Siamese Cats and Solitude: Do They Prefer to Be Alone?

Siamese kitties have climbed up the social cat tree with the help of their loving personalities. These special felines are known to be incredibly vocal, playful, and affectionate. They’re often compared to dogs more than their fellow aloof felines.

Siamese cats do not like being alone! Unlike normal moggies, Siamese cats enjoy personal time with their humans more than anything. In fact, this unique breed can actually develop depression or anxiety if they’re left alone too often.

Because of this, many people become confused or irritated after bringing a Siamese cat into their life. It is easy to misunderstand just how much attention and time these kitties need.

Since Siamese cats strive to be surrounded by their human parents, it’s only natural they’ll get lonely and possibly a little bit naughty when you’re not around.

How Long Can Siamese Cats be Left Alone?

You’ll have a hard time finding a straightforward answer to this question. What we love about our kitties is that they all have individual personalities – that’s what makes them so special!

Some Siamese kitties may be perfectly fine spending some time alone (although they certainly will be lonely) whereas others may leap for your nearest valuables in an attempt to punish you.

Siamese cats become incredibly attached to their owners. Sure, they’re more independent in the sense that you don’t have to take them for walks (unless you’ve adapted the harness method) but you’ll still have to spend a significant amount of time playing and caring for them.

Once your Siamese has formed that special bond with you, they’ll miss you like crazy once you’re gone. You’re not the only thing they’re crazy about though.

Of course, we can’t be expected to sit at home with our Siamese kitties all day every day! It’s only normal that we’ll need to leave our Siamese cats alone every once and a while.

The recommended time you can leave your Siamese alone depends on a few factors: age, diet, environment. If your adult Siamese is perfectly healthy and doesn’t turn to destruction, they should be fine at home for up to 8 – 9 hours.

If your Siamese is still a baby, you should never leave them longer than 3-4 hours. This time is absolutely crucial in your relationship as this is when you’ll begin bonding.

If a Siamese cat is left alone too long too often, they’ll quickly become lonely and depressed. Once this happens, your house will become their destruction zone. Say goodbye to sleep, as you’ll be up all night with their constant meowing. Your walls and couches will become their scratching posts. Not only is this a pain for you, it’s just sad knowing your Siamese isn’t happy!

If you’re planning on leaving your Siamese cat alone for a while, think about this:

Has your Siamese previously shown signs of separation anxiety? (eg. loud vocalization, destructive behavior, losing fur.)
Does your Siamese have enough food and water to tide them over while you’re gone?

Do they have a fresh litter box to avoid accidents?
What is the weather like? Is it too hot inside the house? Too cold?

How Can I Deal With My Cat’s Separation Anxiety?

If you worry your Siamese may be experiencing separation anxiety, there are quite a few things you can do to overcome this! But first, we should determine whether or not your faithful feline misses you more than they should.

Cats with separation anxiety often show the following signs:

Loud, excessive meowing

Scratching furniture, doors, windows, or chewing items around the house
Going to the toilet outside of the litter box
Refusing to eat

Hiding
Aggressive behavior
Excessive grooming or licking

Vomiting while you’re away

Personally, I believe you should never punish your cat for bad behavior due to anxiety, and I strongly recommend you do the same. Reacting negatively towards this behavior will only heighten their anxiety, and while it should not be rewarded, there are a few positive actions you can take to help your Siamese feel at ease.

Step 1: Training

While people usually reserve training for dogs, cats also need training to correct certain behaviors. Here are a few techniques that can help with anxiety:

Only reward positive behavior. If you have a clingy cat on your hands (chances with a Siamese, you do!) constantly giving them attention when they demand it can heighten their separation anxiety. Instead, try giving your Siamese attention or praise when they’re alone and quiet.
Routine, routine, routine. Siamese cats are incredibly intelligent and they notice even the slightest change in your daily routine. So, when you open the front door, jingle your keys, put on your shoes or coat, they’ll know it’s time for you to leave. Practice these things without actually leaving, and this will desensitize your feline’s triggers.
Don’t be fussy. Prolonged goodbyes are just a way of telling your Siamese “I’m leaving, and it’s a big deal.” Quite consoling your cat and reassuring them you’ll be home. You wouldn’t make a fuss when simply leaving the room, so do the same when leaving the house. Give it a minute or two to greet your Siamese when you return. If you’re relaxed and cool about leaving, your Siamese will pick up on these good vibes.

Step 2: Entertainment

A bored cat is an anxious cat and one that will turn to destruction. The key to reducing separation anxiety is providing a fun environment that’ll keep them entertained until you’re home.

Toys, toys, and more toys! The more toys your kitty has to choose from, the better. Having toys that invoke a reaction is great. Try getting some that make a noise when they move or some balls so they can play soccer around the house. If you have a toy that your Siamese simply can’t keep their paws off, save it for special occasions. If you still haven’t shopped yet for their playtime though, this link right here might lead you to the best toy for your Siamese cat.
Siamese room: If you have a spare room or the extra space, providing them a room that is “theirs” will help a ton. As well as helping them feel secure, having all of their toys, cat trees, and scratching posts in one place means they’ll be entertained for hours upon end.

High spaces: Cats love high places since they feel safe up there and they love to climb. Clear a space on your bookcase or wardrobe, or try placing a cat tree next to the window so they can watch the world whizz by.
Leave the TV or radio on: Having a little background noise can help your Siamese feel less lonely. Try the jazz or classical music station or the animal channel that shows nature programs throughout the day.

Step 3: Quality Time

Not spending enough time with your Siamese can heighten the separation anxiety. Siamese kitties crave human affection, and when they’re not given enough, they’ll develop depression and anxiety – even if you’re home all hours of the day.

Dedicate at least 30 minutes of your day to playing with your Siamese and have multiple play sessions when you can. Try teaching them a few new tricks or introducing interactive toys.

Step 4: Give Them A Friend

Siamese kitties thrive off companionship. If they can’t have their humans 24 hours a day, they’ll settle for the next best thing – a furry friend.

Most cats have been proven to live a happier life if they’ve lived it with a fellow feline. This is the main reason people tend to adopt cats in pairs, especially from the same family.

So, if you have the option to, consider adopting a friend for your Siamese. Although these kitties can be quite territorial, once introduced right, they can be the perfect pair. Simply follow the guide on the link for a successful introduction.

It’s important to keep in mind that just because they have a friend, they won’t miss you any less. You still have to give them just as much love and attention, this just means they will have some company and entertainment when you’re away.

Siamese kitties are incredibly energetic, so it’s important you find a playmate just as energetic as them.

Other steps you can take:

Give them a window view. Siamese cats will happily sit hours upon end watching the outside world go by.
Hide treats around the house to keep them occupied.
Purchase a treat puzzle or a toy that incorporates treats like the Interactive Puzzle Cat Feeder on Amazon.

Have a cat tower or high perch they can jump and climb from.

So, do Siamese cats like being alone?

Not at all! They’re incredibly sociable creatures and rely heavily on human contact.

That being said, it’s completely fine to leave your feline home alone for a few hours at a time. Just make sure they have everything they need and they have plenty of toys to keep them entertained!

Want to immerse yourself more in the captivating world of Siamese cats? I’ve got all the information you need from their distinct color points to their fun personalities: Siamese Cats: Unique Features and Personality

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Do Siamese Cats Like To Be Alone?