Leaving your feline friend home alone can make any cat parent a bit anxious. Cats may seem independent, but they still need proper care when you’re not around to supervise.
Setting up your space with the right items ensures your kitty stays happy, healthy, and entertained until you return.
These essentials will give you peace of mind and keep your furry companion comfortable during your absence.
1. Automatic Food Dispenser
Mealtime shouldn’t depend on your schedule. An automatic food dispenser releases pre-portioned kibble at programmed times, ensuring your cat maintains their regular eating routine even when you’re gone.
Modern dispensers come with features like voice recording, allowing your pet to hear your voice at feeding time – a comforting touch that reduces anxiety. Some models even have built-in cameras so you can check in during the day.
For multi-cat households, look for models with microchip recognition that prevents food stealing between pets. This technology opens food compartments only for the intended cat.
2. Fresh Water Fountain
Running water attracts cats naturally – it’s why many prefer drinking from faucets instead of still bowls. A cat fountain satisfies this instinct while ensuring your pet stays hydrated throughout the day.
The continuous circulation keeps water fresh and oxygenated, making it more appealing to finicky drinkers.
Most fountains include filters that remove hair, food particles, and impurities. Ceramic or stainless steel models are typically healthier than plastic versions, which can harbor bacteria.
Choose a fountain with multiple water flow options to discover what your cat prefers – from gentle bubbling to waterfall streams.
3. Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Nobody wants to come home to unpleasant surprises. Self-cleaning litter boxes automatically scoop waste into a sealed compartment after your cat uses it, maintaining freshness and hygiene while you’re away.
The magic happens through motion sensors that detect when your cat has finished their business and left the box.
After a preset waiting period, the cleaning cycle begins – raking, rotating, or sifting depending on the model.
While pricier than traditional boxes, the convenience factor makes them worthwhile for busy cat parents. Many models now connect to smartphone apps for monitoring usage patterns and health indicators.
4. Window Perch
Cats are natural observers who love monitoring neighborhood activities. A sturdy window perch creates the perfect vantage point for bird-watching, people-gazing, and soaking up sunshine while you’re gone.
Installation options vary from suction cups to screws or pressure mounts, accommodating different window types.
The best perches support up to 40 pounds and feature washable, comfortable padding for extended lounging sessions. Position the perch near bird feeders or busy streets for maximum entertainment value.
Many cats will spend hours contentedly watching the world go by, reducing boredom and anxiety during your absence.
5. Interactive Puzzle Toys
Mental stimulation prevents boredom-related behavior problems. Puzzle toys challenge your cat’s problem-solving skills by making them work for treats hidden inside compartments, under sliding doors, or within movable pieces.
Start with simpler designs if your cat is new to puzzles. The learning process itself provides entertainment, and the treat rewards reinforce continued engagement. Rotate between different puzzle styles to keep experiences fresh and exciting.
Food-dispensing balls that release kibble as they roll are particularly effective for active cats. For maximum engagement, set up a “puzzle station” with multiple options before leaving, allowing your cat to choose their preferred challenge.
6. Automated Laser Toy
The dancing red dot remains undefeated in cat entertainment. Automated laser toys take this classic to the next level by creating unpredictable patterns that keep cats engaged without human operation.
Most models feature adjustable speeds and random movement algorithms that mimic prey behavior. Timer functions prevent overstimulation by turning off after 15–20 minutes, perfect for scheduled play sessions throughout the day.
Position the device on different surfaces to create varied experiences. For safety, ensure the laser never shines directly into your cat’s eyes. Always complement laser play with physical toys your cat can actually “catch” to prevent frustration.
7. Cozy Hideaway Bed
Cats spend 12–16 hours daily sleeping, making a dedicated resting spot essential. Enclosed beds create a sense of security that’s especially important when you’re not home to provide reassurance.
Cave-style beds with soft, plush interiors appeal to a cat’s instinct for protected sleep. The enclosed design retains body heat and blocks light, creating ideal napping conditions.
Some cats prefer elevated beds that offer both comfort and a strategic view of their surroundings. Place the bed away from high-traffic areas but within view of windows or bird feeders.
Adding an item with your scent, like a t-shirt you’ve worn, can provide additional comfort during your absence.
8. Scratching Post Or Pad
Scratching isn’t just about claw maintenance – it’s a stress-relieving activity that helps cats mark territory and stretch muscles.
A quality scratching post prevents furniture damage while providing this essential outlet. Sisal rope offers an ideal texture for claw maintenance, while cardboard scratchers appeal to cats who prefer horizontal surfaces.
The post should stand at least 30 inches tall to allow full stretching, with a stable base that doesn’t wobble when used vigorously.
Sprinkle catnip on new scratchers to increase interest. Strategic placement near sleeping areas or entry points maximizes usage, as cats often scratch when waking up or entering rooms.
9. Automatic Treat Dispenser
Remote treat dispensing adds joy to your cat’s day while strengthening your bond even in your absence. Modern dispensers connect to smartphone apps, allowing you to release treats and interact through built-in cameras and speakers.
The unexpected treat delivery creates positive associations with your time away. Many models feature games that require your cat to press buttons or solve simple puzzles before receiving rewards, adding mental stimulation to the experience.
Program regular treat times or dispense spontaneously when checking in. The sound of the dispenser becomes a happy signal that quickly draws cats from anywhere in the house.
10. Calming Pheromone Diffuser
Synthetic feline facial pheromones mimic the natural compounds cats release when rubbing their cheeks against objects. These pheromones signal that an area is safe and familiar, reducing anxiety in your absence.
Plug-in diffusers release a continuous, odorless vapor that helps maintain calm behavior. They’re particularly effective for cats who show stress through excessive meowing, inappropriate elimination, or destructive behaviors when left alone.
Each diffuser covers approximately 700 square feet. Place units in areas where your cat spends most of its time. The effects aren’t sedating – they simply create environmental signals that help your cat feel secure while maintaining normal activity levels.
11. Bird Feeder Outside Window
Transform your window into Cat TV by installing a bird feeder within viewing distance. The natural movement and activities of visiting birds provide hours of stimulation for indoor cats left home alone.
Suction-cup feeders attach directly to windows for up-close viewing. Seed selection influences which bird species visit – black oil sunflower seeds attract a wide variety, while nyjer seeds specifically draw finches and songbirds.
Position comfortable cat furniture near this window to create the perfect observation spot. The mental engagement from watching wildlife helps prevent boredom and destructive behaviors, giving your cat something engaging to focus on throughout the day.
12. Pet Camera With Two-Way Audio
Modern pet cameras offer more than surveillance – they create interactive experiences between you and your cat while you’re away. Two-way audio lets you speak to your pet, while motion sensors send alerts when activity is detected.
Many models include treat dispensing functions, laser toys, or even automated games activated through smartphone apps. Wide-angle lenses capture more of your home, increasing the chances of spotting your cat during check-ins.
Beyond entertainment, these cameras provide peace of mind by allowing you to confirm your cat’s well-being.
They’re particularly valuable for monitoring new pets, seniors, or cats with health conditions that might require attention.