You pick up your keys.
Your cat looks up.
You put your shoes on.
The staring intensifies.
Then comes the final betrayal:
You leave the house.
If you've ever spent half your journey to work wondering whether your cat is sitting sadly by the window awaiting your return, you're not alone.
The reassuring news is that many adult cats cope perfectly well with periods at home without us. But cats still need stimulation, routine, comfort and opportunities to do all the important cat things while we're away.
So, whether you're heading to work, out for the day or simply trying to leave the house without experiencing crushing feline guilt, here are some simple ways to keep your cat happy when you're away from home.
1. Keep Their Routine Predictable
Cats may appear to operate entirely according to their own mysterious agenda.
They don't.
They know the schedule.
Breakfast.
Morning window inspection.
Human leaves.
Important sleeping.
Human returns.
Dinner.
Cats often thrive on predictability, so try to keep feeding, play and other daily routines reasonably consistent.
If your routine is about to change significantly — perhaps you're returning to work after being home for a while — introducing that change gradually can help your cat adjust.
Translation:
"Your request to alter the timetable has been noted."
2. Give Them Something to Do
Your cat may sleep for a substantial portion of the day.
But that doesn't mean their environment should be boring.
Safe toys they can use independently can give them something to investigate when the mood strikes.
Think balls, sturdy catnip toys and other toys without strings or parts they could become tangled in while unsupervised.
And don't leave everything out permanently.
Rotating a few toys can make an old favourite suddenly interesting again.
Apparently putting something in a cupboard for three days transforms it into a brand-new and extremely exciting object.
Cat economics.
3. Make Food More Interesting
Food doesn't always have to arrive conveniently in a bowl.
Puzzle feeders and other food-enrichment activities can encourage cats to use some of their natural searching and hunting behaviours.
You could put part of their normal daily food allowance into a suitable puzzle feeder before you leave.
That gives them something to investigate after you've gone and makes breakfast last longer than approximately seven seconds.
Just remember that treats and food used for enrichment still count towards their overall daily intake.
Translation:
"Finally. A project with appropriate compensation."
4. Give Them Places to Watch the World
Never underestimate the entertainment value of a good window.
A safe window perch can provide hours of potential viewing:
Birds.
People.
Cars.
Leaves.
A neighbour doing something suspicious with a wheelie bin.
Cats naturally like observing their surroundings, and having safe elevated places around the home also gives them more choice over where they spend their time.
Cat trees, shelves and other secure perches can all make an indoor environment more interesting.
Basically, you're providing multiple branches of Neighbourhood Watch.
Your cat takes this responsibility very seriously.
5. Make Sure They Have Somewhere to Hide
Keeping your cat entertained is important.
So is allowing them to do absolutely nothing.
Cats need quiet, comfortable places where they can retreat and feel secure.
That could be a favourite bed, a covered cat bed, somewhere high up or, inevitably, a cardboard box that cost nothing and is preferred to the expensive bed you lovingly purchased.
Try to make sure your cat has access to several comfortable options while you're away.
Your job is to provide the facilities.
Management will choose which are acceptable.
6. Have a Play Session Before You Leave
If you've got time, a short interactive play session before leaving can be a useful addition to your routine.
Fishing-rod and wand-style toys allow cats to chase and pounce, giving them an outlet for natural hunting behaviour.
Then put string or wand toys safely away before leaving — they're designed for supervised play rather than for cats to use alone.
Your cat gets some exercise and attention. Although I wouldn't recommend rock, paper scissors (they may choose scissors : )
You get to leave the house knowing you've fulfilled your morning obligations.
Everyone wins.
Although you will still be judged when you pick up your keys.
7. Don't Turn Leaving Into a Major Event
We know.
You want to say goodbye.
Possibly several times.
Perhaps with a small speech explaining where you're going, when you'll be back and that you love them very much.
Your cat probably doesn't need the briefing.
Keeping everyday departures and returns fairly calm can help make them simply another normal part of the household routine.
When you return, let your cat decide what happens next.
You may receive enthusiastic greetings.
You may receive complete indifference.
You may discover they've been asleep for five hours and hadn't realised you'd gone.
Try not to take it personally.
How Long Can I Leave My Cat Alone?
There's no single answer that works for every cat.
Age, health, personality and individual needs all matter.
A healthy adult cat may be comfortable alone for a normal working day when their needs are properly provided for, but kittens, older cats and cats with health conditions can require more frequent care.
If you're going away overnight or for longer, don't simply leave out extra food and hope for the best.
Arrange for a trusted friend, neighbour or professional cat sitter to visit and check that your cat is safe, eating and drinking normally and has a clean litter tray. Longer trips require proper care arrangements tailored to your cat.
What If My Cat Seems Unhappy When I Leave?
Some cats can show behaviour associated with stress when routines change or they're spending more time alone.
Look for changes from what's normal for your cat.
That might include unusual vocalising, changes in eating or toileting, destructive behaviour, overgrooming or other noticeable changes in behaviour.
Don't automatically assume it's separation anxiety.
Behaviour changes can have several causes, including medical ones, so speak to your veterinarian if you're concerned.
And if your cat's main reaction to your return is following you around the house...
Well.
We have another article for that.
RELATED READ: Why Does My Cat Follow Me Everywhere — Even to the Bathroom? →
And While You're Out...
There is one final point worth remembering.
Just because you're away from home doesn't mean Management is off duty.
Your cat remains in charge of household operations.
Windows will be monitored.
Beds will be occupied.
Potential food situations will be investigated.
And your activities will be reviewed upon your return.
The Bottom Line
Keeping your cat happy while you're away doesn't require turning your house into a feline theme park.
Keep their routine reasonably predictable.
Give them safe opportunities to play, climb, hide, watch and forage.
Make sure their food, water and litter needs are covered.
Arrange appropriate human care when you're going to be away longer.
And then go out.
Seriously.
They'll be fine.
Probably.
Although Management would like to know exactly what time you'll be home.
Sources
Cats Protection — Can Cats Get Separation Anxiety?
Cats Protection — Leaving a Cat Alone
Cats Protection — Going on Holiday Without Your Cat
PetMD — Separation Anxiety in Cats
This article is for informational purposes and isn't a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about a change in your cat's health or behaviour, contact your veterinarian.
