I received this from my veterinerian;
CATS
Cats live for social distancing. Unfortunately, it doesn't mean the same thing to them as it does to us right now.
Changes in lifestyle
We are seeing an increase in issues that are stress related now that cats aren't getting their "me" time.
Medical issues being seen
> Kitty colds - eye discharge and redness, blinking a lot or squinting, sneezing, runny nose
> GI issues - vomiting and/or constipation
> Urination issues - peeing outside the litterbox, increase in frequency or amount
What you can do
Life needs to stay as normal as possible for our pets to cope
> Give cats their space - allow them to come to you for attention, keep children from interacting with them during the day unless the cat seeks them out, try to stay out of a room if that is where the cat usually spends the day when you are gone to work/school
> Stick to routines - feeding time and amounts need to be consistent, play time should be the same as before the stay-at-home orders
DOGS
Dogs are the extroverts of the pet world. However, that can create issues as well.
Changes in lifestyle
> Our canine companions are going on far more walks for far more distance (and some for the first time).
> The dogs and the kids are spending a lot more time together.
> All owners are trapped in the house with the dog and the dog is a master of manipulation.
Medical issues being seen
> GI issues (vomiting and diarrhea) - dogs are picking up things while out on their many walks, are manipulating their owners into getting more treats or more food overall, and have figured out that children are an awesome source of treats.
> Muscle and joint issues - many dogs are exercising far more than usual and over terrain to which they may not be accustomed.
What you can do
Routines and consistency are critical for our dogs. We may see the greatest impact to dogs when everyone goes back to school and work because of the separation anxiety from suddenly being without all that interaction and attention.
> If the family dog is normally in a kennel during the day, continue to do that so it won't be a big change when everyone is back out of the house again in a few weeks.
> Keep feeding routines the same - continue to offer the same amount of food and treats at the same times as they are given when you aren't stuck at home.
> Exercise routines should increase gradually - we all want to get out, and walking the dog seems like a good reason, but don't go from couch potato to marathon overnight.
CATS
Cats live for social distancing. Unfortunately, it doesn't mean the same thing to them as it does to us right now.
Changes in lifestyle
We are seeing an increase in issues that are stress related now that cats aren't getting their "me" time.
Medical issues being seen
> Kitty colds - eye discharge and redness, blinking a lot or squinting, sneezing, runny nose
> GI issues - vomiting and/or constipation
> Urination issues - peeing outside the litterbox, increase in frequency or amount
What you can do
Life needs to stay as normal as possible for our pets to cope
> Give cats their space - allow them to come to you for attention, keep children from interacting with them during the day unless the cat seeks them out, try to stay out of a room if that is where the cat usually spends the day when you are gone to work/school
> Stick to routines - feeding time and amounts need to be consistent, play time should be the same as before the stay-at-home orders
DOGS
Dogs are the extroverts of the pet world. However, that can create issues as well.
Changes in lifestyle
> Our canine companions are going on far more walks for far more distance (and some for the first time).
> The dogs and the kids are spending a lot more time together.
> All owners are trapped in the house with the dog and the dog is a master of manipulation.
Medical issues being seen
> GI issues (vomiting and diarrhea) - dogs are picking up things while out on their many walks, are manipulating their owners into getting more treats or more food overall, and have figured out that children are an awesome source of treats.
> Muscle and joint issues - many dogs are exercising far more than usual and over terrain to which they may not be accustomed.
What you can do
Routines and consistency are critical for our dogs. We may see the greatest impact to dogs when everyone goes back to school and work because of the separation anxiety from suddenly being without all that interaction and attention.
> If the family dog is normally in a kennel during the day, continue to do that so it won't be a big change when everyone is back out of the house again in a few weeks.
> Keep feeding routines the same - continue to offer the same amount of food and treats at the same times as they are given when you aren't stuck at home.
> Exercise routines should increase gradually - we all want to get out, and walking the dog seems like a good reason, but don't go from couch potato to marathon overnight.
