Cats make for great pets due to various reasons. Their independent nature is what attracts potential owners the most. While there’s no denying that cats are generally more independent than dogs, you also can’t deny that they love having their owners around.
If this is the first time you’re adopting a cat, you should do your research to ensure that your adorable feline doesn’t suffer from isolation.
Siamese cats are popular for their friendly and sociable personalities. Their loving, affectionate, and trusting behavior towards their owners is something that most people absolutely adore. Siamese cats are very likely to form a strong bond with one person. This can cause them to get upset easily if they notice that you’re gone.
If this is the first time you’re adopting a Siamese cat and trying to accommodate it in your busy schedule or routine, we have the ideal guide for you. We will cover everything you need to know about leaving a Siamese cat alone at home.
Can Siamese Cats be Left Alone?
The short answer is yes, most Siamese cats can be left alone.
Certain cats don’t show any signs of separation anxiety. However, Siamese cats are a people-oriented breed, causing them to get very attached to their owner. When left on their own, these felines can become very bored, anxious, and lonely.
When left alone for extended time periods, your Siamese might begin to exude destructive behaviors, such as shredding items in your home and destroying things. To keep your cat from showing such behavior, you will need to ensure that it engages in plenty of daily activity, such as playing with some stimulating toys. Having an exciting routine together can keep your cat from getting separation anxiety.
Also, make sure to make appropriate arrangements when leaving your Siamese cat alone. Remember, if you begin to notice any odd changes in your feline’s behavior, such as loss of appetite, chances are that your Siamese is being negatively impacted by being left alone.
Do All Cats React the Same Way to Being Left Alone?
Not only are two breeds of cats not the same, but also no two cats within the same breed are the same. While it can be difficult to generalize when it comes to cats, there are certain traits that persist through a breed. The point is the certain cat breeds are more tolerant when it comes to being left alone. The same behavior is also observed in many dog breeds. Generally, Siamese cats don’t bode well being left on their own since they often suffer from separation anxiety. However, there are chances that with some training and extra comfort, your Siamese cat will get used to being alone.
What to Keep In Mind Before Leaving a Siamese Cat Alone
Siamese cats are generally very friendly and loving pets that get attached quite easily. Other than the general nature of a Siamese cat, there are many other deciding factors that determine whether or not your feline should be left home alone.
Age
Age is perhaps the biggest deciding factor that can determine the number of hours you can leave your Siamese alone at home. If your Siamese is under four months old, you shouldn’t leave it home alone for more than 2-4 hours. If your Siamese cat is about six months, you can stretch the time duration to 8 hours. Lastly, if you have a Siamese that is older than a year, you can leave them alone for about 24-48 hours.
Mood of the Siamese
The recent mood of your Siamese cat is another major concern when you’re deciding to leave him/her alone. As a pet owner, you should be aware of how your cat has been feeling or doing lately. If your feline is doing well in terms of physical and mental health, then you can consider leaving it alone for a few days. However, if your cat has been acting extra naughty, anxious, aggressive, or grumpy, then it probably isn’t the best idea to leave them alone.
Number of Hours
A critical question that you need to ask yourself before leaving your cat home is the number of hours that you will be away. If you have a busy schedule that forces you to be out of your home all day long, adopting a Siamese kitten might not be a good idea. On the other hand, if you have a fully-grown cat, you will have to make all prior arrangements before leaving your cat home alone.
How to Leave Your Siamese Cat Alone
Siamese cats can start feeling quite lonely, causing them to get anxious and depressed. In case this happens, your cat will begin chewing cords, shredding sofas and couches, and ripping papers. Every cat needs certain things in order to live comfortably. You will need to ensure everything your Siamese needs is available before you leave home. It is easier to leave your cat for 24 to 48 hours than leaving it for a few days. So, if you have plans for a short trip for a few days, it’s better to hire a cat-sitter.
That being said, here are a few preparations to make before leaving your Siamese cat alone at home.
Adjust the Indoor Temperature
Siamese cats need a certain temperature to live comfortably. For the time that you’re gone, you will need to keep a check on the current and expected weather. You must then adjust your thermostat according to the weather to ensure that your car is comfortable while you’re away.
Place an Automatic Pet Feeder
If you don’t already have an automatic pet feeder, you should now invest in one. You can’t leave your cat’s food in a normal feeder and expect it to eat by itself. Your Siamese obviously has a certain portion size for food. Not only does an automatic pet feeder deliver the right amount of portions, but it also keeps your kitty’s food fresh. An automatic cat feeder allows you to schedule meals, set a portion size, and even record a few seconds of your voice so that you can call your pet to have their meal.
Provide Plenty of Water
Your Siamese cat will need plenty of water when you’re away. So, you will need to fill a dish with fresh water for cat before you leave and make sure to leave some extra bowls of water around the house.
Keep a Litter Box
A litter box is an essential item for your cat. When your kitty’s litter box will be full, they will just end up going somewhere else in your house. So, it’s good to keep a second litter box around if you’re planning to be away for a while. This will save you coming home to a stinky miss. In case your Siamese isn’t litter trained, you will have to get it in the habit of using a litter box a few days before you plan to leave.
Provide Entertainment
It might seem like a weird idea but your cat could use some entertainment while you’re away. Leaving the TV or radio on for some extra company can make a vast difference for your Siamese cat. Another great option to keep your kitty entertained is to invest in some cool new cat toys to keep your cat from getting bored while it’s alone. Adding a cat tree to your room is also another good idea.
Hiring a Pet Sitter
You will need to put a plan in place if you’re going to be away for more than 24 to 48 hours. You might think about sending your pet to a boarding facility, but that isn’t going to be the best option for your Siamese cat. Felines are territorial pets; placing them in an unfamiliar environment can cause them to get stressed. Therefore, asking a family member, friend, or a pet sitter to take care of your Siamese at your place is a more feasible option.
The Bottom Line
Siamese cats have a long life span. If you care well for them, they can be your loyal companion for a good 15 to 20 years. Siamese cats are loyal and protective creatures that thrive through ample love and support from their companion: you. While these cats may seem independent, you need to remember that they can’t be left alone for too long. However, this doesn’t mean you can leave them alone at all; there are many ways to enjoy a trip or two while making sure that your beloved Siamese cat is safe and sound.