Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Care for a Cat While Working Full-Time: 7 Vet-Approved Tips

woman using a laptop on couch with her cat

Cats are popular pets for a lot of reasons, but partly due to their independence. As long as they have food, water, and a clean litter box, cats will entertain themselves until you’re around for playtime and snuggling.

This helps when you have a full-time job that takes you out of the house for 8 to 9 hours each day, leaving your cat alone. Fortunately, there are ways you can ensure that your cat has what they need while you’re working.

Here are seven ways to care for your cat while you work full-time.

divider 1 paws

How to Care for a Cat While Working Full-Time

1. Provide Food & Water

When you’re gone for a big chunk of the day, you may be concerned about your cat eating and drinking. As long as you provide a small bowl of food and free access to fresh drinking water, your cat is more than capable of tending to their own needs while you’re gone. If your cat is a big eater, consider getting an automatic feeder to dispense food throughout the day at set times. A water fountain is a great way to keep fresh water available for your cat while you are at work.

orange cat eating on an orange bowl
Image Credit: Okssi, Shutterstock

2. Keep a Clean Litter Box

As long as cats are healthy and have a clean litter box in a secure, comfortable area of your home, they will use a litter box readily. You won’t need to return home or ask someone to let your cat out. Better yet, you can get an automatic litter box that does the work for you.

That said, cats must be litter box trained, which can take some time. Most cats catch on quickly, but kittens and rescue cats or semi-feral cats may require a few litter boxes in different parts of your home to avoid accidents. In addition, cats that have health problems, such as a urinary tract condition, may soil outside of the litter box.


3. Install a Cat Door

Cat doors are a helpful way to give your cat access to your home that you may not want to leave open all day. If you have a dog, for example, you may want to restrict access to the area where you keep the cat’s food and litter.

Though it’s not recommended, if you have indoor/outdoor cats, a cat door allows your cat to go in and out during the day. This is also helpful if you have a catio or similar setup for your cat to get some fresh air and enrichment.

tabby british shorthair cat enters the house using cat door
Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

4. Cat-Proof Your House

Some cats can get into trouble without supervision. You don’t want to come home to broken vases and destroyed plants, so make sure to cat-proof your home. This isn’t always easy with an agile, curious cat, but consider moving valuables onto high shelves or into closed rooms where your cat can’t get to them.


5. Leave Toys Around

Active cats require a lot of entertainment to avoid boredom and destructive behaviors. While you’re gone all day, leave toys around the house for your cat to enjoy. They don’t need to be fancy or expensive. Variety is key, so include scratch posts, cat trees, and plenty of small toys.

Many cats will find endless entertainment from simple things like empty boxes. If your cat is really high energy, consider getting electronic toys that mimic chasing prey.

Looking for toys that will cater to the many needs of your cat? The Hepper Hi-lo Cat Scratcher is one of our favorite cat products, and it will encourage your cat to get active. Its clever three-angle design offers multiple ways for your cat to climb, stretch, and exercise. Made of a sturdy plywood base and a replacement cardboard insert, this scratcher is an option that cats can enjoy for years to come. If your cat requires a little encouragement for self-play, the Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set is a fantastic choice for their instinctual needs. Made with natural, bite-resistant hessian fabric and filled with organic catnip. Cats can satisfy their natural prey instincts while getting the physical activity they need to thrive. 

Image Product Details
Great for Exercise Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher
  • Multi-level play
  • Promotes exercise
  • Long-lasting material
  • Encourages Self-Play Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set
  • Contains catnip
  • Kitten safe
  • Satisfies prey instinct
  • At Catster, we've admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!


    6. Schedule Check-Ins

    If your cat is young or new and doesn’t do well on their own, schedule check-ins. If possible, take time off when you bring a new cat home or plan to pick up your cat ahead of a long weekend to spend some time together before going back to work.

    If taking time off isn’t possible, see if a friend or family member can stop in to check on your cat and spend some time with them.


    7. Make Your Return Interactive

    You’re probably tired when you come home, but celebrate your return with treats and playtime. Your cat has been alone all day and will be excited to see you, so plan some fun before getting settled in. Your cat will eventually look forward to when you come home from work.

    woman lying beside brown cat
    Image Credit: Oleg Ivanov, Unsplash

    divider 3 paws

    Is It Good to Get a Cat if You Work Full-Time?

    Many people work full-time, so that’s not a reason not to get a pet. Cats are highly independent and may be a better choice than a dog for people who work full-time, but they still need care and attention. As long as you provide for all of your cat’s needs throughout the day and give your cat plenty of quality time when you come home, they will learn to adjust to their alone time.

    That said, it may not be ideal to bring home a kitten or a stressed rescue cat if you work a lot. Some cats are better at being alone than others, so your kitten or rescue may not adjust well to 8 or 9 hours alone during the day. In this case, it’s best to adopt an adult cat breed that’s not particularly clingy.

    divider 1 paws

    Conclusion

    Cats are great pets for people who work full-time, but they’re not entirely self-reliant. If you provide your cat with everything they need throughout the day, they will be fine on their own while you’re at work. Then, you both can look forward to quality time together when you return.

    See Also:


    Featured Image Credit: Maxim Artemchuk, Shutterstock

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    Can British Shorthair Cats Be Left Alone? Time Limits & Considerations

    If you are a cat lover but spend a significant amount of time away from home each week due to work, you will...

    british shorthair

    How to Retrain a Cat to Use a Litter Box: 13 Vet-Approved Tips

    Inappropriate elimination can be difficult to deal with, resulting in ruined belongings and strained relations between cats and their favorite people. It’s one...

    Ginger cat in blue litter box

    Is a Tuxedo Cat Hypoallergenic? Vet-Approved Allergy Care Tips

    If you’re a cat lover, you’ve most likely seen, or perhaps owned, a tuxedo cat. While many people think these adorable black and...

    Tuxedo ragdoll cat sitting inside the house

    How to Train a Cat to Stay Indoors: 7 Vet-Approved Tips

    Of the over 160 million cats in the United States, roughly 30—80 million are unowned and roaming free1. Many cats with owners also...

    cute cat rearing up licking finger of the woman kneeling on the floor

    More related

    man cleaning smelly litter box

    Will a Cat Litter Deodorizer Work? Vet-Approved Facts & Info

    There’s no doubt that people everywhere love cats. In fact, they outnumber dogs in some countries. However, there’s one thing that most people...

    young man and brown tabby cat smell or looking each other

    How to Tell My Cat I Love Them: 10 Vet-Approved Ways

    In human relationships, we spend a lot of time telling and showing our partners that we love them. Our “love language” is often...

    cat bath

    How Often Do I Need to Bathe My Cat? Facts & 7 Vet-Approved Reasons Why

    Bathing your cat is not something most owners think about. Cats are notorious for being self-grooming animals. For the most part, they do...

    a woman holding a ragdoll kitten in her arms

    How Long Can You Leave a Kitten Home Alone? Vet Approved Tips

    Cats are known for their independence and can stay at home alone for a few hours as long as they have food and...

    Keep reading

    5 Signs of Aggression in Cats: Vet-Reviewed Behavior Problems to Watch For

    Aggression is a relatively common feline behavior problem, and it can have several causes, from pets getting a bit too carried away while playing to pain and fear. Feline aggression can be quite serious, it can cause injuries and make...

    Scottish fold cat very angry and aggressive

    Why Is My Cat So Naughty? Vet-Approved Feline Misbehavior Explanation

    Cats may engage in tons of behaviors that seem “naughty” to us without actually being naughty. Often, this may be the result of a cat’s unique personality, but it can also just be a normal cat behavior. For instance, many...

    A cat sitting in a pile of tissues.

    Can a Cat Sense Fear? Vet Reviewed Answer

    We all know that cats do an excellent job of comforting us when we’ve had a rough day. All we need is to sink our fingers into their soft fur and feel their purr rumbling under our hands to feel...

    white cat under the bed

    9 Best Foods for Siamese Cats in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

    Siamese cats, with their striking blue almond-shaped eyes, short coat, and distinctive color points, are known for their friendly, sociable, and affectionate nature. As any Siamese cat owner would attest, these felines are more than just pets; they’re part of...

    siamese kitten eating from a stainless bowl

    10 Basics of a Homemade Fresh Diet for Cats: Our Vet Explains

    Many pet parents are keen to explore fresh at-home diets for their cats. In fact, research shows that a majority of pet owners are keen to give equal, and in some instances, more priority to buying healthy food for their...

    tabby cat eating from metal bowl

    5 Cat-Safe Incense Alternatives for Your Home: Vet Approved Advice

    Incense is used in many homes to freshen the air in the home and cover unpleasant smells. Unfortunately, it is generally not considered safe for homes with cats. The exposure to the smoke from the incense can be irritating to...

    Close up to Mint leaves in a pot

    Can Cats Get Car Sick? Vet-Verified Facts & Info

    A car ride often represents three things to your cat: change, a lack of control, and loss of freedom. Felines hate all of them, and this ramped-up anxiety and stress are even able to trigger vomiting or motion sickness in...

    Cat Car Carrier

    How to Dry a Cat After a Bath: Vet-Approved Step-by-Step Guide

    You rarely find a cat that will gladly accept having a bath without putting up a fight. If your cat is as apprehensive as most others, you may want to make sure you’re doing everything correctly to minimize the agony...

    gray cat newly bathe