Never Do THIS When You Leave Your Cat Alone
Leaving your cat alone may seem harmless. After all, cats are known for their independence. However, there are some common mistakes cat owners make that could lead to their feline friends experiencing stress, boredom, or even harm while you're away. Here's a breakdown of what to do when leaving your cat alone.
Itās easy to assume that your cat will be perfectly fine without your presence, but thatās not always the case. While cats may not express their loneliness as openly as dogs, they do feel the impact of solitude. Behavioral changes such as excessive grooming or destruction of household items can be signs of anxiety. Cats may also suffer from boredom, especially if they donāt have enough stimulation while you're goneā.
A dirty litter box is more than just a minor inconvenience for your catāit can cause them significant stress. No one likes a dirty bathroom, and your cat is no exception. Forgetting to clean the litter box before heading out or not arranging for someone to maintain it in your absence is one of the biggest mistakes. Cats are particular about cleanliness, and if their litter box isnāt up to standard, they might decide to use other parts of your house instead.
Toys are more than just a source of fun for your cat; they provide essential stimulation. Many cat owners mistakenly put toys away before leaving, but doing so deprives your cat of much-needed activity. Leave out safe, interactive toys that will keep your cat entertained. Puzzle feeders or cat trees are great options that allow your cat to engage in physical and mental exercise while you're gone.
Just remember to avoid leaving toys that pose a choking hazard, such as those with stringsā.
It might seem like a good idea to close your blinds to save on energy or for privacy, but for your cat, this could be a huge downer. Many cats love sitting by windows, watching birds or simply basking in the sunlight. Cutting them off from this stimulation can lead to boredom or even sadness.
Keeping the shades open in areas where your cat enjoys the view is a simple way to keep them engaged while you're away.
Another common mistake is turning the temperature too high or low to save on energy costs. Cats, like humans, thrive in a stable environment. If itās too hot or too cold, your cat might experience discomfort or, in extreme cases, health issues like heatstroke.
Maintaining a moderate temperature while you're away is essential to ensuring your catās safety and comfortā.
You might think your cat will be okay on their own for a couple of days, but this can be risky. Even if you leave enough food and water, things can go wrong. Automatic feeders could malfunction, or your cat might become ill. Having a pet sitter check ināwhether it's a friend, neighbor, or professionalāensures that your cat is safe and cared for.
Plus, your cat will appreciate the company, no matter how independent they seem.
Complete silence can be unsettling for cats, especially if they're used to household sounds. Leaving a TV or radio on at a low volume can provide comfort and background noise, making your absence feel less daunting. There are even videos designed specifically for cats, featuring birds and other wildlife, which can keep them entertainedā.
Cats find comfort in familiar scents, so leaving something that smells like youāa blanket or shirtācan help ease their anxiety. Your scent provides a sense of security, reducing stress while you're goneā.
What are your go-to tricks for keeping your cat happy when you're away? Have you ever made any of these mistakes? Let us know in the comments below!
Never Do THIS When You Leave Your Cat Alone
Leaving your cat alone may seem harmless. After all, cats are known for their independence. However, there are some common mistakes cat owners make that could lead to their feline friends experiencing stress, boredom, or even harm while you're away. Here's a breakdown of what to do when leaving your cat alone.
Itās easy to assume that your cat will be perfectly fine without your presence, but thatās not always the case. While cats may not express their loneliness as openly as dogs, they do feel the impact of solitude. Behavioral changes such as excessive grooming or destruction of household items can be signs of anxiety. Cats may also suffer from boredom, especially if they donāt have enough stimulation while you're gone.
A dirty litter box is more than just a minor inconvenience for your catāit can cause them significant stress. No one likes a dirty bathroom, and your cat is no exception. Forgetting to clean the litter box before heading out or not arranging for someone to maintain it in your absence is one of the biggest mistakes. Cats are particular about cleanliness, and if their litter box isnāt up to standard, they might decide to use other parts of your house insteadā.
Toys are more than just a source of fun for your cat; they provide essential stimulation. Many cat owners mistakenly put toys away before leaving, but doing so deprives your cat of much-needed activity. Leave out safe, interactive toys that will keep your cat entertained. Puzzle feeders or cat trees are great options that allow your cat to engage in physical and mental exercise while you're gone.
Just remember to avoid leaving toys that pose a choking hazard, such as those with stringsā.
It might seem like a good idea to close your blinds to save on energy or for privacy, but for your cat, this could be a huge downer. Many cats love sitting by windows, watching birds or simply basking in the sunlight. Cutting them off from this stimulation can lead to boredom or even sadness.
Keeping the shades open in areas where your cat enjoys the view is a simple way to keep them engaged while you're away.
Another common mistake is turning the temperature too high or low to save on energy costs. Cats, like humans, thrive in a stable environment. If itās too hot or too cold, your cat might experience discomfort or, in extreme cases, health issues like heatstroke.
Maintaining a moderate temperature while you're away is essential to ensuring your catās safety and comfort.
You might think your cat will be okay on their own for a couple of days, but this can be risky. Even if you leave enough food and water, things can go wrong. Automatic feeders could malfunction, or your cat might become ill. Having a pet sitter check ināwhether it's a friend, neighbor, or professionalāensures that your cat is safe and cared for.
Plus, your cat will appreciate the company, no matter how independent they seem.
Complete silence can be unsettling for cats, especially if they're used to household sounds. Leaving a TV or radio on at a low volume can provide comfort and background noise, making your absence feel less daunting. There are even videos designed specifically for cats, featuring birds and other wildlife, which can keep them entertained.
Cats find comfort in familiar scents, so leaving something that smells like youāa blanket or shirtācan help ease their anxiety. Your scent provides a sense of security, reducing stress while you're goneā.
What are your go-to tricks for keeping your cat happy when you're away? Have you ever made any of these mistakes? Let us know in the comments below!
