Cat owners need to wean pets off human contact before going back to work after lockdown…here’s how to do it

THE RSPCA has warned that cats will have to readjust to being separated from their owners once the coronavirus lockdown ends. 

The animal charity says that cats may have forged stronger relationships with their owners during the lockdown and therefore need to be weaned off human contact before life returns to normal.

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Once owners return to work after the lockdown ends, it could leave their pets feeling grumpy, stressed and angry.

In order to prevent the sudden mood change, the charity advises that owners begin weaning their cats off human contact.

Otherwise, cats may feel abandoned with life returns to normal.

One of RSPCA’s regional clinical animal behaviourist Sarah Tapsell 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 that when the government begins to ease more lockdown restrictions, cats will benefit if their owners make gradual changes.

She says that as long as the dependency is gradually diminished and all their needs are met will soon return to their normal levels of independence.

Some cats that have a more needy disposition will become stressed and frustrated with the sudden lack of interaction, whereas other more independent cats will barely notice the absence of their owner.

Ms Tapsell says that identifying how a cat is feeling is key to making sure they make the transition back to a more independent existence.

The RSPCA’s cat welfare expert, Alice Potter, 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 an effort to fuss over their pets when they come home from 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.”

Today the RSPCA has also warned that there has been a surge in the number of cats in need of homes during the pandemic.

There are currently more than 1,000 cats in its care, 324 of which have come to a shelter since the lockdown was enforced on March 23.

The charity warns that as we head into the summer months so begins “kitten season” which could lead to even more unwanted felines.

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