How to Keep Your Cat Happy While You’re Working: Tips for a Content Feline Co-Worker

Working from home means more time spent with your cat, but it also brings the challenge of keeping them entertained and happy while you focus on tasks. Bored or lonely cats can quickly become distractions, making it difficult for you to concentrate. The key to a peaceful workday with your feline co-worker is ensuring they are comfortable, stimulated, and content. Here are some proven strategies to help you keep your cat happy while working from home.

 

1. Set Up a Cat Corner
Cats love being close to their humans, but they also need their own space. A designated cat corner in your home office can provide your cat with a cozy and secure spot where they can relax without constantly seeking your attention.
Products like the DeskPurrch™ are ideal for creating a comfortable spot near your desk. With its soft memory foam cushion and elevated design, the DeskPurrch™ gives your cat a space to lounge while still keeping an eye on you. The proximity to your workspace ensures they feel included, reducing their need to hop onto your keyboard for attention.
A dedicated cat corner also minimizes the likelihood of your cat wandering around the house, seeking entertainment in ways that might disrupt your workflow (like knocking over your coffee cup or pouncing on your printer).

 

2. Keep Them Entertained with Interactive Toys
While you’re working, your cat still needs mental and physical stimulation to stay happy. This is where interactive toys come in. Toys that engage your cat’s hunting instincts, like puzzle feeders or motion-activated toys, are great for keeping them busy.
You can also rotate toys to keep things fresh—after all, cats can quickly lose interest in the same toy if it’s left out all the time. Switching between different toys or introducing something new every few days can reignite their curiosity and keep them engaged.
For cats who love a good chase, keep a feather wand or string toy nearby for short play breaks. These moments of interaction help strengthen your bond and give your cat the attention they crave, while also giving you a quick mental reset from work.

 

3. Offer Window Views and Perches
Cats are naturally curious creatures, and a window view can provide hours of entertainment as they watch birds, squirrels, and passing pedestrians. Setting up a perch near a window, like a cat tree or the PurrLoft™, gives your cat an elevated vantage point to observe the outside world.
If your workspace is near a window, positioning the PurrLoft™ there can keep your cat engaged for long stretches of time. The Floor Stand variant of the PurrLoft™ is perfect for giving your cat a secure, comfortable spot to observe both you and the outside environment. The tall design also lets them enjoy their "cat command post," ensuring they can monitor everything from one location.

 

4. Incorporate Play Breaks into Your Day
Just like you need breaks to stay productive, your cat needs time to release energy. Scheduling short play sessions throughout the day helps keep your cat from getting bored or restless, while also giving you a chance to reset mentally.
A 10-minute break spent playing with your cat can make a huge difference in their mood—and yours. Interactive play with toys like laser pointers or a simple ball of yarn gives your cat a chance to mimic hunting behavior, satisfying their instincts. Not only does this keep your cat happy, but it also provides some fun, stress-relieving moments for you during your workday.
Tip: Set a timer for your play breaks, so both you and your cat can look forward to these moments of interaction.

5. Ensure a Comfortable Resting Area
Cats spend a significant amount of time sleeping, and a cozy resting area can help ensure your cat stays relaxed while you’re working. Cats love soft, cushioned spaces that provide a sense of security.
A resting area like the DeskPurrch™ or the PurrLoft™ offers your cat a cozy spot where they can nap comfortably, close to you but without interrupting your workflow. These elevated spaces also make your cat feel safe, as they enjoy being able to observe their surroundings from a height while they doze off.

6. Keep Them Hydrated
Hydration is crucial for cats, and they tend to prefer fresh, moving water. Make sure your cat has access to a stainless steel water fountain, which keeps water circulating and encourages them to drink more. Cats are naturally attracted to running water, and keeping a fountain near their resting area can help keep them hydrated throughout the day.
Having a water fountain nearby reduces the chances of your cat seeking water elsewhere—like jumping on your desk to drink from your water glass!

 

Bringing It All Together

Keeping your cat happy while you work from home doesn’t have to be a challenge. By creating a designated cat corner, providing interactive toys, offering window views, and scheduling play breaks, you can ensure your cat stays content throughout the day. With cozy resting areas like the DeskPurrch™ and PurrLoft™, your feline co-worker can enjoy their time near you without being a distraction. Combine these tips, and you’ll have a happier, more productive work-from-home experience for both you and your cat.

If you're looking to create the ideal setup for both work and your cat, check out the DeskPurrch™, PurrLoft™, and our range of interactive toys (coming in the near future) to keep your cat happy while you work! Shop now →