How Long Can You Leave a Cat Alone? 

Most healthy adult cats cope fine on their own for up to about 12 hours once in a while. For anything longer—or on back-to-back days—ask a cat sitter to visit or use a licensed cattery. 

Kittens, Seniors & Special Cases

• Kittens: Only a few hours at a time. Build up slowly: start with 5–10 minutes alone, several times a day, then increase over days/weeks. Check the room for hazards and leave safe toys.

• Older cats / medical needs: They need more frequent checks and may not cope with long alone time. Arrange visits. 

If You’re Away for a Long Time or Longer

Going away for more than a day? Cats are independent, but they still need daily care. Here’s how to keep your kitty safe and happy while you’re gone.

Food & water

• Leave enough fresh water (two bowls or a fountain).

• Wet food spoils after a few hours—only put out what they’ll eat before you return, or have someone refresh it.

• Dry food lasts longer but should still be refreshed at least every 12 hours.

• Consider an automatic feeder with a camera and app. You can set meal times, watch your cat eat, and get alerts if a meal is missed. This helps make sure your cat has enough food while you’re away. (Still ask a sitter to check once a day.)

Litter

• If you’ll be gone longer, ask a sitter to scoop and top up each day or
  set out extra litter boxes to spread use,  make sure your cat can reach the tray the whole time.(aim for one box per cat, plus one extra).

• Place boxes in different quiet spots (not all together) and away from food and water.

Prevent boredom

• Leave safe solo toys (e.g., balls, catnip toys) and a puzzle feeder so they don’t overeat or destroy furniture from boredom. 

Make the home safe

• Put away wires, string toys, human food, medicines, cleaning products, and toxic plants. 

Comfort spots

• Give hiding places (boxes) and high perches (shelves/windowsills). These help cats feel calm and secure. 

Doors & access

• Indoor-only cats: close escape routes (windows/doors).

• Outdoor-access cats: don’t suddenly lock them in; a working cat flap helps. Keep microchip details up to date. 

Best practice (strongly recommended)

• Book a daily sitter to feed, refresh water, scoop litter, and give a quick play/check-in.

• Or use a licensed cattery if no sitter is available.

• Don’t leave a cat alone for more than ~12 hours, especially not on back-to-back days.

Daily care keeps food and water fresh, the litter box clean, and helps catch any health problems early.

Cameras (if needed)
Add a pet camera if it helps you feel calm and lets you check your cat. Aim it at the food/water area and, if possible, the litter box. Choose a camera with motion alerts, night view, and two-way audio so you can see, hear, and talk to your cat. Make sure the Wi-Fi is stable and the app works before you leave. A camera is helpful—but it’s not a substitute for a daily sitter.

Before-You-Leave Checklist

□ Fresh water + right amount of food

□ Litter scooped; ~3 cm deep

□ Hazards put away

□ Safe toys / puzzle feeder out

□ Hiding spots + high perch ready

□ Cat flap working (if used) + microchip info current

□ Pheromone diffuser on (optional) 

Bottom line: Many cats enjoy a quiet day now and then—but plan ahead so it’s safe, clean, and not boring. For anything longer than a day, get help.