If you are a Karen, you will know how difficult it is to be away from home when all you want to do is curl up on your couch with your cat on top of you. And although popular belief says that cats are independent, those who have one at home know that drama is served and our cats are like little toxic children who don’t let you do anything. Leaving the house when a kitten is chasing you is, without a doubt, the worst moment of the day. They stand there, watching with big eyes full of disappointment as you go out and “abandon” them during your work day (or even to go shopping). The drama is real every time the front door opens.
If you have ever felt like a bad mother while your cat looks at you with a judging look for leaving the house… This article is for you. We are going to help you leave the house without it seeming like a drama!
How does it affect your cat when you leave home?
As we said, those of us who have cats as pets know that they are not at all independent and that they always seek affection. They are animals that create strong bonds with their human beings and that is why leaving them alone for a long time can cause stress and anxiety.
Our cats are fully aware of everything (even if it doesn’t seem like it) and they know when we are sick, sad or happy, and they also realize when we are going to leave home.
So, it is crucial for us to understand that an overly emotional farewell can create distress in the animal.
How do I say goodbye to my cat?
The best advice is to act naturally, stay calm and avoid exaggerations and effusiveness (because they could relate it as something negative), so try to stay calm when saying goodbye and use a soft tone of voice.
If your cat suffers from separation anxiety, it is best to spend a few minutes with him before leaving, play with his favourite toy or pet him so that he is relaxed.
On the other hand, provide him with a safe refuge. What does this mean? A piece of clothing with your scent, for example, could make your cat feel that he is accompanied during your absence.
As far as possible, establish a routine for him, leaving the house and coming back at the same time provides stability and will make them not feel stressed.
Make sure your cat has everything
Yes, before you leave you have to make sure your cat has access to everything they need to have a good day (and that the windows are closed, please!!!). Leave them food and fresh water in their usual place, their toys and scratching posts visible and their litter box clean.
What if my cat doesn’t get used to it?
You’ll have to do some legwork and get him used to it gradually, starting with short absences and increasing the time little by little. This way they’ll get used to being alone for several hours.
Another tip we can offer you is to generate a positive response. For example, our cat likes us to give them treats before leaving the house, so they relates going out with their favourite time of day, and there are other people who give them treats when they come home (as a reward for having behaved well in their absence). You can try things out to see what works best for your cat.
So, you know, we have to leave the house calmly so that our cats can feel as comfortable as possible with our absence. Purrrr!