How to Share a Home Office With Cats

Many people work out of a home office, which in itself is a great way to conduct business. There are also several of these people who are cat owners. You may think that this combination could be a disaster; but this does not have to be the case. You can share a home office with cats.

Cats are special. When you share your home office with them, work just does not seem like “work” a lot of the time. If you are having a hard time with something or just a bad day, one of the best ways to feel better is to spend some time with a cat. There is something about petting them, watching them or listening to them purr that will take your mind off any other troubles. Read on for several steps you can follow to work alongside your cats.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Home office
• Cat or cats
• Patience
• Flexibility
• Cat toys
• Cat bed (could use a towel or blanket)
• Cat window Perch (optional)

1. The most important thing to remember when sharing a home office with cats is the fact that you are doing this. You must provide them with a cat safe environment always. The next few steps cover more specifics about this.

2. Make sure you do not have wires, plugs or any other electrical power easily accessible to your cat. If you do, make sure it is covered or block contact to it.

3. Remove any type of plant which is poisonous to your cat--or at least keep it out of reach of them.

4. Do not have any fire (candles or fireplace) that is easy for your cat to get close to.

5. Create a special spot near your work area. If you have a cat that likes to be close to you. You could place a small cat bed under your desk or on it, if you have the room.

6. If you have any windows in your home office, you could place a window perch on it for your cat to enjoy.

7. Always have plenty of toys available for your office cat, if they are kittens or active adults. A cat with a lot of fun distractions will not need attention from you.

8. Make sure you supply your office cat with food, water and kitty litter. Put these items in places that are most comfortable for you and them.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do a lot of word processing on your computer, it is strongly suggested that you set your program to do automatic backups often. You do not want to be in the middle of a long project and have your office cat decide it is time to walk across the keyboard. This could create havoc, which can be avoided with this tip.

[grognak]

on 9/13/2009 Good advice read some of my articles I think you'd like them rate and recommend if you feel.

[ampersand]

on 7/7/2009 Nice tips; thanks for sharing!

[thomasfence]

on 3/18/2009 Good info - yeah I have 4 and a hairy computer.

[MidniteWriter]

on 2/19/2008 My kitty shares my desk, I often have to get her out of the way of the screen. But what a joy to be able to share an office with a real cat instead of those that behave like them sometimes - lol :)

You have great tips here, kitty will feel even more welcome now!