Multiple "Location Options" Are Essential for Cats Left Alone for Extended Periods

If you live with a cat, you've probably experienced closing the door while watching your cat follow you to the entrance when you leave the house.

Many people probably experience a slight feeling of guilt every time they say "sorry" and leave the house, knowing their cat will be alone for extended periods due to working couples or business trips. In fact, the topic of "leaving cats alone" has been gradually gaining traction in the field of cat behavioral science in recent years.

A 2020 study by a Brazilian research team published in the academic journal PLOS ONE reported that approximately 13% of the 223 domestic cats surveyed showed some form of "separation-related problem." These behaviors were observed in connection with being left alone, such as destroying objects, meowing more intensely than usual, urinating outside the litter box, and becoming lethargic.

However, what's more noteworthy than the percentage in this study might be the conditions cited as related factors. The research team pointed to a lack of access to toys or playthings, the absence of other animals in the house, and a routine of being left alone for 2 to 6 hours a day, 5 to 7 days a week. In short, it suggests that the environment in which cats spend their time alone, rather than merely being left alone, may quietly influence their well-being.

Another useful reference is a review paper by Houser and Vitale published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science in 2022. This paper comprehensively organizes research on the welfare of shelter cats and identifies three environmental factors highly correlated with stress reduction: "hiding places," "elevated perches," and "playthings." While the circumstances of shelters and homes differ, this concept can be fully applied to domestic cats left alone for extended periods.

We believe that the key here is how many different ways a single piece of furniture can accommodate a cat's needs. The Cat Cellar can be used as a scratching post when a cat wants to scratch, and they can enter it through their preferred hole. Some cats might curl up inside and sleep, while others might perch on top and observe their surroundings. During the several hours they are alone, one piece of furniture can function as many different places for them.

The Cat Cellar is neither a completely enclosed space nor an exposed open space. It allows cats to hide while moderately sensing outside sounds and human presence during the day. For a cat, the sense of security provided by a thin wall might be more calming than complete isolation.

By arranging a situation where your cat can choose their resting place based on their mood—"here today," "there now"—during the hours you are away, you can foster a comfortable relationship for both of you. The Cat Cellar doesn't disrupt your room's interior and serves as a scratching post, a hiding spot, and a resting place all in one. In that sense, it should be a worthwhile choice as a long-term companion.

If you have any questions about how to use it, please feel free to send us a message via our official LINE account. Our customer service staff will be happy to assist you.

Click here for official LINE

Return to blog

*References: de Souza Machado, D. et al. Identification of separation-related problems in domestic cats: A questionnaire survey. PLOS ONE, 2020. / Houser, B. & Vitale, K. R. Increasing shelter cat welfare through enrichment: A review. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2022.