How to Prepare Your Home When Leaving Your Cat Alone

As much as we love our cats, sometimes life takes us on adventures that don’t include our feline friends. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a short business trip, leaving your cat home alone can feel nerve-wracking. Will they be safe? Will they get lonely? Will your couch survive?

The good news is, with a little planning, your cat can have a perfectly stress-free staycation while you travel. As a fellow cat parent (and frequent traveler), I’ve learned a few tricks to keep my cat safe, well-fed, and entertained while ensuring my home doesn’t turn into a feline free-for-all. So, let’s dive into the ultimate guide to preparing your home for your cat’s staycation!

1. Cat-Proof Your Home Like a Pro

First things first—before you pack your bags, make sure your home is a safe and cat-friendly zone. Cats are curious little mischief-makers, and an unsupervised kitty can find trouble in the most unexpected places.

Here’s what to check:

• Secure windows and balconies – You don’t want an accidental escape attempt while you’re gone.

• Hide cords and small objects – Loose wires, rubber bands, and hair ties are all cat magnets (and potential choking hazards).

• Move toxic plants out of reach – Lilies, pothos, and aloe may look pretty but can be dangerous for cats.

• Close off "forbidden zones" – If your cat isn’t allowed in certain rooms, make sure doors are firmly shut before you leave.

A little home-proofing now can save you from coming back to a shredded couch—or worse, an emergency vet visit.

2. Set Up a Foolproof Food & Water Plan

Even though cats are independent, they still need fresh food and water every day. If you’re gone for just a day or two, you can probably leave out enough food to last, but for longer trips, you’ll want a solid system in place.

Food Tips:

• Use an automatic feeder – This keeps meals on schedule, so your cat doesn’t think they’ve been abandoned and start plotting revenge.

• Consider an automatic wet food feeder – If your cat prefers wet food, this ensures they get fresh meals even while you’re away.

• Leave extra dry food – If your trip is short, an extra bowl of kibble is a good backup plan.

3. Keep the Litter Box Fresh & Functional

No one (cat or human) enjoys a dirty litter box. And if it gets too full while you’re gone, your cat may decide that your rug, laundry pile, or bed is a better option.

Here’s how to avoid any unpleasant surprises:

• Clean the litter box right before you leave – Start with a fresh, empty box.

• Set up an extra litter box – If you’re gone more than a day or two, this helps keep things clean.

• Consider a self-cleaning litter box – If you travel often, this is a total game-changer.

4. Make Sure Your Cat Stays Happy & Entertained

An unstimulated cat is a cat that gets into trouble. Keeping your cat entertained while you’re away is key to avoiding destruction (and guilt).

Here are some easy ways to keep your kitty busy:

• Leave out their favorite toys – Bonus points for puzzle toys with hidden treats.

• Set up a cat tree or window perch – Cats love to climb and watch the world go by.

• Turn on some entertainment – Try leaving soft music or a TV channel with birds or fish (yes, cat TV is a real thing).

If your cat is particularly playful, try rotating their toys before you leave. That way, they don’t get bored of the same old feather wand.

5. Arrange for a Check-In (If Needed)

If you’re only gone for a night or two, your cat should be just fine on their own. But if your trip is longer (3+ days), it’s a good idea to have someone check in.

• Ask a friend, neighbor, or pet sitter to stop by – They can refresh food, water, and litter while giving your cat some much-needed attention.

• Use a pet camera – If you’re a little paranoid (like me), a pet cam lets you check in and even talk to your cat from your phone.

6. Be Ready for Any Emergencies

Even though the chances of something going wrong are slim, it’s always good to be prepared. Before leaving, make sure:

• Your cat’s microchip and ID tags are up to date.

• Your vet’s contact info is easily accessible.

• A trusted friend or pet sitter has a backup key in case of an emergency.

Final Thoughts: You Got This!

Leaving your cat home alone can feel nerve-wracking, but with the right setup, they’ll be perfectly fine—and probably sleep through most of it! A little prep goes a long way in ensuring your cat stays safe, happy, and comfortable while you enjoy your trip.

Now, go enjoy your travels! Your cat will be here waiting (probably napping in your suitcase) when you get back.