Can Devon Rex Cats Be Left Alone?

Human beings have been made as sociable creatures. Though they can live alone, humans need regular social contact and interactions. What about animals?

Do animals hold any emotions when alone or have a need for interaction with fellow animals or humans? Let us focus on Devon Rex cats. What stand do they hold towards being alone?

Can Devon Rex Cats be Left Alone?

Yes, Devon Rex cats can stay alone. Although cats might see alone time as an opportunity to be mischievous, leaving them for long periods of time is harmful for your pet.

The periods of time to be left alone vary from one cat to another. This depends on your cat’s age, personality, behavior and the environment which it lives in.

 Quick Facts about Devon Rex Cats

When leaving these cats alone the following will enable you know the right environment for it when alone.

• Devon Rex cats are naturally energetic and active.
•  They are very playful especially jumping on things.
• They love attention and exercising.
• They love warm places since they don’t have much fur.
• They cuddle and snuggle a lot on to humans therefore, most of the time they require human interaction.

Kittens from the Devon Rex family should not be left alone for long periods of time. Those under four months can stay for few hours alone and above four months, they can handle up to five hours.

Devon Rex cats which are six months or more can stay for eight to twenty four hours alone. If your cat feeds on dry food, it can tolerate forty eight hours though it is not highly recommended. The most appropriate duration is one day.

Issues Resulting from Home Alone Cats

Due to the personality of Devon Rex cats, leaving them alone for long periods of time could trigger some issues. They can feel lonely nervous, neglected, depressed, anxious which could develop into separation anxiety.

Separation Anxiety in Cats

This is a condition in which anxiety develops due to separation or fear of separation from parents or caregivers either in humans or animals. .e.g. cats, dogs. Devon Rex cats portray anxiety symptoms in a variety of ways such as;

• Your cat becomes clingy. It hangs around you more often and doesn’t want to leave you alone.
• Change in meowing behavior. It tends to meow louder and more than usual.
• Your cat may not eat well or experience total appetite loss.
• It can go into hiding when you are leaving or hide from its caregiver.
• Your cat can show signs of fear.
• In extreme cases, it could experience vomiting and diarrhea.
• Your Devon Rex cat may defecate or urinate outside its litter box.
• When alone, your cat seeks your comfort. So, it may urinate on things or places that have your memory or smell .e.g. your clothes, bed sheets.
• Your cat may knock things over in the house.
• It may do a lot of self-grooming. Licking it-self excessively.

  Disclaimer

Not all these signs indicate separation anxiety, your pet may be sick. Seek veterinary advice to get a full diagnosis for clarification.

Things to consider when leaving cats home alone.

If you are leaving it for long, consider hiring a pet- sitter for your Devon Rex cat. Make sure you choose the right pet-sitter, should be fond of pets. Pets may develop behavior issues when not treated well.

Give the pet-sitter your cat’s check-list. This should include its daily routine; meals, play time, sleep time and when to empty the litter box.

It’s hard for cat’s to break routines and this may make it anxious. In addition, inform them prior of your cat’s behavior for easier detection of any unusual changes in your pet.

Leave all your cat’s necessities in place before leaving. Ensure it has a good supply of food, fresh water and there is a clean litter box. For cats that feed on dry food, leave a lot of water.

Devon Rex cats get bored easily and require constant mental stimulation therefore, leave things that will keep them distracted. This could be the following.

• Chew toys. Not only do they keep them busy but also they clean and massage their teeth,
• Food puzzles and toys to play with e.g. strings, ladders, castles just to mention but a few.
• Cat furniture e.g. cat trees, hammock, etc. Devon Rex cats have light bodies and long legs which enable to make tall jumps. They love jumping on countertops, cabinets, and tables. Cat furniture can serve this purpose as well.
•  Cardboard boxes, they can bite and scratch on them. Cats love enclosed spaces and feel secure in them too. Lying in cardboard boxes is a good way to distract them.
• Create special places for your cat e.g. a room with a view. Cats love staring at things.
• Paper and paper bags to pounce on and sneak around in.
• You can also have more than one cat so that your cats keep each other company. However, do not bring in a new cat when leaving. Introduce it prior to allow your pet to get fond of the new mate.
• Fish tank funs which keep the cat entertained, acts like television for it.

Disadvantages of Leaving Devon Rex Cats Alone

Your cat could get destructive when it goes for long without human attendance.

Food left for it can get spoiled resulting in food poisoning.

The cat’s litter box may get full and dirty leading to house-soiling.

Your cat’s water may become dirty and unsafe for drinking.

Developing separation anxiety disorder and depression is also a risk for your Devon Rex cat.

The Bottom Line

Devon Rex cats can stay home alone but not for extreme periods of time. Remember to put in the right measures so that it does not feel alone. Your pet should feel cared for even when you are away.