It is common for cats to be in situations where they are going to be independent.
This does happen and cats are resourceful animals. However, this does not mean it is always ideal to leave them in a spot where they have to fend for themselves.
This includes leaving a cat alone for multiple days.
Is it safe leaving a cat alone for 4 days?
No, it is not safe leaving a cat alone for 4 days. The rule of thumb is to only leave a cat alone for a maximum of 72 hours. If you are leaving a cat alone, always use an automated cat feeder and leave out fresh food.
There are numerous reasons to not leave a cat home alone. It is not going to be ideal for the cat’s wellbeing physically and mentally.
This article will showcase the reasons to not leave a cat alone for a long time and how to prepare to leave a cat alone if you have no other options.
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Is Leaving A Cat Alone For 4 Days Safe?
No, it is not safe to leave a cat alone for 4 days. A cat might stop eating, can feel scared, and will also deal with separation anxiety. It is recommended to not leave a cat alone for more than 72 hours and that is only the case if an automated cat feeder is used with fresh food.
For the most part, you should be getting someone to care for the cat when you are going out for more than 3 days.
This will ensure the cat stays in good health and you will also have peace of mind as a pet owner.
Reasons Leaving Cat Alone For 4 Days Is Unsafe
1. Cat Won’t Eat Well
It all starts with the cat’s diet.
If you leave a cat alone for 4 days or more, you are going to risk it not eating well. This happens because the cat food might run out or you are not going to be giving the cat the necessary food it needs to stay healthy.
A cat might also get stressed out, which means it is going to stop eating.
There are variables that come into play with a pet cat that you will need to account for.
2. Might Feel Abandoned
Leaving a cat alone for a few days is also going to create a situation where it deals with separation anxiety.
The cat won’t know why you left and it is not going to be used to this change in schedule. As a result, you are going to be putting it in a dire situation where it might feel like it is on its own now.
This is not good for the cat, especially if it is used to you being there all the time.
3. Can Lead To Increased Stress
Cats that are left alone for long periods will get stressed.
They are used to a certain environment where you are going to be there or at least someone is going to be caring for them.
If this changes suddenly, it is not good for the cat and it is going to get perplexed as to what is going on.
Leaving cats alone for multiple days is a risk you should not be taking. You are better of calling someone to check up on the cat during the day.
4. Can Be Unsafe Safety-Wise
It is also important to note that cats are going to be moving around throughout the house on their own.
This is okay when you are going for a few hours.
However, it becomes a safety risk when you are not going to be home for four or more days. At that point, if something happens to the cat, you are going to be unaware and that’s not good for the cat’s health.
You will want to look to have someone check up on the cat to make sure this does not happen when you are not home.
It can be hard to keep the cat out of unsafe spots.
How To Keep Cat Alone For A Few Days
1. Keep The Food Out
You will always want to keep the food out.
Now, how you do this is going to depend on what works for your setup. If you have a cat feeder than you are going to make sure there is food in the feeder.
This will also have to be tested to make sure the feeder is functional before you leave.
The food inside the feeder should be fresh and put in the day you leave. As a result, you are going to know the cat is eating fresh food when you are gone.
2. Use An Automated Cat Feeder
You will want to invest in an automated cat feeder.
The reason for using a cat feeder is to make sure you are keeping the cat healthy as time goes on when it’s alone.
Cats are resourceful and will get used to the automated cat feeder but you do need to make sure it’s functional.
This is how you are going to ensure the cat can stay on its own.
Final Thoughts
Is leaving the cat alone for 4 days safe?
It is not safe leaving a cat alone for 4 days. This can cause separation anxiety, stress, and cause the cat to stop eating. it is also a safety risk as the cat might get hurt on its own. The best solution is to have someone check up on the cat during the four days you are not there.
Cats can begin rubbing against things when they are alone and that is a sign of stress. When you love your cat, you will want to protect them.