Is it safe to leave 4 cats alone for a week with food dispensers?

Your cats will probably be ok for a week as long as they have plenty of food and water and lots of litter boxes to use. However, if it is possible I would recommend having someone come by and check on them at least once and maybe clean the boxes.

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!

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!

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.

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.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think it might be best to hold off on getting a cat until your job changes and you are home more. I wouldn't suggest leaving any animal for that many days every week. There would be lack of bonding and what if the cat gets sick while you are away. You would have to pay someone every week to come daily to feed the cat and clean the litter box. Personally I recommend waiting. I wish you the best!

As long as she isn't a big eater she might get by with that amount of food, though ideally, I would like for her to have someone come in at least once art way through your absence to make sure she's got plenty of food and water until you get home. If there is a family member, friend or neighbor that could look in on her that would be perfect.