Expert reveals 5 cat breeds that struggle being left alone

The first thought people often have about cats is their independence, which leads many to assume felines are fine on their own for long stretches, but a feline expert cautioned that the reality is more nuanced, especially for working households.

For those wanting to bring a cat into their home, Elize Stassen, a feline expert and the owner of Blue Brits Cattery, says lifestyle fit should be one of the first considerations. Owners should calculate not just work hours, but total daily time away—including commuting, errands and social activities—before choosing a breed.

She told Newsweek the five breeds she most often cautions against in homes where cats will routinely be left alone for full workdays are Siamese, Burmese, Bengal, Sphynx and Abyssinian.

Stassen said most adult cats can be left alone for about eight to 10 hours, but that is on the upper end for a daily basis. They will need to have access to food, water and a clean litter box. Those under 6 months should never go more than four hours alone. Senior cats, ages 12 and up, also require more frequent attention, which Stassen said is due to their sensitivity to changes in routine.

Siamese

A stock image of a Siamese cat sitting on the floor.

Siamese cats are known for their intelligence and intense social bonding, making them especially suitable for families. Stassen said these felines often form strong attachments to one person, which can become distressing when left alone, usually struggling by the six-hour mark.

As vocal cats, they will also let you know when they are unhappy about the situation. She’s experienced client calls with Siamese cats yowling in the background.

This breed is one of the most common mismatches she sees for working professionals. Owners might fall in love with the kitten’s appearance but later struggle with constant vocalization and stress behaviors, such as over-grooming, which often lead to rehoming requests.

Burmese

A stock image of a brown Burmese cat lounging on the couch.

Often described as “Velcro cats,” Burmese cats thrive on companionship, and by the 8-hour mark, these felines begin to withdraw, Stassen said.

“[They] stop eating normally, and chew up things they wouldn’t otherwise touch,” she said.

Changes in appetite, destructive behaviors and withdrawal can all be indicators of stress or separation-related anxiety in cats, according to a vet-reviewed article from Catster. For this breed, Stassen says, companionship is a daily requirement.

Bengal

A stock image of a Bengal cat lying on a tile floor.

For Bengal cats, Stassen said the problem is less about loneliness and more about boredom.

“A bored Bengal in an empty house finds something to do, and you usually don’t want them to find it,” she said. “I had a buyer last year whose Bengal pulled the screen out of a second-story window.”

Sphynx

A stock image of a Sphynx cat in bed looking at the camera with disapproval.

Sphynx cats have a reputation for needing warmth and constant contact. Without a fur coat, they often seek physical heat, but Stassen says their need for interaction goes beyond temperature.

“They want laps, other pets, anything,” she said. “A Sphynx alone all day is a stressed Sphynx.”

That stress, she notes, can show up as changes in eating, litter box issues and heightened attention-seeking behavior.

Abyssinian

A stock image of an Abyssinian cat lounging on a couch.

Abyssinian cats are highly active and intelligent cats that require significant mental and physical stimulation. Similar to Bengals, these felines become easily bored. Stassen said Abyssinian cats might begin showing repetitive behaviors, such as pacing or fixating on a window for hours, signals of stress rather than contentment.

What To Do When Cats Are Alone

“The ‘low maintenance pet’ idea is one of the main reasons cats end up in shelters,” Stassen said. “Most cats are deeply social; they just show it less demonstratively than dogs.”

Guidelines from the American Association of Feline Practitioners and International Society of Feline Medicine emphasize that cats thrive in environments with predictable routines, enrichment and social interaction. They benefit from a home that allows them to engage in natural behaviors like climbing, scratching, hiding, playing and observing their surroundings. The guidance also notes that environmental stress and lack of stimulation can contribute to behavioral issues in cats.

To help stimulate cats while they’re home alone, Stassen recommends adding a second feline to the mix. They keep each other company, but she stressed the importance of carefully matching temperament, age and gender.

Environmental enrichment also plays a major role. Window perches near sunlit areas, bird feeders outside windows and visual stimulation can keep cats engaged for hours. Automatic feeders and puzzle toys can help break the day into smaller “events,” rather than one long stretch. Background noise, such as television and pheromone diffusers, can help anxious cats.

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