Am I Too Busy for a Cat?

Are you thinking about getting a cat, but feeling unsure if you can handle the feline responsibility? Between work, errands, and life, well, life-ing, it’s natural to wonder if you have the time and energy a new cat companion requires. If you’re even asking this question, chances are you’re a considerate, responsible person who would make a great pet parent. But to make sure you’re entering this potential new relationship clear-eyed, we’ve outlined below what cats really need — and how to tell if your lifestyle is the right fit for a feline companion.

TL;DR: You’re probably not too busy for a cat, because they're more independent than dogs and can generally adapt to busy lifestyles. However, cats still need daily attention for feeding, care, and affection.

JUNLIN ZOU / Pexels/

Are cats high-maintenance? 

Cats are lower maintenance than dogs, but they’re not no-maintenance. (Not even plants are.) Most cats are independent, don’t need to be walked, and can entertain themselves. But they still require daily feeding, a clean litter box, regular playtime, grooming (especially for long-haired breeds), and veterinary care. Some experts estimate that cat care entails about one hour per day, but you may find yours requires less than that. Here are some responsibilities to consider to determine if you have room for a feline friend in your lifestyle. 

Litter box

Experts recommend one litter box per cat, plus an extra, and it should be large enough to comfortably fit your cat. Boxes should be scooped once a day. The box should be washed and the litter should be replaced every two to three weeks. 

Grooming

Unlike dogs, who need regular baths, cats clean and preen themselves, assiduously using their own tools (their tongues and teeth). You can help out by running a brush over their coats once or twice a week to keep them gleaming, especially if your cat has long hair. As your kitty ages and their ability to clean themselves decreases, helping them groom will become even more important.

Vet appointments

Most adult cats will need to see a vet once a year. Kittens, senior kitties, and cats with underlying conditions will need to go more often, anywhere from every four weeks to every six months.

Playtime

Cats enjoy a stimulating environment with toys that allow them to express natural behaviors such as exploring, stalking, chasing, perching, and catching. A cat exercise wheel will keep them moving, scratching posts and sisal mats will keep their claws away from the couch, and open boxes are an invitation cats can’t refuse. Take advantage of the time you are home with 15 to 20 minutes of interactive play daily. Catnip balls, strings, and laser pointers will all delight your kitty.

Socializing

No, cat socialization is not an oxymoron. It’s a myth that cats are loners. Cats, like dogs, require socialization to live happy, healthy lives. How do you socialize a cat? By building a consistent, reliable daily routine in which you playfully and caringly interact with your cat for at least 15 minutes. Be sure to gradually introduce them to new people and always provide a safe hiding spot at home where they can retreat. 

Pet errands

Pets come with their own errands, so factor in regular trips to the pet store for toys and food, as well as visits to the groomer and vet. There are some one-time responsibilities to ensure your cat’s safety. Upon adoption, you’ll want to purchase a collar and identification tag and/or a microchip for your kitty, so they can be returned home if they stray.

Are cats social animals?

Cats are more independent than dogs, for sure, but no cat is a loner. Related female cats will often raise kittens together in groups called colonies. That’s why it’s great to adopt siblings if you have the space, cat behaviorist Kristiina Wilson says.

“I think all of us need friends who are of the same species…. When I adopt out animals, I always make people take at least two kittens or cats, unless they have an animal already at home, just because I think animals need friends.”

Behaviorally, cats’ sociability is flexible, and a cat will choose when to be social and with whom. That means there’s a wide range in how social each cat may be. One thing that’s true across the board: Cats will miss human companionship when they’re left alone too long. For most cats that’s not more than one or two days.

Do cats get separation anxiety? 

Yes, cats can get separation anxiety due to several experiential and environmental factors. Poor cat socialization or abandonment when they are young, sudden changes in work or school schedules, divorce, and death can all contribute to separation anxiety in cats. 

Cats grow dependent on their pet parents who feed, care for, and entertain them. As a result, your absence — especially a prolonged absence — is deeply felt. Signs your cat is experiencing separation anxiety include:

• Excessive meowing

• Moaning or crying

• Elimination outside their litter box

• Not eating or drinking during your absence

• Destructive behavior

Cats aren’t trying to annoy you with this behavior. They are literally trying to call you home.

Yana Bulgakova / Stocksy/

Tips for busy cat pet parents

It’s possible to be a loving, responsible pet parent with a busy, full life. Lean on the various conveniences below, when your schedule has you feeling short on time.

Hire a pet sitter

Just because you’re not home doesn’t mean someone else can’t be. Consider hiring a local teenager to come over to play with and cuddle your kitty. Don’t know anyone? Online outlets can help you find cat sitters in your area.

Adopt a second cat

If you’re often gone for long stretches of the day, two kitties might be better than one. Remember that cats are social creatures, and their quality of lives will improve with a live-in playmate and companion.

Puzzles and stimulation

Cat exercise toys keep your kitty’s body and mind active and happy when you’re not at home. Toys should speak to your cat’s instincts to explore, play, and hunt. Cat and mouse in a cardboard box? That’s a big yes for a kitty. Cat toys with bells, feathers, fur, or pom poms are perennial hits, as are toys in which a treat can be hidden and tucked out of sight for a cat to find. 

Cat trees and scratchers

Give your cat opportunities to follow their instincts to scratch and climb. With a cat tower by the window or on a screened porch, an indoor cat can enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors. In a small space, consider a cat exercise wheel to keep a kitty active. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to keep your cat active. Cat exercise toys can be budget-friendly and even free. Empty cardboard boxes, paper bags, and scraps of corrugated cardboard provide opportunities to scratch and hide. Like, tie a feather and a bell to a piece of string dangling from a stick. Voila—something to catch.

Automatic feeders

Automatic feeders are like programmable coffee makers, allowing you to “set it and forget it.” They can also prevent well-intentioned pet parents from overfeeding their kitties.

Mobile grooming services

Skip the trip to the groomer and have them come to you. A groomer on wheels can pull up at your address, meaning you can say goodbye to cat carrier containment and agonizing car rides. And your kitty can still look their best.

Pet food delivery and subscriptions

Set up a pet-food subscription delivery service, and you’ll get exactly what you need on your doorstep. This will spare your back the 30-pound cat food deadlifts at the pet megastore.

Commonly asked questions

Can I have a cat if I work nine to five?

Yes, you can have a cat if you work nine to five — many people do. While you’re out, make sure your cat has food and fresh water, a clean litter box, a place to nap and hide, and a few healthy sources of entertainment. They’ll be perfectly happy to spend the day alone. Each day, when you get home, give your cat some focused attention by cuddling and playing with them. 

How many hours a day should you be with your cat? 

Although there are no strict rules for how much time you must spend with your cat, consider devoting 30 to 60 minutes each day to them for playing, petting, and spending some QT. Quality matters more than quantity. If you’re consistent with just 15 minutes of daily play and affection when you’re together, your cat will feel loved and cared for.

How can I be sure my cat is safe when I’m gone? 

Cat-proof your home by removing potential hazards such as toxic plants, chemicals, or electrical cords. Secure windows and doors to prevent escapes. You might even consider using a pet camera to keep an eye on your kitty’s well-being. 

How many hours a day do cats sleep?

Cats sleep anywhere from 12 to 16 hours a day. If you’re busy at work during the day, there’s a good chance your cat is napping much of the time you’re gone.

References

DiGangi, B., Janeczko, S., Bollen, K., & Griffin, B. (2010). Simple shelter enrichment for cats [PDF]. University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shelter Medicine Program. https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/files/2011/11/simple-shelter-enrichment-for-cats.pdf

Indoor Pet Initiative. (n.d.). Separation anxiety. The Ohio State University. https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats/problem-solving/separation-anxiety

Litter Box How-To For New Cat Owners. (2023, September 7). Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. https://stories.tamu.edu/news/2023/09/07/litter-box-how-to-for-new-cat-owners/

Pet Talk. (2017, April 20). Every cat needs some entertainment. Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.  https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/every-cat-needs-some-entertainment/

Pet Talk. (2024, September 5). Helping your pet with separation anxiety. Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/homepage/pet-separation-anxiety.