Leaving Your Cat Home Alone

Does your feline friend often stay home by herself while you go to work? Kitties are quite independent little furballs. Fluffy will normally do just fine by herself for short periods of time, as long as she has food, water, and a clean litterbox. However, there are some things you can do to make sure that your pet stays safe, comfy, and happy while you are out. Read on as an Ellicott City, MD vet offers some tips on leaving your cat home alone.

Kittyproof

Make your home safe for Fluffy by removing or securing dangerous items, such as toxic plants; wires, cords, and strings; medicine; plastic bags and wrappers; household chemical, and anything small enough to potentially be a choking hazard. Ask your vet for more kittyproofing recommendations.

Entertainment

Don’t let your cat get bored! Make sure Fluffy has lots of fun toys to smack around. Kitties love birdwatching, so give your furry little voyeur at least one comfy window seat with a good view, so she can watch birds and squirrels and daydream about being a fierce hunter. We also recommend getting your feline friend a good scratching post, so she can do her nails while you’re gone.

Beds, Beds, And More Beds

It probably won’t come as a shock to find that your sleepy pet will probably spend a good chunk of her time snoozing. Offer your feline buddy lots of comfy napping spots. You can buy kitty beds, but you can also fold some soft blankets up and put them in boxes or wicker baskets.

Kitty Comforts

Sometimes little things can make a big difference. Leave a TV or radio on for Fluffy: the sounds will help keep her from feeling lonely. Or, if you really want to pamper your kitty, play her some DVDs made just for cats. If you won’t be home before dark, leave a light on for your furball, so she isn’t left sitting alone in a dark house. Climate control is also important: keep your home at a comfortable temperature while you are out.

Kittysitters

If you’re going to be gone for more than a day or two, consider boarding your cat, or have someone stop by to check on her. Please contact us, your Ellicott City, MD animal clinic, with any questions or concerns about your cat’s health or care. We are here to help!