How long can a cat be left alone at home?

In Sweden, cats are covered by the same regulations as dogs: the Swedish Board of Agriculture's regulations and general advice on keeping dogs and cats (SJVFS 2020:8). There is no specific rule on how long a cat may be alone, but two requirements set the limit in practice:

• Cats must normally be checked on at least twice a day. Cats that are sick, injured, newborn or behaving abnormally need checking more often.
• A cat must normally be offered social contact with people every day.

Checking on a cat means a person actually looks in on it and sees that it is well. Food and water in an automatic feeder do not count.

The rules apply to indoor and outdoor cats alike. An outdoor cat that comes and goes through a cat flap still needs someone to check on it twice a day.

It is a common belief that cats are independent and will be fine for a couple of days with food, water and a clean litter tray. But it is not only about food. A lot can happen in a day:

• The water bowl tips over or the feeder fails, and your cat goes without.
• Your cat falls ill or gets hurt, and nobody notices. Urinary problems, for example, can become an emergency quickly, especially in male cats.
• The litter tray fills up and your cat stops using it.
• Your cat gets shut in a room or a cupboard.
• Your cat gets stressed at being alone, stops eating or starts marking.

That is why the rules require someone to check on your cat, not just that it has food. Two cats can keep each other company, but they do not replace a person who sees that both are well.

Start from how long you will be away. The table applies to a healthy adult cat. A young, old or sick cat needs checking more often.

The rules say that animals with greater needs must be checked more often than twice a day. For cats that applies especially to:

• Kittens, who eat more often, play a lot and easily get into trouble.
• Older cats, who may have kidney problems, sore joints or a poorer appetite.
• Cats on medication at set times, for example for diabetes or a thyroid condition.
• Cats who have recently had surgery or been ill.

For these cats it can be wise to book more visits a day, or a sitter who stays in your home while you are away.

Most cats are happiest in their own surroundings, with their own scents, hiding places and litter tray. That is why a cat sitter who comes to your home is often the first choice.

• Cat sitting: a sitter comes to your home, feeds your cat, cleans the litter tray, gives medication and spends time with your cat. Book two visits a day to meet the requirement for checks.
• A sitter who stays in your home: the sitter lives with you while you are away. Suits cats who like company and longer trips.
• Cat boarding: your cat stays in a sitter's home. Suits cats who cope with a change of scene, or when nobody can come to your home.

If you want to know what it costs, cat sitter prices are in our guide to what a dog or cat sitter costs. You can also search for sitters near you and read reviews from other cat owners.

The more your sitter knows, the calmer it is for your cat. Meet before the trip if you can, so your cat can sniff out the new person while you are still at home.

The full list is in our checklist before the stay. You can also read about how Pet Lounge works and our approach to trust and safety.