Leaving the kittens while were at work

Question
We just got a pair of brother and sister Polydactyly kittens (maybe 8 or 9 weeks).   I might be struggling with keeping them in the bathroom while we sleep- and while we are at work all day.
They always have food, water, litterbox, bed, scratching post and toys.   They are in the dark at night but in the day-time- we have two night lights that we use, as well as a fan for circulation.   My problem is that there are times like today, that they will be in the bathroom for 10 hours.  This is not typical- but this is going to happen from time to time.   Is this too long?
I don't know what the alternative is-- but they are simply too small to have run of the house.  I'm just concerned that keeping them confined to a bathroom for so long may have ill effects on them.
Are we doing the right thing?

Answer
Devon,

You are doing a fabulous job, and it sounds like you've done some research on how to get kittens acclimated to your home.  

No, leaving the kittens alone for 10+ hrs in the bathroom is not a problem--especially if it's not on a routine basis.  If it was on a routine basis, then I might say that could be a problem.  But you're absolutely right---they are too young to have the run of the house at their age, as you would most likely come home to destruction in your home.  

You have done all the right things for them by providing them food, water, litterbox, toys, scratching post, and even a nightlight and fan!  I think it's important, though, on those days that you are gone for 10+ hrs that you let them out to run around, as they need to burn that excess energy they will have.  I would ensure that when you do come home, that you allow them to run around and play outside of the bathroom, until you go to bed (if you're gone all day and come home in the evening).  That way, they will get their much needed exercise and play time, as well as (hopefully) bonding time with you.  This is critical when raising kittens, so as long as you're still providing them that outlet on those longer days, they will be fine.  Not to mention they have each other to play with during the day.  

One thing I would suggest, though, is to keep the light on in the bathroom while you're gone instead of using a nightlight.  A nightlight, while providing some light, is too much like darkness, and could get their bio-rhythms off (meaning their sense of being able to tell day from night could get mixed up).  So, if you can, I'd leave the bathroom light on while you're gone, so it simulates more of a daytime environment.  They will be more likely to play with each other with the full light on, and that will help with what they would do together during the day anyway.  

Otherwise, you're doing a great job, and most people with kittens who work or have things to do during the day have to keep their kittens locked up in their "special" room while they're gone.  You cannot, nor should you, let 2 young kittens have the run of the house.  It's not recommended, and will only get the kittens into trouble, you'll have a mess to clean up (likely), or your kittens could get into something that could harm them.  So, at this age, they need to be locked in the bathroom when you're not there to supervise them--and that's for their own safety.  

You are doing nothing wrong, and as long as it's not on an everyday basis, then you are fine.  Like I said earlier, if you had to keep them locked up every day for 10+ hrs, then we'd need to talk about alternatives.  But every once in a while will not cause any ill effects.  I do want to mention, though, that the other option is to purchase a crate or cage that is big enough for both of them, plus their litterbox, food, toys, and scratching post.  If you could find a crate/cage big enough to hold those items plus the kittens, that will fit in your living room or some other room in your house, then you could do that.  That will allow them to see daylight, be outside their room, and yet still keeps them crated/caged so they don't harm themselves or other items in your home.  You would need to find a crate/cage that has small enough spaces between bars that they couldn't squeeze out (and possibly get stuck and then hurt themselves), and it must NOT have a wire bottom, as that will hurt their tender feet.  It's got to have a solid bottom.  I know many people who do this with their kittens and their adult cats--usually for feeding purposes.  So that is another option you may want to consider, but otherwise, I see no problem with doing what you're doing, as long as it's not too frequent, and you make up for that time somehow by letting them run around outside the bathroom once you're home and until you go to bed.  

Good luck and let me know if I can do anything else for you.

Savannah