Leaving my cat alone too much?

[u/La_Bomba_]

I recently moved out into my own place after having a roommate. We both had 1 cat, and now it’s down to just me and my cat.

Since the move I’ve had a lot of stuff come up that’s made me need to be away for 24+ hours. I was gone for 2 days for a bachelor’s weekend, I work 12 hour shifts and go to my partners house overnight at times, and have other day trips or house sitting events coming up. Any time I’m gone for more than one day I have someone check on him for some play time and social interaction.

It’s worked out to where I leave my cat alone for 24 hours once or twice a week, and it’s making me feel like I’m a monster. He doesn’t like automatic toys much, but I have a few around my apartment, as well as two cat towers.

Am I being a bad cat parent by leaving him alone that long that often? We play when I am home, and I try to give him attention any time he meows for me, which is definitely more than it used to be. I would get another cat but I can barely afford to, and my partner has a cat already and we plan to live together eventually, whether it’s next year or the year after.

[u/dnbgirlstylz]

Aww, yah that does seem like a bit too much. My poor cat started developing health issues when I left him alone a lot, so I ended up getting another cat and he's so much better now. I could barely afford it, but it was so worth it for his well being. Could your partner stay overnight at your place instead?

[u/La_Bomba_ → u/dnbgirlstylz]

They do a lot of the time but not always. And it’s going to get better soon as I don’t have many more trips planned but still feel terrible. What kind of health issues did your cat develop when you left him alone?

[u/Coffee-love93]

I also worry if my cat is alone or lonely. I cannot afford another animal at all. I think it’s really important to prioritize being with an animal while not at work or another commitment. When I started dating my boyfriend I asked him if he would be willing to come sleep at mine since I have my cat. I have only slept at his place a handful of times due to my cat- totally worth it though.

I also have heard of cats having playdates with other cats they are familiar with so that could be an option