Longest time you would leave a cat alone?

[luckyeight]

Just wondering what cat owners consider an ok length of time to leave their cat alone in the house without company for, say if you were going away on holiday (with someone coming in to feed and water it obviously)?

[Louise07]

Hi, we were away for 8 days and our in laws came to feed our cat twice a day.

Though I think it depends on the nature of the cat. Our cat is more than happy on his own, he likes his own space (infact he is quite unsociable!) and is on his own during daytime working hours. (He has a cat flap so he can let himself in and out but we always lock it at night so he cant go out incase a fox gets him or something).

When we were away, although I knew the in laws would take care of him I still worried about him missing us, but when we got back it was as if he didn't even realise we had been away.

The in laws did say however, that he was often asleep on our bed on my dressing gown so he could probably smell my scent on the dressing gown. Maybe it's a good idea to leave something of yours out so your cat can curl up on it!

On the other hand, our neighbours were away for nearly 2 weeks and we went round daily to feed their cat who is very affectionate. When our neighbours returned they said their cat wouldn't let them out her sight, so generally I think it does depend on the nature of your cat.

[bensmum]

I would agree with that. I work occasionally for a Pet Sitting company and we always try to play with the cat(s) and have a cuddle where possible. Having said that I have been to places where the cat takes no notice of me, eats its food and clears off out! It is very much down to the particular cat. I think the longest I've had a cat is 6 weeks and I used to spend at least half an hour twice a day just sitting with her on my lap. Having said that cats are left in quarantine or catteries out of necessity for longer periods so they do cope. Just make a lot of fuss of your cat when you get back!

[luckyeight]

Thanks for the answers - much appreciated.