Self-isolation with your cat – 10 things to do with your cat
The world at this moment in time can be frightening, lonely and overwhelming for many of us. Many people all over the world will be self-isolating right now, and whilst we recognize that this is the best thing to do, it can also be a very lonely and challenging time for many. Whether you are at home by yourself, with your family or living with your spouse or partner, it is a time where it is so important to do things at home that bring you happiness and joy. If you are blessed to have a cat as part of your family then spending some extra time with your cat can be beneficial to you both.
10 Things to do with your cat whilst self-isolating
1. Playing games with your cat
Your cat loves to play games – especially with you! Not only will this pass the time for you, it will also mean you will also be helping your cat to stay happy and healthy. Spending a little time every day playing games with your cat will boost your relationship and is a great way to get to know and understand each other better. There are so many benefits of play time with your cat including:
- Exercise for your cat to keep their bones and muscles strong and healthy
- It can be a great tool for helping two cats to get along and become friends
- It’s a great way to build the trust between you and your cat
- Playtime can relieve stress, anxiety and behavioral problems for your cat.
We have written a whole article dedicated to playing with your cat, ’18 games to play with your cat’. Most of them use everyday objects that you will already have in your home. Use the time to be inventive and create some new games too. Please follow the safety guidelines in the article to ensure your cat is safe. Have fun and enjoy the playing!
2. Grooming your cat
Your cat won’t want to play all day long. But there are other ways to spend time with your cat and helping them with their daily grooming regime is one of them. Although cats spend a great deal of time grooming themselves, they will still need some grooming assistance from you. How much brushing will be required to be done by you will depend on the cat – the length of their hair and the age of your cat. For example, long haired cats will require significantly more brushing than short hair cats. Older cats will certainly need a little extra help to keep their coats in a pristine condition. Stiffer joints, and problems such as arthritis can make grooming difficult as old age creeps in. Check out our article ‘Do I need to brush / groom my cat? An introductory guide’ for guidance on grooming your cat.
3. Quiet time and stroking your cat
Sitting down with your cat on your lap, just enjoying the stillness and enjoying each other’s company is all that is needed sometime. As we explain further on in this article, this can also be of benefit to your wellness.
4. Take your cat out for a walk
Spring is here, the days are getting longer and warmer, and if you are blessed to have a garden then why not take your cat into the garden. Outside cats will already be familiar with your outside areas but your indoor cats can enjoy the outside too! Cat backpacks, cat leads and even pet pushchairs are all available for you both to enjoy the fresh air. If you are introducing your indoor cat to the outside for the first time it’s good to be patient and introduce new experiences slowly and calmly. Check out our article ‘Does my indoor cat need outside time’ for some ideas and tips.
5. Take photos of your cat
Why not use this time to enjoy photographing your cat? Collate all your cat photos – old and the new recent photos – and make a photo book? Our daughter has set herself a 30 day cat photography challenge where she will take a photo of our Misty & Boo every day for 30 days. We’ve recently set up an Instagram page for littlemisscat – please feel free to check it out and follow us. Our 30 day challenge pictures will be here for you to see and enjoy.
6. Complete a cat record book
It wasn’t until recently that we came across a cat record book. New parents often fill them with milestone achievements of their babies and children – why not complete one for your cat too?
7. Become creative and make things for your cat
Making something from scratch and ending up with an useful product can feel so satisfying. And by making something that your cat will enjoy too, both you and your cat will benefit. The list of things that you could make is endless – Pinterest is full of fabulous ideas. Here are just a few items that we’ve made. They vary from 5 minute activity feeders to a full day project making a cat house!
Toys
Your cat can never have too many toys! In our article ’18 Games to play with your cat’ many of our suggestions use everyday items such as cardboard boxes and tubes, old newspaper, cotton reels and old rugs. A little imagination can provide new and fun entertainment for our cats. Our favorites have included a homemade feather and wand toy, decorating a cardboard box which they love to hide in and making some toy mice from old shirts and material.
Cat treats
If you enjoy cooking why not make your own homemade cat treats? Please research thoroughly first as many foods that humans consume are toxic to cats. Also, treats should not make up more than 10% of their daily calorie allowance. This book, The Kitty treats Cookbook, is one of the favorites that we found:
Activity feeders
Household cats do not need to hunt for their food and this can lead to boredom and reduced activity. By introducing activities which require your cat to work for her food can enhance her life – this is activity feeding. The food used in activity feeding should be part of her daily allowance of food, do not give extra food. The quickest and easiest activity feeder uses just toilet rolls inserts and sticky tape! You can make it as small, or as elaborate as you like!
Another quick easy feeder uses a clean, dry, empty plastic bottle. Make some holes in the bottle ensuring they are large enough for dry food pieces to fall out. Place some of your cat’s treats or dry food allowance into the bottle. Your cat will soon work out that rolling the bottle will result in some tasty dry food.
Cat house
One of the best things we have built for our cats is a little cat house. All the materials used were items that would otherwise have been thrown away – recycling at its best! An old pallet was used for the house base. The structure was then built on this using various wood offcuts. For extra warmth, old packaging was used for insulation. The roof was covered with felt to keep the structure dry. The little house even had a window – made out of an old washing machine door. Offcuts of our new carpet were used to line the inside and there you have it – a perfect little cat house. This cat house is now a great little shelter in the catio.
8. Build a catio
If you are someone that enjoys some DIY, and you are feeling particularly creative and energetic, why not use the time to build a catio! This can be quite a challenge, but it can be done! Check out our own catio build story in our article ‘What is a catio?’. It is without a doubt the best things we did for our cats – they love it! Catios can vary in size from a little window extension to a full-size garden enclosure. There are companies who will design, build and install a bespoke catio to suit your needs. There are also readymade catios available to buy. Your time can them be spent personalizing this space for your cat.
9. Make your garden cat friendly
Another great way to spend the time at home is to make your garden a safe haven for your cat. Whether your cat is allowed to roam freely in to the garden, or has outside access on a harness, or you are looking to fully secure your garden so your cat can access without wandering away, there are many things that can be done to ensure your garden is a place that your cat can enjoy as much as you. Check out our article ‘Creating the ultimate cat friendly garden – 10 top tips’. These tips include
- An activity area for your cat
- Places to climb
- Access to shelter
- Areas for napping
- Safe plants
- Scratching area……and many more.
10. Get creative with arts and writing
This final suggestion is great for both children and adults. Why not try embrace the stillness of self-isolation and tap into your creative side. This could include sketching and drawing, painting, writing poems or short stories and use your cat as your inspiration. Give it a go – you may even discover a hidden talent.
How a cat can help YOU during self-isolation
It may not seem obvious at first, but your cat can help you during the difficult period that the world is going through at this time. The worry about the Coronovirus, the loneliness, the lack of social contact, and concern for loved ones are all emotions we face. Whilst there is no magic cure at the moment, the focus should be on remaining calm, feeling the best that we can under the circumstances and doing safe activities that make us feel good. So how exactly do our feline friends help us?
Cats are great companions
A cat can be your best friend. It is unlikely that you will feel lonely with a cat. This simple gift of companionship is one the of the greatest things your cat can provide for you and vice versa. Your cat will enjoy your love and friendship as much as you will appreciate their love and companionship in return. They will enjoy time sitting quietly on your lap as well as some fun play time. They can also be very entertaining to watch.
Cats promotes a feeling of wellness and calmness
Simply watching your cat sprawled out sleeping in a cozy basket or in front of a glowing fire can itself promote a feeling of serenity and relaxation. But the healing power of cats run much deeper than this.
Stroking your cat is believed to have a positive effect on the body’s wellness. Whilst stroking your cat, the body release the hormone oxytocin. This is the feel-good hormone which improves your mood and helps you release any stress and tension in your body. We all know the value of a cuddle from a child, parent or friend, and cuddling your cat is no exception. Aim to stroke your cat every day, if not 2-3 times a day, to significantly feel a difference in your physical well being and improve your ability to relax and switch off. Your cat will also most definitely enjoy the extra attention. Cats will particularly enjoy when you stroke under their chin, behind their ears or rubbing their neck and cheeks. These spots will have your cat purring with delight. This purring can also bring you a feeling of wellness and calmness.
Many people find cat purring soothing, relaxing and comforting especially when a cat really gets into its musical rhythm. Science has proved that a cat’s purr has a beneficial effect on human health. A cat purrs at a vibrational rate of 20-140 hertz and as humans when we experience a vibrational rate of 18-35 hertz an hour science has shown a healing effect on joint mobility, bones, tendons and muscles. Therefore, encourage your cat to sit on your lap and starts its musical purring. Sit back, relax and enjoy the benefits of its therapeutic abilities for 10-20 minutes every day.
Cats can help you fall asleep
Worrying about the current state of the world can mean many of us find it difficult to sleep. Our feline friends may be able to help with this too! Many cat owners say that the soothing purring of a cat helps them to go to sleep. Some will go as far as saying that it has cured their insomnia. Be it the gentle white noise effect of the purring or the warmth of your cat’s body laid again you, if it results in a good night’s sleep then everyone is a winner. The Mayo Clinic Center for Sleep Medicine concluded from a study that 41% of people slept better because of their pet.
Cats can help with anxiety
In the world as it is today it can become all too easy to become stressed and anxious. Various studies over the years have shown that owing a cat can indeed reduce stress, promote calmness and increase positivity which will contribute to reducing anxiety. Spending just 15 to 30 minutes of time with your cat can promote a feeling of wellness and calmness. What a beautiful way to lower stress levels and reduce anxiety then spending quality time interacting with your feline friend. By focusing our attention on something positive and keeping busy doing activities such as the ones we listed above, we will feel better. The days will pass a little quicker, a little calmer and each day will be injected with a little sparkle of happiness. Check out the article ‘Can cats help with anxiety’ by www.anxietyalignment.com for a full article on this topic.
We wish that you all stay safe and well.
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Other articles you may find of interest:
The energetic power of cats and their spiritual meaning
How to keep your cat happy – 10 key factors
30 fabulous reasons to own a cat
