With the advent of the pandemic, many cat owners spent more time with their furry companions while working from home. But businesses are increasingly requiring their employees to come back to the office, and this means more cats are left alone for large parts of the day.

Cats seem like very independent creatures, and in some ways they are. But if you want your cat to thrive and feel their best, cat socialization can play an important role. Spending quality time around humans—whether yourself, a friend or family member, or a professional cat sitter—may offer several benefits you might not be aware of.

Building Confidence

The human world can sometimes be frightening for unsocialized cats. Humans are physically much larger than cats, and a cat doesn’t intuitively understand most of the devices and objects we use in our daily lives.

The socialization process can help cats come to terms with their environment and the people they encounter. By creating positive experiences in interacting with humans, you can help your cat feel more at ease, even if there are occasional deviations from your usual routine.

It’s often beneficial to allow your cat to interact with a wider range of people. In some cases, a cat may become comfortable with their owner or family but might react with fear or aggression around strangers. The more people your cat meets, particularly in the first few years of their life, the greater the chance they’ll feel at ease with new people over time.

A well-socialized cat tends to have fewer behavioral problems and may adapt more easily to new situations, such as a move, a major schedule change, or a new family member. Professional in-home cat care can be a helpful way to ensure your cat gets human interaction with a variety of people.

Enriching Your Cat’s Life

Cats aren’t pack animals, but that doesn’t mean they always do well in solitude. Being able to play, interact with, and observe humans can contribute to a fuller, richer life for a cat.

Interacting with a cat sitter during an otherwise isolated day might become a bright spot for your cat, potentially leading to a happier, more well-adjusted pet. Interacting with people can influence how cats develop their personalities, and a more isolated cat may not express the same range of behaviors as one with regular human contact.

When you go on vacation, this can sometimes be tough on your cat. Your absence and a sudden increase in loneliness might contribute to stress or anxiety.

Scheduling cat care during a vacation could help reduce that negative reaction. By providing socialization while you’re away, you can help ease the impact of your absence, and you may return to a more content pet.

If you think your cat could benefit from increased socialization—whether routinely or due to a vacation—a Chicago cat sitter might be a good option. You could see a positive difference in your cat by ensuring they receive plenty of attention while you’re away.

Published by Joseph T.