This post was updated on August 22, 2024 by Lisa.
🐾 Pandemic Perks & Paws 🐾
COVID-19 has flipped our lives upside down, and pet owners are no exception! Sure, spending all day with your furry BFF is a major perk of working from home, but let’s face it—there are some challenges too. 😼
But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! This post is your ultimate guide to navigating the wild world of home-office cat life. From keeping your keyboard fur-free to inspiring purr-fect new ideas, we’re here to help you create a workspace that’s as cozy for you as it is for your feline boss. 😹
Let’s get started on designing your dream cat-friendly home office! 🏡✨
RELEVANT: Crochet Cat Couch
How Can I Work From Home With A Cat?
Cat lovers who now home-office will need to keep their pet in mind when designing the home office. There is so much to consider such as valuables need to be protected and kitty needs to be kept safe. Here are some tips to designing a pet-friendly home office for
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YES YOU CAN work from home if you have a cat!
🐾 Mastering the HO Lifestyle with Your Feline Coworker 🐾
Working from home sounds like a dream—especially when you have your adorable cat by your side! 😺 But let’s be honest: as much as we love our furry friends, they can sometimes turn our home office into a playground.
From tiptoeing across your keyboard to batting at cords, your cat is bound to bring a little extra excitement to your workday.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a collection of essential tips to help you and your cat navigate the HO lifestyle smoothly. Your workspace can be productive for you and purr-fectly enjoyable for your feline companion! 🏡💻
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| 1) Keep Your Computer Safe | Cats love to explore—especially the warm, glowing surface of your laptop! Invest in a protective cover and consider an elevated stand to keep kitty paws off your keyboard. 🖥️🐾 |
| 2) Keep A Brush Set Handy | With your cat by your side all day, shedding is inevitable. Keep a brush set within reach to keep those fur coats under control and your workspace fur-free. 💺🧹 |
| 3) Hide Breakables | Cats are natural explorers (and sometimes unintentional destructors). Make sure to stow away any fragile items—especially those you don’t want ending up on the floor. 😼💥 |
| 4) Cat-Friendly Design | Incorporate some cat-friendly furniture into your office layout. Think cozy cat beds, climbing trees, and window perches to keep your feline entertained while you work. 🛋️😺 |
| 5) Schedule Playtime Breaks | Cats need stimulation, so schedule short play breaks during your workday. A quick game of chase-the-laser or a few minutes with a feather toy can keep your cat happy and calm. 🕒🎾 |
| 6) Create a ‘Cat-Free’ Zone | Designate a small area or corner of your workspace that’s off-limits to your cat. This can be a place for important documents or items that need to stay cat-free. 🚫🐈 |
| 7) Keep Cords Out of Reach | Cats love to chew on cords—so make sure to hide or secure any cables that might be within paw’s reach. Cord covers or organizers can be a lifesaver! 🔌🐾 |
| 8) Provide a Window View | If possible, set up your workspace near a window. Cats love watching the world go by, and it’ll give them something to do while you’re busy with Zoom meetings. 🌳🐦 |
| 9) Use Cat-Safe Plants | Add some greenery to your office, but make sure the plants are safe for your cat. Opt for |
| 10) Diffuse Cat-Calming Scents | Consider using a diffuser with cat-safe essential oils like lavender or chamomile. These can help create a soothing environment for your cat, especially during stressful workdays. 🌸😌 |
With these tips in place, your home office will be the ultimate sanctuary for both you and your cat. Here’s to a purr-fectly balanced workday filled with productivity and a little feline fun! 😸✨
How To Work From A Home Office With A Cat
Keep Your Computer Safe
🐾 Protecting Your PC from Curious Cats 🐾
We love our cats, but let’s face it—they can be a little too curious for their own good! 😼 If you’re working on a PC, it’s important to take a few precautions to keep your computer safe from fur, claws, and kitty mischief. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you avoid those expensive repair bills:
- Raise Your PC Off the Ground 🖥️⬆️
Elevate your computer on a sturdy stand or desk to keep it out of reach from wandering paws and curious noses. This also helps reduce the amount of fur that could get inside the computer, which could cause damage over time. - Invest in a Protective Cover 🛡️
A protective case or cover can shield your PC from any accidental swipes or scratches. It’s an easy way to prevent your computer from becoming an unintentional scratching post. - Keep Your Work Area Fur-Free 🧹
Regularly clean your workspace to minimize the amount of fur that could make its way into your PC’s vents. A quick vacuum or wipe-down can work wonders. - Create a Cat-Friendly Zone Elsewhere 🛋️
Set up a cozy spot with toys and a comfy bed for your cat away from your PC. If your feline friend has their own space to relax, they might be less tempted to explore yours. - Distract with Cat Furniture 🏠🐈
Provide alternative scratching posts or cat trees nearby to keep your cat’s attention away from your expensive tech. The more entertained they are, the safer your PC will be!
With these simple steps, you can keep your PC safe and sound while enjoying the company of your furry coworker. 😸💻
🐾 Keeping Your Laptop Safe from Kitty Cuddles 🐾
If you’re working on a laptop, you know how much cats love to snuggle up right on top of it—usually when you’re in the middle of something important! 😹 Here’s how to keep your feline friend off your keyboard and maintain your productivity:
- Close Your Laptop When Not in Use 💻✋
Whenever you step away from your laptop, make sure to close it. This simple habit will prevent your cat from turning your keyboard into a cozy napping spot and avoid any accidental key presses. - Create a Cozy Spot Nearby 🛏️🐾
Set up a comfy bed close to your workspace so your cat has a designated spot to relax while you work. Having her bed nearby will make it easier to gently move her off your laptop and onto her own cozy area. - Gently Redirect Her 👐🐱
If she tries to sit on your keyboard, gently pick her up and place her in her bed. Offer her favorite toys to keep her entertained. It’s all about positive reinforcement! - Firmly Say “No” 🚫😼
When she makes a move toward your laptop, firmly (but kindly) say “no.” Over time, she may start to understand that the laptop is off-limits, though we know how stubborn our feline friends can be! - Be Patient and Persistent 🧘♂️🐈
It’s definitely a challenge to keep a determined cat away from your laptop, but with patience and consistency, you can establish boundaries. After all, it’s hard to type when there’s a fluffy roadblock on your hands!
With these tips, you can keep your laptop safe and your workday running smoothly—while still enjoying your cat’s company. 😺💻✨
Get A Fur Brush Set
🐾 The Adorable (But Risky) Cat-on-Keyboard Situation 🐾
We get it—there’s nothing cuter than your cat curling up on your keyboard while you work. 😻 But as adorable as it is, it can lead to some pesky problems. Here’s why you might want to gently redirect that furry cuteness:
- Fur in Tricky Places 🖥️🐾
When your cat lounges on your keyboard, her fur can sneak into the tiniest gaps, getting stuck between the keys. Over time, this can cause sticky keys and even long-term damage to your keyboard. - Paw Prints on Your Work 🐾💼
If (let’s be real—when) your cat decides to put her paws on your keyboard, that fur will start to accumulate. Not only does it make typing difficult, but your documents and hard copy memos could end up with a fuzzy layer too! - Unintentional Edits 😹⌨️
Besides the fur, those accidental key presses might lead to some unexpected edits in your work. A single paw press could delete or alter something important!
To keep your keyboard fur-free and your documents intact, try to encourage your kitty to relax in her own space instead. It’s a small price to pay to avoid a fur-filled workspace! 😸💻
Imagine if you post a client some documents and they find some fur included too. It won’t give a professional impression. It’s sort of like the equivalent of finding a hair in your dish at a restaurant. Eww, okay not that bad but you get the point.
I love this brush set at Amazon. I keep it at my desk and use it frequently. It is great for cat hair and just all around dust too.
It can also get into electronics and cause damage or technical malfunctions in the same way it could with the computer.
It is not totally avoidable (unless you have a Sphynx cat) so the best way to deal with it is regular grooming.
🐾 Keep Your Workspace Fur-Free with a Simple Routine 🐾
If you want to keep those pesky fur issues under control, here’s a tip: fit in a quick brush session with your cat before you start work each day and give your space a quick vacuum at the end of the day. ✨ These two small tasks can make a world of difference and sure beat the hassle of a daily commute! 🚗💨
And speaking of vacuums, let me introduce you to a little game-changer: the Bissell Cordless Vacuum. This handy little device is a must-have for pet owners! 🧹🐕 It’s compact, powerful, and perfect for keeping your workspace clean and fur-free.
Plus, it’s cordless, which makes it super convenient for quick clean-ups.
So, with just a few minutes of brushing and vacuuming each day, you can enjoy a tidy, fur-free workspace—and more time to enjoy your furry coworker! 😸💻
Hide The Breakables
🐾 Cat-Proofing Your Office: The Minimalist Edition 🐾
Good news, folks—the minimalist look is totally in style right now! 🖼️✨ So, if you’ve got any special ornaments or decorations, it’s time to tuck them away. Otherwise, your cat might just turn that precious heirloom into a shattered memory. 😼💥
Next up, those tempting cables and cords—trust me, they look like a gourmet snack to your cat. 🍝😹 Try to conceal them as much as possible, and whenever you upgrade a device, go wireless if you can. Your future self (and your chewed-up cables) will thank you! 🔌🚫
And don’t forget about your office supplies!
Keep those pens, paper clips, and sticky notes in a drawer where curious paws can’t reach. 🖊️✋ After all, it’s hard to stay productive when your cat is batting your paper clips off the desk!
So, embrace the minimalist vibe, cat-proof your space, and enjoy a stylish and safe home office! 😸✨
🐾 The Great Cat Knockover: Plan Ahead! 🐾
If you’re a cat owner, you know the drill—cats love to knock stuff off shelves, desks, or countertops just to watch it go smash! 😼💥
If you’ve got anything glass or breakable, it’s best to store it safely in a desk drawer. Out of sight, out of mind… or at least out of paw’s reach!
And let’s be real—your coffee mug is living on borrowed time. ☕
Your cat is probably eyeing it right now, plotting its inevitable downfall.
So, consider using a spill-proof travel mug, or at the very least, keep it in a spot that’s less tempting for your furry friend.
Your cat is just being a cat, and causing a little chaos is all part of the fun. But with a few precautions, you can avoid some of the more dramatic “crash” moments! 😸🖥️
Cat-Friendly Design
Cats love to sit on window sills and watch the world go by. Think about this when you decide where to put the biggest furniture item which is probably your desk.
Maybe put a shelf at the appropriate height by the window so your cat can have it’s own special place to sit.
Wall art such as framed photography or a feature clock is a great way to decorate your office since that is well out of reach of your cat.
Exercise and Playtime
🐾 Play Dates with Your Feline Boss: A Must! 🐾
Don’t forget to pencil in some play dates with your cat throughout the day—trust me, he’ll appreciate it! 🗓️
Cats are big fans of consistency, so having a play schedule is like hitting the jackpot for them. 🎰
Plus, getting your indoor kitty to exercise through play is a great way to burn off that extra energy (and maybe save your furniture in the process)! 😹💪
Here are some fun ideas to keep your cat entertained:
- Laser Pointer Chase 🔦🐾
Watch him zoom around like a tiny furry athlete as he chases that elusive red dot. Just be ready for the post-chase nap! - Feather Wand Fun 🪶🎣
Wiggle a feather wand around, and let him show off his hunting skills. Who knew your living room was a jungle? - Interactive
Puzzle Toys 🧩😺
Keep him mentally sharp withpuzzle toys that challenge him to find hidden treats. It’s like a kitty brain workout! - DIY Cardboard Box Maze 📦🚀
Turn some old boxes into a maze or fortress for your cat to explore. Bonus points if you join in on the adventure!
With a little planning, you can keep your cat happy, healthy, and entertained throughout the day. And let’s be honest, these play breaks are a nice excuse for you to take a breather too! 😸💼
More ideas to keep a cat in a home office a little entertained:
- Build an obstacle course with tunnels and shelves for them to explore.
- Invest in a few cat toys that your cat can chase around the house.
- Hang a bird or butterfly toy from the ceiling for your cat to bat at.
- Spend a few minutes a day playing with your cat using a laser pointer.
- Create a makeshift scratching post with a cardboard tube and some rope.
- Play hide and seek with your cat and reward them with treats when they find you.
Plan For Cat Naps and Cuddles
🐾 Let’s Be Real: Your Cat Will Try to Steal Your Lap 🐾
If you’re typing away at your computer, chances are your cat is plotting its next move—usually a stealthy shimmy onto your lap. 😹
But here’s a pro tip—set up a snug and warm bed in your office (for your cat, not for you, unfortunately). 🛏️🐱 This will help your feline friend feel at ease in the office space, and just maybe, it’ll choose the bed over your lap.
With a comfy spot of its own, you’ll at least have a fighting chance to get some work done without a cat permanently attached to your body. 😸💻
Give Your Cat His Own Cozy Space
🐾 When It’s Time for Your Cat to Take a Break from the Office 🐾
There are moments when your cat needs to exit the office, no matter how much you love having your furry coworker around. 🐱 So, make sure you have a warm, cozy alternative spot for your cat to chill.
If you’ve got an important Zoom meeting with a new client, it might not be ideal if Chocolate or Panda suddenly decides to pop up on the screen—or worse, wiggle onto your lap mid-presentation. 😹📹
Meowing, purring, and other cat noises are adorable, but maybe not when you’ve got a VIP on the line.
So, don’t feel bad about banishing your cat from the home office for a little while. 🚪 You can offer him an entire room (which he will undoubtedly scratch and claw at, as if his life depends on getting out), or set up a blanket in some cozy closet space.
It’s all about striking the balance—your cat gets its own warm hangout, and you get a few minutes of uninterrupted work. Just be ready for some serious lap demand as soon as the meeting ends! 😸💼
Have a cat nest or enclosure for him to hang out in.
Concluding Thoughts On Working From Home With Your Cat
🐾 Protect Your Laptop from Pesky Paws 🐾
If you step out of the room, always close the lid of your laptop. Otherwise, you might return to find your cat having a little keyboard dance party! 😹⌨️ (If only we could train them to reply to emails!)
And don’t forget to dust your laptop regularly. Keeping it fur-free helps avoid those sneaky strands from getting trapped between the keys. 🖥️🧹 A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your laptop cat-proof and ready for work—no feline edits needed! 😸✉️
🐾 Implement These Tips for a Purr-fectly Productive Workday 🐾
By following these tips, you’ll drastically improve your chances of getting some serious work done—without your kitty sprawled across your lap or keyboard! 😸💻 It’s all about creating a cat-friendly workspace that keeps both you and your feline friend happy. So, set up that cozy cat bed, close that laptop lid, and enjoy a more productive (and fur-free) workday! 🐱✨
For tips on cat-friendly design, catatizing™ and getting useful but feline inspired decor, check out our other blog posts:
“Cat Furniture Your Feline Friendly Home Can’t Do Without”
“How To Beautify Your Home With Modern Cat Furniture”
“Furniture Solutions For Cats In Small Apartments”
And don’t forget, you are not alone, there are millions using their homes as offices now who are figuring out how to fit into their pet’s space.
Why Is Kritter Kommunity Your Trusted Pet Partner?
Lisa Illman is the Founder of Kritter Kommunity, LLC. She has a tuxedo male adult cat currently and she has had him since he was a baby kitten. Prior to her cat Finnegan, Lisa had two FIV positive cats for a decade. They inspired Lisa to invent a cat enclosure so they could safely sit outside and enjoy fresh air and sunshine. She brought the product to market and eventually designed a line of portable catios; they sold on Amazon, Skymall, Wayfair and countless other websites. Her experience being a
Your home office should now be pet-proof and pet-friendly. It’s time to get to work.
