Back to School 2024: Top Cat Essentials for When You Are Away
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Back to school 2024 is upon us, and for many cat parents, this means spending more time away from home. But do not worry; there are ways to make your cat engage in exciting and stimulating activities even when you are not present.
Cats are known for their independence, but that doesn’t mean they don’t miss us when we’re gone. This year, why not do some back-to-school shopping for your cat and check out some indoor cat essentials that will keep them fed and hydrated and appeal to their innate curiosity?
Whether you have a playful Siamese, a cuddly Maine Coon, or any other breed, there’s something on this list that will suit your cat’s personality. So, let’s get started on making this school year a purr-fect one for your beloved pet!
Can I Leave My Cat Alone While I Go to School?
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While cats are generally independent creatures, leaving them alone for extended periods can lead to boredom, stress, and even behavioral problems. Here are some factors to think about:
Understanding Your Cat’s Needs
Most cats typically do well when left alone, but they still require attention and care. Before leaving your cat alone, consider their age, health, and breed. Kittens and senior cats may need more frequent check-ins compared to healthy adult cats.
Create a Safe Environment
Ensure your home is cat-proofed. Start by removing any hazardous items, securing loose wires, and making sure windows and balconies are safely closed. Providing a safe space will give you peace of mind while you’re away.
Provide Entertainment
Boredom can lead to destructive behavior. Invest in cool things for cats, such as interactive toys, puzzle feeders, or a cat tree to keep your feline friend engaged. These items trigger their natural hunting instincts and mentally enrich them.
Set Up a Cozy Resting Area
Cats love to nap, so make sure they have a comfortable spot to relax. A cozy cat bed or a sunny windowsill perch can be perfect for those long afternoon snoozes.
Maintain a Routine
Cats thrive on routine. Try to feed them at the same times each day and provide fresh water before you leave. Consistency lowers stress levels and anxiety, too.
Consider a Pet Camera
If you’re worried about leaving your cat alone, a pet camera can be a great investment. It allows you to check in on your cat throughout the day and even interact with them via voice or treat dispensers.
Plan for Longer Absences
If you’ll be gone for an extended period, consider asking a friend or neighbor to check in on your cat or hire a pet sitter. This ensures your cat receives the attention and care they need.
Should I Feel Guilty Leaving My Cat Alone?
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It’s completely normal to feel a sense of guilt or worry about leaving your cat alone, especially if they’re particularly affectionate or dependent. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not a bad pet owner if you need to leave your cat alone occasionally.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Understanding Cat Independence
Cats are more independent than dogs. While they may enjoy companionship, many cats are perfectly capable of entertaining themselves for short periods.
Quality Over Quantity
It’s not about the amount of time you spend with your cat, but the quality of that time. Engaging play sessions, cuddles, and attention when you’re home can make up for the hours apart.
Cats Need Alone Time Too
Just like humans, cats appreciate some alone time. It enables them to play, take a nap, and exhibit their instincts without any form of interference. This can have a positive impact on their overall well-being.
Guilt vs. Practicality
Feeling guilty is natural, but it’s important to balance emotions with practicality. Make a back-to-school supplies list for your cat’s needs — food, water, safety, and stimulation — and as long as they are met, there’s no need for guilt.
Enhancing Their Environment
To alleviate any guilt, ensure your cat’s environment is enriching. A good idea is to offer them toys, scratching posts as well as cozy places to relax and play while you are away.
Get Support
If you’re still feeling guilty, consider talking to a friend or family member about your concerns. Alternatively, consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to get more clarity. You could also join a pet parents’ support group.
The Best Essentials for When Your Cat is Alone at Home
When you know you’re going to be leaving your cat at home alone, it’s natural to wonder, “What do cats need to be happy?” While your company may top the list, we have some indoor cat essentials and other cool things for cats covered in the list below.
We’ve been independently researching and testing products for over 20 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
First things first, the Voluas Automatic Cat Feeder tops our list because food is definitely one of the 10 things your cat needs to be happy when you are away. This programmable feeder ensures your cat gets their meals on time, every time. With its easy-to-use LCD screen and voice recording feature, you can create a personalized feeding schedule and even leave a comforting message for your feline friend. Plus, its large 4L capacity and flexible power options mean you can trust it to keep your cat fed and full, no matter where you are.
Looking for a soft, snuggly spot for your feline friend to relax while you step out? The Bodisient Plush Round Bed is the perfect choice! Made with luxurious faux fur and filled with recycled polyester, this cat bed is both cozy and eco-friendly. Its non-skid bottom keeps it in place, so your cat can enjoy worry-free naps. Plus, it’s available in multiple sizes to fit any cat’s comfort level and is easy to care for— just toss it in the dryer after washing.
Giving your adult cat a new toy is a good way to keep them entertained when you are not around. And the Catstages Orkakat Wiggle Worm Chew Toy can come to your rescue! This bright and bouncy toy is specially created to exploit your feline’s predatory drive to chase. It incidentally also helps improve their oral health. And because it has catnip infused in it, the toy promises to keep your kitty engaged with it for hours.
If you’re worried about your cat feeling stressed or anxious every time you go out of the house for longer durations, consider giving them Charlie & Buddy Pet Hemp Oil. This is a natural and safe product used to resolve issues such as anxiety and pain. It also helps promote good sleep and boosts your cat’s mood. Manufactured with high-quality hemp extract and containing omega 3, 6, 9, and vitamin E, this oil is among the most popular ones among pet parents.
We may sound like millions of Insta influencers when we say, “Hydration is soooo important!” but it’s true and is as true for your cat. The Veken Automatic Cat Water Fountain features a large capacity, high-quality materials, and a dual-flow design to encourage your cat to drink more water. The 5-stage filtration system ensures clean, fresh water, and the ultra-quiet pump won’t disturb your cat’s peace.
If you’re looking for a fun and interactive way to keep your cat entertained while you’re away, you’ll love the Potaroma Flapping Bird Toy. Made to resemble a real bird, this cat toy has a motion sensor, which triggers motion, feathery flapping, and chirping sounds upon being pawed by the cat. This toy is also USB rechargeable and has a catnip pouch included, which will hold your cat’s attention and make them happy.
Give your feline friend the ultimate playground with the Yaheetech Cat Tree Tower! This multi-level structure features cozy condos, scratching posts, and dangling balls to keep your cat entertained for hours. Made with high-quality materials and designed for safety, this cat tree tower is the perfect place for your furry friend to climb, play, and relax — for all you know, they may not even notice that you were gone!
With the Sound Oasis Pet Bluetooth Machine, you can soothe your pet’s anxiety and even improve their sleep. It comes with 20 preset sounds, which have been developed by veterinarians to ensure that your pet is comfortably surrounded by familiar sounds. Plus, you can add new sounds using a micro SD card or download them from the Sound Oasis app. Other notable features include its portable design and long battery life.
Ensure your feline friends are always cared for with the CloceanBrand My Cats are Home Alone Tag. In an unfortunate event when you can’t return home, this bright red tag acts as an emergency contact card that can alert first responders to the fact that your cat is home alone and needs care. Because of its folding design and durable construction, this tag is perfect for every cat parent who would like to have confidence that their pet will be cared for no matter the situation.
If your cat is feeling anxious or stressed due to you going back to school or work, Feliway Classic can help! This calming pheromone diffuser replicates the natural feline pheromones that cats use to mark territory. This, in turn, helps prevent stress-related activities such as scratching, urine spraying, or hiding. Drug-free and non-sedating, Feliway Classic is a safe and effective way to help your cat feel more relaxed and at ease. Simply plug it in and enjoy up to 30 days of continuous calming effects.
This helpful collar from Pzlagia helps your feline friend stay calm and stress-free. It releases natural pheromones that promote relaxation, help lower tension and anxiety levels, and even stop some negative behaviors in cats. This collar is safe to wear and made of high-quality, safe materials that can be used constantly for up to 30 days. Moreover, it can be adjusted to fit almost any cat.
Scratching is a naturally calming behavior for cats, but that does not mean your furniture should bear the brunt of it! Made with high-quality natural sisal, this scratching post from Mecool is both durable and attractive. Its stable base and plush toys will entice your cat to scratch and play, protecting your furniture from damage. Plus, its compact size makes it easy to place anywhere in your home.
Leaving your cat alone in the house sometimes requires you to keep them contained in a specific area of your home. The Zoutex Extra Tall Cat Gate is sturdy and tall enough to keep even the most adventurous cats in place while still allowing them to move around freely. Its pressure-mount installation makes the gate easy to set up, and its stylish and adjustable design works well with any home decor.
Wrap your feline friend in comfort with the Bedsure Calming Cat Blanket! Featuring warm Sherpa on one side and cozy flannel fleece on the other, this blanket keeps your pet snug and dry even when you’re not around. Its waterproof inner lining prevents the seepage of foods and drinks that can cause stains. Plus, it’s machine washable for easy care.
When your kitty gets lonely at home, the Perfect Petzzz Calico Cat Interactive Pet Toy can provide them with a fun and engaging companion. This lifelike stuffed animal “breathes” and moves its tail, offering your cat an adorable playmate. It’s ideal for cats who miss their human companions and need something to occupy them during the day. Due to its hypoallergenic properties, you can be assured that this toy will help calm your cat during their alone time without the risk of allergies.
How We Chose the Best Essentials for Cats Who Are Alone at Home
Choosing the best essentials for your cat while you are away involves careful consideration of their needs. We consulted veterinarians and pet behaviorists to determine the best care for them. Then, we carefully considered each item on this list to ensure that it would keep them safe, mentally stimulated, and comfortable. Plus, we included things that are essentials — yes, but are also easy for you to use, such as automatic feeders and water fountains. We also checked online user reviews to make sure other people favored these items as well.
FAQ
Is it bad to leave my cat alone at home?
No, it’s not necessarily bad to leave your cat alone at home. As long as your cat has all of its necessities — food, water, toys, and a clean litter box — everything should be fine. In case you’re worried about your cat’s well-being, you can always consider hiring a pet sitter or asking a friend or family member to check in on them.
Will my cat be sad when I leave for college?
It’s possible that your cat may feel sad or anxious when you leave for college. But, with proper preparation and care, you can help them adjust to your absence. To ease the transition, provide familiar comfort such as interactive toys, and consider having someone check in regularly.
What is the longest I can leave my cat alone?
Cats can typically be left alone for up to 24-48 hours, provided they have sufficient food, water, and a clean litter box. If you’re going to be away for an extended period, consider hiring a pet sitter or boarding your cat.
Do cats get stressed when left alone?
Yes, some cats can experience stress when left alone. This is especially true for cats who are anxious or have separation anxiety. Providing toys, a cozy environment, and occasional check-ins can help alleviate their anxiety. You can also consider playing calming music for them while you’re away.
Do cats cry when home alone?
Cats don’t cry in the same way humans do. They may, however, display some discomfort in various ways, including meowing excessively, scratching, or even retreating to hidden spots. If you observe such behaviors, it means that your cat is anxious or stressed, which has to be addressed accordingly.
Can I leave my cat alone for 3 days with food and water?
While it’s possible to leave your cat alone for 3 days with food and water, it’s not ideal. Cats need social interaction and stimulation. If you can, arrange for someone to check on your cat and provide them with company during this time.
At what age can I leave my cat alone overnight?
Cats can generally be left alone overnight once they’re around six months old, as long as they have food, water, and a safe environment. Kittens are more vulnerable and require frequent attention.
Do cats need noise when left alone?
Cats don’t necessarily need noise when left alone, but some may find comfort in background sounds like soft music or a TV. These can help reduce feelings of loneliness and mask unsettling outside noises.
What are the 10 things your cat needs to be happy?
To keep your cat happy, provide them with nutritious food, fresh water, a clean litter box, and take them for veterinary check-ups regularly. Provide plenty of toys for mental stimulation and scratching posts to satisfy their natural instincts. Create cozy resting spots and offer vertical spaces like cat trees for climbing. Regular playtime and affection strengthen your bond, while a safe environment, free from hazards, ensures their well-being.
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