Can I leave my cats home alone safely for a week on vacation?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your cats. They would likely enjoy being able to stay in their own home while you are on vacation. If your neighbor can check on them twice per day, this is most likely a good solution. She can provide food and water, clean their litter boxes and most importantly provide social interaction. Be sure to give her your veterinarian's contact information in case the need arises. The only other consideration would be to board the cats. They would receive more supervision, but it can be a stressful scenario for a cat to be kennels. I hope this information helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I would highly recommend that you have a trusted friend or neighbor stop in once daily to every other day to check on the cats. They could make sure they are eating and using the litter box. Make sure they see all 4 cats during their visit to the house. It is risky to leave them that long. Good luck

Many people do leave cats unattended with plenty of food, water and a clean litter box. Most cats will do fine if it is only for 24 hours. You may also ask a friend to stop by and check on them. Make sure the house is cat proofed so they can't get into anything. Do realize there is some risk if there is something for them to get into that they shouldn't. I hope this helps.

I would recommend getting an automatic feeder, 2 pet water fountains, and make sure there are 3 litter boxes set up for the kitties while you are gone. Also Lottie proof your to ensure they don't get into things. This website may have some more tips on things you can leave to keep them entertained and out of trouble while you are gone. Indoorpet.osu.edu It also wouldn't hurt to ask a trusted neighbor if they wouldn't mind stopping by to check on your kitties for you OR if the funds permit , searching for a pet sitter to come by midway though your trip to tend to the kitties. Most cats are pretty self sufficient so they are probably going to be ok either way. Safe travels!

I would recommend having a friend or neigbor come to check on her daily to be safe. We never know what can happen if they are gone, they can knock their water over, get themselves locked in a closet (I have seen this multiple times), etc. so it is best to have someone at least check on her during that time period. As far as weather goes, I do not know your climate. If you do leave windows open be sure they have secure screens so she cannot get out and wild animals cannot get in.

I hope you will be having someone come by to check on your cat AT LEAST every other day. You can't leave her unattended for 8 days. A self cleaning box is nice but that will not be good for 8 days; the compartment that holds the sifted cat waste needs to be emptied and the litter used will need to be replaced or replenished for the box to function properly. You also have her make sure she will actually use this box before you go. Automatic feeders can clog leaving her with no food and her water needs to be changed and refilled. You must get someone to check on her, make sure the litter box tray is emptied, the food is refilled and the automatic feeder is working and that she has fresh, clean water.

Cats are very smart creatures, so I am confident they will figure it out. You can always lock them in at night before you go on your trip to see how they do. However, I doubt they will have any issues going in the litterbox since this is a natural instinct for them to do so. If you are overly concerned I would suggest using Catattract litter which acts to lure cats to their litter box. You can also place several Pheromone diffusers (i.e. Feliway) in the home to help Emma and housemate remain calm while you are away. Safe travels on your trip and best of luck with your two kitties.