In this uncertain and unprecedented time, we are all having to adjust and make changes to our lifestyle, homes, society and workplaces. We at Cats Whiskers have a team in the practice working hard to keep our patients safe and healthy along with individuals at home helping to keep things running from afar and step… Read more »
In this uncertain and unprecedented time, we are all having to adjust and make changes to our lifestyle, homes, society and workplaces. We at Cats Whiskers have a team in the practice working hard to keep our patients safe and healthy along with individuals at home helping to keep things running from afar and step in if needed (hopefully not when as we want all to stay fit and healthy).
Working from home has made me wonder how this change would impact on our feline fur-babies. I have only been at home for a couple of days and already my two cats and rabbit are looking at me as if to say why are you here? Where has my alone time gone? Do I need to entertain you? Provide cuddles? What is this new routine that I didn’t sign up to? Why is there a strange computer in my living room? Why are you making so many noisy phone calls? Why can’t I lie on this paperwork or keyboard? And so many more.
This disruption for any cat can be daunting and chaotic so how can we limit this and ensure we don’t create problems for them?
Firstly, we need to ensure the human-cat bond remains intact while we are confined together at home and can speak from experience that it is hard to not want to cuddle them all day and use them for support in the isolation that we face. We are a social species by nature, but we must in a way change to think like a cat in our mentality and become happy with our own space and company. By maintaining their routine as much as possible this will limit any stress and subsequent stress triggered behaviours or conditions occurring. Amanda has recommended keeping our feline friends indoors to limit the risk of injury while outside thus reducing the chance that we may need to see them. Of course, it goes without saying that we love seeing and cuddling all cats and interacting with our lovely clients, but protocols must be adhered to, and we are trying to limit the need to see anyone unless necessary.
With our cats being our isolation companions at the moment we need to keep our felines entertained especially if they are used to going outside, ensure no unwanted behaviours develop, limit the risk of stress related illnesses and ensure we as owners stay safe and happy.
In this series I will discussing various problems that may arise, helpful tips and some problem-solving scenarios.
To get started please share some cute cat pics from isolation and if you’re feeling lonely in isolation, we are all here for you, your Cats Whiskers Family ?
