2021 is here. While there’s a lot of hope on the horizon for more social times ahead, for now, we’re staying home. Lucky enough to be at home with your cat? You’re in for a treat. We’ve put together a list of 7 fun pandemic-safe activities you can enjoy together.

Lockdown is the perfect excuse to watch movies all day.

Pop some popcorn, grab a cozy blanket, pick a few Netflix favourites and curl up on the couch with your purring pet. What could be better?

Your cat is hereby invited to all 2021 social and business events.

“Wait, what? It’s okay to invite my cat to the company AGM?” I mean, we don’t specifically encourage it, but it’s probably going to happen anyway.

The pandemic has opened a window into the home lives of our co-workers. It’s reminded us that behind our polished business facades, we’re all human. So yes, expect your cat to show up to your Monday morning meeting, your company townhall, or your annual performance review (it might just lighten the mood!)

What about social events? Virtual birthday parties, family reunions?

Your cat is definitely invited. Here’s a sweet idea: the next time you and your friends get together for a virtual reunion, ask everyone involved to bring their pets. You’ll have a blast and you’ll also get a chance to take the cutest group screenshot.

Grab a mat and grab your cat. Nothing beats a rejuvenating yoga session, and it will be even better with your feline purring in approval as you complete your Sun Salutations. 

When it comes to the top yoga pose to try with your cat, it’s definitely Marjaryasana (that’s Sanskrit for Cat Pose). It doesn’t come as a surprise that there’s a yoga pose modelled after cats. They’re zen, graceful, and they make the perfect yoga partners. 

Have you thought about sharing your cat’s natural hobby? 

Bird-watching is a fantastic way to spend time at home with your cat. Hang some seeds outside your window and see which birds grace you with their presence. Your cat will be entranced by their new flying friends. It’s the perfect way for the two of you to bond. 

Cats are expert sleepers and, needless to say, they mastered the art of napping well before the pandemic. Now that we’re all spending weeks, sometimes months, at home, we have a lot to learn from their natural sleeping habits. 

Taking a nap side-by-side with your feline can be the perfect way to unwind after a day of working from home. Better yet, curl up by the fire together and enjoy an evening of pure relaxation.

You can learn more about your cat’s sleep patterns, by clicking below 

>Is My Cat Sleeping Too Much?  

Cooking has come out on top as one of the most enjoyable pandemic-friendly activities. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your partner, or for the whole family, remember that your cat deserves a nice dinner too. Pamper them with a gourmet vet-approved meal, followed by a few cat treats for dessert. They’ll be grateful for the attention. 

Spring will be here before you know it, which means your cat can soon look forward to backyard playtime. Exercise is critical for feline health and happiness, and your backyard can be the perfect setting. If your cat is an indoor cat and you’re worried about their safety, give some thought to cat-proofing your yard. Your mind will be at ease while your cat plays to their heart’s delight.

To learn more about your backyard cat-proofing options, click below

> 4 Cat Fence Solutions for Your Backyard  

Have you heard about cat-proof fence kits? These kits include a spinning paddle system for DIY installation, keeping your cat safe and contained. In a nutshell, you can cat-proof your yard. This may sound like a gift for you, but if it means more outdoor playtime, your cat will be thrilled!

Wishing you and your cat a safe, healthy and happy winter.

— Your friends at Oscillot®

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Christmas is almost here, and while this year the holidays are bound to feel different, here’s what hasn’t changed: you still get to spend plenty of quality time with your cat. Why not make it a holiday season to remember? If you’re wondering what to get your cat for Christmas, we’ve got you covered.

This gift is a classic. Scratching posts are great for feline health and well-being. Cats have a need to scratch, but what’s interesting is they’re only attracted to specific types of surfaces (if they don’t have a designated item to scratch, they’re likely to turn to your favourite couch). That’s why a scratching post makes such a great gift. Your cat will love it and all your home furnishings will be safe!

There are plenty of cat toys on the market and they definitely make for a fun, creative gift. Consider an interactive cat toy! These toys provide mental and physical stimulation, and your cat will love them.

It’s a well-known fact that cats love to sleep. This Christmas, you could get your cat the present of their dreams: a bed for their comfiest sleep yet.

When it comes to picking the right bed, there are many great options to choose from. We suggest getting one that’s made from quality, natural materials. You may also want to go for a bed that would be easy to take care of and simple to wash.

Your cat will love this gift. With new, comfortable sleeping quarters, they’ll definitely be looking forward to a special holiday snooze.

Cat trees and cat condos make wonderful presents. They give your feline the personal space they crave while providing plenty of entertainment and exercise. Cat trees and condos also double as an extra-large scratching post and may even keep behavioural issues and anxiety at bay. Your cat will love spending time in their new tree; just don’t be surprised if they spend hours watching you from the top perch.

Sometimes the best gift you can give is food! Cats go crazy for treats, so they’re bound to be grateful for this special festive present. Just remember to pamper your cat in moderation: offer treats no more than two or three times a week. Bon appetit!

Looking for a good, functional gift? How about an automatic cat feeder? An automatic cat feeder can dispense portions of food that are just right at pre-set times. It can be super helpful if you need to leave your cat home alone for a few days.

> Can I leave my cat alone?  

Looking for another great functional present? A cat water fountain will automatically dispense fresh water (also great for those times when you’re away from home).

If you really want to spoil your cat (not just once, but indefinitely, on a monthly basis), sign them up for a monthly cat subscription box! Your cat will get fun toys and yummy treats shipped to your (their) doorstep each month. What a delight.

Have you heard about cat-proof fence kits? These kits include a spinning paddle system for DIY installation, keeping your cat safe and contained. In a nutshell, you can cat-proof your yard. This may sound like a gift for you, but if it means more outdoor playtime, your cat will be thrilled!

If a present is not in your budget this year, not to worry. At the end of the day, your cat is grateful for your ongoing love, care and support. If you’re together for the holidays, that’s all that really matters. We suggest whipping up a fancy Christmas dinner for two and enjoying that feeling of holiday coziness.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our team here at Oscillot® !

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As you get ready to leave, you may be wondering how your cat will actually feel when you go. Will they notice that you’re gone? Is it possible they will feel sad, or lonely?

As a society, we tend to see cats as independent, self-sufficient and aloof. The truth is, cats seem to actually enjoy our company, can get lonely or bored when left alone and can even experience separation anxiety. If, when you’re home, you notice that your cat often meows to get more of your attention, this could mean they are on the anxious side.

Scientifically speaking, it seems there are no conclusive studies on how exactly our feline friends experience loneliness and no one approved answer to our question. Vets and cat behaviour experts tend to recommend a safe period of no longer than 24 hours (after 24 hours, someone should check in on them, they suggest).

The answer many bloggers tend to agree on is 24-48 hours.

One reason for this short time period? There’s always the possibility your cat could experience a sudden illness while you’re away. Of course, if you need to leave for longer, there are other options to consider for your companion’s care, like friends and family who could visit, or professional cat sitters.

At the end of the day, all cats are different, and it’s important to remember that. Like us humans, they have different temperaments and needs. So, the answer to “how long can I leave my cat alone” does depend on individual factors. If you feel that being home alone is too stressful for your cat, you are probably right (a cat sitter could be a great solution).

If you have a kitten, the guidelines are different: we suggest checking in with your vet or another expert to be safe. Senior cats may also need extra care, especially if they have a medical condition, in which case you may really want to consider leaving them with a friend, family member or sitter.

Once you decide on leaving your cat home alone, there are a few things you can do to make their time without you comfortable.

- Leave lots of water

This one is important. A cat water fountain is a great idea as it will provide plenty of water (and prevent it from getting stale).

- And food, of course!

An automatic cat feeder can help dispense portions of food that are just right, while also keeping up a routine (very important for cats).

- Safety first

When you go away, be sure you are leaving your cat in a safe environment, with sufficient space. Check to ensure there are no wires or cables they could get tangled in, or sharp items left around the house. If you do decide to leave a kitten alone for a set number of hours, pay special attention to potential hazards.

An important step in cat-proofing your home is making sure your cat can’t escape when you’re away (particularly if they are a house cat). We would also like to note that while our Oscillot® cat-containment system is highly effective, it is not designed for scenarios where the owner is not home.

- Litter box tips

Cats tend to be very particular about having a clean litter box (and unfortunately if their box is not clean, they may go outside of it). One idea is to leave a few litter boxes, or invest in a self-cleaning litter box (yes, this is real invention).

- Will my cat get bored?

To be sure your cat doesn’t get bored without you, you can invest in a cat perch, safe cat toys, or a scratching post. Think about leaving the radio or TV on at a low volume when you go away. Who knows, your cat might even end up loving their alone time.

If you want to go the extra mile, cats are much less lonely with a friend around, so consider adopting a second cat!

- The right temperature

Leave your thermostat set to a comfortable temperature. If it’s summer, and hot out, be sure the AC is turned on.

- A few other options

Leaving your cat home alone is only one of many options. Other options include leaving your cat with a pet sitter or friend/family member, or at a cat hotel. Personally, we don’t recommend cat hotels or boarding facilities. Cats are very territorial and a stay at a hotel could end up being a highly stressful experience for them.

- A vacation with your cat?

Generally speaking, cats are happier and more comfortable in their own homes. If it’s the only solution, you can take your cat with you when you vacation (preferably when your destination is not far away). Check to make sure the hotel or cottage where you’re staying accepts pets and keep in mind that cats can get car sick when travelling. Airplanes are another story altogether.

- What if I miss my cat too much while I’m away?

Don’t worry, we promise you will see your cat soon. Knowing you have left them in a comfortable environment, or in great hands, should give you peace of mind. Enjoy your vacation or time away and don’t forget to buy your cat a savory souvenir to show you care.

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