What To Do With Kitten When I Leave Home?
Getting a new kitten is super exciting! You probably can’t wait to play with them and give them lots of love. But what happens when you have to leave the house? Whether you’re going to work, running errands, or hanging out with friends, your kitten still needs to be taken care of.
Don’t worry, this guide will help you keep your kitten safe and happy when you’re away. It’s like a survival guide for your kitten!
How Old Is Your Kitten?
How long you can leave your kitten alone depends on how old they are. Kittens need more attention when they’re younger. Here’s a chart to help you figure out how long is okay:
| Age | Time Alone |
|---|---|
| 0-4 months | Less than 4 hours |
| 4-6 months | 4-8 hours |
| 6 months-1 year | 8-16 hours |
| 1+ year | 24-48 hours |
Don’t worry if you work long hours. There are ways to make sure your kitten is happy and safe, even when you can’t be there.
Kitten-Proofing Your Home: Super Important!
Think of it like this: you would make your house safe for a baby, right? You have to do the same thing for a kitten! Kittens are curious and love to explore, but they can get into trouble easily.
Here’s how to make your home safe for your kitten:
- Doors and windows: Make sure they’re closed tight so your kitten can’t escape!
- Breakable stuff: Put away things that could break if your kitten knocks them over, like vases or picture frames.
- Sharp things: Keep scissors, knives, and needles out of reach.
- Electric cords: Cover cords or put them somewhere your kitten can’t get to. They might chew on them and get hurt!
- Plants: Some plants are poisonous to cats. Check to make sure yours are safe and get rid of any that could make your kitten sick.
- Bug traps: Keep bug traps far away from your kitten.
- Small holes: Block off any little spaces where your kitten could get stuck.
- Dangerous food: Put away any human food that’s bad for cats, like chocolate, grapes, and onions.
Keeping Your Kitten Entertained: Fun Time!
Kittens can get bored just like we do! When they’re bored, they might get into trouble. Here are some ways to keep your kitten busy and happy:
- Fun toys: Get toys that make your kitten feel like they’re hunting, like feather wands, puzzle toys with treats inside, and toy mice.
- Scratching posts: Cats love to scratch! Give your kitten a scratching post so they don’t scratch your furniture.
- Cat tree: A cat tree is like a playground for your kitten! They can climb, relax, and play on it.
- Automatic feeder: Some feeders give your kitten treats throughout the day. It’s like a fun surprise for them!
- Cat TV: You can find videos made just for cats with birds, squirrels, and other animals moving around. It keeps them entertained.
- Music: Playing calm music or nature sounds can make your kitten feel relaxed.
Can You Leave a Kitten Alone Overnight?
Adult cats are okay being alone overnight, but kittens aren’t. They need to eat more often, play, and have someone watch over them. This is especially true for kittens younger than six months.
What if you work a lot?
If you’re gone for a long time, here are some things you can do:
- Pet sitter: A pet sitter can come to your house and take care of your kitten while you’re gone. They can feed them, play with them, and clean their litter box.
- Ask a friend or family member: Maybe someone you know can check on your kitten and give them some attention.
- Cat boarding: If you’re going to be gone for a while, you can take your kitten to a place that will take care of them.
Food and Water: Important Stuff!
Your kitten needs fresh water all the time. For food, here are some ideas:
- Wet food: Wet food is good for kittens, but it goes bad quickly. You can put out fresh wet food before you leave if you’ll be gone for a few hours.
- Dry food: Dry food can be left out longer. It’s a good choice if you want your kitten to be able to eat whenever they’re hungry. Make sure they have enough water to drink because dry food can make them thirsty.
- Automatic feeder: An automatic feeder can give your kitten food on a schedule, even when you’re not there.
Checking on Your Kitten:
Do you ever wonder what your kitten does when you’re not home? There’s a way to find out!
- Pet cameras: You can get a camera that lets you see your kitten on your phone or computer. You can even talk to them through the camera! Some cameras will even give your kitten treats.
Be Patient and Loving
Having a kitten is awesome! Just remember to be patient and kind. If you plan ahead and get things ready, your kitten will be happy and safe, even when you’re not there.
