Tag: routine

Will Cats Notice It’s Back-to-School Time?

Posted on August 17, 2023 - 1:54 pm by
A black-and-white cat staring out a window.

Dogs are notorious for missing their owners two seconds after their human steps out the front door, sometimes with destructive results. But will your family’s favorite feline have separation anxiety after the kiddos go back to school? Fluffy was the go-to adventure buddy for your kids’ summer shenanigans, after all. So, it’s only natural that your cat will miss their tiny humans when the daily routine is altered later this August. But with cats, sometimes it’s hard to tell how they really feel.

Rest assured, your cat misses you (and the kids!) when you’re gone — especially if the absence is a drastic shift from the norm, like during back-to-school time.

Like dogs, cats are social creatures who crave consistency and have unbreakable bonds with their humans. They just have a different way of expressing themselves than our slobbier companions. Some of those ways might be easy to miss, and they can vary from cat to cat.

Cats Act Differently When They Miss You

As schedules pivot and their daily playmates go back to school, every cat might react a bit differently, but most will note the change if they’re suddenly alone more. They may experience some level of loneliness, depression or anxiety — similar to how a human might feel during changes in their environment. This separation anxiety could show up as:

  • Excessive meowing
  • Behavior changes like eating less or litter box accidents
  • Extreme excitement when the humans return
  • A swipe of the paw when the humans return
  • They may try to go with you the next time you leave

One reaction is not more worrisome than another. It’s simply their way of responding to the situation at hand. If you notice a drastic or lingering change in their eating or bathroom habits, contact your veterinarian.

Your Kids Can Be Part of the Solution

We recommend informing your kiddos of these potential reactions so they can be sympathetic to however Fluffy reacts. Let Fluffy come to the kids at their own pace when everyone returns home in the afternoon. Your pet will likely need grace and patience as they adjust, not to mention lots of attention when everyone is back together.

Prep Your Kitty for Back to School

What other ways can you help your cat adjust? Advance preparation. Making small shifts during the weeks ahead could help ensure the changes are not as jarring to your cat’s nervous system.

Most children spend about six to seven hours per day in school (not including after-school programs). In the time leading up to school starting back up, try leaving the house for short amounts of time. Start running errands or adventuring around town for an hour or so each day — slowly increasing the time you spend away from the house.

When arriving back home, greet Fluffy with love, affection and words of affirmation that all is OK. You’re letting them know they are still loved and that the tiny humans will return home — no matter how long they may be gone throughout the day.

Provide Sources of Entertainment for Your Cat

Add interactive toys around the house so your pet can stay entertained without their human playmates. These could include automatic laser pointers that come on throughout the day, catnip hide-and-seek toys or wall shelves for climbing. Before leaving the house, teach your cat how to use each option. Upon returning home, be sure to still spend one-on-one playtime with Fluffy for added mental stimulation.

Consider setting up a bird feeder outside a safe, secure window where your cat frequently looks out. Place their cat tree or pet bed nearby so they can sit in comfort and watch birds or small animals eat the food. It’s another great way to keep your cat entertained and happy throughout the day!

Warm Up to the School Year Routine

Visit with your kiddos about a new school year routine with Fluffy. Find guaranteed pet playtimes for showering your cat with attention that make sense with your family’s schedules. Whether it’s after breakfast before the bus arrives or after school before they start homework, Fluffy will be ready for a new consistent setup. So will the kids as they ease into their new fall routine.

Bonus tip that can help the whole family: On the days leading up to the new school year, try getting your kiddos and your cat on this new sleep, wake up, play and leave schedule. While the kids aren’t leaving for a full day of school quite yet, it can help your cat adjust to the new agenda before your kids start school. It might just help the kids adjust to it as well!

As Fluffy and the tiny humans adjust to their new routines, remember you could notice an increase in affection from your cat whenever the kids re-enter the house. Or you could notice a slightly standoffish cat who is trying to show the kids they didn’t like having their trusty playmate gone all day. Your cat’s reactions are completely normal. Once Fluffy understands that their playmates are back home for the evening, they’ll let go of any grumpy cat emotions and be ready for an adventure. Fluffy just missed their tiny humans is all.

RELATED POST: Home Alone: Back to School Can Be Stressful for Pets

Back-to-School for Your Pet: A Checklist to Alleviate Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Posted on August 19, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
A brown and white dog lying in a dog bed on the floor.

Your dog has likely spent more time with the kids these last few months than usual, due to summer vacation. More time licking up the trail of cookie crumbs behind your child. More time rolling in the fresh-cut grass. More time curled up, fur to skin. But like all good things, summer comes to an end and back to school for the kids can lead to separation anxiety in dogs.

To help prevent your dog from feeling the angst of separation after the school bus leaves, we’ve compiled a back-to-school list for your pets. But like every school checklist, you want to work on it early, so your dog can gradually adjust to the new school year.

ESTABLISH A ROUTINE

Dogs are creatures of habit who are comforted by the predictable. They like their meals served at the same time every day. If your kids will rise earlier for school, start a few weeks before school starts and set the alarm a few minutes earlier each day to help your pet get used to the new schedule. Make sure to plan for one-on-one play time with your pet each day.

MAKE EXERCISE A PRIORITY

A tired dog is more likely to nap than mope or stress around the house all day. Make a point to walk your dog each day before the kids leave to help work off excess energy. More sleepy time is a great way to curb separation anxiety in dogs.

GIVE YOUR DOG ALONE TIME NOW TO ALLEVIATE SEPARATION ANXIETY LATER

If your dog currently goes everywhere with you or your kids, start leaving them home alone for small amounts of time each day. Go for a short walk or run a quick errand on your own, then gradually increase the amount of time you and the kids are away from your pet. If you return to signs of pet distress, such as urinary accidents, destructive chewing or neighbor complaints of nonstop barking, start with even shorter separation periods, such as just going out the door, counting to 10, then returning.

AVOID THE SOUND OF SILENCE

After a summer of full-time commotion in the household, quiet can be unsettling for dogs. Try leaving a radio on with soothing music, or a white-noise machine to eliminate distracting outdoor noises.

PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUR DOG

Dogs can become destructive when left alone simply because they’re bored. Now’s the time to stock up on pet-safe toys (never leave your dog alone with any toy that can potentially be chewed into pieces and swallowed). Fill a Kong with something tasty, such as peanut butter, cottage cheese or chicken baby food (make sure there’s no garlic powder or onion powder) and place it in the freezer so it’s ready to keep your dog busy when the kids go out the door. Or leave interactive food puzzles to challenge your dog’s mind and body.

PLANT A CAMERA

If you’re away during the day, consider using a video camera to keep tabs on your pet. Some products even enable you to talk with your pet and dispense a treat. Watch for signs of stress in dogs, including panting, pacing or destructive behavior. If your dog seems anxious, consult your veterinarian.

EMPLOY PHERMONES

During nursing, the mother dog releases pheromones, which have a calming effect. Synthetic versions of these, in plug-in diffusers, sprays or collars, are available at pet stores or online. They might help give dogs a recess from separation anxiety while the kids are at school.

PLAN FOR COMPANIONSHIP

If your dog will be alone for long stretches of time, look into having a dog walker stop by your house. Or check out the nearby doggy day cares where they can play with other pets.

SEEK HELP FOR SEPARATION ANXIETY IN DOGS

If your dog is truly distressed when left alone, consult your veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist about separation anxiety in dogs. They can suggest the right behavioral therapy, and possibly medications, to help soothe your pet’s anxieties and make them more comfortable at home.

Remember that back to school for kids is also back to school for pets. It can be hard on our four-legged friends who don’t understand why that long yellow car is taking their pals away, but with a little prep work, they’ll be mentally and emotionally prepared for the switch!