Dear Cathy,
My husband and I will be going away for a month and have two cats. We will not be taking them with us. Is it okay to leave them at the house for that time with someone coming in daily to feed, change water, and clean their litterbox? They do not have any special needs and mostly nap during the day. Last year, they went to my son’s apartment and may do so again. I am hesitant to leave them for the month. Will they be okay? – Susan
Dear Susan,
It’s a great question. I’m glad you’re thinking about more than just food and litter while you’re away. Cats may have a reputation for being independent, but those who live in loving, interactive homes become more social than many people realize. If your cats are used to having you around, it’s important to make sure they stay emotionally connected and mentally stimulated while you’re gone. They won’t understand why you are gone and may even begin grieving, assuming you will not return.
With that in mind, if staying with your son is still an option, that would be my first choice, especially since the cats have already stayed with him before. In-home care is ideal, but being with a familiar person in a setting where they’ll get regular, engaged attention can be even more comforting than staying home alone. If your son has the time, patience, and a cat-friendly space, it’s a great way to keep them socially connected and cared for in a more interactive environment.
If that is no longer a choice, I recommend having a trusted pet sitter visit twice a day, not just once. Your cats may nap often, but they’re also used to your routines, your voice, and your presence. Prolonged alone time can be stressful for social cats, especially over a month.
Your pet sitter should go beyond basic care. Yes, they need to clean the litter box, replenish food and water, and make sure both cats are seen and accounted for at every visit. But they should also talk to the cats, play with them, and even brush them if the cats enjoy being groomed. This type of regular interaction provides comfort, reduces stress, and helps prevent boredom-related behaviors like overgrooming, meowing excessively, or hiding for long periods.
To further reduce anxiety, consider plugging in a feline pheromone diffuser before you leave. These synthetic calming pheromones mimic the natural scent cats associate with security and can help create a sense of calm while you’re away. They’re odorless to humans but can make a big difference for cats adjusting to a change in routine.
Be sure to tell the sitter where your cats like to nap or hide, so they know where to look if one doesn’t appear right away. Most likely, though, your cats will come out to see who’s at the door – hoping, of course, that it’s you.
To help you feel connected while you’re gone, ask the sitter to text daily photos of the cats during each visit. You might also consider installing a pet camera in the area where your cats spend the most time, especially one with two-way audio so you can talk to them. Many cats will perk up at the sound of your voice, even if they can’t quite figure out where you are. Just be sure to let the sitter know if you’ve installed any cameras, for courtesy and transparency.
Before you leave, spend a little extra time with your cats—playing, grooming, and following their usual routine. That familiarity might help ease the transition. You might also leave behind a worn T-shirt or towel with your scent in one of their favorite resting spots. That small comfort may help them feel more secure while you’re away. (Be sure to leave out the cat carriers in case of emergency and provide your vet’s contact info along with any relevant health notes.)
When you return, expect one of two reactions from your felines: either dramatic meows and enthusiastic rubs to celebrate your return, or short, indignant chirps and tail flicks letting you know you were missed and mildly resented.
With thoughtful, consistent care, your cats will stay safe, loved, and emotionally supported until you return.