Remote Work and Cats: How to Work Around a Needy Pet

Remote work can make caring for pets easy, except when your cat is needy or difficult and keeps appearing in your important online video meetings. Not all cats have the same energy levels or the same need for attention. Knowing your cat will help you establish routines to keep them feeling secure and calm when you have meetings. One theory is that cats interrupt our work on laptops because of “height, heat, and attention.” The level we keep our laptops is usually at a height where cats can have a good view of the entire room while the heat of the laptop warms them and our hands are just there ready to pat them. Of course, if your cat is being especially demanding, check with your vet to confirm that there isn’t a health reason behind their behaviors. After they get a clean bill of health then it’s time to get creative and try some new routines to tame your feline.

Have play time before major video calls

Getting your cat’s energy spent before a video call can reduce the probability of them racing around the room and leaping over your laptop screen.

Set up a cat perch or catwalks near a window

Indoor cats love to watch the great outdoors or even just nap in front of a window. Create a little nook by a window for them to enjoy. And if it’s in your home office then even better. In a room with you, they can have company while they relax.

Make time to snuggle

If your cat suddenly appears on your lap and wants to cuddle, consider taking a five-minute break. As long as it isn’t in the middle of a meeting or a rush to a deadline, then try to take time. Many cats will jump away quickly while some will fall asleep and no longer notice that your hands are not patting them.

Notice when your cat is most needy or active and create a routine

This is especially true of kittens. After you notice the times of day their energy is highest, schedule meetings around those times. If you can establish a play, eat, nap routine with small cats they are less likely to interrupt your work time. Most pets are like toddlers: they enjoy sticking to their routine.

Skip scolding

Scolding a cat is usually ineffective. Note the behavior that is frustrating to you and then decide whether distraction or removal from the situation is best. For instance, if a cat is scratching a piece of furniture, distract them with a toy or pick them up and place them in front of the scratching post. Consider placing a scratching post next to your work area to make redirection easier.

With time, you will get to know your cat’s routines and have many opportunities to try different ways to keep to your work schedule. Know your audience, too. For instance, some work cultures might welcome the diversion of a cat hopping through an online meeting while others might not. You can always consider a pet sitter for your cat during very important meetings even if it’s a neighbor’s child that you pay to play with your cat in the living room for an hour. Or find a co-working space for those meetings. Hopefully your days are not filled back-to-back with meetings so that you and your cat can learn to work at home smoothly.

*The information in this post is for entertainment use and does not take the place of advice from a licensed vet or animal behaviorist. Seek professional help for your pet before adopting new routines.