Pet owners working from home are spending more time than ever with their beloved felines who can provide valuable company during these tough times. So, it’s important to think how this lifestyle change could be affecting your cat. This could also be the perfect time to strengthen your bond with your pet by teaching them some new skills.
If your cat is used to being alone throughout the day, make sure you give them a safe room or space where they too can self-isolate from humans. Be sure to encourage solo play to avoid any separation anxiety issues.
For cats that love company, you could get the whole family involved with enrichment activities. By using materials like cardboard, tissue boxes and paper, you can create kitty palaces that they will love to explore. You could also make food enrichment toys using household items (think stuffing a treat inside a toilet roll). To ensure these new toys retain their novelty, hide them out of sight until next playtime.
Watch this video below to learn how to make a simple cat toy out of household yarn and download this pdf for more enrichment activities.
If you find yourself with extra time on your hands, you could work on some new forms of training. Maybe you could get your cat used to brushing, sitting in a carrier, or even walking on a harness!
This could also be a good time to transition an outdoor cat into an indoor cat. You’ll need to be patient and start slowly by following these tips:
As always, it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs your cat may not be enjoying these household changes. Cats are subtle and will usually walk away or remove themselves from a situation they don’t feel comfortable in. Make sure you have plenty of treats on hand to increase your positive interactions and try to follow the signs your cat is giving you.
For more information on cat enrichment, go to this page.