Can I Leave My Kitten Home Alone?

Cats are known for being low maintenance pets that make great companions. However, it is important to note that kittens do require a lot of supervision, attention, and care until they reach adulthood. Therefore, it is not recommended to adopt a kitten if you will not be home for most of the day. Kittens need a lot of socialization and playtime as these are critical to their proper development. If they are left alone for a long period of time, they are likely to get into trouble! Here are some general guidelines you may want to consider before leaving your kitten home alone:

In general, a kitten between 8 weeks to 4 months can be left alone for about 4 hours. After 6 months, they can spend close to 8 hours on their own. Leaving your cat alone all day is not ideal which is why you might want to consider adopting two pets so they can keep each other company while you are not home. Please note that you should only consider adopting another pet if you have the time and resources to care for both pets.

Likewise, setting up a room for your kitten, at least for the first months is the best way to keep your furriend safe and avoid any accidents. For instance, the bathroom, the laundry room or a spare room are great areas to keep your kitten. You will want to make sure your dedicated kitten room is safe and well-equipped for your kitten should you need to leave them alone for a bit.

Here’s a checklist to set up your kitten’s room:

• Remove any hazards. Electrical wires, sharp objects, plastic bags, plants, and household cleaners are some common hazards.

• Leave out food and water. Always make sure they have food and fresh water available.

• Leave a clean litter box. Cats are very particular about where they do their business. A clean litter box can prevent your kitten from having an accident.

• Toys and a scratchpad. Kittens become easily bored. You can prevent this by leaving fun toys for your kitten to enjoy such as fluffy balls or a catnip mouse toy. Don’t forget to also leave them a scratchpad to save your furniture from getting destroyed.

• Keep a light on. This is especially important if kittens are adjusting to a new environment. Leaving a light on will help your kitten see its surroundings and feel safer in their new home.

Tip: If you plan on leaving your kitten home alone, try leaving them for short periods of time to see how your they react. If you need to be away for a longer period, you should ask someone to come and check on your furriend. If all goes well, you can gradually increase your time spent away from home. Never leave your cat alone for more than 24 hours.

Source:

• https://www.petmd.com/cat/slideshows/leaving-your-cat-alone-9-things-you-need-know
• https://www.rover.com/blog/how-long-can-you-leave-a-kitten-alone/