Life is slowly returning to the ‘new normal’. More people
are headed back to work, and it looks like it won’t be long before pubs and
other recreational opportunities increase. This is obviously great news, but
like many humans, some cats may find it hard to adjust after experiencing
lockdown life for so many weeks. If you’re about to return to work outside the
home, you may wish to help your cat prepare for the change. Here are a few tips
that we hope will help.
Create a
‘New Normal’ Schedule
If you’ve let your usual schedule of getting up at set
times, eating times and bedtimes slip it’s a good time to start them back up.
It will help you and your cats get used to the new life once it arrives. Cats
love to have a set routine so set one up and stick to it for the last few
days/weeks of your personal lockdown experience. Bring back regular mealtimes
and daily routines that will be returning soon.
Increase
Left Alone Time
You and your cats may have adjusted to spending a lot more
time together, but the ‘new normal’ life will no doubt change that time to
fewer hours. While creating the new schedule, leave the house for periods of
time that will line up with your work hours. Try to increase the amount of
alone time your cats will have so they can slowly get used to you not being
around so much. Play out your usual habits of packing a bag, getting your shoes
on and keys ready so they can once again become desensitised to the whole
routine.
Create a
Calm Environment
Some cats can feel anxious when you leave the home. Help to
reduce the anxiety by creating a calm and familiar environment. Leave your
jumper or dressing gown close to where they like to sit or sleep so they can
cosy up to it and feel peace thanks to your smell. Additionally, leave on some
music or TV with soft playing sounds in the background.
Consider
Hormone Diffusers
If your cat has become particularly attached, you could buy
some hormone diffusers to see if they help. The pheromones are said to help relax
cats and reduce stress levels. You could also try this if you notice behaviour
changes once you have returned to work.
Secure Homes
Some cats are now enjoying the indoor life after many humans
became concerned about their safety surrounding the virus. Cats cannot spread
the virus, but they can catch it. That concerned many people, but cats were
also kept indoors due to the limited vet and cat centres that were available.
If you have a new indoor cat you may want to help keep them occupied and happy
once they are left alone for longer periods of time. Consider adding new toys
and climbing opportunities. You can even increase the amount of space that is
available to your cat with cat fences or catios.
Have your cats enjoyed you being home more? How do you think
they will adjust to the ‘new normal’ as the lockdown continues to ease? Come
and share your experiences with us over on our Facebook page.
