When is my kitten old enough to be left unattended?

Question

I am taking care of a 5-week-old kitten who was abandoned on some local property. Currently she resides in the front bathroom with her food, water, bed, toys, and litter. I know she has to stay in here when she is unattended, especially since I am gone 4 to 7 hours on weekdays.

I know it won't be for a little bit, but when is she old enough to let her just wander around the house when I am gone? She is not the first kitten we've had, but the older cat we have was a few months when we got him. So I am at a bit of a loss .

Answer 1

Is she the only cat in the house -- or is the older cat still there? If so, that is a huge factor in your decision. Some older cats really have a hard time accepting a new kitten into the fold. You need to make sure they interact okay before you leave the kitten out to roam w/the other cat while you're away.

If the kitten is the only cat & she's behaving okay while you have her out for a few hours, I'd feel comfortable letting her out while you're gone in a few weeks. Make sure that when you do let her roam that dangerous things like cords are up & out of the way & that the toilet seats are closed.

Answer 2

She would be properly, okay at about 8 weeks old. You need to make sure, she is independent enough to be left in the house alone.  

Answer 3

she would be fine now.

they do and will get into things, so if you don't want stuff broken, put it away.

i had no trouble with mine. i had to go to work 3 days after i got her, and all was fine. let her roam around.

Answer 4

It mostly depends on how she behaves when she's out around the house when you're home and watch her. When she's at a point where she is comfortable in the house, doesn't do anything that could harm her, ect then she's ready. My cats used to be bad kittens and chew wires of things plugged in destroy my curtains and other things. When they got a little less curious and playful after having thourougly explored every inch of my apartment then I felt good about leaving them out. I made sure to have plenty of stuff for them to do tho. They had lots of little cat toys, a climbing/scratching tree, and a window perch. Make sure when you decide you want to try leaving her out that she has plenty to do. Also, when you first start, leave her out only on days where you're only got the shorter amounts of time. Once you see everything is good you can start leaving her out longer and longer.

Answer 5

I would keep her in there for a while longer.

she will still know where her sand box is and food after you allow her to roam.

You might allow her to roam during the time when you are  home so she will get use to the new big world.

good luck  

Answer 6

I think that depends on the kitten.  When you are home, let the kitten out.  Let her socialize with the other cats, etc.  If she seems to be OK when you are home and your cats do not try to hurt her, then you can let her out unattended.  If you are concerned about the kitten's safety with the other cats, then I would keep her locked up a little longer.  

In my past experience, the kittens have a tendency to beat up the older cats.  So, I think your kitten will be OK.