Pet cat: Should you get one if you work full-time

A pet cat can be a great companion as they are sensitive to human moods, quiet creatures and do not require a lot of attention from their owners to be happy.

They also do not need a lot of supervised physical activity and thus are superb pets for seniors and those with a hectic lifestyle, including people who work full-time outside the home.

Cats have a reputation of being disloyal though friendly and sensitive.

Many cats, especially those that are free to go out and come back as they please, tend to have more than one home and sometimes spend part of their day with various people.

It is not unusual for a cat to have breakfast at one house, lunch at another and end the day with dinner at a third house.

As the owner of the cat, it is nonetheless your responsibility to ensure that the cat is provided with a home, food, water, and medical care as required.

So, Is a Cat a Good Fit If You Work Full-Time?

This is the question most people are really asking, so let’s answer it directly. Cats are one of the best pets for a full-time work schedule, but it still depends on the cat and on how you set things up at home.

According to PetMD, healthy adult cats can generally be left alone for 8 to 12 hours at a time, which lines up well with a typical workday. Kittens are a different story: most vets recommend not leaving a kitten under four months old alone for more than about four hours, so a kitten may not be the right choice if you’re out of the house all day – an adult cat is usually the better fit for a full-time work schedule. If you do bring home a kitten, our kitten training tips cover the litter box and feeding basics.

A few things make the day easier on a cat left home alone while you work:

• An automatic feeder and a clean water source (a pet water fountain encourages more drinking than a still bowl)
• A litter box that’s cleaned daily, ideally more than one if you have more than one cat – if your cat starts avoiding the box, see our guide on why cats stop using the litter box
• Window perches, scratching posts, and a few rotating toys so the cat has something to do
• Consider adopting two cats instead of one if you’re out most of the day – many behaviorists suggest a companion cat reduces boredom and loneliness for cats that are alone for long stretches

If you’re regularly away for longer than 12 hours, or going away overnight or longer, arrange for a pet sitter, a trusted neighbor, or a cattery rather than leaving the cat to fend for itself.

Other Things to Know if You Are Thinking of Getting a Pet Cat

Easy to care for

It is comparatively easier to take care of a cat and they are not very demanding as pets. However, like any pet, it requires commitment from your side to keep a cat.

Many people decide to have a cat for companionship, but it is important to remember that cats are independent creatures and may seem to take more than what they give back.

They are affectionate but show love on their own terms and may not even respond when you call; due to this people sometimes consider cats to be unaffectionate, unattached, and unloving.

Requires playtime

Though cats are not very demanding as pets you need to make sure that the kitten or cat has adequate room to run, jump, and play. They will require toys, trees, scratching posts, and climbing frames to stay active.

A cat that is bored can be destructive – scratching furniture and carpets, chewing on fabric or houseplants. This is especially common in cats left alone for long hours without enough to occupy them.

Although cats are more independent compared to dogs, you will still need to find some time to play and relate with your cat, ideally a short session when you get home from work.

Can keep pests at bay

Cats, as everyone knows, can help to keep rats and mice at bay and if you are living in a rural area or farm, this may be another reason to keep a cat.

In this case, try to get a kitten from a mother cat with a good reputation for hunting as she would have taught the kitten some of the skills to be a good hunter.

Having a cat as a pet can also teach children valuable lessons on being responsible and putting someone else’s needs above their own. Check out our list of the 10 best cat breeds for families.

Children can also learn how to be gentle with a creature that is small and delicate.

The cost of keeping a cat

The cat will need a place of its own in your house – a dedicated area to rest and sleep, food, water, and cat litter box.

If you decide to let your cat go outside and come back as it pleases, then you will also have to install a cat flap.

Pedigree cat over moggy

While the cost of cat equipment may not be so high, the cost of getting the cat itself can vary from ‘free’ to a sizable amount for a pedigree cat.

A pedigree cat isn’t necessarily friendlier than a moggy (a cat of unknown origin/mixed breed) – plenty of mixed-breed cats are just as affectionate. The real advantage of a pedigree is predictability: because purebred cats are selectively bred to a breed standard, you have a much better idea going in of what temperament, energy level, and grooming needs to expect, which can help you pick a cat whose personality suits a full-time work schedule.

Choosing a pedigree cat can reduce the uncertainty around temperament, but a well-socialized moggy can be just as loving a companion.

Vet and cattery costs

Ongoing costs include food, cat litter, and the fees for veterinary examinations, which at a minimum should be twice a year.

Long-haired breeds need more frequent brushing to prevent matting, and a severely matted coat sometimes has to be clipped under sedation by a vet or groomer – regular at-home brushing usually avoids this.

Additional vet fees will be required for vaccinations, neutering and treatment for sickness and injury.

You can go for pet insurance to cover the costs but sometimes there will be a minimum charge when making a claim.

You also need to account for the cost of keeping your cat in a cattery if you decide to go on holiday.

6 Reasons a Pet Cat Suits a Busy Schedule

1. Clean

Cats groom themselves and tend to be clean and smell better than dogs; unlike dogs, cats will not go out and roll in the dirt or in something unpleasant.

2. Quiet

They are quiet and even the loudest meow besides being adorable will not be half as loud as the bark of a dog – useful if you live in an apartment or have close neighbors.

3. Low maintenance

They do not require too much maintenance. You do not have to take them outside for bathroom breaks or walks two or three times a day, which matters a lot if you’re out of the house for 8+ hours.

4. Easy to train

They can be easily trained to use a cat litter box, so you don’t need to come home on a tight schedule the way you would with a dog that needs a midday walk.

5. Keeps pests at bay

Cats help to keep away rats and mice.

6. Not clingy

Cats are less prone to separation anxiety and can put up with being alone at home for longer periods than many dogs can.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours can I leave my cat alone while at work?

Most healthy adult cats are fine alone for 8 to 12 hours, which covers a typical workday. For anything longer than 12 hours, arrange a check-in from a pet sitter or neighbor.

Should I get a kitten if I work full-time?

It’s worth waiting. Kittens under four months old shouldn’t be left alone for more than about four hours, so an adult cat is generally a better fit for a full-time work schedule.

Is it better to get two cats if I’m away most of the day?

Many behaviorists suggest it can help. A companion cat gives your cat something to interact with while you’re out, which may reduce boredom and loneliness, though some cats genuinely prefer to be the only cat in the house.

Is a pedigree cat friendlier than a moggy?

Not necessarily. Pedigree cats aren’t inherently friendlier than mixed-breed cats – the real benefit is predictability, since a known breed gives you a better idea of temperament and care needs going in.

You may also find our posts on why the awesome Bengal cat breed is not for everyone and maine Coon Cat helpful.

For a complete overview of the different cat breeds and how to choose the right one, visit our complete cat breeds guide.