Gosport Cats Protection volunteers share top tips for keeping cats happy during self-isolation

During the social distancing and self-isolation measures to minimise the spread of Covid-19, many cats will be staying inside more than usual.

Maintaining their daily activities when they cannot go outside is important for their wellbeing and so volunteers from the Gosport branch of Cats Protection have collected their favourite tips for keeping indoor cats happy.

Christine Scott-Reid, cat welfare team leader said: ‘During self-isolation consider ways to play with your cat that do not involve direct contact with fur or saliva, such as a fishing rod toy with feathers. This will give your cat excellent mental stimulation while keeping them at a distance from you.

‘We know that cats will usually do whatever they wish, so if your cat does continue to play with catnip toys or balls, it would be best to avoid touching them or thoroughly wash your hands with soap and hot water after handling them.’

The team also recommends small changes to your cat’s environment, including separating food bowls, water bowls and litter trays into separate rooms if possible.

Christine said: ‘Help your cat to hunt inside the home, this not only provides mental stimulation but also releases feel-good endorphins. Fishing-rod toys are perfect for this as are butterfly spinners which cats in our care often love as they provide maximum pouncing and swatting opportunities.’

Scratching posts and mats are a favourite item for cats to get their claws into, and owners can help make food fun for their pets by using empty egg boxes or toilet roll tubes to hold dry food.

SEE ALSO: Chatty white cat finds a happy home after longer-than-average stay with Gosport Cats Protection

‘Finally, create safe spaces for cats,’ added Christine.

‘When fearful they will naturally hide or climb up high; by providing opportunities such as space under beds, cat trees with raised platforms or even cardboard boxes with an access hole cut in the side for your moggy, it will create a feeling of extended territory and security.’

For more information about keeping cats entertained during the lockdown, visit cats.org.uk/keeping-cats-entertained. For any cat related advice or emergency care during the Covid-19 outbreak visit cats.org.uk/coronavirus or phone 03000 12 12 12.

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