Cats might seem like the ultimate independent companions, but how long can they really be left home alone without risking their well-being? Far from the aloof creatures we often imagine, recent scientific research reveals that cats experience loneliness and stress that can lead to significant behavioral problems. Understanding these findings is essential for anyone who wants to keep their feline friend happy and healthy.
The hidden impact of loneliness on cats
Many cat owners assume their pets are perfectly fine spending hours or even days by themselves. After all, cats have a reputation for being self-sufficient, even a bit stubborn. But the truth is more complex. A study published in the respected PLOS ONE journal gives rigorous scientific insight into how prolonged isolation affects cats, especially those who live indoors.
This research found that more than 10% of cats regularly left alone for long periods struggle with separation anxiety and loneliness, exhibiting troubling behaviors such as inappropriate urination, destructive tendencies, lethargy, or constant vocalization. These behaviors become more common when cats spend more than six hours a day, five to seven days a week, alone at home. This suggests a serious impact on their mental well-being and quality of life.
How long can cats be left alone?
The answer to how long a cat should be left alone depends on several factors including age, health, and their living environment. Generally, healthy adult cats should not be left unattended for more than 24 hours, and 48 hours is considered the absolute limit. However, more vulnerable cats—such as kittens, elderly, or ill cats—require almost constant supervision and companionship.
Ensuring a cat’s physical needs are met is critical: fresh water, food, and a clean litter box must be available at all times. But equally important is providing stimulation and mental enrichment to keep them busy, such as interactive toys or safe places to climb and explore. Offering a cat companion can also be invaluable, reducing loneliness and stress considerably.
Cats are more social than we think
The stereotype of the solitary cat is increasingly challenged by modern science. Researchers point out that cats are socially dependent creatures capable of forming deep bonds with both humans and other cats. Experts warn that “cats’ emotional health greatly depends on regular interaction,” as Dr. Lisa Nguyen noted in a 2024 study on feline behavior and welfare.
This scientific perspective explains why destructive behavior, extreme vocalization, and other signs of anxiety surface when cats lack contact for multiple hours daily. Such behaviors are not just annoying; they demonstrate that the cat is suffering emotionally and mentally.
To better understand this, check out this informative video by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) on recognizing separation anxiety in cats:
Practical tips for preventing loneliness in cats
If you’re worried about leaving your cat home alone, there are effective strategies to mitigate stress:
– Provide environmental enrichment: toys that simulate hunting, puzzle feeders, and vertical spaces.
– Maintain a consistent routine to reassure your cat.
– Consider hiring a pet sitter or asking a trusted friend to check in during longer absences.
– If possible, bring in a second cat for companionship but proceed carefully to ensure compatibility.
– Use calming pheromone diffusers or consult your vet about anxiety-relief options.
Taking these steps shows responsible care and helps your cat thrive emotionally. Remember, a content cat is likely to be healthier and form deeper bonds with their owner.
The research conducted and shared here was reviewed by Dr. Emily Harcourt, a veterinary behaviorist with over 15 years of experience in feline welfare, emphasizing that “allowing too much alone time can have profound and lasting effects on a cat’s behavior and health.”
By paying attention to your cat’s social needs and emotional state, you’re not only preventing troublesome behaviors—you’re nurturing a happier, more affectionate pet.
If you’ve ever left your cat home alone for hours or days, or noticed signs of separation distress, share your story below. How do you help your feline friends cope? Join the conversation and help others understand the real emotional lives of cats!
My cats are very vocal
I left Gypsy home alone with a pet sitter who came in once a day for an hour. Friday afternoon thru Sunday afternoon.
On my return she hid out in the guest room for hours. When she came out she was very vocal. I sat down in our chair but she would not get near me. Later that evening she did with lots of purs and allowed me to pet and express my apologies. We are now back to normal.
We left our cat home alone for 3 week. Litter in the bathtub. 3 bags of food split the bags open. 4 basins of water. She meowed like a demon when we got home. She was so mad for about 3 days. Wouldn’t let us touch her but stayed in the same room then she was all over us! Purring and happy.
That’s unbelievable someone would leave a cat alone for three weeks. You should not be allowed to own an animal. Someone should have turned you in. Shame on you
Wow. You suck.
OMW!! 3 weeks?? THATS HORRIBLE! YOU DONT DESERVE A CAT! Or any animal.
Cruel to leave a cat alone for 3 weeks. You should not have any pets.
That is an absolutely diabolical thing to do. Whoever let you get a pet was mistaken.
I have a cat who is a ginger tabby. The mother was Farrell and she had her babies on my porch. She never left their side really and when she did, I babysat now they are six months old. She’s had another set. I can’t catch her to get her fixed so they’re already total of 10 cats on my porch so I don’t understand why this one cat does that the meowing very vocal and whenever I leave trails right behind me and then the other one’s follow I thought about maybe that’s why they’re acting like that but I have been around them since birth. Some of them let me touch them some don’t but this one in particular won’t let me touch him too much, but he hollers and follows me everywhere. I don’t know what to do. I won’t be able to adopt him if I don’t understand what’s going on Help, the cat lady.
You need to contact your local ASPCA and let them know about your delimma. If the momma cat doesn’t get fixed thus is going to continue and you will have more kittens. They will help you catch her and take some of the kittens to different rescues for socialization. This happened with my nieces cat. Please hurry and get help before she has more.
Google Cat rescue near me. Type in ur zip code if u don’t have locations set on ur phone or computer. Places other than your local shelter should pop up. Start calling until u find one that is willing to either come out, or let you borrow a humane trap for both the Mama & all her kittens to get them ALL neutered & spayed! There is help out there! U can also look for local cat rescues on Facebook. Not getting all those darling babies fixed will simply be causing them to suffer. Imagine if u had to live outdoors & find food out there. Cats are not wild animals. They depend on us. God bless & I know u can do this!!! 🙂
3 cats, if possibke in your situation, is the perfect number.
Before I retired I had an hour commute to work one way so my 2 kitties were alone at home 10-11 hours a day. Peaches my calico alpha cat always met me at the door extending her white paws outside the door as soon as I unlocked it to hasten the process. She then escorted me to the kitchen and would sit on my lap ten minutes to seal the deal. Now that I’ve retired i think she really misses her grand welcome ritual. I certainly do. Signed, Carol, cat mom of Peaches and Paprika, facebook’s favorite calico stars.
Initially, my daughter’s 6 yr old female cat had 2 other cats that she seemed to only tolerate for 6 years. Last year both older cats died, leaving the younger Maine Coon cat, Hestia, by herself. She seemed to miss the other 2 although she never really interacted in a positive way with them. She would rush my daughter, with surprisingly enthusiastic head butting and licking, then park herself on the recliner behind daughter’s head to rest. After 6 months with only Hestia at home alone by herself, my school teacher daughter got 2 weanling male brothers. Hestia began hiding more, hissing at the brothers and that has continued for the several months they’ve been there. (Everyone is neutered). Now she’s licking the hair off both front legs. My daughter is gone for 12 hours a day… It appears that Hestia is only content if my daughter is at home full time like she is in summer. Hestia only tolerates my presence (will stay in view) and she appears not to enjoy my petting her (cringing with big black eyes and licking her lips when I stop..She doesn’t usually growl or be aggressive or defensive, but it’s clear she doesn’t appreciate me..or the kittens. It’s heartbreaking.
Unfortunately, there are a few cats that prefer to be only children. My girl, for example, absolutely hates other cats. She will tolerate a dog but hisses at other cats. Yes, my girl was adopted as a young adult (we’ve been together 10+ years now) & I’ve tried bringing other cats near her but she hates them. Yes, I’m gone most of the day like a normal person, but she’s happy just to curl up near me & later sleep next to me every night. When I had a roommate for a while that had a cat my girl licked all her fur off her paws, chest, & belly. My girl prefers, & is purrfectly happy, being an only child. Sounds like Hestia does, too. Maybe you could adopt the two new boys & let Hestia stay with your daughter, happy in her solo bliss? I get it. I’ve actually never had a cat before that likes being without a mate or two!!! But I have one now…& it sounds like you do, too God bless & best wishes furr Hestia.
I always have a pet/houses sitter if going away a long time. Have 2 cats but they are not buddy’s. I always call and talk to her on the phone and Star rubs her head on the phone. She grieved for my rabbit and my Essie. Both.she slept with didn’t die the same time but each time she grieved
There is a blanket misconception about cats being aloof and unloving. Some people even go as far as to produce snarky greeting cards reflecting such. Cats are different than canines in that they do like their own time. However, most are extremely loving. We have been cat parents for 35 years. We have laid to rest 3 and have 3 currently. They have traveled the world with us. Our cats bring toys and leave them at the door while we are gone. They bring toys to us to play. They sleep with us, crave affection. When we had to go out of town we had a pet sitter who came in am and pm. We have left cats for 24 to 48 hours alone but no longer than that. They have routines that are meshed with their people.
I program the tv to come on and turn off for 2-3 sessions per day while traveling for a couple of days. A friend checks in on her, feeds her, and cleans her box daily during this time. This helps, but I do not think that this is ideal for her, but better than no stimulation and companionship at all and better than boarding her -which was always stressful for her.
I plan to travel with her during the holidays.
WE will be gone Thursday, Through Tuesday with a devoted cat sitter visiting to feed him twice a day and keep him from going to crazy Is this to long a period of time??
All cats respond differently. My personal experience is, it’s best to leave them in their normal settings. I boarded a cat once and we almost lost him. Vet said the stress from a new setting and without any owner contact resulted in tremendous emotional and anxiety distress. Upon returning he refused to eat and had to be intravenously fed. With extra hugs and stimulation he was back to normal and lived an additional 10 years. We did leave for a few days years later but, always left at home,was fine. Also, whenever we could he was taken along on trips.
This article was incredibly informative – and a bit distressing, as well! I have a 5 yr old Persian male who has been my constant companion since he was 7mo. I’ve never left him alone more than one night and only the one time. However, he carries on (loudly) when I return after being gone for a couple of hours. And following me from room to room constantly chastising for at least an hour.
We are taking a trip in 2026 for our Anniversary. We will be gone for days. Our baby kitty Pookie who is our love is partial blind but is still a sassy but loveable baby kitty. He loves his mama and Daddy! I feel so incredibly sad to leave him it hurts my heart everyday when I think about even if its not till next year. I want to cancel but I also know me and my husband need this vacation! What suggestions do you have? We may have someone to stsy with him but they will be at work 8 hours a day which Pookie is use to having us home most of the time because we are retired. Do you think Pookie will be ok being left alone for 8 hours a day for 7 days and not get health issues or depressed? Thank you
Hi!
I understand all too well that you do not look forward to leaving your sweet companion alone. It is always sad for them to be without their family.
I think that it is going to be even more stressful for your cat because he is blind.
I hope that you can find a kind and reliable pet sitter or a nice neighbor who could come to your house at least once a day while you and your husband are on vacation.
I wish you and your lovable companion the very best!
😀
Lina
Someone needs to come by and visit with your fur baby most definitely. Hearing a voice is important plus feeding etc.
My cats when we are out for trips that takes few days or even weeks, I have to hire a person who loves cats and take good care of them once per day, clean the litter boxes, change their water, give them dry food and soft food. I make sure that person goes home every day and be gentle with them. I like to turn on the tv’s and if turn it off, make sure the pet sitter turn it on and play channels with music or YouTube. I turn on the conditioning at home for my fur babies ( cats) to make them happy and able to see outside by the windows. I love to see pictures or videos and I talk to them in videos. That’s my good advice as cat lover.
I travel at least twice a year for three weeks. I have 3 dogs and 2 older cats. We have a sitter who comes and stays and the dogs love her. Trouble is, my cats are not comfortable with anyone but me. They were born feral 12 years ago and inside their whole lives and still hide from anyone but me. There is always inappropriate urination when I’m gone. When I come home my boy kitty follows me talking until I sit and he is all over me at that point. I always assumed they were fine when I was gone, just annoyed about cat box, canned food not being just right, stranger danger…. Now I am thinking of more one on one time for them when I’m gone. I don’t know if they will appreciate it though.
I am from Beacon NY and I have a cat. Precious came from a pregnant rescued stray cat. She is approximately 4-5 months old. I don’t leave her alone too long. I just go to my Dr appointments and back home. I shop online because of the crowds in the mall and strip. So, I spend a lot of time with her. Before we go to bed, we play.
Love her cute little face, she calico kitten. Miriam
My cat was abused and tied outside by his neck to a tree. Eventually he lost so much weight (15lbs) that he was able to claw his way out of the collar. He ran right into my kitchen when he heard me open the back door to leave out treats for the local wildlife. He was covered with blood and pus. I spent hours debriding his wounds. I am disabled and I’m home all the time. Sometimes I have to go to the hospital for a few days. My family, my neighbors and my aides make sure he’s cared for, but he has such bad separation anxiety that he self-harms. He scratches open his chin.
I have a minor surgery this week and will be in the hospital overnight. I’m really worried that I’ll be coming home to a bloody chin. I’ve tried everything. Aside from the scratching, he is the best boy in the world. Everybody loves him, and despite his history, he loves everybody.
Can u have someone video chat with him so he can see u.
We left our cats for five days. My mom and middle daughter would come everyday to feed them and love on them. They seemed to handle it fine.
Many years ago I was in Hawaii on vacation and took a tour on a plane that crashed in the Kohala mountains. After being hospitalized for 2 months I finally returned home to my apartment where thankfully my landlord took care of my cat. When I returned home in a body cast and restricted to a hospital bed, my cat jumped on the bed an looked at me as asking where have you been? Her eyes were wet with tears, happy to see me and slept with me for days, not leaving my side. They have a heart and soul, God bless them.
Let your cats be free
Hello all. I have had my cat for almost a week now. She is 2-3 yrs old, and a Torti with a “tude”.
When I know I have to leave, I let her know by telling her several times that mama has to leave and will be back in awhile. I ensure she has fresh food and water, and some type of treat. The TV is left on for her as well, and if there is tome, I play with her for a bit. When I get home, I immediately pet her and ask her if she missed me, and let her know I missed her. She seems to be getting used to me leaving now, although I have not been gone more than 7 hours at a time.
My cat tried to answer the phone. I came home after a week away only to see that hehad chewed the phone cord off.
Please Know And ready for A Lifelong commitment wth any Pet But especially Wth Cats To many people Get These pets and Assume they are ok Alone For Long days Its not Fair I witnessed The Behaviors and Sickness that comes from Cats being Ignored by Humans working 12hour days Not coming Home Or Even Interacting If U dont Have Time please Dont Be selfish its Not Fair Even if they Have another Cat They Get stressed and Detachment disorders so Sad To See
I was sick an at boyfriends for 2 days an came 2x a day morning an night an my cats literally pooped on my bed an all on carpet an their playbtunnel.Let me remind you they have a 10×5 wooded cage fenced in for then to play an gobout window to it.They broke my mirror knocked everything off shelf into floor the 7 off them where not happy I was gone not at all.
I was sent to the hospital by my doctor for treatment of pneumonia. He wanted to call an ambulance to pick me up directly from his office. I said no, I would drive myself. I had to go home and make sure I provided for my cats. I ended up leaving after 5 days, against doctor’s recommendation. The cats were alone and I was worried about how much food and water they might have left with no one to check on them. They were fine. The doctor actually stated in his discharge report that I had left prematurely “out of concern for cats in the house”. I think he had me pegged as a crazy cat lady. Nope, I’m a veterinarian!
What a load. All written on one person’s opinion. Given this “research” the average person can no longer afford a cat! Especially if they work a job! But how else will we pay for cat sitters and hormone dispensers?
We had a tabby cat that developed psychogenic alopecia when we were away despite arranged care. She had severe anxiety and compulsively licked her forelegs. We now have 2 cats and hire a live in pet sitter for our away trips. They are very vocal when we return but not traumatized.
I have 4 cats. Two males and two females. One of my females is the dominate while even the males refuse to challenge her. When we have had our vacations, we usually have someone come in daily to check on them and make sure their food and water is good. We have two litter boxes and clean them every other day, as the cats only eat one meal a day. They are all happy, healthy, and very well taken care of. Each one is also different from the others. My dominant female, Star Alani, is always on guard watching the others. She doesn’t let anyone of them pick on the others. My oldest male, Storm Atlas, is an ambush cat. He waits until no one is looking and causes mischief. My other female, Ravyn Grayce, is very independent. She refuses to let anyone touch her or cuddle next to her, including me and my family. My youngest cat, Elvis, is a rambunctious 6 month old baby. He wants attention 24/7; and walks around chirping and meowing all day, unless I’m sitting on the couch. Only then is he sleeping peacefully next to me.