Can I Leave My Cat at Home for a Month with a Cat Sitter?

Introduction

Leaving your cat at home for a month while you travel requires careful consideration. While some cats are more independent, others—particularly certain breeds—crave social interaction and may not cope well with minimal human contact. Deciding whether a cat sitter is sufficient or if a live-in sitter or cattery is a better option depends on factors like whether your cat is indoor-only, has access to a cat flap, and their breed or temperament.

Indoor-Only Cats: Why One Visit a Day Isn't Enough

For indoor cats, one visit per day for a month is not sufficient. Indoor cats rely on their human caregivers for social interaction and mental stimulation. Without these, they can become lonely, anxious, or even depressed. Common signs of distress include overeating, increased sleeping, excessive grooming, or destructive behaviours like scratching​.

• Social Contact: Indoor cats need regular human interaction. Without it, they may feel isolated and stressed. A cat sitter should not only feed and clean but also spend time playing and interacting with the cat.
• Mental Stimulation: Indoor cats lack the stimulation that outdoor access provides. Regular play and engagement are crucial to keep them mentally active and prevent boredom.
• Health Monitoring: A single visit per day may not be enough to detect potential health problems early. Cats can develop issues like urinary tract infections or digestive problems that need prompt attention.

Even with two visits a day, extended breaks (like a month) can be too long for some cats, especially those from sociable or needy breeds. In such cases, a live-in sitter or a cattery may be better, providing your cat with constant companionship and more interaction.

Cats with a Cat Flap

If your cat has access to a cat flap and is used to going outside, the situation is slightly different. Cats with outdoor access can seek stimulation, exercise, and even some social interaction with their environment or neighbouring cats. This autonomy can help prevent boredom and loneliness, and many cats prefer the flexibility that a cat flap provides.

• Independence: Cats with a cat flap can explore the outdoors, engage with their environment, and manage their own needs. This can keep them entertained and reduce the likelihood of boredom.
• Temperament: Even outdoor cats may need more interaction if they are sociable or attached to human company. Highly sociable breeds or cats that are used to regular interaction may still feel lonely with just one visit per day​.

If your cat enjoys outdoor time and is generally independent, one visit a day might suffice. However, for more sociable or needy cats, like breed cats, this may not be enough. In these cases, even outdoor access may not compensate for the lack of human interaction.

The Role of Cat Temperament

The temperament of your cat plays a key role in determining the appropriate level of care. For example:

• Sociable Cats: If your cat craves interaction and enjoys human companionship, fewer visits will likely cause distress, even if they have a cat flap. These cats need regular playtime and affection and might show signs of depression or anxiety if left alone for long periods.
• Independent Cats: Some cats are content with minimal human contact and prefer to spend most of their time outdoors. These cats might handle a once-daily visit better, especially if they have access to a cat flap. However, it’s still essential to ensure they receive enough food, water, and occasional attention​.

Breed-Specific Needs: Sociable Cats and Live-In Sitters

Certain cat breeds, such as Siamese, Burmese, Ragdolls, and Bengals, are naturally more sociable and dependent on human interaction. These breeds thrive on companionship and can become anxious or depressed if left with minimal attention.

• Siamese cats are particularly vocal and interactive, often following their owners around the house and seeking constant attention. They can become distressed if left alone for long periods​.
• Ragdolls and Burmese cats are similarly affectionate and may become lonely and depressed without regular human contact. They tend to bond closely with their owners and may not cope well with extended periods of isolation.
• Bengal Cats: Known for their energetic and playful nature, Bengals are highly active cats that need a lot of stimulation. They are not just physically active but also emotionally attached to their human companions. Bengals may struggle with long periods of isolation and require regular interaction to stay happy. Without enough mental and physical stimulation, Bengals can become bored and engage in destructive behaviours, such as scratching furniture or excessive vocalisation.

For these breeds, one or two daily visits may not be enough to meet their social and emotional needs during extended absences. A live-in pet sitter is often the best solution, ensuring that your cat receives constant companionship and attention. Alternatively, a reputable cattery may provide the necessary stimulation and interaction from staff and other animals​.

• Live-In Sitter: A live-in sitter can provide the ongoing care, attention, and playtime that these sociable breeds require. This option ensures your cat’s routine is maintained and any signs of distress or health issues are addressed quickly.
• Cattery: For highly social or energetic breeds like Bengals, a cattery might offer more stimulation with regular staff interaction and activities. While some cats find catteries stressful, sociable cats often benefit from the constant comings and goings.

Conclusion

For indoor-only cats, one visit a day is not sufficient, especially for sociable or breed cats. Even with two visits a day, a month-long absence may be too long for some cats, particularly needy or energetic breeds like Bengals, Siamese, and Ragdolls. These cats thrive on regular interaction and mental stimulation. In these cases, a live-in sitter or a cattery would be a better solution, ensuring your cat’s social, emotional, and physical needs are met.

For cats with outdoor access, a single daily visit may be enough, particularly for more independent cats. However, sociable or highly active breeds may still need more interaction and stimulation, even if they have a cat flap. As always, understanding your cat’s individual temperament and breed needs will help you make the best decision for their care while you’re away.

At The Cat Butler, our ethos is welfare over profit. We believe in doing what’s best for your cat, ensuring their well-being and comfort are prioritised at all times. Whether it’s recommending a live-in sitter, advising against just one daily visit for certain breeds, or even suggesting a cattery if it’s the better option for your cat’s needs, we will always act in your pet’s best interest. Our team is committed to providing tailored care that suits each individual cat, ensuring that while you’re away, your feline friend is in the best possible hands.

Read our previous articles:
Why The Cat Butler Recommends Two Daily Visits for Cats During Extended Absences
Why We Require Twice-Daily Visits for Young and Elderly Cats

Sandra James

Owner & Founder

The Cat Butler was set up by Sandra James in recognition of the fact that a stay in a cattery can be unsettling for many cats and also their owners.