Bringing a new kitten into your home is an exciting experience, but it also comes with responsibilities, including ensuring their safety and comfort when you need to leave them alone. Properly preparing your home is crucial for your kitten's well-being, whether heading to work or running errands. Our vets in Woburn discuss how to get ready to leave a kitten home alone for the first time.
Leaving Your Adult Cat or Kitten at Home Alone for the First Time
While allowing your kitten or cat to have some independence as they grow is important, you want to know they will be comfortable and safe in your absence. Below, our Woburn vets share some tips for leaving a kitten (or adult cat) at home alone for the first time.
Ease Into Alone Time
When introducing your kitten to being alone, start by leaving them alone for short periods, like ten or fifteen minutes. Gradually increase the time they spend alone to help them get used to the idea without feeling overwhelmed. This gradual approach will help your kitten adjust to being alone and prevent separation anxiety when you're away for extended periods.
Help Them Burn Some Energy
If your kitten is tired before you leave, there's a good chance they may sleep through the entire time you're gone. Even if they don't sleep the entire time, they may be too tired to get into real trouble. You can try using a laser pointer to have them chase the dot or play one of their favorite games for ten to twenty minutes before you leave.
Provide Your Kitten with a Safe Environment
Before leaving a kitten alone for the first time, it's important to kitten-proof your home. Kittens are curious and can get into trouble easily. Follow these steps to ensure your home is safe:
- Secure loose wires, cords, and small objects that could be swallowed. Store away any toxic plants, chemicals, or medications.
- Use baby gates or closed doors to keep your kitten out of areas like the kitchen or bathroom where they might get hurt.
- Remove or secure fragile decorations and valuable items that a playful kitten could knock over.
Ensure They Have Easy Access to Food & Water
When you leave your cat home alone for the first time, it’s important to ensure they have access to fresh water and enough food. Place multiple water bowls around your home to ensure your kitten stays hydrated.
Consider using a water fountain designed for pets to keep the water fresh and appealing.
Leave enough food for your kitten, depending on how long you'll be away. If you'll be gone for an extended period, you can use a timed feeder to regulate meal times.
Keep Your Kitten Entertained
Kittens need stimulation and playtime to stay happy and healthy. When leaving a kitten alone for the first time, ensure they have plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied.
Provide a variety of toys, including interactive toys, balls, and catnip-filled items. Set up scratching posts and climbing trees to give your kitten a place to play and exercise. Create cozy hiding spots or cat beds where your kitten can rest and feel secure.
Have Someone Check in on Your Feline friend
If you are worried about leaving your feline friend alone, ask a friend or family member to check in on them. Knowing your companion is happy and safe will give you peace of mind.
Consider a Pet Boarding Facility
Pet boarding may be ideal if you must be away all day, overnight, or even for five or six hours. Be sure to check out a few pet boarding options and reap the benefits of knowing your kitten is in safe and experienced hands.
Cat Boarding in Woburn
At Woburn Animal Hospital, we aren't just veterinary professionals–pet parents, too!
Leaving your kitten or cat, regardless of age, can be tough, but it's something you may have to do at some point. That's why it's important to train your cat to be independent and confident when left alone. For longer periods of time when you'll be away, we provide boarding services for your feline friend.
They will be cared for by veterinary professionals, giving you peace of mind knowing that we have extensive experience caring for pets of all sizes (we also offer dog boarding). If any concerns arise, our vets are available to address them, and we will ensure that you receive timely updates as needed.
During your cat or kitten's stay at our boarding facility, we will treat them just as we would our own. After all, your pets are like family to us.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.