Since the COVID-19 pandemic began over a year ago, a lot has changed. We’re all working from home more, spending less time outside the home, and engaging less with others. All of this can affect our mental health. Luckily, our pets can impact our mental health in a positive way. For example, the lead author of a recent study from the University of York and the the University of Lincoln[1], Dr. Elena Ratschen from the Department of Health Sciences University of York, is quoted as saying the study found “potential links between people’s mental health and the emotional bonds they form with their pets […]”[2]. 90% of respondents in the study said their pet helped them cope emotionally during the lockdown, 96% said their pet helped keep them fit and active and 68% reported having been worried about their animals during lockdown[3]. Dr. Ratschen is further quoted as saying, “[w]hile our study showed that having a pet may mitigate some of the detrimental psychological effects of the Covid-19 lockdown, it is important to understand that this finding is unlikely to be of clinical significance and does not warrant any suggestion that people should acquire pets to protect their mental health during the pandemic.”[4].
While we eagerly await our lives to return to normal, here are three tips for navigating the pandemic with your cat:
- Stick to a routine.
While your work environment may have shifted to working from home, it’s important to stick to a reliable routine you and your cat are used to. This will help you both maintain some sense of normalcy during an otherwise strange time. Cats and humans are creatures of habit, so maintaining the same schedule, like the time you’d normally wake up, get ready for work, eat, feed your cat, and clean out the litter box is a simple way you can ensure there are no disruptions to your cat’s most basic everyday needs, as well as your own. - Focus on high-quality nutrition.
The important role that nutrition plays on health in people is well-known, and the same thinking can be applied to your cat. Good nutrition will provide a solid foundation for your cat’s overall health and wellbeing. Look for complete and balanced cat food with key nutritional components like a high protein content from quality animal ingredients, few carbohydrates and fatty acids from fish, which have been shown to support a healthy functioning brain as well as support a healthy neurological and immune system. And while it may be tempting to reward your feline friend with more treats now that you’re spending more time together, try not to overindulge too much. There are other ways to reward and show affection for your cat that don’t include additional treats, like cuddling, petting and play time. - Make time for play.
Daily mental stimulation is an important aspect for both you and your cat, so always set aside time for play. You can purchase cat-specific toys or be creative and simply use common objects found around the house like cardboard boxes, paper rolls or even pieces of string to engage with your cat, stimulate their brain and strengthen your bond, all at the same time.
The restrictions on everyday life created by the pandemic has been difficult for many of us. Make the best of the situation by employing these three simple tips to help you and your cat come out of this period stronger than ever.
[1] Elena Ratschen, Emily Shoesmith, Lion Shahab, Karine Silva, Dimitra Kale, Paul Toner, Catherine Reeve, Daniel S. Mills. Human-animal relationships and interactions during the Covid-19 lockdown phase in the UK: Investigating links with mental health and loneliness. PLOS ONE, 2020; 15 (9): e0239397 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239397
[2] qtd. in University of York. “Pets linked to maintaining better mental health and reducing loneliness during lockdown, new research shows.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 26 September 2020. Retrieved April 13, 2021 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200926145210.htm
[3] See footnote 2
[4] See footnote 2