Cats may sleep, groom, eat, explore familiar areas and watch activity around them while people are away. The pattern varies between individuals and can change with age, health and the time of day. A camera can offer a limited glimpse, but a short clip does not show the whole experience or replace direct checks. Look for changes from your cat's normal routine rather than expecting it to behave like an online example. If you use a camera, make sure cables and attachments are inaccessible and respect the privacy of anyone entering the home.
Provide safe resting choices and only leave toys suitable for unsupervised use. Keep interactive strings and wand toys stored away. When you return, note appetite, litter use and behaviour as well as whether anything has moved; those observations can be more useful than guessing how the day felt. Compare several ordinary days rather than one unusual clip, and pair the footage with actual food intake, tray use and interaction after you return.
For product comparisons alongside this advice, see Paw-Villian cardboard scratcher and Mouse Chase play set. The details below explain their sizes and uses.
Further reading: cats.org.uk; cats.org.uk; battersea.org.uk.
Paw-Villian cardboard scratcher
Mouse Chase play set
Koda Pod