As a cat owner, it's almost inevitable that your kitty will have to be home alone at some point. As with everything else your cat needs to learn, the sooner you start, the better the chance of successful training. We've got you covered on when a kitten can be home alone , and how you should practice together!
Can cats be left home alone?
Cats are known to be both independent and willful, and are not as dependent on their family as dogs. However, these furry creatures also need social contact. Even if they can manage for a long time alone with access to cat food and water, it does not necessarily mean that it is something it enjoys or should do. In fact, it is illegal in both Norway and several other countries to leave a cat alone for more than a whole day. This applies regardless of whether the kitty is an indoor or outdoor cat, as it needs daily care, socialization and play. In other words, a cat should not be left alone for too long at a time. However, you obviously cannot be at home with your kitten all the time, and it is therefore important to get it used to being alone at home for shorter periods.
Tips before leaving your kitten home alone
Get your kitten used to its new home
Before your kitten can be left alone at home, it is important that it is confident in its surroundings and has become comfortable in its new home. Being taken away from its feline family and arriving in a completely new place can be scary at first. Set aside time to let your kitten explore the home with you and provide plenty of cuddles. As you get to know each other and your kitty settles in, you can gradually start leaving it alone for short periods of time. Remember, however, that it is individual how each kitten copes with being left alone at home at first. A good dose of patience and love is therefore essential.
Find an outlet for excess energy
By ensuring that your kitten has an outlet for his playful and wild kitten energy, he will have a lower stress level. This in turn will help him feel more comfortable and secure when he is home alone. At the same time, the little bundle of joy will be more likely to go to sleep, rather than scratching at furniture or causing mischief. You can try to “wear him out” by offering plenty of play and activity before you leave, for example by using activity toys or by throwing him a ball to chase while you are away.
Cats that are often left alone at home can become passive and inactive. Therefore, it is important to provide your cat with plenty of opportunities for both physical and mental activity when you are away. Also, make sure your kitten has a scratching post available to prevent the sofa from becoming a victim of claw sharpening.
If you have a kitten who is particularly anxious or easily stressed when left alone, you can leave a radio or TV on while you are away. This will give them some extra company and may help them feel a little less lonely. Note that kittens prefer pleasant and calm programs, so steer clear of noisy action movies!
Also read: What does a kitten need?
Can the kitten be left alone all night?
If you need to leave your cat home alone overnight, you should get a friend or neighbor to come over and take care of it. In Norway, it is a legal requirement that this person must be over 16 years of age. It is not allowed to leave a cat home alone unattended for long periods of time, and the cat should be supervised at least twice a day. It is also important that the person looking after the cat understands that this involves more than just filling the cat bowl with food and water. They should also make sure to empty the litter box and spend time cuddling and socializing with the cat before they leave. For kittens, it is best to avoid leaving them home alone at night until they are over 6 months old.
