Having kitty curled up on your lap as you work at the computer can be a time of contentment. That contentment can be short-lived, though, when kitty strolls across the keyboard or sits in front of the monitor. Here are four tips for finding harmony with your cat and your computer.

1.     Timing. If you come home and head straight for the computer, your cat will likely remind you that a little attention is in order first. Rather than shooing her off the desk or pretending you don’t hear her nonstop meowing, give her attention first so you can work undisturbed. Conduct a short but satisfying play session using a fishing pole-type toy. Once she’s worked off her energy, you stand a better chance of working undisturbed. You can also set up special activity toys  or puzzle feeders specifically for when you need to be working on your computer.

2.     Create a cat-safe zone. If your cat lounges in front of your monitor or across your papers, attached a padded cat perch on the wall above the monitor of place a bed on the corner of your desk. There are even companies that manufacture extensions for desks specifically for a cat’s lounging pleasure. 

3.     Safeguard your work. If you don’t have a keyboard drawer built into your desk, you can purchase one from your office supply store. If you’re working on a laptop or can’t set up a keyboard drawer, then don’t leave work unsaved before getting up from the desk, even for a moment.

For more information refer to the book Starting from Scratch.

© 2009 Cat Behavior Associates, LLC