bad to leave 17-year-old cat all day?

Question
Dear Jessica --
I have an almost 17-year-old cat (Whitey, spayed female, indoors since kittenhood as a stray) and am considering taking a full-time job that will probably mean I'm out of the home 11 hours a day.  (Don't think I will be able to come home at lunch, but not sure.)  Right now I have a mostly work-at-home job and just work away from home usually 4 hours a day, about 3 or 4 days a week.  (I am not quite as worried about my two younger cats, though they may not like being left alone either.)  But I am just so concerned about Whitey, partly if something were to happen to her while I was gone and also because she really likes being near me most of the time.

Just for details, here is Whitey's description:  She is almost 17, in good health as far as I know, slower and frailer than in her younger days of course!  She had a short apparent very small "seizure" motion (?) I observed several months ago but has seemed absolutely fine and happy since.  She regurgitates her food from time to time since kittenhood but several vets have not found a problem so probably just hairballs (she loves Petrolax, the little nut!) and maybe food sensitivities.  I do feed her mostly Pro Plan which by far reduces her regurgitating.  I do also give her little bits of other cat food and people food as she is the most enthusiastic eater and beggar of any cat you will ever see.  She is tolerant of my other two cats but doesn't seek them out or want cuddling or playing with them.  She lost her 16-year-old "buddy kitty" last year, sad to say, who I also had as a stray since kittenhood.  I don't know if she misses her or not.

So -- is this a non-issue I should not be worrying about?  People say it's ridiculous, that caring for a cat, even an older one, should not be a factor in getting a full-time away-from-home job, that she will do just fine.  But she is almost 17!  I might not have a choice about working, but if I can figure out a way to wait, should I for her benefit?  But then she could live for 4 or 5 more years couldn't she?  (I hope!)

I love her dearly of course and want to decide with her well-being in mind.  She would be alone those 11 or 12 hours in my smallish apt. (with balcony where their litter boxes are.) (My other two cats slide off my balconcy and down my neighbor's awning to play outside sometimes, but Whitey never does.)
Sorry to be so long,
thank you!  Looking forward to your response--
Susan V.

Answer
Hi Susan!

I certainly don't think it's ridiculous to be concerned over how your kitty will cope with your being away from home so much.  It truly is a huge pill for cats to swallow when their owner's schedule changes so drastically.  It's not uncommon for cats to suffer some anxiety over situations like this.  Once in a while, it even ends up in behavioral problems, like failure to use the litter box, destroying property (scratching), or overgrooming.

However, it is true that you can't live your life constantly worried about her.  It is true that she may be around for several more years, so waiting to start working wouldn't necessarily solve the issue, either.  Because she is healthy (although old), there isn't any need to worry about her any more than you would your younger two.  There are a couple things you can do as you start your new job to help her cope more easily.

One is to begin using a product called Feliway.  This is a synthetic pheromone, a hormone that causes cats to feel safe and relaxed.  It's an excellent product to use at all times, especially in times of stress, like a new work schedule, new pet/person in the home, and vet trips, etc.  I use it and would never be without it.  You can learn more, find a retailer, or order on their webiste - www.catcontrol.com.  I recommend the plug-in diffuser.

Another is to leave her a t-shirt you have worn, unwashed.  See, cats and humans produce very similar pheromones.  She's come to associate the scent of your pheromones with the sense of security you've always provided.  Your pheromones will be left on the t-shirt and will help to comfort her in your absence.  Studies prove that this works between cats and between dogs and cats, as well.  Just having the scent of the other cats around will cause your older kitty to feel secure, as they provide a constant in her life.

I suggest to do this with your other cats, too.  Leave an article of your clothing in each of their beds.  The younger two may be less likely to feel anxious about your absence because they have such a special bond, but they are not immune to anxiety, either.

Even though she's not cuddly with the other two, just having them in the house with her should prevent loneliness.  Leaving a TV or radio on during the day can help, too.

It is important to make sure you have at least 2 hours to spend with the kitties every day.  As long as you can do that, I believe your kitties will get one just fine, once the adjustment period is over (it can take up to six months).  If any of them get so hung up on the change that behavioral problems result, animal behaviorists or even anti-anxiety medications can help put things back in order.

Best wishes to you and yours!

Jessica