Is it okay to leave my cat alone overnight?

[james5555]

I need a little advice. I might need to leave my cat alone overnight for the first time. She’s healthy and usually quite independent, but I’m still a bit worried.I’ll leave enough food, fresh water, and a clean litter tray. Is there anything else I should prepare or be aware of?Would love to hear your experiences and tips 🐾

Yes, most cats are absolutely fine to be left for one or two nights occasionally. They're independent and like their own company for long periods.

Is she an outdoor cat, and if so do you let her out at night? This is the bit I struggled with and kept him in the first time I was away - but ultimately decided it wasn't fair.

Equally, it's normal to worry, so if you aren't ready and have another option (a neighbour popping in?) then you don't have to- peace of mind is golden.

Yes... she will be fine.

Leaving a cat over night is fine

Yes that’s fine, we have always left our cats overnight if we need to

We leave our old boy for 1 or 2 nights and he's fine. He won't use litter so has a cat flap but is probably asleep on the couch or bed for 99% of the time we're away.

Yes, it will be fine. Quite often our cat went out all night (clubbing, I suppose) and came back in the morning and then went to bed.

(Actually I used to do that when I was younger.)

She will be fine. A bit mad sounding but how about leaving the radio on for her too.

Yes…obviously..

1-2 nights is fine, especially if they have a cat flap. It’s one of the advantages of cats, though annoyingly unlike dogs you can’t take them on holiday with you, at least not the strange creature we acquired (now passed away)

Do you have a timed feeder? You can buy them for about £20 on amazon with two lids that pop up and you can add an ice pack under the bowl to keep the food cold. Then you can set it to pop up for breakfast. -- I always leave spare dry food out in case the feeder stops working or doesn't pop for some reason!!
We also have a few cctv cameras in the house which we switch on if away and can then see the cats to check on them. We point one at the food bowls so can see them eat.
We also have the chipped cat flap so can see if they are out or in.
It gives us peace of mind that they are just going about their regular business. - one of ours rarely goes out when we aren't there. The other just carries on like we were.
For 2 nights I would have the cat feeder come in.

A timed cat feeder and extra dry food and water to be on the safe side. Be prepared to be absolutely snubbed by cat on your return or looked at with disgust.

Yep

I wouldn't leave my cat for more than 24 hours without at least a daily visit, as someone needs to keep an eye in case they're sick or injured, but if you have a automatic feeder and water in a fountain they can't knock over it should be fine. You should also have a camera near the food so you can check that they're eating.

So yes overnight is fine provided that you ensure their welfare.

Yes we have left our 2 cats overnight several times. Plenty of water, some wet food and some biscuits. A few years ago we were stuck in Scotland by storms so we had to stay another night.
The cats were absolutely fine but not happy. You would think we had been away for a month with the amount of indignant meowing 😆

I used to take my cat to a Cattery even if just one night, the stress of her being in the car was unbearable, she’s so much happier in her own home. I’ve only ever left her for 2 nights though. Plenty of food and water, 2 litter trays and j leave the blinds open so she can entertain herself looking out.

Either that or they'll be very vocal and super needy on your return 😂

Yes she'll be fine.
I've had cats for over 25 years.
Just leave plenty of food, water and clean litter. If your cat normally goes outside via a cat flap i'd close it then you know where she is.
I would also close doors to any areas you'd not like her going into. I usually restrict my cats to downstairs for example.
If you're going to be away more than 2 days, I'd consider a pet sitter popping in.

Won’t she have your neutered male to keep her company, @james5555? You were asking for advice about him in your other thread.