Do cats get lonely? What you need to know about leaving your cat alone

Cats are renowned for their independent ways and aloof behaviour, but are they really the happy loner we think they are?

They certainly seem more content being left alone than their canine friends, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need and crave companionship. Cats need to form close connections with other people or animals to stay emotionally healthy.

Despite popular belief, cats often form strong bonds with their owners and need that attention and social interaction to stay happy. Without it, they’re more likely to experience depression, boredom, anxiety and loneliness. And they’re also more likely to get up to mischief while you’re away.

But every cat is different, and how much alone time they can bear really depends on your moggy’s personality. Here are the signs your cat could be lonely and how long you should really leave your moggy home on their own.

Signs your cat could be lonely

Lonely cats can develop a range of behavioural issues, and is often only noticed when it becomes severe. These common signs of loneliness can also signal a health issue, so it’s important you speak to your vet first if they do crop up.

Excessive meowing – All cats talk to their humans, but there’s a difference between a talkative kitty and one that’s crying out for attention. If your cat suddenly meows non-stop, it could be a sign they’re lonely.

Overly clingy – Most cats will enjoy snuggling up on your lap and come to you for affection, but if they start sticking by your side, following you from room to room, it’s a sign your feline friend could be lonely.

Over grooming – Cats are proud creatures and like to keep themselves clean. But if your cat preens themselves more than usual or starts pulling out their fur, this can be a call for affection.

Acting out – If you come home to items knocked off the kitchen counter, scratched furniture, or dirt from planters all over the floor, this can be a sign your cat yearns for attention. Cats will look for ways to entertain themselves when they’re left with nothing to do all day.

Lethargy – Cats sleep a lot, but if they’d rather sleep all day than engage with you, they could be depressed and lonely.

Aggression – If your cat is normally a friendly, loving moggy but has recently started lashing out at you unpredictably, this can be an indication of loneliness.

Change in eating habits – Eating more or less food, eating quicker than normal or consuming unusual or inedible items, is often a sign or depression or loneliness.

How long can you leave a cat home alone?

How long you can leave your feline friend alone often depends on your individual cat. Adult cats should never be left home alone for longer than 24 hours. And even during that time they will need access to drinking water and food.

Which is why it’s important you don’t leave your cat alone while you go on holiday. Not only will they need access to fresh water and food every day, they’ll need the litterbox changed, along with that much needed interaction to keep them happy and healthy.

With our daily cat visits, we’ll ensure your precious moggy has everything they need while you’re on holiday. We’ll pop in twice a day to put out fresh drinking water, food, change the litter box and give your kitty that much needed affection.

So if you’re based in Cheltenham and want peace of mind knowing that your cat is well looked after while you relax on holiday, get in touch today!