Cats & the Pandemic
Several months ago someone sent me a photo of a cat with this meme attached: “Stay inside, practice social distancing, clean yourself constantly….. OMG, I’ve become a housecat!”
During the pandemic, we have all become housecats. We work in our homes, teach our children in our homes, cook or eat takeout in our homes, and even have home delivery of groceries. Zoom meetings have replaced in-person get-togethers. If we do go out, our trips are to the grocery store or doctor’s office. And like a cat, we have to practice good hygiene to stay safe. I now have more sympathy for my cats who sometimes look longingly out the window and hope that one day I’ll ease up on my “stay at home” orders.
Even though I’m married and have had the companionship of my husband and have been able to either participate in activities via Zoom or occasionally social distance outside with friends, I’m not sure how I would have survived this pandemic without my furry feline friends. They have provided wonderful companionship, laughter, and joy. Moreover, I have been extra cautious about staying safe because I know that I need to be around to take care of them.
I’m not alone in my belief that cats (and other pets) have made this pandemic more bearable. In a recent survey of 2,000 American cat owners conducted by Royal Canin (and published in People Magazine), 57 percent of cat owners felt less alone because they had a cat, and 49% said that their cat or cats helped them relieve their anxiety. Moreover, 76% of cat owners felt closer to their pets during the pandemic. Better yet, the pandemic has meant that more people are adopting pets. 61% of those participating in the Royal Canin survey had adopted or fostered a pet, and pet shelters are reported for the first time that their cages are empty.
In an article appearing on the NBC News affiliate website (https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/community-top-stories/clear-the-shelters/pet-owners-bonding-with-their-dogs-cats-during-pandemic/2557134/), Joseph S. Pete of The Times notes that people are bonding more with their pets and are becoming more and more inseparable. They are also becoming more cognizant of changes in their pet’s health so veterinary care is improving. A study done by animal human interaction experts at Washington State University surveyed 4,105 dog owners and concluded that “the vast majority reported their pets are playing a critical role in helping reduce feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.” Furthermore, study respondents have noted that their pets have “helped them maintain a regular schedule, cope with uncertainty, be compassionate towards themselves and find purpose in their lives” https://news.wsu.edu/2020/06/08/bond-humans-dogs-strengthened-covid-19/#:~:text=COVID%2D19%20is%20bringing%20people,University%20human%2Danimal%20interaction%20expert.).
I’m sure that none of these statistics are news to cat and dog lovers. At least in my life, cats have always been wonderful companions and friends and have been a source of hope and pleasure. However, since the pandemic, I, like those interviewed in The Times article cited above, have bonded more with my cats and have begun to understand the world from their point of view. I will never leave my cats out because of the danger from cars and other animals. However, I do now understand what it is like to be “locked up” all day While keeping them safe inside, we also need to look out for their mental well-being and provide them with plenty of stimulation and affection. Also, you should be aware that when the pandemic ends and you return to your normal routine (going out to work, going out to dinner, visiting friends, etc.), your cat or dog has grown accustomed to having you home most of the time, and you may have to deal with separation issues
How has a pet helped you during the pandemic? If so, please email it to kathymfinley@gmail.com. I would love to share it on my blog and credit you for the story.
