How long would you leave your cat?

[nomorespaghetti]

We’re thinking about staying over at my parent’s house from Xmas day lunch time to Boxing Day late afternoon. I’m wondering if we can get away without getting someone to come in. I know it very much depends on the cat, but how long would you leave your cat alone for, before getting someone to pop in?

Our cat is very independent (ex-stray), spends 15-20 hours a day outside, and it’s not unusual for him to be gone for 24 hours or longer. He’s very affectionate and loves a cuddle, but on his own terms. Of course I’d leave food and fresh water, and he’s got a cat flap that’s always open.

I’ve got in touch with the cat sitter to see if she’s available on Boxing Day morning, but of course she might be taking the opportunity to get away or have people round.

Ours would be fine for that amount of time but when we're going away I keep them locked in with litter tray and food on the timer feeder, hes a bit older now and indifferent about going outside.

We have toys that can be left on and activate if he goes near them and scratch posts etc for stimulation

I'm sure they'd be fine on their own as long as they have enough food and water.

I'd happily leave mine for 24h.

Yes I'd say that's fine too.

Mine would be fine with that. As long as there is plenty of water and food.

For up to 4 days when there was just a couple of them, with a feeder that worked on a timer, otherwise fat lass would eat everything in sight and them vom it back up.

Overnight would be absolutely fine.

2 nights is my rule, with a feeder on timer and litter tray with the cat flap locked if there are likely to be fireworks. Over night should be fine.

We've done this.
We put down 2 litter trays , a timed feeder , and extra dry food / water.
We also left the hall light on.

That should be absolutely fine.
I make sure clean litter tray just before I leave, extra bowl of dry food, plenty of water.
She rarely goes out anyway so is fine being left in.
I suspect she probably enjoys the peace and quiet and having my bed all to herself!

We have a summerhouse/shed that they have access to, so I'd throw them out before we left. I wouldn't worry about food for that amount of time, they'll find a mouse or two and a nice puddle to drink from!

Brill, thank you everyone! Any recommendations for a timed feeder? Might be worth getting one...

I have one with batteries which lasts up to 48 hours. Cat mate I think it's called? I only put dry food in them.

We have a dispenser for dry food. No timer but they don't seem to overeat. We also have a water one. If we're away for longer I put them in the summerhouse with a couple of blankets. Like this:

Ive left on a Friday night and come home Sunday. That wa my limit. We used a timed feeder and always make sure we take out the batteries in between or put new ones in

Of course if you have one with a lock on it make sure it isnt locked OH's fault

I always worry about those timed feeders that they'd malfunction or something and the cat would be there trying to paw at it, starving
I just put down the dry stuff.