My Cat Doesn't Want Me To Work At Home - Carole Wilbourn
Carole Wilbourn, The Cat Therapist, has been the leading voice in feline therapy for over 5 decades. She has helped thousands of cat moms and dads explore, face, and resolve cat behavioral and health issues. Carole is truly the most trusted Cat Therapist in the United States.
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30 Nov My Cat Doesn’t Want Me To Work At Home

Posted at 03:37h in Blog by

* A cat can become anxious if your work schedule is changed.
* Your cat’s behavior can reflect/mirror your feelings.
* It’s not unusual for a cat to fear travel and the cat carrier …..

Tilly chills with her merry mouse and nip-sprinkled tissue paper.

My Cat Doesn’t Want Me To Work At Home
(Culture Shock, Copy-Cat Behavior, Carrier Angst, Travel Phobia)
“So, I’ve invaded Tilly’s timeline,” said Betty, “and that’s contributed to her angst? I guess she’s not into my work-a-few-days-at-home week. That’s a bummer! I feel rejected.”

Culture Shock
I explained to Betty that Tilly, like most cats, prefers to initiate any game changers. She probably spent most of her day in luxurious cat naps, a taste of food here and there, random ghost chases, window watch and whatever else she fancied. “All of a sudden your increased presence in her presence disorients her.”
“Yes, I’m on the phone a lot, and all the other work-related stuff. So what can I do to ease her angst on these days? I feel like a trespasser.”

Tilly Mirrors/Copy-Cats You
Your work gig at home represents change and integration for you, which can rattle Tilly. She picks up on your thoughts and body language as you move about. So …….

Program to Build Tilly’s Confidence and Defuse Culture Shock

  • On your work at home days, start the day with Tilly that puts her in her comfort zone. After breakfast, maybe some toy time or whatever she craves. You know what she likes. (Unless she heads for a nap. Let her be the decider)
  • Wind down the activity slowly so you don’t leave her jangled.
  • As you move about, mention her name so she isn’t startled by your sudden movement. Avoid transitional twists.
  • The music from Tilly’s session should play continuously and softly to relax her.
  • Heat sedates and relaxes. A cat friendly heating pad can be a surrogate provider when a warm radiator or sun isn’t available.
  • Yoga, meditation or any other practice that soothes and inspires you, will benefit Tilly.
  • Be consistent with your daily routines with Tilly so her new timeline settles in comfortably.


Emotional and Physical Abuse — Carrier Angst
As Betty told me about Tilly’s angst of carriers, she suddenly remembered that years back she returned home to find Tilly in a carrier in the lobby. Evidently, the new cleaning lady had unknowingly let her out of the apartment, someone found her and with good intentions, left her in the carrier for safe keeping. Consequently, Tilly’s angst has been non-negotiable — a conundrum when Betty wanted to take Tilly to the country with her.

Chip Away At Carrier Angst
The carrier should be placed in a quiet spot.
Give her catnip or something that she faves, beside or inside the carrier. You could also place her meals next to the carrier— gradually move inside the carrier. And praise her when she’s in the carrier.

Choice of Carrier
If she totally rejects her hard shell or soft shell carrier, you could leave out a soft recyclable bag for her to hang out in. Eventually, about a week or two later, see how she does when you carry her around. If it’s a go, you can check out cat bags and pouches.


The vet suggested a pillow case and this guardian came up with her cat-in-the-bag solution. See the link from Insider Picks.

Unresolved Medical Issues
As Tilly also had some ongoing unresolved medical issues, her mood swings were frequent. An anti-anxiety drug, homeopathic remedy, or CBD oil/capsules would reinforce and enhance Tilly’s behavioral program. Betty mentioned that to minimalize Tilly’s travel angst she might contact a veterinarian who made home visits. She would also interview some cat sitters to have a backup plan if needed.

As I watched Tilly’s reaction to the toy and nip I gifted her, I reminded Betty to be in touch with progress reports.
“Tilly’s on a roll. Would love to put this on auto play!” said Betty. “She’s my girl!”

 

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