Cats have a reputation for independence, so owners often assume a cat can be left for a weekend with a bowl of food. Cats Protection and PDSA are more specific: there is a limit for a normal working day, a different one for kittens, and a firm minimum of checks once an absence runs past a day. This guide summarises their advice for cats left at home. It is general welfare information, not veterinary advice; a vet should be consulted about any cat with medical needs. This site’s guides to choosing a boarding cattery and to hiring a pet sitter cover the other holiday options in more detail.
How long a cat can be left
Cats Protection says most cats are fine left for the day or overnight, but that the maximum is around 12 hours. It adds that a cat should not regularly be alone for 12 hours, although that is acceptable occasionally. Young kittens, elderly cats and cats with medical issues or other complex needs need more frequent checks. If an absence will be longer than 12 hours, or shorter for a cat with specific needs, or if an owner is away for long periods on consecutive days, the charity says to arrange a cat sitter, a friend, family member or neighbour to care for the cat at home, or a cattery.
Kittens differ. Cats Protection says young kittens should be left for a maximum of a few hours at a time, because they have small stomachs and need to be fed little and often, and that they should be checked at least every few hours until fully grown. It suggests getting a kitten used to being alone gradually, for five to 10 minutes a few times a day, building up over days and weeks.
Setting up the home before leaving
Cats Protection’s checklist for an absence of up to 12 hours covers the following:
- Food and water. Leave plenty of fresh water. Wet food spoils after a few hours, so leave only what the cat will eat in that time and be back for the next meal, or arrange for someone to come in. Dry food will still need replacing at least every 12 hours.
- Litter. Remove mess from the tray before leaving, top the litter up to about 3cm deep, and make sure the cat can reach the tray at all times. Trays should be emptied of mess at least twice a day and cleaned out fully at least weekly.
- Hazards. Put away wires, toys with string, human foods, medicines, cleaning products, poisonous plants and anything the cat could eat or become tangled in.
- Entertainment. Leave safe toys the cat can play with alone, such as ping pong balls, with nothing on a string, and consider food in a puzzle feeder.
- Hiding places and perches. Cardboard boxes, clear shelves and windowsills let an anxious cat hide or get up high.
- Exits. A cat that normally stays indoors needs windows and doors closed off. A cat that normally goes outside should not be shut in, since a sudden reduction in territory can cause stress, and a cat flap should be checked to make sure it works.
- Identification. Whether the cat goes out or not, it should be microchipped with up-to-date contact details.
The charity notes that most cats cope if they have food, water and entertainment, but a cat that is very bonded to its owner may show separation-related issues and loneliness.
Going away for longer
PDSA is unequivocal that a cat must never be left without anyone to check on it at least a couple of times a day when the owner is on holiday, even with an automatic feeder or cameras around the house. Cats Protection also advises a sitter who can visit at least twice a day to make sure the cat is well fed and safe, and says very young or old cats, or those with certain health conditions, may need more frequent visits. Both charities say that keeping a cat at home is generally the least stressful option, because a cat is generally less stressed in its own environment.
PDSA lists five options: a house sitter living in the home; a friend, neighbour, relative or pet sitter attending at least twice a day; a cattery licensed by the local council; home-from-home boarding, also licensed; or taking the cat along as a last resort. For a sitter, both charities recommend checking references, reviews and insurance, meeting the sitter and the cat before departure, and booking early with a backup in mind. PDSA adds checking for pet first aid training and, for a house sitter, DBS clearance.
Whoever is chosen, Cats Protection says to leave emergency contact details, the vet’s details, enough food, litter and any medication, and daily care instructions, and to ensure the sitter can get into the home easily, ideally with a backup key held by someone else. PDSA advises telling the vet about the absence, because the sitter may need the owner’s authorisation for care.
FAQs
Is an automatic feeder enough for a weekend away?
No. PDSA says a cat must never be left without anyone checking at least a couple of times a day, even with an automatic feeder or cameras.
Can a kitten be left for a full working day?
Cats Protection says young kittens should be left for only a few hours at a time and checked at least every few hours until fully grown.
The bottom line
Cats Protection’s upper limit for a cat left at home is around 12 hours, only occasionally, and much less for kittens, elderly cats and cats with complex needs. For absences beyond a day, both Cats Protection and PDSA call for a person to visit at least twice daily, or a licensed cattery or boarder, with the cat’s routines, vet details and emergency contacts written down for whoever is responsible.
Sources
- How long can you leave a cat alone? (cats.org.uk)
- Going on holiday without your cat (cats.org.uk)
- What to do with your cat when you go on holiday (pdsa.org.uk)