Can British Shorthair Cats Be Left Alone? Vet-Verified Facts & Considerations

If you love cats but spend a lot of time away from home for work or other commitments, you may wonder if certain cat breeds handle short periods alone better than others. Many people have heard that British Shorthairs can manage by themselves quite well. This is partially true — the breed is relatively independent and adaptable, making it easier for them to be left alone for moderate periods during the day. However, each cat is different, and breed alone won’t determine your cat’s personality.

Important information: No cat truly enjoys being left alone for long hours. Before committing to adopting a cat, carefully consider your availability and working hours to ensure you can provide enough companionship, enrichment, and care.

Can I Leave My British Shorthair Alone?

British Shorthairs are relatively independent and adaptable, which could help them manage moderate periods alone reasonably well. However, you should try to keep their time alone to a minimum. If you need to be away, it’s important to ensure your cat has everything they need for comfort and enrichment while you’re gone. Some breeds, such as Persians, Himalayans, Maine Coons, American Shorthairs, Russian Blues, and Norwegian Forest Cats, are also known for being relatively self-sufficient. Even so, spending quality time with your British Shorthair whenever possible is essential for their well-being and happiness.

How British Shorthairs Handle Being Alone for Short Periods

Intelligence

British Shorthair cats are considered intelligent animals with excellent problem- and puzzle-solving qualities, making it easier for them to deal with tough situations without help. Most owners report that these cats can get in and out of rooms when needed and are capable of getting themselves out of jams.

Awareness of their Environment

Another thing that helps the British Shorthair spend time alone is their observational skills. In many cases, these cats can learn your routine down to the minute, so they know when it is time for you to leave and come home. Since they know what to expect, they won’t be upset when you leave and will wait patiently for you to return instead of damaging furniture out of fear.

Trainability

British Shorthair cats desire to please their owner, making them easier to train than many other breeds. Training helps them spend more time alone because you can train them how to access food and get in and out of the house. Some owners even teach their British Shorthair cats how to use the toilet instead of the litter box!

Calmness and Friendliness

The British Shorthair cat famously has a calm demeanor. These cats often spend much of their day relaxing in a window or another high perch so they can watch over their surroundings, and they will likely not mind if you are not around. They are also friendly toward other household pets, so there is usually no need to worry about fighting.

How Can I Make Being Home Alone Easier for My Cat?

Get a Sitter

A pet sitter can be a great way to make being home alone easier for your cat. The sitter can remain all day if your budget allows, or you can have them stop by for a short time to feed and play with the cat for a few minutes. While your British Shorthair might take a few days to get used to a stranger, they will at least appreciate the company and a food and water refill.

Clean the Litter Box

Cats don’t like a dirty litter box, which can be a source of anxiety when your cat is alone. Therefore, cleaning out the box each day before you leave for work is a good idea, as it will make your cat happier and more comfortable about being home alone. If you have more than one cat, having one litterbox for each cat, plus one for the house, can help reduce your cats’ stress levels, especially if you spend a long time away and can’t always clean them out.

Plenty of Toys

Most people like to tidy up the house before leaving, but having plenty of cat toys around can help your pet find something to do while you are away. You can also purchase several automatic cat toys to keep them entertained.

Open the Shades

Many cats like to spend their day in the window, and leaving the shades open can help them pass the time. Even if the cats don’t sit in the window, the open shades will let in sunlight, creating warm places to sit in other parts of the home.

Leave the TV or Radio On

A great way to help your pet feel more comfortable and less alone while you are away is to leave the TV or radio on low volume. The sound of voices and music can help keep your pet calm, especially if outside traffic often stresses them out.

Develop a Routine

Try to keep everything the same each day so your British Shorthair can develop a routine. The more structured each day is, the happier they will be.

Conclusion

While British Shorthairs are relatively independent and observant, which can make moderate periods alone more manageable, no cat truly enjoys being on their own for long stretches. Their intelligence and calm nature help them cope, but they still benefit from interaction, stimulation, and companionship. You can make alone time easier by ensuring their litter box is clean, providing food and water, leaving toys around, keeping the shades open, and leaving the TV or radio on for background noise. Training them to access certain areas or use automated feeders can also help. If your cat struggles with being alone, a pet sitter or short visits during the day can provide comfort and break up their time by themselves.

Related Reads:

• Chinchilla British Shorthair Cat: Facts, Origin & History (with Pictures)

• Cats Back to School Blues – 6 Ways to Prep Your Cat

Featured Image Credit By: FotoMirta, Shutterstock