Working from home has become a reality in recent months for many cat owners who can now enjoy the best company while working from the comfort of their home. Working from home with cats gives you the opportunity to spend more time with your cat, although it can sometimes be a bit of a hassle for the more touchy-feely pets that need constant attention.
A great advantage of working from home with a cat is that the vast majority of cats are very independent and quiet animals, and spend much of their time resting and cleaning themselves. For the other moments when your pet is more active and requires you to interact with it, there are some tricks you can put into practice combining work and leisure in a balanced way.
How do you work from home with a cat?
When you start working from home, many pets find the new situation, in which a family member spends more time at home, strange. The vast majority are very curious at first, and will most likely remain constantly alert until they get used to the new routine.
If this is your case, and your cat doesn’t seem to understand that you’re working and climbs on your desk all the time, you can choose to set up a safe spot for it to rest comfortably at your side.
Create a small corner on your desk or next to your workspace by setting up a bed or a place for it to rest. It’s best if it’s just within your reach, so you can keep an eye on each other and you can stroke it from time to time to take advantage of the calming effect that cats have.
How to keep your cat entertained while working?
Use your work breaks to activate your cat by playing with it for a few minutes. Make a chart of your work schedule and mark your time to get up from the chair and encourage your cat to move too.
Use toys to make it run around the house and move, or get up to give it its lunch during your lunch break. These moments of activity, even if they only last a few minutes, are perfect for making your cat tired and return to its resting place when you have to sit down again to continue your work.
The best place to work from home with your cat
Working from home with cats often involves the constant company of your pet. That’s why it’s very important to choose a suitable place where both you and your cat are comfortable throughout the working day.
When creating your workspace at home, make sure you have a large worktable where you can place your cat’s bed out of the way, or a tall piece of furniture within easy reach where your cat can rest comfortably.
Don’t forget to keep your computer and work materials safe while you take a break, so that your cat can’t climb on the table without you noticing, which could cause a big mess.
Other tips for working at home with your pet
In addition to these guidelines for creating your ideal workspace while enjoying the company of your cat, there are other tips by experts in feline ethology to avoid distractions and perform better while working from home:
- Set up a schedule that includes taking breaks and playing with your pet as well as fixed mealtimes and stick to it. Cats are creatures of habit, and if you don’t want to be disturbed, it’s best not to be late for your daily appointments.
- Leave some toys within its reach to keep it entertained. Sometimes cats prefer to play quietly for a few minutes, and don’t always need a companion to entertain them.
- Keep your workspace always tidy and clear. The less stuff you have on your desk, the less likely your cat is to break, mess or lose something.
- Make your home office a safe place by keeping wires from electronics hidden so your pet can’t bite them and get hurt.
Working from home with cats is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the company of your pet more time. Once you’ve tried this experience, you’ll realise that there’s no better companion than your cat and that if you follow these guidelines from Sepicat, it will be very simple and rewarding.