Article: Create a Cat-Friendly Home Office
Create a Cat-Friendly Home Office
Working from home comes with all kinds of perks, from snacks on demand and comfy clothes to unlimited snuggles from your favorite feline manager. But if your cat boss insists on sitting on your keyboard, popping into web conferences, or constantly stealing your favorite pen, it might be time to rethink your setup. Creating a cat-friendly home office isn't just about making your life easier; it's also about giving your cat an enriching (and safe) environment that keeps her stimulated, comfortable, and happy while you bring home the bacon-flavored treats. Here’s what to do.
Designate a purr-sonal space for your cat
Cats are territorial by nature, and that means they like having a space to call their own, even when they're crashing your office hours. A dedicated area that clearly belongs to your cat can help reduce those "I must now sit on your documents" moments. Try placing an engaging cat cave in a quiet corner, or a smaller, cozy cat bed under your desk if there’s space. Even better if there’s room on it. Once your little coworker starts using it regularly, feel free to move it closer and closer to your preferred spot, freeing up some more space for you.
Of course, some cats do just love sitting on paperwork, so you might also consider placing a random piece of paper on your desk for Mittens to claim each day, keeping your own docs and folders free for official use.
Go vertical with your layout
If you live with a climber, give your home office some vertical spaces to explore. Simple, wall-mounted cat shelves act as climbing opportunities and cozy perches, encouraging your oversharer to free up your desk now and then. The closer the shelves are to you, the more likely your cat is to use them instead of your workspace. Worried about your Zoom background? Luxury cat shelves look like modern art, both when in use and empty.
Choose functional cat furniture that looks good, too
Speaking of web calls, when your office regularly doubles as a video background, you don’t want clunky, carpeted cat towers stealing the spotlight. Stylish cat furniture designed for chic spaces practically doubles as art. Quality cat trees are sculptural pieces featuring intelligent design with multiple levels, elegant lounging spots, and discreet scratching spots to keep those nails filed and muscles stretched properly. They keep your cat physically engaged and mentally curious while maintaining a chic, modern aesthetic. Think of them as a design-forward gym for your kitty.
Be mindful of cables and hazards
OSHA isn’t monitoring your home office, so it’s up to you to make sure it’s up to code for your kitty. Cats love stringy things. Unfortunately, that includes your charging cords and headphone wires. Keep them out of reach or protected with cord organizers to prevent chewing. Small supplies like staples and paper clips should also stay carefully tucked away when not in use, not resting in open desk trays where they will become dangerous toys (and constantly need replacing).
Set a schedule and stick to it
Cats love routine, and they quickly learn your habits when you're home all day. You don’t necessarily need to create a strict schedule for yourself, but start one for your furball. If she knows playtime happens at lunch and treats come at 3:00, she'll be less likely to pounce on your keyboard at random times. Build small breaks into your day to toss a toy, give a few chin scratches, or even share a snack break (her treats, not your sandwich). This isn’t likely to completely eliminate Fluffy's random appearances, but it should reduce them over time.
The bottom line
Despite countless theories, we still don’t know why cats love laptops and keyboards, so we can’t overcome that desire yet. They also just love being near those who bring them comfort, for more obvious reasons. Combined, it’s a tall task to keep happy cats out of your personal space when working from home. Instead of trying to eliminate the added affection from your favorite cubicle-mate, aim to structure in a way that works for both of you. Stimulating furniture, cat-owned spaces, and scheduled interactions can go a long way. Just remember never to scold your cat or get angry with him for wanting to be near you. He doesn’t know you’re working, so you’ll just be sending mixed signals about your relationship in general. Positive reinforcement only in this workspace!
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