Cats have a reputation for being self-sufficient, especially when compared to their canine counterparts. Little bath time is required, for example, thanks to their overzealous grooming habits. They also don’t need to be taken outside for bathroom breaks multiple times per day.
But make no mistake: Cats are not low-maintenance pets. Find out just how long it's okay to leave your cat alone.
“I would never describe any pet as low-maintenance if you’re providing good care for them,” says Mikel Delgado, a certified applied animal behaviorist and cat behavior consultant at Feline Minds. “They can use a litter box, but they have physical and emotional needs that need to be met just like any other pet.”
In part because of this misconception, she continues, some pet parents assume it’s OK to leave their cat alone at home for much longer than is advisable — or safe.
“I do not recommend ...
