COVID-19 Self-Isolation with My Cat

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COVID-19 Self-Isolation with My Cat

While almost every human’s life has been turned upside down since COVID-19, cats, on the other hand, seem to be unfazed and are still maintaining their daily routines. This is because most cats are found lying around the house, napping away with no care in the world. However, that is for the majority.

So what about the rest? Well, some cats may have been disturbed by a sudden change in their owner’s life, but there are ways to make them feel more comfortable. Apart from that, I will discuss several other essentials for people self-isolating with their cats.


Provide Their Daily Essentials

Cats are very loyal to their daily routines, which require self-grooming, eating, and sleeping. Sudden changes in their routine that are out of their control can lead to stress, negatively impacting both the cat’s mental and physical health.

Therefore, you must help your cat maintain their everyday routine during self-isolation with a cat. A simple yet important thing you can do is ensure that your cat’s essentials never run out or get removed.

Things you want to keep providing your cat include access to food and water bowls, litter trays scattered throughout the house, and hiding spots, as well as favorite toys to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated.

A cat in its private space

Hiding Spots

Although a relatively new concept to humans, self-isolation with a cat is like second nature to your feline friend. Since you will be home every day for who knows how long, your cat will eventually need some time alone away from humans and other pets in your household.

Every house tends to accommodate spaces that can be dangerous to pets and especially cats since they are such experts in finding these places, not to mention how easy it is for them to fit inside even the tiniest spot.

With that being said, there is more of a need to provide your cat with a separate and private space that is not only safe but also cozy for your cat. Think about a soft cushion bed placed in a dark or dim area or just an empty cardboard box big enough for your cat to have enough room to stretch and nap freely.

A woman in pajamas is playing with her cute cat

Mental and Physical Stimulation

Cats need mental and physical stimulation to avoid getting stressed or depressed. They have instincts that entice them to do activities that will satisfy their natural habitat needs. Some of them include pouncing, stalking, and scratching that loosely resemble how they would hunt in the wild.

Since you are in self-isolation with a cat, all you have is free time so make sure you dedicate enough of it for your cat’s playtime. Some common favorite cat toys, including fur wands and teaser toys, will keep your cat active and entertained. After all, your self-isolation with a cat can be an excellent way to build a stronger bond.

However, if you are expected to be working from home and will be busy, then you can get your cat a treehouse or cat scratchers that will keep your cat busy, physically active, and healthy overall.


Common Frequently Asked Questions

What if I’m self-isolating and my cat needs to go to the vet?

If you are required to quarantine due to COVID-19, you will not be able to go to the vet yourself. In this case, the best thing to do would be to first call your vet and consult with them. You may have to arrange another person to help transport your cat to the vet. However, there are still some guidelines the person will need to follow.

  • Make sure the person helping you is wearing a protective outer garment that is washable along with disposable gloves while handling the cat.
  • The person should practice good hygiene even after handling your cat. Things such as washing their hands with soap despite wearing gloves are a no-brainer.
  • You should also wear gloves when placing your cat in her cage after wiping her clean with a damp cloth.
A woman with medical mask is holding her cat

Do I need to be worried about transmitting covid-19 to my cat?

In general, there has not been sufficient evidence that suggests that people with COVID-19 can transmit the virus to cats. This means that the case of cats receiving the virus from humans is extremely rare, so cat parents should not worry when in self-isolation with a cat.

However, it is always a good idea to practice standard safety precautions during self-isolation with cats. All cat owners should practice the following:

  • Make sure to wash hands with soap and warm water before and after touching the cat, their bedding as well as food. This minimizes the chances of leaving any sort of bacteria or virus behind and is essentially a good hygiene practice.
  • Try to avoid any close contact with your cat, such as petting and cuddling during self-isolation with a cat. If your cat tends to sleep with you in your bed, then you need to break this habit by providing your cat with her own sleeping space. Try to sleep with the doors of your room shut, and consider investing in an automatic feeder so that your cat is still fed while you are asleep.

Do I need to keep my cat indoors while I’m unwell?

If you are currently ill due to COVID-19 or just unwell for various reasons, there is no specific reason to prevent your cat from enjoying the outdoors when in self-isolation with a cat. However, make sure you practice good hygiene before and after handling your cat.


Conclusion

In summation, everyone that is in self-isolation with a cat needs to ensure that their cat is least disturbed in terms of their daily essentials; after all, having a stressed cat during quarantine is the last thing you would want.

Lastly, practicing good hygiene does so harm to anyone. So make sure you are washing your hands with soap and especially hot water. A little patience and consistency in hygiene practice are all you need to get through this new and daunting experience.

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