While you likely wish you would never have to leave your furry friends, there will come times when you have to spend time away from them. Here, our Thornton vets offer tips and advice for leaving a cat or kitten at home alone for the first time and how to make it a success.
Leaving Your Adult Cat or Kitten at Home Alone for the First Time
While allowing your kitten or cat to have some independence as they grow is important, you want to know they will be comfortable and safe in your absence. Below, our Thornton vets share some tips for leaving a kitten (or adult cat) at home alone for the first time.
Ease Into Alone Time
By gradually increasing the time your kitten is left alone, you allow them to get used to the idea without being overwhelmed and alone for too long right out of the gate. Start by leaving your kitten alone for short periods, such as ten or fifteen minutes.
You can then slowly increase the time your kitten is alone, allowing them to gain some comfort with the idea of not having you around. This will help them adjust to being alone and prevent separation anxiety when you're gone for longer periods
Help Them Burn Some Energy
If your kitten is tuckered out before you leave, they may sleep through the entire time you're gone. Even if they don't sleep the entire time, they may be too tired to get into real trouble. Try using a laser pointer and have them chase the dot, or play one of their favorite games for ten to twenty minutes before you leave.
Provide Your Kitten with a Safe Environment
Before you leave, ' kitten-proof' the rooms your kitten has access to to ensure their safety and comfort. Remove potential hazards, such as toxic plants or loose cords, and ensure that windows and doors are securely closed.
Ensure They Have Easy Access to Food & Water
Access to plenty of fresh water and food is an absolute must. If you will be away for an extended period, consider getting an automatic feeder that will dispense small amounts of food at set intervals throughout your absence. Not only will having food frequently occupy your kitten, but a full kitten is happy.
Keep Your Kitten Entertained
If your kitten can stay busy and entertained while you're gone, it will help them cope with your absence. Leave plenty of toys and entertainment for your kitty to enjoy while you're away. This could include catnip toys, interactive puzzles, or dangling toys that your kitten can hit and bat around.
Have Someone Check in on Your Feline friend
If you are worried about leaving your feline friend alone, ask a friend or family member to check in on them. Knowing your companion is happy and safe will give you peace of mind.
Consider a Pet Boarding Facility
Pet boarding may be ideal if you must be away all day, overnight, or even for five or six hours. Be sure to check out a few pet boarding options near you and reap the benefits of knowing your kitten is in safe and experienced hands.
Cat Boarding in Thornton
At Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital, we aren't just veterinary professionals–we're pet parents, too!
Leaving your kitten or cat of any age can be hard, but you will probably have to at some point. That's why training your cat to have the independence and confidence to be left alone is so important. For the times when you'll be gone for a little longer, we offer boarding services that allow your feline friend to stay under the care of veterinary professionals. This way, you can rest easy knowing that we have plenty of formal experience caring for pets of all sizes (we offer boarding for dogs, too!) Should any concerns arise, our vets are on hand to help address the issue, and we will provide you with timely updates as needed.
During your cat or kitten's stay at our boarding facility, we will treat them just as we would our own. After all, your pets are like family to us.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.