When it comes to dogs, separation anxiety is a widely discussed issue. Therefore, dog owners avoid leaving their pets alone for long periods of time. However, with cats, this thought is often set aside.
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According to Stephen Quandt, an expert in cat behavior and certified trainer at the Animal Behavior Institute, despite the stereotype of cats being supposedly distant and independent by nature, there is a limit to the amount of time cats can spend alone at home.
Quandt says this depends on “the age, temperament, and medical history of the cat.” In an interview with Newsweek, he explained that most cats should be fine for up to two nights, provided their daily meals are delivered by a caregiver.
If you need to be away for more than two nights and cannot find a caregiver in time, he recommended using smart feeders that release specific amounts of food at pre-set times.
“It’s very disturbing for your cat if they start missing meals when they’re used to a scheduled feeding. A timed automatic feeder with a cooling option can provide access to wet food,” Quandt said.
However, he stressed that elderly cats, cats on medication, and cats with health problems should never be left alone for so long. While most healthy cats can handle being alone for two nights, this also depends on the cat’s temperament.
“Cat owners should also consider the temperament and emotional needs of the cat, as well as feeding times. I would say up to two nights maximum is fine, as long as your cat receives all expected meals and is not medicated,” he said.
Quandt explained that the best way to assess how long a cat should be left alone at home depends on its age and overall well-being. The expert always avoids leaving a kitten alone at night, and older or sick cats require a similar level of care.
“I think being a responsible cat owner means taking the physical and emotional health of the cat seriously and treating it like a beloved family member. Leaving some cats alone for one or two nights, more or less, can be okay, but I wouldn’t recommend it,” added the behaviorist.
This content was created with the help of AI.
