Cats bring us joy and companionship, more and more families have started to keep cats, and some families may have more than one cat. We enjoy the company of cats, but sometimes we have to separate briefly. On business trips and travel, or for some reason, we need to go out and can't take the cat with us, can we leave the cat's alone at home at this time? In fact, if you only go out for one or two days, you can leave the cat alone at home, but the premise is that the kitten can eat cat food, drink water, and use the cat litter box by itself. If the kitten is too small or you are out for too long, it is recommended to find a friend or a trusted pet boarding place. In addition, leaving the cat at home alone requires not only preparations before going out, but also the dangers at home need to be eliminated in advance.
Preparation
Before we go out, we must prepare all kinds of necessities for the cat. First and foremost is food and drinking water, which we can easily think of. There may be some items that we can easily ignore, such as cat nests and cat litter. Let's take a look at how we should prepare these essentials for cats.
Cat food
When we need to leave for a short period of time, we must prepare cat food in advance. As for the amount, it depends on the cat's daily food intake and the number of days you want to go out. If your cat needs to eat one and a half bowls of cat food a day, then you'd better prepare more, such as two bowls. It's very convenient if you have an automatic cat food feeder, just put enough cat food in it, and it won't get damp, and you don't have to worry about too much or too little cat food. For cat owners who do not have an automatic food feeder, it is necessary to place sufficient cat food in several small bowls according to the length of time you are out, and should choose a cat food that does not become damp quickly in the air.
Drinking water
As with cat food, first, make sure that the water is enough. Drain the water in the cat's water bowl before going out, and add drinking water after cleaning the bowl to keep the drinking water as fresh as possible. In addition, we better fix the cat's water bowl or choose a heavier container for water, so as not to be knocked over by the cat. In contrast, it is a better choice to have an automatic water feeder. The automatic water feeder can ensure sufficient water, and it can also better ensure the freshness of the cat's drinking water for a longer time.
Cat nest
If it's summer, you don't have to worry about keeping warm. However, in winter, don't let the temperature difference between the cat litter and the room be too large, otherwise, the cat will catch a cold easily. If your cat nest is equipped with a heating device such as a small electric blanket, or other auxiliary equipment, pay attention to the safety of electricity use, such as whether it will cause a short circuit or power outage due to the cat's activities. If you have no cat nest, you can prepare a suitable cardboard box, and use old clothes or other materials at the bottom to lay a few thick layers, which can provide a good space for the cat to keep warm and rest.
Cat litter
Before going out, clean up the cat litter in the cat litter box, add new cat litter, and prepare a little more cat litter in it, then you can just clean it up when you get home. If possible, it is best to prepare multiple cat litter boxes. The number of cat litter boxes is recommended to be double the number of cats. If it is one cat, it is recommended to have two cat litter boxes. If it is three cats, it is recommended to place six cat litter boxes. Because we can't clean up the cat litter box in time when we go out, if we use only one cat litter box, even if more cat litter is added, it is not suitable for long-term use. It is very likely that the cat litter in the lower layer of the cat litter box is not used, but the cat litter in the upper layer is full of poops. Cats are very particular about cat litter boxes, and if they are not well prepared, it will also affect the cat's defecation problems.
Exclude danger
Close the doors and windows of the house when you leave, but don't be airtight otherwise it will be very stuffy for your cat. If you have the conditions, you can prepare a miniature camera and observe the cat's movements at any time. If not, you can deal with things as soon as possible and come home. Special attention should be paid to the kitchen, living room, and bathroom at home, and they should be cleaned up before departure to avoid cats meeting danger when they intrusion.
Kitchen
· Keep cleaners, chemicals, and cleaners on high shelves or in child-locked cabinets.
· Don't leave any heavy cookware or sharp utensils on the counter, lest they fall on your pet or cut its paws.
· Contain and keep all food away. While most human foods are completely safe for pets, chocolate, avocados, tomatoes, and other tasty treats can be harmful to your cat. To wrap food up after eating, consider keeping them in the cupboard.
· Lock or secure trash cans in cabinets. We've all watched movies in which the cats were rampaging through the trash. While it's a fun movie scene, cleaning it up, in reality, can be a nightmare.
Living room and bedroom
· Keep all wires hanging from lamps, TVs, stereos, and phones out of reach. Keep your laptop and phone charging cables in the drawer. Cats are especially good at turning any household item into their new favorite toy.
· Put away your child's toys and other small items. Likewise, your cat may lose interest in the toys you actually buy for them at the store to choose your jewelry and socks (and anything else they think belongs to them), so be careful what you leave behind to avoid confusion or choking hazard.
· Move houseplants and flowers out of reach. While houseplants can add some much-needed greenery and color to a room, they can be toxic to your cat if eaten. Make sure you research pet-safe flora, such as spider plants and orchids, to prevent your cat from eating poisonous plants.
· Lock the washer and dryer doors.
· Make sure all heaters or vents have secure covers.
· Make sure that you're not keeping your cat in closets or cupboards.
Bathroom
· Keep the toilet lid closed to prevent your pet from drinking or doing unnecessary diving in the basin.
· Keep medications, cleaning supplies, makeup, and other products in drawers or cabinets that cannot be easily nudged open.
· Keep all hair ties and pins secured. Your cat may enjoy playing with spare headbands.
Nothing gives pet owners more peace of mind than knowing how far their pets are safe and happy. These home safety tips and measures specifically for your dog or cat will help them stay healthy and help you feel safe enough to go back to work with confidence. Whether you're already back at work or just planning ahead, your pet will no doubt appreciate these safety precautions. Remember, your pet will miss you whenever you leave and wherever you go.
