for both you and your cat.

Cats are independent and self-sufficient animals. They can look after themselves as long as you take a few precautions. However, cats have a hard time adapting to new surroundings, even if it’s just for a short time. Therefore, it’s best for them to stay at home. However, it’s not a simple case of closing the door and leaving a cat at home.

What do you need when leaving a cat at home

You need someone that you trust to keep your cat company. As well as making sure that they have food, water, they’re safe and hygienic, your friend or family member will keep them company, even if it’s only every three days. This person should be someone your cat recognizes so they won’t feel intimidated.

Eating and drinking

First, let’s deal with food and water. Depending on how long you’re going away for, you’ll need to think about how much food you should leave out for your cat. Two bowls of their favorite food and two bowls of water should be enough for three days.

Luckily, cats don’t eat everything at once. They’re intelligent creatures. If they realize that they’re alone and see just the right amount of food, they will just eat what they need.

Snacks or toys are also good to leave out for your cat. Try placing some in certain parts of the house for them to enjoy.

Access to their food and water bowl should be assured. If a door closes and stops them from having access to their food, then they’ll have a serious problem. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that the doors inside your home remain open while you are away from the house.

After three days, it’s really important that someone you trust visits the house periodically to refill their food and water. This person should also leave a little bit extra food in case there are problems getting back in time.

Entertainment at home

If you leave your cat’s favorite toys spread around the house, this will provide him with some entertainment. If they’re distracted, the time will pass by fast and any anxiety caused by your absence will be greatly reduced.

A scratching post is fundamental because they will help your cat entertained. It will also stop them from filing their nails on the furniture, which is the fear of every cat owner.

Make sure everything is clean

Cats are naturally clean. A cat’s litter is always well looked after. If not, they don’t like using it because they feel a disorder in their environment.

It’s important to make sure that the litter box is completely clean. You don’t need to limit yourself to just one either. When the litter box is dirty, your cat won’t use it. Two or three litter boxes will guarantee a more peaceful few days for your cat.

It’s also a good idea to leave things prepared for the person who’s coming to visit your cat. The scoop, bag, and litter need to be available for each time they come to clean it out.

Make sure the windows and doors are shut

To make sure your cat doesn’t escape it’s important to check to see if you have closed all the windows and doors. It’s a given that your cat will explore, and if they find a way out of the house, they could get lost or get into an accident.

For extra safety, make sure that any toxic substances or medications are kept securely stored away. If your cat comes into contact with them, they could get sick or worse.

Pleasant company

It’s great if your friend can play with your cat for a while, pet and provide them with company. That way, the days alone will seem shorter and your cat will feel less stress and anxiety.

Other options

If you don’t feel comfortable about leaving a cat at home, there are some other options. One is to take them to a friend’s house, but there is the risk that they won’t adapt well and may try to escape. They may also damage some of your friend’s belongings.

Although expensive, cat shelters are another option. You’ll need to consider a few things like the presence of other animals that could make your cat feel uncomfortable. Being in new surroundings away from home could also make them feel stressed or anxious.

These recommendations for leaving a cat at home alone will help both you and your pet. Try them out for more relaxing holidays for both of you.