Talk to Your Cat!

I cannot stress enough how important it is to talk to your cat and to let them know what is going on. You’re going to working in the morning, so tell your cat you’re leaving for work, you’ll be back around a certain time and, give your cat a job to do, even if it’s just to have a couple of naps while you’re out. You know your cat, what are they good at? Keeping order amongst the animals or keeping the bed warm for you until you come home? Whatever it is, your cat would like to serve a purpose in your home, and if it’s just to keep you company, that can be the “job” assigned. 

Do think about the job you are giving your cat though. I used to ask mine to “look after things” while I was out or overnight while I was asleep. Unfortunately, I had a recently burglary while I was at home watching TV downstairs and someone broke in through an upstairs window. My cat was upstairs at the time and I’m quite sure she saw the person. However, for the rest of the night and the next day she was very depressed, and I had to explain to her that it was okay and that she was not responsible. I think she felt badly because she didn’t “keep an eye on things”. Fortunately, she brightened up significantly and is now her old self again after I explained things. So do be careful on the job you assign, make it something realistic.

If you’re going to be away and someone is coming to look after the cat, please explain what is going on before the person arrives and again when you’re leaving. If someone is coming to stay, tell the cat. If you’re moving house, getting new furniture, having a baby, getting another cat, repainting a room, anything at all, please tell your cat.

All that I have mentioned above should be applied to any animal in your houehold. Keep them informed, please. You don’t have to take my word for it, there is some much information out there that you can do your own research on the subject too. Happy pet = happy household!