Working from home with a cat can be distracting but also beneficial. The document provides tips to establish routines and boundaries that allow one to be productive while working at home with a cat for company. It suggests scheduling playtime, mealtimes, and ignoring attention-seeking behaviors to encourage the cat to sleep or play independently during work hours. Sticking to a routine helps the cat feel secure and prevents disruptive behaviors.
Owning a Cat When Working From Home: A Simple Guide to Harmony
1. Working at home with kitty does has it’s benefits. They give you unconditional love when
you might need it the most, from either a stressful project or client; they provide bits of
entertainment to get those required daily, healthy laughs in; and they keep you from being
chained to the computer staring at pixels hours on end—which in the end, forces you to get
out and enjoy life more.
SOURCES
http://www.annarbor.com/pets/pets-dogs-cats-working-from-home-office-behavior-problems-barking/
http://www.petco.com/Content/ArticleList/Article/30/2/1455/Why-Do-Cats-Need-Routine.aspx
http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/attention-seeking-behavior-in-cats/
JUST FOR FUN:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDuLeXx2Gv0#t=115
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Most of us make the mistake of
reinforcing the very behavior we don’t like
with kitty because we tend to
acknowledge them for displaying their
attention-seeking behavior. Even if you
reprimand kitty, you’re offering attention
to them away from your work, which is
just what they wanted.
Kitty craves your attention and
they will get it from you
anyway they can. Attention Addicts
Love me?
Try your hardest to ignore them; and
when they are quiet or chilled out, reward
them with some affection or playtime.
This type of behavior can become a habit
for them and keep you productive. Again,
consistency with your schedule and kitty’s
needs can also reduce this unwanted,
excessive behavior.
Your kitty loves a routine because their
bodies are wired for a regular schedule of
eating, sleeping and playing for the sake
of their comfort and security.
Cats are territorial to their environment,
and once they get to know your routine,
they will adapt to it, making your work day
go smoother. Sticking to this schedule the
best you can will help prevent any stress
kitty may feel.
And make sure to take full advantage of the
times when kitty naps so that you can be
the most productive with your projects.
Sync your daily agenda with
kitty and watch what happens
routines
Is it time
to eat yet?
You know the wake-up call you get just
before the sun rises — it’s kitty crying for
food. Who needs an alarm clock? They
jump on you, lick your face, or get into
trouble until you get out of bed!
A hungry cat is a nuisance until they are
fed; and well, they can eat a lot!
FEEDing time
I’m hangry!
Be sure not to overfeed them in the morning;
just 1/2 cup of dry kibbles will ease their
hunger pains and let you get on with your day.
Midday, treat them to a snack {bits of banana,
avocado, chicken, tuna fish}, but make them
work for it – you could even incorporate this
into a scheduled playtime. You don’t want a
hangry cat while you work.
In the evening, give them another 1/2 cup of
dry kibbles to tide them over for the night. You
don’t want a fat cat, so be precise with the
measurements.
Kitties want to be into everything you
do including while you are at your
desk working; stepping on your
keyboard, attacking the printer,
chewing on paper, and just distracting
you from your projects.
Protect your working space by being
firm with your No’s—remove kitty as
soon as they jump up on the desk. Give
them their own space near your desk to
establish boundaries, and keep them
content and happy.
When you are done working, unplug
the keyboard {to prevent unwanted
computer commands} and cover up
your valuables with a cloth or similar.
You can be productive with
your projects and have kitty by
your side too.
Boundaries
Mm-yum!
Cats {especially ones without a playmate}
will eventually get bored and restless
every couple of hours. They will either
start meow-crying, destroying things,
and/or getting into things they shouldn’t.
Constant engagement with kitty keeps
them out of trouble, and gets you a
needed break from your computer too.
No more chewed computer cords or
accidental keyboard commands.
playtime
I’m so
adorable – play
with me!
Schedule a few breaks of playtime
throughout the day for about 5-10
minutes each. If you are too busy with
work, then create interactive play zones
throughout the house to keep them
occupied and happy.
Be sure to mix it up; even moving their
playspace to another part of the office will
attract their curiosity and renew their
interest in the same boring toys.
Some cats get agitated by the
ringtone of the phone or the tone of
your voice while you talk on the
phone. Certain pitch tones will either
scare kitty or make it attack the
source, which is you, basically. The
tone of your voice is different then
when you speak to them directly; so
the unexpected phone ring or louder
voice pitch will put them on high alert.
If you plan to be on the phone for more
than 5 or 10 minutes, put kitty in
another room that you feel confident
they won’t destroy anything in, and
then close the door.
Keep kitty chill while you talk
to your clients on the phone.
PHONE ATTACKS
B-r-r-inng!
You love your cat. But working from home with your beloved furry friend
can be a constant struggle for you to get anything done. They love
mischief, are attention-mongers, and have to be everywhere you are.
These simple tips can help you and kitty achieve harmony together.
OWNING A CAT{when you work from home}
a simple guide to