Cats are known to be independent creatures by nature, but that doesn't mean they can be left alone for long. If you have opened your home to a cat, you always have responsibilities towards it. It's not recommended to leave cats home alone, but in difficult situations, cats can be left alone. It is recommended that such times should not exceed one or two days and it is preferable to leave cats alone unless it is really necessary.
Cats can face various dangers when left alone. They are at risk of physical and psychological trauma such as starvation and dehydration, foreign body ingestion, Feline High Rise Syndrome, Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), sharp or sharp object injuries, and toxicity. So, what can you do to prevent these situations when you are really in a difficult situation?
1. Acclimatize to loneliness at a young age
The first measure is to train and encourage cats against loneliness at an early age. For cats that have not received this training, loneliness can cause great stress. Therefore, it is important to encourage and train cats to develop the habit of being alone at a young age.
2. Making their living space safe
Cats who love to explore can have many accidents. Tangles of string, rugs and curtains that can be ripped up, breakable frames, vases, garbage cans, house and ornamental plants, cabinets and drawers left open, chemicals and cleaning products can cause unwanted accidents. It is very important to keep such items out of reach as much as possible.
3. Environmental Enrichment
While removing dangerous items from the environment, it is necessary to create a living space with items that will keep cats active. Environmental enrichment is important for cats that are home alone all day to be active, to keep their mental and physical functions fit and healthy. Safe toys and scratching boards will allow cats to be active.
4. Nutrition and Cleaning
Not only does loneliness affect cats psychologically, but you also need to take care of their basic needs. It is important to place food and water bowls in several locations to make sure that cats are fed during the time they will be alone in the house. It is also necessary to increase the number of litter boxes. When you return home, it's important to look for any changes in the cat's defecation habits to see if there are any health problems.
The basic principle should be not to leave cats alone as much as possible. It is best to seek help from acquaintances or professionals when necessary. In the most desperate situation, it is best to leave the cat alone.
These precautions for the safety and health of cats left alone at home will contribute to a happier and healthier life for cats. Remember, cats need attention and care too.
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