As we are well along the UK roadmap out of lockdown Love Cats Croydon has been looking at advice for cat owners to help their cats adjust to routines as they change

Everything changed pretty significantly for us and our cats during the lockdowns. And as we head into the final stages of lockdown lifting, we will need to adjust again. Baby steps and preparation now will really help. We sometimes forget how sensitive our little fur babies can be, but we do need to think about them and how to help them adjust (as well as ourselves) as we get back to the new normal.

We’ve been looking at tips from cat behaviour experts recently and combined with our experience can see some kitties have really enjoyed the companionship and extra time with their humans during lockdown - on the other hand some not so much. Some cats will be totally fine with more quiet time when we all return to working, holidaying, and time back out of “their” house. The point is, all cats are individuals and have individual little personalities. Some will be cool cats as you return to work, some may experience a form of serparation anxiety - but all will be sensitive to changes in routine.

So heres the thing:

1) Gradual Change

Any changes should be introduced GRADUALLY

2) Feeding Times

Feeding times should slowly return to the normal AM and PM slots you will feed at before and after work - if you’ve been giving smaller portions and treats through the day while you’ve been working from home, you can add a timed feeder to the routine (perhaps with the treats in the middle of the day) OR - as some of our clients have been doing - ask your cat sitter to pop in. We can complete pop in vists at lunch time for a little fuss and a little snack while they adjust

3) Separation

If you’ve been handling your cat more than usual (do they sit on your laps while you work, do they love to take part on the zoom calls with you)? - its time to slowly reduce handing time. Maybe just have them in the same room, then take a few hrs a day working from a seperate room to them, building time away from them to eventually work a full day in a seperate room. Even if they know you are there, they will start to form their own routines again, finding other sleeping spots grooming, playing, snacking etc

4) Safe Spaces

As you do this - remember to leave lots of sleepy spots for them - comfy beds, hiding places and somewhere up high for them to jump on to survey their space. This should really help them feel comfortable and safe as you are no longer there all the time

5) Boredom Prevention

To help prevent boredom (and stress from boredom) make sure they have enough toys - especially for indoor cats. Puzzle feeders and/or scratching posts are great as well as the usual catnip mouse, fishing rods, ping pong balls…

Remember cats are often solitary creatures and tend to love a smaller group and closer one to one relationships - some see this as aloof, but they really are sensitive little souls. If / when you are returning to work and especially if you have indoor cats, these top 5 little tips should really help them adapt.

SIGNS OF ANXIETY:

If you think your cat is suffering separation anxiety - these are things to look out for:

• Are they doing anything differently to normal / exhibiting behaviour thats unusual for them in particular?

• Are they seeking more interaction / attention from you?

• Do they play slightly more rough than usual?

• Or are they more withdrawn?

• Are they (more) irritable?

These can all be signs of stress or boredom. So following the 5 tips above should really help alleviate this.

Most of all remember - spending a little quality time with your cat very single day will help. However busy your life returns to after lockdown - cuddles, grooming, playtime, lap time etc IS still important.

If you are returning to work and are interested in pop-in visits to help your cats adjust, if you are noticing any of the seperation anxiety signs, we are here to help. POP - IN VISITS are available from £13 and many of our clients are already seeing the difference they can make.

Message us for more info, or if you’re ready you can book via the button below;