Mary Allen
A study shows that many cats suffer from loneliness and develop behavioral problems. Read here about the factors that determine whether and how long the cat can stay alone.
Cats are still seen as loners, as independent animals, while humans are actually only can openers and tolerated personnel. Compared to the dog, it is considered to be a less expensive pet. You don’t have to walk her and you can leave her alone for a long time.
But new studies show that indoor cats in particular have problems being separated from their owners. While the subject of “separation anxiety” has been studied extensively in dogs, there have been no large-scale studies on cat behavior for a long time.
How Long Can A Cat Stay Alone?
No cat should spend more than two days (48 hours) completely alone. Particularly affectionate cats that want to spend a lot of time with people are allowed to be alone for a maximum of 24 hours. And of course not several times in a row. But these are only guidelines. How long it’s okay to leave the cat alone also depends on the following factors:
- age
- health status
- Single cat or multi-cat household
- pure indoor cat or outdoor cat
These cats should never be left alone for hours at a time:
- young cats
- Cats that have just moved to a new home
- cat seniors
- Sick cats (Should their state of health suddenly deteriorate, quick action is required.)
These cats can also go longer without an owner:
- Outdoor cats
- Cats that live harmoniously with other cats
Of course, the prerequisite is always that the cat has plenty of toys, clean litter boxes, and sufficient food and water!
Study Shows Cats Suffer From Loneliness
A study published in the PLOS ONE journal – an international online journal of the Public Library of Science – provides exciting answers to the question: do cats have separation anxiety too?
As part of a large-scale survey of cat owners, the veterinarians came to the following conclusion: More than every 10th cat showed behavioral problems that seemed to result from loneliness or separation anxiety. Typical behavioral problems in cats that are often alone were:
- uncleanliness
- destructiveness
- apathy
- continuous meowing
Behavioral problems primarily occurred in indoor cats that spent more than 6 hours a day alone 5 to 7 days a week.
Wondering what your cat does when it’s alone or if it’s showing signs of loneliness? Then a pet camera can help. So you always have your cat in view and can even communicate with it when you are out and about. Here is a comparison of the most popular pet cameras.
Make It More Comfortable For The Cat To Be Alone
Even before buying a cat, you have to think about whether you can devote enough time and attention to your animal. Many working cat owners often have to leave their pets alone for several hours five days a week. A species-appropriate cat-keeping without loneliness is also possible. These factors shorten the time a cat is kept alone, for example when kept indoors:
- Furnishings are suitable for cats with lots of climbing opportunities and observation posts with a view.
- A conspecific for playing, romping, and cuddling.
- Cat flap for (balcony) doors, so that the cat can get onto the well-secured balcony or outside on its own.
- Many playing options with variety (regular exchange to keep the appeal of the new).
- Employment opportunities (e.g. cardboard in the living room with rustling paper, hiding treats in the apartment, building a cave with a blanket, leaving a worn sweater on the floor).
So cats can feel lonely, but with the right amenities and lots of play options, you can make the wait until you come home more comfortable.