CATS: A HISS-TORY

CATS: A HISS-TORY

According to National Geographic, cats have changed little since they began hanging around farms and became invaluable rodent control as early as 4400 B.C. Because of this mutually advantageous relationship, cats virtually domesticated themselves alongside humans. In other words, cats became our companions without changing much, unlike people who fancied them as domestic pets.

Cats are among the most popular pets in the world today. They keep us company, and they soothe us when we are stressed; unfortunately, the pandemic has caused stress not only among humans, but among our felines.

Because many people are either working from home or unemployed during the health crisis, they are demanding more attention from their four-legged furry friends. Cats tend to be very independent, and as such, can tolerate human contact and attention for only short periods of time spread out over a day. Our constant presence and need for compassion and love generally doesn't sit well with these wonderful creatures.

You may find that your kitties hide more than usual, bore more easily when you try to play with them, and even rebel. They may lose interest in their food, lose hair from over-grooming, and exhibit behaviors that express their anxiety by behaving in "naughty" ways. 

Historically, cats were roamers - evidence has shown that outdoor cats may wander up to twelve miles from home during the day...but indoor cats have no such stress relief. They are stuck at home with folks who expect to be entertained. That would stress me out; how about you? In addition, cats are accustomed to sleeping 12-16 hours a day on average. If they have to be "on call" for their people at all times, imagine how cranky they could become. I would; wouldn't you?

So if your kitty begins to behave in ways that are atypical, especially during the pandemic or any other time that you spend an unusual amount of time at home with them, first: get a vet to check them out to be sure nothing is physically wrong, and second: try leaving them to their own devices during at least part of the day.

You'll both be less stressed.