Cats left home alone: the basics
Ask your vet about your own pet. This page is general information from the sources below.
The ASPCA says pets can feel anxious when left alone, and suggests keeping routines steady, practicing short absences, keeping up play, and leaving toys on. It says to see a behaviorist if the problem is serious or the pet is very stressed.
Checked October 29, 2026.
Signs a pet may be stressed
The ASPCA lists pacing, crying or calling, trying to follow you out as you leave, and soiling the house or wrecking things while you are gone, often items that smell strongly of you.
Simple steps
The ASPCA suggests keeping a steady daily routine for meals and play, and practicing short times apart that slowly get longer. It says to keep up exercise and play, rotate toys, and leave soft music or a show on. For cats it mentions toys they can play with by themselves.
When to ask for help
The ASPCA says to call your vet right away if a pet seems sick or hurt, and that a sudden change in behavior can signal a medical problem. It says to look for a qualified behaviorist if a problem is serious, puts someone at risk, or causes the pet a lot of stress.
The ASPCA lists separation anxiety among problems that need a plan made just for that pet, from a qualified behaviorist, and that a veterinary behaviorist can decide on any medicine. This site does not give any.
When to call the vet
The ASPCA says to call your vet if behavior changes suddenly or the pet seems sick, and to ask about a certified or veterinary behaviorist if the stress is serious.
For the children
Ages 4-6: Say a short, calm goodbye and hello, and give the cat a favorite toy. Ages 7-10: Help the grown-up leave toys out and keep a note of how the cat acts when the family comes home.
"We keep hellos and goodbyes quiet, so being alone feels less big."
This is general information from the sources below, not veterinary advice, and it doesn’t replace a trainer or a behaviorist who can see your kitten.
Sources
- ASPCA: Separation Anxiety in Pets: 7 Tips and Tricks (checked October 29, 2026)
- ASPCA: Behavioral Help for Your Pet (checked October 29, 2026)