Three: Introducing A Cat To The Great Outdoors
The great outdoors may sound like fun for a cat, but there are lots of dangers associated with being outside the home. Cats are quite happy being strictly indoors and dont need to go out to have a fulfilling life. Some of the dangers your cat can face outside the home include: cat fights. breeding/pregnancy, cars, diseases, dogs, getting lost, parasites, wildlife, and unfriendly neighbors. Cats will live happier, healthier lives when kept indoors. If you still want to provide your cat with some fresh air and outdoor exercise, consider walking it on a harness and leash, using a trolley system, or building a run or kennel outside a window or cat door.
Do not allow your cat to free-roam. Always keep a breakaway collar with identification tags on your cat. Cats can be strangled by getting caught up in a regular collar.
PAWS Kittens are adopted with an indoor-only agreement that is stipulated in your adoption contract. DO NOT let a kitten outside.
Never allow a cat outside until it is thoroughly familiar and comfortable in your own home. This may take two to three months. Some adult cats will try to return to their old territory, usually unsuccessfully. You should supervise your cats first visits outdoors.
Be patient with your new kitty as it adjusts. It will soon become a loving member of your family and a wonderful companion.
How To Minimize Distraction When Leaving Two Kittens Home Alone
Kittens will pounce and run after the other while playing, so it is best to prepare early to avoid any untoward incident from happening.
- Remove mirrors or any breaking glass that the kittens can play with from the area. Once the glass breaks this can be a danger to your kittens.
- Take away things that may topple. Remove shelves or cabinets that can topple easily while your kittens are playing by doing so, you are avoiding accidents and keeping your furniture safe.
- Keep away any reachable chemicals. If you have any chemicals that may be harmful to your kittens, remove those immediately. Kittens can also be a curious bunch and some chemicals that they may smell or lick can be very dangerous for them.
- Remove appliances or furniture. Keep this away from the area where you will leave the kittens, this is to ensure as well that your appliances and furniture are safe.
- Hide all electrical cords. Once your kittens play with each other and run all over the room, they may step on these wires and pull on it, which be dangerous and a fire hazard.
- Place the food and water in a safe location. Do not leave the water where there are electrical outlets and should be placed away from such.
- Leave a light on. You need to leave a light on if you have a newly bought kitten or newly adopted ones.
Make Leaving A Fun Activity
Help your cat by making your departure a fun activity. Give your cat a scavenger hunt when you’re heading out the door. Hide some treats around the house that your cat will have to hunt to find when you leave. It can help distract her from the initial discomfort she might feel when you walk out the door.
Don’t forget to leave your cat plenty of water, food, and clean litter boxes. Try a;water bowl with a large reservoir;so your cat won’t run out.
Read Also: Do Cats Like To Be Held
So What Age Can I Leave My Cat For The Night
It is recommended not to leave your kitten overnight by themselves until they are at least 6 months of age. Kittens younger than this may not be mature enough and might have problems during the night. Some kittens younger than this may be fine overnight, especially if they are mature and have developed levels of independence.
A Hard Plastic Kiddie Pool
The great thing about this kiddie pool is that you can spread the litter out in a wider diameter, that way cats have more room to find a clean spot. Make sure its the hard plastic kind because cats have those sharp nails! You can usually find these at Target for pickup.
An Old School Answering Machine w/ Call Screening Feature
Why would you need an old school answering machine? So that you can call your kitties whenever you want while youre away and say something to them! Theyll hear your voice over the machine and you can call as much as youd like.
Also Check: How To Train A Cat To Behave
Should You Consider Adopting A Second Cat
If your job keeps you away from home for longer periods of time, and your cat displays anxiety about your absences, you might want to consider getting another cat. A cat companion can provide your cat with a playmate while you are gone. Of course, this is not a step to be taken lightly. You must think about your cats personality and whether she tends to like other cats. Experts say if you are going to adopt a second cat, get one that is younger than your current cat and one that is of the opposite sex Otherwise, there might be territorial issues between the two cats. If your current cat can assert herself to the newcomer, being older and of the other sex, it should help the transition to becoming a multi-cat household go much more smoothly. This could help to quell your cats loneliness while youre gone and make yours an all around, happier cat household.
How Long You Can Live Your Cat To Be Alone In Your Apartment
So as we as we all know cats are not same like a dog. They dont need any activity outside house like you dont need to walk them, you dont need to spend time with them make them to be active.
Cats are simple animals which requires safe environment and all necessary needs to live comfortable. There are so many cat owners or people who work frequently, or you already know that you can leave your cat during working hours, but if you are forced to leave your apartment longer than that period for day or two or maybe three then its not problem.
If you follow rules we are going to explain right now, so to prepare your cat to be at home alone you will need to follow these steps to make it a low stress for your cat.
Read Also: How To Make A Cat Feel Safe
What If I Need To Leave My Kitten Alone Overnight And Theyre Too Young
If you have no choice but to leave your kitten overnight, try and get a friend, neighbour or family member to visit. They dont need to stay the night but ask if they could visit later on the night that you are leaving. For example, if you are leaving after work at 5 pm, see if at 8 pm or 9 pm a neighbour wouldnt mind coming over to check everything is okay.
Ask them to make sure your kitten has food and water, and that everything in the house is okay. If you are leaving a light on overnight, make sure they are aware when they leave. They may also choose to hang around for ten minutes to play and cuddle with your kitten. Having human interaction like this just before they go to bed can help in keeping them relaxed.
You may also choose for your kitten to spend the night at a friend or family members home. If you choose this option see if you can find a crate for them to use. Crating your kitten overnight with some warm blankets and an old shirt is a fantastic option. This ensures they have a safe environment without getting lost or damaging any property. If you are going to crate your kitten, ensure they arent in the crate for extended periods of time outside what is needed. Put them in the crate just before bedtime and take them out in the morning. Even just for a little bit of exercise and play before going back in if needed.
How Your Schedule Changes Impact Your Cat
It’s important to pay attention to your cat’s behavior during changes in your household’s schedule. When children return to school, for example, some cats might enjoy the extra alone time while others might experience . Consider adding new toys and scratching posts, leaving the radio on as soothing background noise, or adopting another pet to keep your cat company. If you do welcome a second pet into your home, be prepared to be home for the first week or two to supervise your pets’ interactions before leaving them alone for extended periods of time.
Finally, remember that even the most sophisticated automatic feeders and water dispensers are no substitute for human interaction. Your kitty needs the attention and exercise she gets from spending time with you, so find a reliable cat sitter who will give her daily playtime and cuddles if you’re going to be out.
It’s normal for any pet parent to be a little concerned about leaving their feline friend alone. By planning ahead you can give your cat freedom in the house while also keeping her safe and happy while you’re out.
Also Check: Can You Use A Shock Collar On A Cat
How Long Can You Leave A Kitten Alone
Some adult cats like their solitude, but kittens tend to need lots of socialization and activity. When theyre in their busy kitten months, their little brains are working on forming strong bonds with their human and animal companions. Being left alone for long periods of time can cause loneliness. And of course, kittens love to get into mischief!
Every kitten is unique. But there are some accepted guidelines for how long you can leave them by themselves. Read on to answer the question: how long can you leave a kitten alone?
Have Someone Come And Check On It
The duration you can leave your kitten alone for depends on its personality, age, health, and habits. We know cats as independent creatures, but leaving your kitten for long periods can leave it to feel lonely.
Kittens under 4 months can only be left alone for 2 to 4 hours. Kittens that are 4 to 5 months old can be left alone for a maximum of 5 hours. 6 month old cats can be left alone for 8 hours.
Your kitten needs attention and human interaction. You can ask a friend or neighbor to check in on them, just to ensure everything is fine.
Another option is to hire a pet sitter to interact with your kitten so it does not feel lonely.
Also Check: Why Is My Cat So Hyper At Night
For How Long Can I Leave My Kitten Unattended
First a kitten needs to get used to its new environment. After all, it has been torn away from its mother, brothers and sisters and placed in an unfamiliar setting. You will feel the urge to comfort it, but allowing it to explore its new surroundings on its own will actually prove more calming. You may even find it sleeping in its basket half an hour later. Stay away a little bit longer every time: start with an hour and extend it to two hours, then to three until you can comfortably stay away for an entire 8-hour workday. Is your kitten relaxed when you get home? A clear sign it doesnt mind being left alone for a few hours.
Do Cats Miss Their Owners
Cats form very strong bonds with their human companions and family members. Even though they may play it cool, they will notice youre gone and they will miss your attention. If your cat starts meowing loudly when you leave the room, thats one sign they miss you.
Other symptoms may include clinginess, loss of appetite, depression, anxiety, vomiting and diarrhea, and house-soiling.
If you notice these signs, talk to a vet to determine if theres a health condition to address. And please, dont get mad at your cat if they urinate on your clothes. It is their way of saying that they miss you.
Recommended Reading: Why Do Cats Walk On Keyboards
Two Is Sometimes Better Than One
If you know you will be spending many hours of the day away from your kitten, it is best to consider adopting more than one.
It is especially beneficial for kittens to grow up in pairs because they will teach each other important skills that are not done as well by humans, such as stalking, pouncing, and grooming.
Additionally, if your kitten has a buddy, they will have less of a chance of becoming bored.
Despite popular belief, cats are not solitary animals. They enjoy the company of one another. Cat pairs are less likely to have anxiety, food pickiness, and grooming issues.
But perhaps the biggest benefit of all is having twice the amount of kitty love brightening up your home.
A Pet Owners Guide To How Long Can Your Cat Be Left Home Alone
Your cats might come off as being totally self-reliant strutting around your house like theyre Miss/Mr. Independent and they dont need no man or woman. But theres nothing further from the truth! Cats require your attention just as much as any other pet for regular feedings, ongoing entertainment and love and affection. With work, vacations and that destination wedding your sister just HAD to have, we cant be there with or for them 24 hours a day even though we totally would if we could.
So, at some point, youre going to have to leave your cat home alone . But that raises a few questions on how to leave them alone without them becoming a real;grumpy cat.
Don’t Miss: What Are Taylor Swift’s Cats Names
Can I Leave My Kitten Alone For 8 Hours
Cats are known for being low maintenance and are often considered the perfect pet for those with busy schedules. But perhaps those who wish to adopt a kitten need to think twice before getting an animal so young and leaving it alone for extended periods of time.
Can I leave my kitten alone for 8 hours? It depends on how old your kitten is. Kittens under 4 months of age can be left alone for up to 4 hours. A kitten 4 to 5 months old can be left alone for up to 5 hours. A 6-month-old kitten can be left alone for up to 8 hours. So if your kitten is less than 6 months old, do not leave it alone for 8 hours.
If you are set on adopting a kitten and know youll have to leave it alone from time to time then continue reading this article to learn some tips that will make you and your kittens life better.
Quick Navigation
Tips When Leaving A Cat Alone While At Work
If you are going to leave your cat to go to work, you should keep the following tips in mind:
- Consider the weather. Cats are not good at keeping their own body temperature, especially kittens. During summer, leave the AC running on moderate temperature. However, during winter, your cat should have a source of warmth when you leave it alone.
- Get a second litter box. Even if you have a single cat at home, you must get a second litter box. This will let your kitty eliminate on a clean spot if the other box is full. A second litter box is necessary if youre going to be away for more than 8 to 10 hours.
- Leave some form of entertainment. Shower your cats with interactive toys, scratching posts, cat trees, and more. It will also help to leave the TV on to keep your cat distracted.
- Leave plenty of water. Even without food, your cat needs a lot of water to stay refreshed. However, if you are to be away for extended hours, you must have someone check your cat.Please read here how long can a cat go without water
- Get an automatic feeder. If youre taking overtime work all the time, consider getting an automatic feeder. This will ensure that your cat will not go hungry even if youre away. A microchipped auto-feeder only opens up to a microchipped cat, which prevents errors and unscheduled feeding.
Also Check: What Are The Best Cat Treats
Prepare Sufficient Foods And Waters
Kittens require a lot of nutrients to support their repaid growth which is why it’s essential that you keep your fluffy friend well-fed. Before you leave the house, fill the feeding bowl of your pet so it could eat while you away. In addition to that, you have to give your kitten enough fresh water to drink. Dehydration causes all sorts of health issues to kittens so it’s widely advised that cat parents set up a water bowl for the felines. Purchase cat fountains if it seems that your cat likes to drink from moving waters.;
Place It In A Small And Warm Room
Leaving your kitten to wander the whole house can confuse it. Your kitten can also get into trouble because, as we know, these furry creatures are curious and naughty. Its better to put it in a small room where it can feel safe and secure.
Ensure the room has food, a water bowl, and litter tray. These necessities will keep your cat happy as it plays about in the room before you come back.
Dont forget to clean the litter tray. Your kitten finds a dirty litterbox repulsive, just the way you do, and is a cause for inappropriate elimination. Keep the food and water bowl away in a far corner away from the litterbox.
A warm bed with lots of blankets is also a nice way to calm your kitten while you are at work.
Don’t Miss: How To Keep Cats From Pooping In Yard