How to wean your cat off human contact before you go back to work
- Cats may have developed more dependence on human contact during lockdown
- Owners returning to work should gradually reduce their interactions
- If an owner suddenly disappears for a day at work it could trigger feelings of frustration for the cat which got accustomed to the person’s constant presence
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Cats and owners will both have to readjust to being without each other all day once lockdown ends, the RSPCA warns.
The animal charity says cats may have forged even stronger relationships to their humans during the crisis, as people stay at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
As a result, when people begin returning to work en masse, it could leave the cats feeling grumpy, stressed and angry.
Owners should begin weaning their cats off human contact to ensure the animal does not feel abandoned when life returns to normal, the charity advises.
Today, the RSPCA has also warned that it has seen a surge in cats in need of homes during the coronavirus lockdown.
It says there are currently more than 1,000 felines in its care, of which 324 have come to a shelter since lockdown was enforced on March 23.
As we head into summer, the charity warns the annual ‘kitten season’ could lead to even more unwanted felines.
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RSPCA says cats may have forged even stronger relationships to their human during the crisis as people stay at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The charity says owners should begin weaning their cats off human contact to ensure the animal does not feel abandoned when life returns to normal (stock)
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.’
Ms Tapsell says when change does come as Britain exits lockdown, cats will benefit if their owners make changes gradually.
She says that as long as dependency is gradually diminished, and all their needs are met, they will soon return to their normal level of independence.
Today, the RSPCA has also warned that during the coronavirus lockdown it has seen a surge in cats in need of homes. It says there are currently more than 1,000 felines in its care, 324 of these have come to a shelter since lockdown was enforced on March 23 (stock)
Some cats, the more needy variety, will become stressed and frustrated if here is a sudden drop in interaction, whereas others will barely notice the absence of their feeder.
Ms Tapsell says identifying how a cat is feeling is key to making sure they can make the transition back to a more solitary existence.
Alice Potter, the RSPCA’s cat welfare expert, adds: ‘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.’
Ms Potter says that when owners return to the office, they should make a concerted effort to fuss their pet when they come home from a day at work.
‘Once you get home though, it’s best to keep things calm and give them time to greet you on their terms,’ she says.
‘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.’