Leaving my cat home alone for a week

B
Bonam Icon representing the flag French
Report

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking of going away this summer and leaving my cat alone for a week in my flat (about 80 square metres). She has access to a cat-proofed balcony and I was wondering if this would be alright, or if it would stress her out too much.

I'd leave her with plenty of food and water, two litter trays and her toys. She's just over a year old; she loves playing with me, but she isn't really a cuddly cat and only lets me stroke her for a few minutes a day. I'm only home between 5pm and 9am during the week because of work, and even when I'm there, she's quite independent. When I have guests over, even if she's seen them several times, she'll stay in the room but won't let anyone pet her.

Given her personality, do you think an absence of one week would be okay?

I'm also wondering if having a friend or relative pop in a few times while I'm away might actually upset her even more.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Translated from French
icon info

The forum content is sometimes translated from another language, and posts may concern countries with different animal laws. Do your research before making any decisions.

Since the forum is translated by AI, the translations may contain errors.

Write your message and upload a photo if you want to! Please remain courteous in your exchanges.

Your post will be visible to all members of the international Wamiz forum.

4 answers
Sort by:
    • Blue_Cat
    Blue_cat Icon representing the flag French
    Report
    Hi there, Leaving a cat alone without any visits for a week is out of the question! They are living beings. It’s absolutely essential that someone pops in every day to refresh the water (at several different spots) and the food, and to clean out the litter trays. Even if she doesn’t come over to the visitor straight away during the first day or two, it’s important that they talk to her, stay for a good while and try to engage her in play. It’s very likely that after a day or two, she’ll start approaching the daily visitor for some attention and affection of her own accord. I remember someone who left their young cat alone for a week (it was appalling...). When they got back, the cat was in a state of psychological shock. He never got his confidence back and was never quite the same again. I’ll say it again, cats are sentient beings and are very emotionally fragile.
    Translated from French
    Daki
    Daki Icon representing the flag French
    Report

    Hi there,

    That really is way too long. Someone needs to pop in at least every other day; even if the cat isn't very social, you never know what might happen.

    I agree with the other members here—I wouldn't leave the balcony accessible.

    Translated from French
    M
    Mike64 Icon representing the flag French
    Report
    I'm with @centpedigree on this one... eight days alone is a very long time for a cat. Your best bet would be to see if someone you know could pop in every day. My daughter also has a rather timid cat who lives in a flat. When she's away, I go over once a day; Djazzy doesn't come down to see me, but she keeps an eye on me from the mezzanine. I clean the litter tray, give her fresh water, top up her dry food, and most importantly, give her a little bit of wet food. I can tell you she really appreciates it and isn't stressed at all. And you’re right, the balcony should definitely be off-limits... you never know what might happen.
    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
    Report

    Honestly, a week cooped up is a long time...

    It’s true that the flat is spacious, but the loneliness and the feeling of abandonment could drive him a bit "mad"!

    Especially since if you leave a huge amount of food, even in a dispenser, he might wolf the lot down in three days and have nothing left afterwards.

    So the ideal solution, as you mentioned, is to get a friend or a neighbour to help out. Obviously, a daily or even twice-daily visit is best, but at the very least, a visit halfway through would be needed just to check the cat is doing okay and to refill his bowls—especially the water, which is vital in this summer heat.

    Don't forget you'll only be able to leave him dry food... and as for the balcony, unless it’s fully secured from floor to ceiling, I’m not sure it’s a good idea, as a cat in distress (if that happens) will try anything.

    Translated from French

  • 4 comments out of 4

    • Do you have a question? An experience to share? Create a post on our forum!
    These topics could be of interest to you!
    Find out more