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Cats/Leaving the kittens while we're at work

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Expert: - 3/19/2009


Question
We just got a pair of brother and sister Polydactyly kittens.   I might be struggling with keeping them in the bathroom while we sleep- and while we are at work all day.
They always have food, water, litterbox, bed, scratching post and toys.   They are in the dark at night but in the day-time- we have two night lights that we use, as well as a fan for circulation.   My problem is that there are times like today, that they will be in the bathroom for 10 hours.  This is not typical- but this is going to happen from time to time.   Is this too long?
I don't know what the alternative is-- but they are simply too small to have run of the house.  I'm just concerned that keeping them confined to a bathroom for so long may have ill effects on them.
Are we doing the right thing?

Answer
Devon,

How old are the kittens?

Have you kitten proofed the house?

Regardless of the size of the kittens they need to be able to run about freely to exercise and grow properly. Keeping young animals in a relatively small room for prolonged periods of time such as an 8 hour work day means that they've had very little stimulation. It might be better to confine them to a single kitten proofed floor by using a couple of baby gates stacked on top of each other. Keeping kittens confined when there aren't any other pets in the home isn't ideal. Kitten proofing is kind of like baby proofing, you'll need to get down on the kitten's level and take away hazardous items for the time being. It's also not a bad idea to start placing rolls of toilet paper and paper towels onto the spool so that the free end comes out next to the wall rather than over the top...Putting paper products into place properly means that your kittens will have to work much harder to decorate your home with toilet paper streamers. I would be more than happy to offer more tips on making sure that your kittens are safe on one or all floors of your home if you'd like.

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I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

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I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

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I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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