Pet Projects: Caring for Furry Family in Quarantine
Tips for helping ease your pet’s anxiety and making their quarantine easier.
Gibbs adjusts to the new normal at home, with some trepidation.
Sure, they love their humans, but no one is more excited for this quarantine to end than your cat is. Gone are the days where they laid in the sunny patch on your bed, nonplussed by your arrival after a long day of work. Even your dog, once eager to await you at the door, seems confused by your constant presence—and maybe a little over it (though he’s still your best friend!). To prove our point, some Gabe’s staffers submitted photos of how their pets are helping them pass the time in isolation. If these photos prove anything, it’s that our pets probably need some help adjusting to our new routine. Here’s how we’re helping them do that.
Create Space
They went from ruling the roost all day to being on best-friend duty 24/7. What your pet needs now is a space they can retreat to for some “me” time (maybe you can relate). A simple box stuffed with something soft or a closed off area gives them an opportunity to have a few quite moments to themselves.
Maui takes the edge off with a vodka meowtini, wishing she had a soft place to escape to like Rufus.
Soft blankets starting at $3.99
Play Productively
Just like us, pets need ways to keep themselves occupied during long days of quarantine. Consider things that require more activity, like a laser pointer for your cats or a great ball for fetch with your dog. It will help them get some energy out while giving you the opportunity for quality time.
Noodles wishes his humans chose the laser a little more often then they opted for dress up.
Pet toys starting at $2.99
Go Into the Wild
Heading outdoors as often as possible will give both you and your pet some invigorating fresh air, exercise, and a change of scenery. Your dog will appreciate the extra walk, and if you think your cat would be open to a leashed walk, you can try that, too. Or, open the windows for them and create a comfortable perch they can relax on. Just remember: humans need masks!
Bonzo says safety first, though it’s hard to eat treats with a mask on.
Leashes starting at $2.99
Reduce Pressure
It’s hard to tell from their sweet disposition, but your pet is actually pretty susceptible to stress, and they can instinctively feel your anxiety as well. Stock up on items that can help them relieve pressure in a healthy way, like scratching pads for cats and chew toys for dogs.
Rufus likes to escape with a great book.
Chew toys starting at $2.99
Be Prepared
In all the talk of toilet paper shortages, it may be easy to forget that finding pet food in a pinch can be challenging, too. On your next run for essentials to pick up the food, treats, wee wee pads, and items they need to be comfortable.
Marty hopes that his humans remember his favorite treats.
Pet food starting at $1.99
Entertain Your Hooman At Home - Advice from a Dog to Other Pets
You may have noticed that your hooman is around a lot more. Sure, the extra head pats and “goodboys” were nice for a while, but even best friends need a break! if it’s starting to feel a little wild in your home, it may be time to help your hooman adjust to living in your space.
Cuddle Quotas: Sure, you love a snuggle now and then, but instituting a goal number of cuddles to give your hooman will help ensure they get the mood boost they need.
Take the Treats: You may be full but take the treats they offer—everyone is eating more these days.
Go for Walks: If you see them starting to look bored, sad, or lonely, pretend that you have to go to the bathroom so that your hooman will take you for another walk.
Have a Runaround: Random bursts of energy confuse and entertain hoomans.