Cats in the Time of Corona
Getting used to life during the stay-at-home order took some adjusting for ourselves and our pets. As we touched on in our previous article, separation anxiety is commonly diagnosed in dogs as they instinctively want to be a part of a pack.
Cats, however, are often independent creatures that aren’t as likely to get distressed when away from their owners. Some cats are going to be happy to have their people home. Some cats are going to be over-stimulated by the extra company. In this article, BLVD Vet’s Medical Director, Dr. Julie Geisler, will provide some tips on how to set your feline friends up for success while we await normal life to resume.
How do I know if my cat is overwhelmed with me being home all of the time?
Most cats are comfortable with being home alone for extended periods of the day and the stay-at-home order has disrupted this routine. It’s important to keep in mind that your change in schedule can cause stress to your cat. Some examples of behaviors caused by this distress are:
Vocalizations
Obsessive licking or excessive grooming
Urination/spraying/defecation
Eliminating on owner’s belongings
Poor appetite
Urinary blockage (exclusively a male cat problem and is an emergency)
“Give them time for themselves. They do not need to be busy all day. Stick to their normal routine or make a new routine to your day.”-Dr. Julie Geisler
How can I prevent my cat from experiencing anxiety?
Keeping your cat’s daily schedule consistent can help prevent them experiencing anxiety or distress during the stay-at-home order. We understand that schedule changes are inevitable, so we’ve gathered some ways to prevent your cat feeling distressed:
Give your cat a safe, independent space that everyone in the home respects. Consider your cat off-limits in this space.
Make sure your cat has a place to perch and look out the window (also known as watching TV.) Take precautions to avoid an accidental fall or bird hunting attempt - if you need a breeze we still recommend keeping the window closed enough so your cat can’t fall or squeeze through.
Environmental Enrichment. Give your cat the space to play. Whether it be a scratching post, a food puzzle or an interactive hunt where they can catch and “kill,” this stimulation is necessary for their well-being.
Always provide access to a clean litter box. There should be one litter box for each cat in the household, plus one extra. For example, if you have two cats, there should be three litter boxes.
Keep a set feeding schedule to encourage daily structure. Food bowls should be kept separate from litter boxes.
Increase water content in their food. Many cats don’t drink adequately from a bowl so consider canned if possible.
What if my cat does experience separation anxiety?
While many cats enjoy their independence, some cats are very social and actually can experience separation anxiety when their people are gone. You might have one of those cats if your feline friend is the type who seems extra cuddly after you get back from vacation. Some ways you can prepare your social, bonded cat for you to inevitably get back to work are similar to what we advised for dog parents.
Stick to a schedule. Do you have time to feed your cat four times a day during the normal work week? If not, don’t set this expectation during the stay-at-home order. Ensure that the engagement you are providing your cat now is something that can be maintained when you go back to work.
Practice a departure routine. If your cat expresses agitation when you leave, begin conditioning them to learn that you leaving isn’t a bad thing. It can be something as simple as grabbing your keys before you start making dinner. Get your cat used to these steps, always rewarding them to create a positive association.
Keep departures low-key. It’s best not to create a dramatic goodbye when your cat is anxious about you leaving.
Have a refuge. When you go, leave on the television or radio for white noise.
Consult your veterinarian! If these tips aren’t working for your cat’s anxiety, consult your veterinarian or behaviorist to explore further solutions.
We hope you found these tips useful and that they help you keep your cat happy and healthy! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask us. As always, we’re here for you and your pets.