I have a full-time job and want to get a kitten. Is it ok to leave it alone for up to 9 hours 5 times a week?
2007-09-26 21:45:06 · 23 answers · asked by nurseyed 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Yes, there isn't any problem with leaving a cat alone for a short period of time. Cats are the most independent creatures ever and can take care of themselves with no problem. Just leave your cat with fresh drinking water and some toys. He will probably sleep most of the time you are away. And he will be so happy to see you when you get home!
2007-09-26 21:50:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
absolutely.. Cats are independent, and do fine left alone..
with a KITTEN thouh.. you will have to do some "babyproofing" to make sure that whatever mischeif kitten gets into, it won't be dangerous for the kitten!!
My cats are adults, but the worse mischief they get into while I'm gone is knocking a few things over (Occassionally) and overturning trash cans IF they smell something they REALLY want in them... (Like the empty can of cat food that I've thrown away)
So.. you don't have to feel guilty about leaving kitty home, just do some babyproofing, make sure it has plenty of toys to keep itself entertained.
But... even better.. TWO cats will keep each other company!! Can't afford double the expenses that come with getting a new kitten (neutering, shots,, etc).. well.. get one now and the other after you've passed all those initial expenses!!
Your cat will not be emotionally upset by being left alone. Cats are not dogs, after all. But it will definitely be happy when you come home, and enjoy the attention you give it in the evenings!!
Happy hunting..
Few things are more fun than a kitten!
2007-09-27 02:42:07 · answer #2 · answered by Shelly P. Tofu, E.M.T. 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can leave a kitten alone but until you know how he/she will react try to leave it in limited space. By this I do not mean containing it to a box, rather a room or two where there is nothing dangerous to your kitten.
If you have the ability, two siblings are not a bad idea as they can keep each other company. Make sure that you have adequate water, climbing, scratching and playing items to keep your kitten(s) occupied.
Remember that kittens are active and don't know the difference between their toys and your toys when brought home so try to have a place where they can not hurt themselves or get into trouble. Also make sure that they always have a clean litter box. If at possible, have someone check in on them the first several weeks and make sure that there are no toxic plants around.
2007-09-26 21:56:22 · answer #3 · answered by animal lover 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Make sure it has food, water, a litter box, and toys to amuse itself with. Also put up things it might eat or knock off shelves that will harm it. Then it will be fine. Kittens sleep a lot anyway, so it will be fine. I leave my 3 cats alone for about 9 hrs a day, 5-6 days a week, and for a couple of hours on my days off. They're thrilled to see me when I get home, so they must be okay alone. Or you could get 2 kittens so they will entertain each other when they're awake.
2007-09-26 21:58:31 · answer #4 · answered by kathi1vee 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
i think if you are going to get a small kitten you need to be at home with it for a couple of weeks before you start leaving it alone for that amount of time. whenever i've gotten a new kitten i've always taken 2 weeks off work to settle it in and get used to its surroundings. kittens are quite needy, especially if they have just been taken away from their mums. getting 2 kittens may help - they will then have each other for company.
even if you were getting an older cat i would advise spending at least a few days home with it.
2007-09-27 03:14:03 · answer #5 · answered by WitchyPants 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i'd probably arrange it so that I could spend the 1st few days with a new kitten just til he/she has got accustomed to the surroundings. Then for the next week or so i would confine him/her to just 1 or 2 rooms when I 1st go back to work with water, bix, toys, litter tray and also lots of little steps up and down for easy access to stuff (making sure anything that could break is put away tho!)so that kitten can explore/play without coming to harm. And make lots of fuss when I get home so he/she knows i'm happy to see him.
maybe get 2 so its not so daunting, being left alone all day is alot for such a young'un to deal with and 2 is much more fun anyway!!!
good luck!
2007-09-26 23:19:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
This is why cats are better pets for working people than dogs!
As long as the kitten is weaned and has access to food, water, litter tray and cosy sleeping spaces then it is fine. I did take a week off work before I got mine to make sure she was settled before I left her for long periods.
If you are worried about her being lonely, get 2 from the same litter (so they will not be scared of each other).
2007-09-27 01:19:34 · answer #7 · answered by AJS 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes it will be fine just leave plenty of dry food has they tend not to eat it so quick plus wet food goes funny after a bit also plenty of water get domes toys aswell like be of those scratch posts trees that have all different things on them or some toy balls that kind of thing so it can keep itself entertained. Hope this helps o an if you get a Ginger one call it snarf off thundercats
2016-03-19 01:12:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would have 2 if ther on there own that long as they will play with each other,as one cat will be bored all day.buy a scratch post and lots of toys for them,for a kitten its a long time without food 9 hours.would someone pop in and feed at lunch time for you till they get a bit bigger
2007-09-27 07:14:52 · answer #9 · answered by sky 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely.
As long as she has some breakfast , a bowl of water and access to her litter tray, she will love having the place to herself. Cats sleep for about 18 hours per day anyway...lol, she'll be snoring and rolling about on your bed whilst you are out....
Cover up any furniture though, she might scratch it when you are not looking!
2007-09-26 23:05:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋