Basically, you can leave a cat that is already used to being left alone for up to 48 hours with the appropriate precautions. For everyone else, here are a few tips.
How much being alone does your cat know?
The first important question: does your cat already know how to be alone? If you've had your cat for a few weeks or months, he's probably already been alone for certain periods of time. For example, because you've been shopping or out with friends in the evening. Then you just need to take the appropriate safety measures and use a few tricks to bridge eight to ten hours. Simply read on from "Safety measures".
Staying alone for a young or new cat
If you have a young or new cat who is not yet used to being alone, you should gradually get them used to it. The more time you take to do this, the better. As a general rule, you should not leave a new cat alone for too long at first. Once you are sure that your new arrival is familiar with the environment, you can try out being alone. To do this, first go outside for a few minutes and observe what happens. Gradually extend these phases. You need to be guided by your cat's character and proceed accordingly. As a rule, your cat will be able to cope well with these phases, as it is naturally geared towards independence anyway. In any case, it is important to remember that if your cat meows at you, you must never come back to it immediately. This would be classic conditioning and you would be rewarding the wrong behavior. Even if it's difficult, you should only re-enter the apartment when your cat has calmed down.
Leave outdoor cats alone.
If your cat is an outdoor cat, it will be more independent anyway. Nevertheless, you should gradually extend the periods when your cat is left alone. In any case, you must make sure that the cat flap works and, of course, take the usual safety measures into account.
Leaving two or more cats alone at home
You can be completely relaxed with two cats in your home. Especially if they have known each other for a while. To be on the safe side, you can still gradually extend the periods when they are alone. This will give both you and the cats a good feeling.
Safety measures during your absence.
Before you leave the apartment, no matter how long, you should always bear certain things in mind:
- Don't leave any windows tilted or open.
- Make sure that there are no small or dangerous objects lying around that your cat could swallow (e.g. hair ties).
- Avoid draughts so that no doors can slam shut, which could unnecessarily frighten or even imprison your cat.
- And of course you should clean the litter tray again. If you have a sensitive cat, simply put another toilet in its place.
Against boredom
Arrange a few extras to relieve your cat's boredom while you're away. For example:
- Toys
When you are at home, it is best to consistently put away all cat toys. When you leave the apartment, put some of them back. Ideally a different selection every day. - Snacks
Before you go to work, you can hide some snacks around the house. Your cats will love discovering them one by one. Think of new hiding places every day. You can also set up an automatic feeder that releases the treats around the "halfway point" of your absence. - Place by the window
Set up a particularly nice spot by the window for your cat. Nothing is as exciting as watching the world outside. It will make the time fly by. - Give your cat a piece of clothing with your scent
If you have the feeling that your cat misses you very much, simply leave it a piece of your scent (e.g. a T-shirt or blanket).
Neighborly help
Despite all your preparations, do you still feel uncomfortable leaving your cat(s) alone? Perhaps you have neighbors who love you and look after your furry friend? In most cases, you will find that your cat is sleeping peacefully. And if not, you can spice up your measures accordingly. For example, by having your cat sitter come by more often, play and stroke your cat or give it a few extra treats.
Return after the working day
You come home and are tired or stressed. Nevertheless, take the time to greet your pet happily. Treat yourself and your cat to a long cuddle and ideally add a short play session. This will reassure your furry friend that all is well, even if their favorite person can't be there for them for a while.