by Monica L. Garrett

Created on: July 25, 2011   Last Updated: July 26, 2011

The advice found on Animal Planet says to have someone come to care for your cat while you are away.  However, some people don't have that option.  If you live alone, away from family and friends, or if your cat doesn't do well with others, you may need to leave him alone in the house while you are away for a few days.  

Obviously, this shouldn't be for longer than three days, because even vacation feeders need to be monitored, checked, and refreshed. Three days, however, should be fine as long as you take the necessary precautions and leave plenty of food and water and a fresh litter box.  

The main reason for the frequency of the cleanings and feedings in veterinary offices and pet shelters is the lack of space, food, and water left out for the cats.  Also, if there are multiple cats, you risk them fighting and one or both sustaining injuries.  

A house cat that lives alone is usually doing his or her own thing - sleeping, mainly.  The cat may not be used to being held and pampered all day and may hardly even notice you are gone.  

The single most important thing a cat needs is water.  Buy a large vacation water bottle that has a sturdy base so the cat can't knock it over.  Be sure to fill the water bottle with fresh water right before you leave.  Also, leave a large bowl of water in each room that is feasible to do so.  This gives a back-up and ensures the cat has water, even if a door got knocked shut or water spilled or evaporated.

Secondly, be sure the cat has plenty of food.  You can fill a vacation feeder with dry cat food and the cat will be good for the time you are gone.  Be sure not to leave anything out that would attract ants.  If you have a problem with ants coming in the home, you'll need to think of this because ants will get into cat food if they are in the area.  They won't generally come in for it, though.

Next, you'll need to prepare a fresh litter box.  The litter should be clean and deep, in order to allow for three days of "covering".  

To make sure to cover all possible safety precautions, check off each item as you complete the following list:

1.  Check and lock all windows in your home.  Make sure there is no way for your cat to run away.  

2.  Put a sticker on the front door and side or back doors for firemen to "Save my cat" if there should be a fire.  This tells them there is a cat in the home and they will look for it.  

3.  Turn off the power and unplug all appliances and anything that could potentially start a fire if bumped and turned on.  

4.  Close and lock any doors to rooms that contain items that could be dangerous to the cat, including any store rooms or laundry rooms containing chemicals.  

5.  Go from room to room looking for anything that could pose danger for your cat.  

By taking these precautions and ensuring you are leaving enough fresh food and water, as well as a clean litter box, your cat should be fine at home alone for a few days.  

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