How to get your cat used to you going to work after lockdown

Now we’ve learned what the Government’s roadmap to leave lockdown looks like, we can start planning for the future again.

While that includes a lot of happy possibilities, for cat owners, it also includes having to get your pets used to you not being around as much.

Many of us have been working from home for most if not all of the last year, and our cats have got used to our near-constant presence.

It’s important that as things go back to ‘normal’, we don’t rush back to work assuming our independent felines won’t be bothered by our sudden absence.

The RSPCA’s cat welfare expert, Alice Potter, said: ‘Compared to dogs, who are a highly social species, cats naturally live in small family groups and can often cope with a more solitary life. This means they can sometimes seem aloof to us and at times, just want to do their own thing without us. 

‘But even if your cat isn’t a fuss-loving, attention-seeking lap cat they can still get stressed from your return to work so take time to make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.’  

It’s worth easing your cat back into your working-in-office lifestyle.

Sarah Tapsell, one of the RSPCA’s regional clinical animal behaviourists, said: ‘All cats are individuals and some may enjoy human companionship and time with people more than others.

‘This means there will likely be some cats who are enjoying the increased time spent with their owners during lockdown whereas other cats may be happy to have more quiet time when you return to work.

‘Whichever kind of cat you have, cats can be sensitive to change, and so a change in routine can cause stress to your cat.’

Sarah said: ‘It is important to make any changes gradually, whilst still ensuring all their needs are met.

‘Before going back to work it’s a good idea to gradually reduce the amount of interaction you have with your cat to help them prepare for your return to work.

‘For some cats, a sudden reduction in interaction could lead to stress and frustration as the cat’s expectations are not being met, although others may be happier to have less interaction. 

‘It’s important to try and identify how your cat is feeling especially if they are doing something that is unusual for them compared to how they are normally.

‘A cat who seeks more interaction from you and maybe plays more roughly with you may be frustrated or bored and struggling with the reduction in attention. A quiet and withdrawn, or more irritable cat may be stressed and in need of their own space.

‘It can be useful to recognise this, so you can give them their own time and a safe place to rest. If you know your cat well, you will likely know where their favourite places are.

‘Once you do go back to work, ensuring you still spend quality time with your pet when you return, and doing things which they enjoy such as playing or grooming is also important in helping them get used to any changes.’

And while you’ll likely miss your cat when you do return to the office, make sure you don’t smother them with love to make up for no longer working from home.

We know, you missed them. But you don’t want to overwhelm your kitty.

‘After spending so much time together during lockdown you’ll probably be excited to see your cat after a long day at work,’ said Alice.

‘Once you get home though, it’s best to keep things calm and give them time to greet you on their terms.

‘Look out for the cues that your cat gives to show they want to spend time with you, or if they’d rather have some alone time.

‘For example, approaching you with their tail held up with the end pointed horizontally is a friendly greeting and a cat that is hiding needs to be given space.’

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