Never Do THIS When You Leave Your Cat ALONE

In this video, we will talk about 9 common mistakes cat-owners unknowingly make when leaving their cats at home alone.
Don’t neglect to arrange for a pet sitter
You might be tempted to leave your pet home alone and head off for a weekend road trip - but you could be putting your cat’s physical and mental health in jeopardy.
You would never leave your dog alone for that amount of time, and your cat is just as social and just as dependent on you. It is important to arrange for a cat sitter who can come over a few times a day to make sure they are eating their meals, being played with, and keep their routines intact.
Don’t Leave Food in One Big Pile
If you pile a weekend’s worth of food into your cat’s bowl, they may overeat due to stress and become sick or run out of food on the final day of your trip. On the other hand, some cats are picky eaters and will turn their nose up at food that is less than fresh.
Instead, have your pet sitter feed them according to their regular schedule.
Don’t Forget to Provide extra Litter Box
It’s simple: No one wants to use a dirty bathroom. Cats are very clean animals. So the idea of using a filthy restroom is just as repulsive to them as it is to us. When you’re gone, the last thing a stressed cat needs is a dirty litter box, as it can be yet another cause of anxiety.
Make sure to set up several litter boxes around the house, and clean your cat’s box before you leave.
Don’t Change Your Cat’s Routine
Cats are creatures of habit, and they depend on us to keep their surroundings stable and predictable.
Any change in their daily routine or environment can cause them to stress out.
You’d never leave your cat without water and food, but the timing as to when they get their food is very important too. Because thrive on predictability, any friend or pet sitter should visit your cat at least as often as the times you give your cat meals.
It will be less stressful for the cat if a normal routine is maintained.
Don’t Close Your Shades
Many people close their shades and blinds when they leave the house to keep the energy bill down and keep outsiders from looking in.
However, for many cats, a window perch can be an endless source of entertainment. If your cat loves watching birds and squirrels outside or basking in the sunlight, leave a few of your shades open for their benefit.
Get them a friend
Most cats enjoy each other's company and they thrive on building intimate ties with other felines.
If you leave your cat alone every day and you can’t provide your pet with enough interaction, playtime, and stimulation, consider getting a second cat to fill the need.
Don’t Board a Cat Who Is Better Off With In-Home Care
Sometimes, boarding your cat is a good option, particularly if they have a medical condition that requires regular monitoring.
That said, many cats are more comfortable and happier in their own homes. It’s typically very stressful for cats to be placed in an unfamiliar environment.
Make sure to weigh your cat’s social and physical needs and the duration of your time away before you hire a pet sitter or board your pet.
Don’t Neglect to Create opportunities for enrichment
It is important to remember that cats need opportunities for enrichment while you’re gone.
Create a little fun for your pet before you go off to work. A cat tree, cat perch, open paper bags, and fun toys create entertainment and can make a difference to a cat who spends the day alone.
If your feline friend is food motivated, then treat based puzzles can be a fun.
Television can also make for great entertainment. Popping the TV on may seem a bit weird, but your cat will love it.
Cats often like videos that show animals like birds and mice running around or fish swimming.
Do cats get lonely?
Cats become lonely when they are left unattended for long periods of time.
Because cats appear very stoic, many people miss the signs indicating that all is not happy in kitty’s world.
A common sign of loneliness is excessive vocalization. A lonely cat will wander through the house, meowing constantly or even yowling looking for someone to answer them.
Another classic sign of loneliness among cats includes destructive behaviors such as clawing up furniture or knocking objects over.
Missing the litter box is also a sign of loneliness.
Other signs that indicate your cat is having trouble with too much alone time include: Changes in behavior, appetite, or grooming habits.
How long can cats be left alone
In general, adult cats are content being left home alone for 8-12 hours.
Cats depend on their owners for regular feeding and valuable social time such as playing and cuddling. Even more worrisome than messes is the possibility of a sudden illness or injury. Fevers, urinary blockages, blood clots - these are common cat-health emergencies.