For the first time ever, my cats will be home alone for 8 hours a day during the week. Will this affect them?

Question

My boyfriend and I just graduated from college, and during college at least one of us was usually around. We both have full time jobs, and I start my job tomorrow. The kitties will be alone most of the day during the week. Will they have any problems with this? I mean.. are they going to start doing naughty things for attention or peeing on the floor or anything? They're not used to be alone like that.

Answer 1

If you have more than one cat, they should be OK.

They won't change their behavior as far as peeing on things or tearing things up, but they may withdraw a bit from the both of you, so keep this in mind and try to play with them every night when you are at home.

Answer 2

I don't think it will affect them. Just make sure that you and your boyfriend have plenty of toys in the house for them to play with. Also leaving the T.V or radio on can help as well. It makes it seem like someone is home with them. I don't think that they will pee on the floor or do naughty things. I have 2 kittens of my own that are left alone for more than 8 hours a day sometimes, and they haven't done anything bad. I love it when I get home and I have both of my little guys waiting for me by the front door. As soon as I walk in, I almost fall down because one kitten will be on one foot and the other kitten will be on the other foot. Hope this helps out.

Answer 3

It sounds like you have more than one cat. Likely, after a few days they will adapt to your absence. Having a cat companion is good, because your cats will never be really alone. Make sure, too, that your cats have plenty of toys available to them when you are not home. Catnip will also help mellow them out if they like catnip.

In the meantime, be sure to give them lots of attention when you get home from work. Before you fix your own dinner, feed your kitties and give them lots of love.

I think you'll find that you cats will simply sleep during the daytime after a little while and become more active in the evening when you are home.

Good luck. I think things will work out fine.

Answer 4

The more likely scenario will be that they won't "talk" to you for a while until they get used to this. My cats were the same way when I started leaving them alone for longer periods of time because of work - they just wouldn't come near me for an hour or so after work because they were mad! But they didn't start any new "bad" behaviors or anything. You obviously have more than one cat so they won't be lonely and will keep each other entertained! No need to worry about it!

Answer 5

i do no longer understand WHAT to show you how to already know--you do no longer provide the age of your canines, and seeing as how this occasion is ocurring suited now, there is not any time to coach. I extremely have a 9 10 month S. Poodle that has the run of the domicile day and nite. I have been given her at 9 weeks, and have in simple terms had one poop interior the domicile. little or no chewing. maximum piddles have been on papers interior the kitchen the 1st 2-3 weeks. I stored her toddler gated interior the kitchen. She is on my own for 8 or so hours each so often, and that i understand she sleeps on my settee. I pass away her with toys and chewies, so she has a lot to do. My final 2 canines have been left as long as sixteen hours as quickly as--mutually. i understand they slept interior the beds and tore around the domicile, yet there advance right into a lot of water and nutrition, and no rubbish to get into. sixteen hours and those canines did no longer even piddle one unmarried drop interior the basement. They ruined no longer something.

Answer 6

You obviously love your cats to be thinking of this issue ahead of time.
As long as you have more than one cat, I think it will actually be fine. The cats will occupy each other's attention.

But just as a precaution, I'd go to PetCo and buy this spray called `No Mark!'. It's a cat pheromone spray, and it as a GREAT calming effect on my cats (especially one that's a head case). Also buy them a few different types of toys to play with (a large brown paper sack can also be loads of fun for cat. just make sure to cut the handles if the bag has them).

If your cats have claws and you haven't bought scratching posts, I would do that. De-clawing is not the answer to a problem like that.

Answer 7

Different kitties react differently. Mine never had a problem when both my husband and I worked. But another might feel neglected.

Give them extra attention when you come home. Since you have more than one cat, they'll keep eachother company. And as soon as they know your new routine, they might even start greeting you at the door.

Answer 8

Your cats should be just fine as they have one another for company,, Leave a radio on low as it makes it sound like someone is there and it seems to help.. Just leave out their litter and water & food and they will be ok. They might ignore you for awhile ; but the;ll get over it.If you have a window that they can look out; leavethe shades open as they love to look out at the birds and the world.. Thank-you for being such a caring cats owner ; they are lucky to be so loved and cared for... good- luck always, Shelly in Seattle

Answer 9

More than likely your cats will sleep the entire time you are gone (that's what ours do when we are gone for several hours and they are used to having one person home with them most days). Make sure to give them extra attention and play time when you get home and everything should be fine.

Answer 10

My guess is that they won't have any problems, as many cats (including mine) sleep throughout most of the day. Just make sure you give them plenty of attention when you get home. Cats are fairly independent creatures and I'm sure yours will be fine on their own. Hope this helps!