Cats have a reputation for being low maintenance and very easy to take care of. But there is a lot to consider when leaving them alone at home either for a long trip or for long hours of work schedules. Considering factors you can’t control and factors you can control, take steps to ensure your cat is safe alone.
Daily Needs
Like every living thing, your cat have essential needs that must be met daily, it’s critical to consider if and how you meet these daily needs while you’re away.
• Food: If you feed dry food, your cat should get a fresh supply every day. Both wet and canned food has a fewer preservatives than dry food, therefore shouldn’t be left out for more than a few hours.
• A clean litter box: A clean litter box is essential, cleaning at least once a day is the best way to avoid unwanted messes.
• Water: cats can become very dangerously dehydrated very quickly if water isn’t available. Ensure there is fresh water available whether your cat drinks from a pet fountain or from a bowl.
Things you can’t control when leaving your cat alone at home
Let say you are able to comfortably control the essential factors during your absence, there are many things that are completely out of our control. Here are few of those things to put in mind:
• Medications: If there is an existing medical condition, make sure to discuss with your vet and have a plan in place for your cat to receive all her medication.
• Injuries: Our low –to-the-ground friends can injure their self while they play, by landing on their feet, they can slip or twist the wrong way and unsecured furniture is always at risk of falling over. Bear in mind that injuries happens indoors.
• Mischief: A bored cat can get up to all kind of things. A quick move to get have fun can trap your cat without food, water, or the litter box. Not to mention the potential damage that will happen to your home if your cat creates its own fun. Even worse, when they get into toxic substance like cleaning chemicals and human medications, which may lead to medical emergency.
• Emergency: medical emergencies comes up quickly in cats and are very fatal if not treated immediately. Signs like difficult breathing, excessive vomiting, inability to urinate, and collapse are very serious and won’t be caught or handled as quickly as possible if your pet is home alone.
Pet owner can leave their pets at home alone for a modest period of time but carefully plan and prepare for long trips or vacation. Most pets professionals recommend you get a pet sitter to watch over your pet while you are away. It is also best to talk with your vet for possible and durable arrangement.
