Leaving a cat alone?

DeadlyByDesign

Hi guys I might getting a cat soon, and just want the low down before we commit to it. Apart from the usual working day, myself and the missus usually go down the country at the weekend (saturday to sunday), my question is can a cat be left alone in the house that long if we leave food out for it? Any advice would be great

Whispered

What is the point in getting a cat if you work all day and spend your weekends away?

You will have very little time to bond with the cat, in the evenings when you're tired after a days work. I would not recommend regularly leaving your cat alone for the weekend either. They may not seem to be as social as dogs, but they adore and crave company. I think it would be cruel to bring a pet into such a busy life unless you can make allowances for it timewise.

Then again, a lot of people see cats as an "easy pet" and might disagree. - Could you bring the cat with you on your weekends in the country? Train him/her to a harness

DeadlyByDesign

helena.ryan wrote: »

What is the point in getting a cat if you work all day and spend your weekends away?

You will have very little time to bond with the cat, in the evenings when you're tired after a days work. I would not recommend regularly leaving your cat alone for the weekend either. They may not seem to be as social as dogs, but they adore and crave company. I think it would be cruel to bring a pet into such a busy life unless you can make allowances for it timewise.

Then again, a lot of people see cats as an "easy pet" and might disagree. - Could you bring the cat with you on your weekends in the country? Train him/her to a harness

Well I have to go to work so by that stretch anyone that works can't get a pet? I am home by 6 o colck every evening and dont go to bed till at least 12. I never said that cats were easy animals> I was thinking of getting maybe 2 kittens so maybe its not as hard on them.

Ruby Soho

That's fair enough OP, everyone has to work! In that case I would recommend getting a pair, preferably litter-mates. They'll spend a lot of time chasing each other up the curtains when you're gone!
Will they be indoor or outdoor cats? Do you want to put in a cat-flap and let them come and go as they please? Just some things to consider.
Its not an ideal situation to be leaving any animal overnight or for weekends by itself, do you have any nice neighbors or friends that could call in a few times during the day to keep an eye and put down fresh food and water?
Even a trustworthy teenager might be happy to do it the odd time for some pocket money, I know I used to do it for neighbors pets when I was younger.

DeadlyByDesign

Hi Ruby!
We plan on them being indoor cats. but will have a cat flap just in case they want to have a wander (live in christchurch so not sure how safe that will be), Just rang a vet to get some advice and she suggested to get litter mates as they can mess around while we are not there. We do have some friends who can leave them food if need be.

Ruby Soho

Hmmm, if you're that close to the city centre they probably should be exclusively indoor. There are too many dangers in the city, from traffic to stray cats, who will most likely be very territorial and whoop your cats butts when the step outside the door, increasing the risk of picking up nasty fight wounds and all manner of infections.
Keep them in, buy them loads of toys to keep them busy, (although a cat I was minding ignored all of his toys in favour of 2 feet of plastic trunken with a string stuck to the end... strange creature). They'll keep eachother occupied or spend the day snoozing on the windowsill.
You should think about taking some time off work initially, just to get them settled in, enforce some ground rules and get them used to the litter tray before you leave them at it.
There are loads of kittens in shelters and being handed into vets this time of year, you're bound to pick up two little brats to entertain if you look for them!

Micamaca

I agree with first respondent...why bother getting a cat or cats at all.

Yes, many people work and are out till 6pm and they keep pets. That's not ideal either. But these people are at home at the weekend to make it up to the pet. But if you know there will be no-one in the house almost every weekend, that is another matter.

I leave my cat into a cattery if I go away for the weekend. It's not fair and it's not safe to leave cats on home alone, IMHO. My vet says the same.

Unless, you can get someone to spend quality time with them at the weekend, I really think you should reconsider. Leaving two cats on their own all weekend is not fair on the cats. Cats really do need company too or they tend to become a little wild. When given time and company, cats make wonderful companions.

Really, what is the motivation anyway if you will not be there most of the time?

DeadlyByDesign

But I will be there for most of the week...30+ hours of it. Leave the house on a saturday at 3 and back the sunday at 3. I rang a vet and they said that they are independant enough to be left alone for short periods of time. If there is a couple all the better.

I am not sure how to answer the motivation question...I like cats and want to look after them. I honestly think maybe I should take your advice now and not get them as apart from rubys helpful advice the general concensus is that i should not have pets

Micamaca

I know it can be frustrating if you want to keep a cat and you feel you can't. But the facts are, you will not be there most of the week. The weekend is also a little stretched...what if your schedule changes and you have to start going down on Fridays or come back later Sundays...

Plus a location near the city centre...not ideal at all. Cats like to wander. It's very optimistic to think they will survive if you are near busy streets. And there is nothing like the pain of losing a pet to a car or bus. I know, because I have been through it. So to be helpful I am saying, think long and hard about it. It may not be the right thing for you now. I reckon cats will wander out a cat flap and look for company at the weekend. How far they wander could be a worry. Do you see where I am coming from?

SeekUp

Personally, I don't see a huge problem with it. It's not ideal, but many situations aren't. Surely there are millions of people - city-dwellers and otherwise - with indoor cats, so while indoor/outdoor cats can (and do) enjoy wandering, indoor cats can be (and are) happy as well.

Just out of curiosity DeadlyByDesign, do you go to the country year-round, or will it just be for the summer? If it's a seasonal thing, maybe you can just wait until the fall to adopt the cat(s); that way, you'll be around more often.

Whispered

helena.ryan wrote: »

What is the point in getting a cat if you work all day and spend your weekends away?

DeadlyByDesign wrote: »

Well I have to go to work so by that stretch anyone that works can't get a pet? .

No as underlined above I didn't say that.

Micamaca wrote: »

Yes, many people work and are out till 6pm and they keep pets. That's not ideal either. But these people are at home at the weekend to make it up to the pet. But if you know there will be no-one in the house almost every weekend, that is another matter.

I would say that ocasional weekends would be grand, but when it's every weekend it is not ideal at all. Although chances are you would end up spending more and more time at home if you have 2 kittens to entertain you. They do crave attention though and socialisation, having a few hours with you in the evening, between you having dinner, washing etc etc (the things we all have to do in the eveninng) would not be very fulfilling for a cat.

When I got my first apt I really wanted cats, but like you, I was travelling for the weekend as my folks live down the country. I have to admit, I went ahead and got them (when I moved into a slightly more suitable place) and I do regret it slightly because I can see that now we have a house and a garden for them, we're home much much more, they are 100 times happier and I feel guilty for how "up in the air" their first 2 years were.

DeadlyByDesign

well I only really go every other weekend down the country, every other time i just spend in dublin. I'll think about it and see what happens. I might seek advice from the animal shelter

sambuka41

I had 2 cats in Rathmines and they were fine. They were outdoor cats. Some areas i would be reluctant because of the youths, ive heard terrible stories about cats being tortured around South Circular (work near by). but if your immediate area is ok then go for it.

I dont agree that all cats are independent. I have only 1 guy now (had to find home for the other brother cause they didnt get on after a while) and he is more reliant on me than any dog i have owned!!! I think the personailty has a lot to do with it. i work shift work and can be gone for 14 hours; most of the time he is fine but other times he can be so upset with me for leaving. It would break your heart!!! So to be honest im not sure how fair the weekend thing would be.

But in saying that i REALLY DONT think it is fair to critisise anyone who has a pet and works, we live in the real world ppl. Money has to be made. I tell my little guy that and plan to tell my kids that too.;)

comongethappy

Hi OP,

If you're home every other weekend, while not ideal, it's not the worst situation in the world. Once you willing to put time in after work and while you're there on weekend, and you're willing and able to pay for all their vet care, food, and litter, they'll be okay. Go for litter mates though, as one would be much too lonely on it's own. The youngest you should get a kitten is 8 weeks - but in your situation I'd go for one around 12 weeks as they'd be much better socialised. Ask the rescue or home they are coming from about the cats temperment, as you don't want a cat that constantly seeks affection (or if they're clingy), as they might get too stressed if you're away for long periods.

Keep them indoors, as the city centre is really no place for cats to be wandering about. Get a cat tree and loads of toys, litter box, etc. On the weekends you do go away, try to find someone who wouldn't mind making sure the cats have fresh water, enough food, and clean the litter. The odd time it would be okay if someone wasn't able to come over, but be sure then to put down extra bowls of water, extra food, and maybe get a spare tray you can put down if no one will be there to clean the main one (many cats are very clean and may not use a very dirty tray). Also, do take a week off when you first get them to get them adjusted, but toward the end start popping out for a while just so they get used to you not being there. It might be a total shock for them to have you there 24/7 all week and then be alone for 8 hours.

Micamaca

sambuka41 wrote: »

But in saying that i REALLY DONT think it is fair to critisise anyone who has a pet and works, we live in the real world ppl. Money has to be made. I tell my little guy that and plan to tell my kids that too.;)

Nobody is critisising. Everyone is concerned for welfare of would-be-cats of OP. Posters have said that they realise people have to work already. But it depends on how much the OP can realistically be there for cats. Only OP knows the answer to that.

The fact that OP is taking time to post for advice is admirable...at least they are giving the matter serious consideration. Having a pet requires commitment...so people are trying to give realistic advice. Th, th, th...that's all folks.

sambuka41

maybe criticise was the wrong word! mean that just cause someone works doesnt mean that they cant be good owners and have very happy pets. In relation to OP i'd only be concerned about the weekend thing if they felt that was fair?

The Sweeper

OP, would you look at adopting a senior cat?

It's a sad state of affairs that cats aged 8, 9 10 yrs and older often find themselves in shelters. A cat has a potential lifespan of 18 years and beyond, so these animals are at best middle aged - and will still be very sprightly indeed if they've been well cared for during their lives. The difference is they're not as dependent as a kitten would be.

It would be a terrible shame to get a kitten based on the amount of time you're going to be out of the house, because cats respond to the amount of interaction they get. They have a reputation for being aloof and unfriendly, and that comes directly from the fact that people get them as low maintenance pets and then don't interact with them. You may well end up with a sullen and unfriendly, bored animal that sees you as the dispenser of food, because you aren't around to do much of anything else.

The ideal solution would be find an older cat in a shelter - believe it or not, the perfect cat would be one that was raised as a kitten in a family full of kids that adored it, then outgrew it, then they moved house and didn't take it along - because that'll be a cat that will be grateful to be loved and cared for again, but won't have the neediness of a kitten. They also often come in twos, for lots of reasons - a lot of people get two cats, because they make great companions for each other, then their circumstances change and they can't keep either. Reasons for rehoming are many - older patients entering nursing homes usually cannot keep their pets, for instance, so the two life-long fur buddies will end up in a shelter together.

You'd be a godsend to animals like that, they'd cope without you being home (leave a radio on for them, lots of toys and a cat tree in the sunshine, and play with them when you're home) and make sure you buy the appropriate long-feeding bowls and water dishes for them. (Get them a water fountain - it keeps the water fresher so they drink more, which helps prevent renal failure, plus they can't knock it over and there's more than enough water to last over a weekend if you're away.)

Micamaca

I think MAJD makes a good point. Kittens need time with owner to develop loving personalities. Mature cats have lovely personalities already and do need less time from their owner. I know, my cat needs me less...but alas, I need her just as much as ever

Kittens need a lot of care and attention, no doubt about it. If you consider re-homing a couple of mature cats, then I think it would be more feasible to leave cats at the weekend, heeding advice from MAJD.

Any charity for pets would be delighted to re-home a couple of their older clients. And cats do live a good many years these days. Thank God! Why don't you visit the DSPCA at the weekend...they have a cafe and you can talk to someone there about adopting. Here's a link... for pets who need homes. Worth considering I think. http://www.dspca.ie/ Click on 'Homes Needed' in blue panel on left of screen.

waraf

Yes I have to agree with the posters above. I have two kittens who are nearly 3 months old and they are mental. I'm at home full time and to be honest I'm glad that I am because they're like kids in that they can destroy a room in minutes (e.g. knocking stuff off counters, chewing/scratching stuff, chasing each other up curtains etc.). Don't get me wrong, they're great fun but I think that as you'll be leaving your kittens alone quite a bit, maybe you should consider a cat/cats that are at least a year old as they will be a little more placid.

fatmammycat

I would second or third the older cat. One of mine is eighteen, in good health and is a very sedate gentle cat who adores human company, but she is happy to snooze for hours and hours if no one is at home. My other older cat is 14 and he's still a jack the lad, in and out all day but again very fond of people and very talkative. Paradoxically the youngest-that we raised and hand fed from a few weeks old as he was was abandonded- is the least responsive to us, very independent and easily spooked. He will lay on me for hours if I'm watching television, or under my chair if I'm working, but compared to the others he is aloof and reserved -which leads me to really think kittens are best served to stay with their mothers for longer and need hands on owners for the first few months of their lives. If I hadn't worked from home I doubt he'd even be as friendly as he now.
Older cats are just as loving and adapt fast to new families. You could get a really charming animal with half the work and highly suitable to your needs. But I would be nix the idea of a cat flap in Christchurch. Way too much traffic.

PinkTulips

could you not bing the cat with you at weekends?

when i got my first cat years ago i was traveling home quite often for weekends and i brought the cat on the train with me with no problems.

my parents cat was a bit put out but soon put him in his place and got over it.

cats do pine for their feeders, i was away this weekend for two nights and my boyfriend was home with my older two kids. all four of my cats ranging in age from 12 weeks to several years went on hunger strike and got very cross at the boyfriend! one of those cats is an older cat we adopted so i'm not convinced a mature cat would take it much better.

spank_inferno

DeadlyByDesign wrote: »

Hi guys I might getting a cat soon, and just want the low down before we commit to it. Apart from the usual working day, myself and the missus usually go down the country at the weekend (saturday to sunday), my question is can a cat be left alone in the house that long if we leave food out for it? Any advice would be great

I think it might be in your interest & the interest of any perspective cat that you dont get one at all.

Cats love company, especially house cats.
If you have to get a pet, get 2 cats.
A single cat spending 22 hrs a day alone cooped up is almost cruel.

Sapsorrow

PinkTulips wrote: »

could you not bing the cat with you at weekends?

That sounds like a lot of uneccessary stress on your poor cat and seems a little selfish to me. Anyway two cats is just as easy as 1 and if their sublings they will cuddle and play together and keep each other company for the odd time you need to go away. Otherwise I don't think you should get one you don't have to time to give a cat the love and attention it would deserve and it would be selfish of you.
Is it just me or do ye hate the way soem eople think that cats are a great convenience pet for someone who doesn't really want to put the time into a more outwardly demanding one such as a dog?

shannone

at the moment we have one kitten (Riva) and she is left on her own for 8 hours when we are at college, she will be an indoor/outdoor cat eventually, but we're keeping inside for the 1st few weeks so she'll know where home is. She is a very affectionate kitten who loves company and attention, so I always fel bad leaving her in the mornings, my flatmate is thinking of getting another kitten to keep her company (this will be in a few weeks time though) but I feel the apt is a bit small for two kittens tearing around the place. Anybody have any thoughts?

waraf

shannone wrote: »

at the moment we have one kitten (Riva) and she is left on her own for 8 hours when we are at college, she will be an indoor/outdoor cat eventually, but we're keeping inside for the 1st few weeks so she'll know where home is. She is a very affectionate kitten who loves company and attention, so I always fel bad leaving her in the mornings, my flatmate is thinking of getting another kitten to keep her company (this will be in a few weeks time though) but I feel the apt is a bit small for two kittens tearing around the place. Anybody have any thoughts?

I live in a small 2 bed apartment too and I have two kittens who are just under 5 months old. In another month they will be getting spayed and I'm not letting them out until then lest I have a couple of litters on my hands. They do tear around the place chasing each other sometimes but they really do keep each other company so I don't feel bad leaving them alone for a few hours. I would definitely recommend getting a second kitten if you're leaving your current kitten alone for long periods.

MsFifers

Cats do love company, and I think your kitten would probably like a friend. That said, my cats sleep all day long and are awake only in the morning from 5.30/6 am :rolleyes: to 8.30 am, and then about 5 pm to 8 pm, and then another mad run about between 9 and 11pm. So, as long as you give your kitten lots of attention and playtime on a daily basis when you come home, I'm sure it'll be ok.

I wouldn't get another cat if you feel your apartment is too small - don't forget your kittens are going to grow into cats, and they will need more space to walk about and stretch, explore and play etc.

BUT - if you aren't able to give lots of time to your cat, then do look into a kitten. Your call really!

Micamaca

Well, put yourself in the kitten's position...would you like to be left alone for 8 hours a day? Or would you like a wee companion to play with and miao to.

Seriously, one cat or two cats...it's not a huge difference in space. They're not great danes or Irish wolfhounds Cat's don't need a great deal of space but kittens do need stimulation. If you're not there to give it and your flatmate is willing to get another kitten, then that is what I would do. It is a long time to leave animals alone and in some countries, this is not allowed because it is considered too long. In Ireland, you'll have to work it out for yourself but I would not worry about the space when talking about cats.

MsFifers

Micamaca wrote: »

I would not worry about the space when talking about cats.

I don't really agree with this - having lived with cats in an apartment I found they used to get in each other's faces a bit sometimes. They needed space away from each other as much as they like each other. eg. one might need to sleep or relax, and another one would be feeling hyper. It would lead to occasional fights.

I solved the problem by letting them out into the corridors to have a wander around (it wasn't safe to let them outside) for half an hour a day. My neighbours were good about it and were nice to them, and careful not to let them out - it isn't something that would suit everywhere. The chance to explore and get away from each other a bit was good for peaceful cat relationships I found!

Cats need exercise as much as any other animal. 2 cats can play together and chase each other etc - but space is a consideration.

Micamaca

Fair enough, but I've also lived with cats in a house with a garden and they still got in each others faces sometimes. But they also snuggled up together on the couch cute as pie most of the time. I take your point but still think two cats would be preferable to one left by itself in an apartment.

If you want to ask a cat schrink...I kid you not , there is a cattery I use and the woman has qualified as an animal psychologist. PM me if you want contact details.

lauratkd

Hi

I have two cats that are very well looked after and in my opinion are spoilt rotten. They are outdoor cats while we are not in the house but are allowed in while we are here. Cats are very independent and really what you are describing sounds fine to me. Anyway it sounds like really you are only away for one full day at the weekend, not all weekend like has been suggested.

If you are putting in a cat flap you can be guaranteed the cats will use them and will roam around outdoors as much as they want. We go away every now and then (recently for ten days) and we always have family/friends feed the cats and check on them. They always hang around the garden or surrounding areas and are in good form every time someone comes in to feed them. They have eachother for company and are great for catching plenty of mice. If they were not happy here they would find somewhere else to go - that's what cats do!!!

Anyway I think you'll be fine.