Cat got the "back to school" blues?
Now that your kids are back in school, is Kitty a little depressed?
Your cat got used to you being around more during the day this summer. Now with school back in session, Kitty has some adjustments to make.
You may find that your cat is more active at night now that no one is around during the day. Perhaps a bad habit or two have surfaced — just to get your attention.
Get some new toys that challenge your cat during the day or anytime you're away. Only put them out when you are gone. For active young cats, check out the Firefly mat, a quiet, touch-activated cat toy offered at www.drsfostersmith.com. Pet Solutions at www.petsolutions.com has a whole web page full of interesting toys to will keep your cat busy while you're away (which might be good to use at night so you can sleep).
Keep to a schedule with regard to your cat. Of course your kids' school activities will put wrinkles in a schedule; however, you can keep routine times for feeding, playtime, and quiet time. Cats love routine, and it help ease the stress of change.
Include your cat. When you're watching the news or football this fall, give kitty some lap time and attention. Or get a Cat Dancer (Cat Adoption Team has awesome prices on these toys) so your cat can play with you without you having to move a couch-potato muscle.
Avoid using food to show Kitty your love. Extra treats only lead to a fatter cat. The best thing for kitty is making sure he or she feels like a member of the family.
Good for dogs, cats, and kids alike is this last piece of advice: play to the point of exhaustion. A tired cat is a less mischievous cat, and one who may sleep through the night!
Tagged with Cats, Behavior, Toys.
October 1, 2012 by Kathy Covey - PR Manager at CAT.