Among many Cat Owners, it’s a running joke that kitties see our friendship as a nuisance. While we know they love us, cats have their own way of showing affection, and it often differs from ours. Thanks to their rep as nature’s introverts, many also believe that cats think of their humans like family trips: great in moderation, grating in excess. Of course, other Cat Owners will be quick to dispel these myths. In fact, many members of our cat-loving community report that their kitties can’t get enough of them. Even so, with more people now working from home, most of our felines are seeing us more than ever. As such, you may have wondered: how does your cat feel about you working from home?
Just like people, clouds, and French fries, no two cats are the same. That’s why, at the end of the day, each kitty’s response will be unique. However, by diving into feline psychology, we can surmise how the average cat feels about seeing more of their Owner. Read on as we answer the question: “how does your cat feel about you working from home?”!
Provided your cat isn’t giving you this look, you’re in the clear.
How does your cat feel about you working from home?
2020 has been a big year for professionalism in PJs. Recently, market research firm Roy Morgan revealed that 32% of working Australians are working from home due to COVID-19. This shift has, needless to say, been a mixed bag for us humans. On one hand, the economy has nosedived, which has led to major job losses. Even worse is that fact that many of our most vulnerable neighbours have been further threatened by COVID.
For Cat Owners, the one silver lining has been the chance to spend more time with our kitties. We work hard to provide better lives for our cats (and we say that with hands on hearts), so 24 hours a day with them is nothing short of a gift. However, for all the love they bear us, our cats depend on routine to regulate their lives. As such, our sudden presence, in what they consider to be their space, during what they consider to be their time, can initially cause them distress.
If you’ve been working at home for some months, your cat may have adjusted to their new routine. However, if WFH has only just come into effect for you, your kitty may be grappling with the change. In this case, we suggest the following tips:
Ensure they have plenty of places to climb
Just as dogs need space in which to roam, cats crave height to scale. This is doubly true if a feline is feeling distressed; when facing a change to their routine, the urge to climb will be stronger than ever. Cat trees are always a safe bet, but you don’t need to spend big to scratch your cat’s climbing itch. In fact, you can simply arrange your furniture in a way that lets your kitty reach a high perch. By giving them easy access to the top of a wardrobe, for instance, they’ll have a safe space.
Respect their boundaries during your new home hours
Look, we get it: now that you’re with your kitty 24/7, you want to cuddle them as much as possible. From their point of view, though, you’ve arrived uninvited into their domain and invaded their personal space. For the first few weeks, allow them to adjust by giving them space during the workday. This will reassure them that they don’t need to alter their routine simply because you’re home. Once they start to casually approach you during your work from home hours, you can know they’re starting to accept the change. From here, you can begin to interact with them, but remember to hasten slowly.
“Alright, but I’ve been working from home for a while now, and my cat seems used to it. Do I have anything I need to worry about?”
Great question, hypothetical Pet Owner. Like we said above, cats can evolve to accept a new routine. However, after they have, you may face a problem if you need to return to the workplace. Now that they’ve formed a routine around your presence, they won’t ever want you to leave. Should you need to end your work from home habits, your cat may be even more distressed than they were at the start.
To soothe the sting of your sudden absence, try the following tips:
Wean your cat into their new routine
If your workplace permits it, try to slowly ease out of your work from home schedule. For instance, a work week that splits your time between office and home will give your kitty time to adapt. While you may not have this flexibility, your cat will value the effort.
Enrol your cat in Pet Day Care
In your cat’s eyes, no human can replace their human. Even so, the day-long presence of a certified cat lover will help them transition back to the ways of old. A Pet Day Care professional will help to keep your kitty calm, and will also send you updates during the day. That way, you’ll know the mood of your feline when you return home from work.
2020 has been a barrel of surprises for everyone. However, with a bit of prep, we can ensure that our fluffy friends remain happy, calm, and fabulous.
