Cat voices displeasure with Zoom meeting ban

#Middlebury #Cat #Zoom

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: During the pandemic, my cat, Rusty, would jump into my lap or roam across my keyboard during Zoom meetings with the rest of my team. Everyone thought it was funny. Last month I was hired to work remotely for a new company. My supervisor told me the cat cannot appear on screen. If I put Rusty into the bathroom during video calls (I have a studio apartment), he yowls loudly until I let him out. What can I do? I need to keep this job. – Jake V., Alexandria, Virginia

DEAR JAKE: Pets can be a lot of fun to introduce in casual business meetings, but they can’t always be present, especially if your boss has forbidden it. Here are some things you can try:

• Create a “go to work” routine. We tend to follow the same format every morning (wake up, drink coffee, get dressed, sit at our computer), so add two things to the routine: attention time with Rusty, and leaving for work. Give Rusty 10-15 minutes of undivided attention somewhere between coffee and getting dressed. Once you’re dressed, say “I’m going to work!” loudly, and ignore Rusty for several minutes.
• Make Rusty more comfortable when separated from you. Put his favorite cat bed, toys and drinking water into the bathroom when he’s sequestered.
• Teach “go away” signals. Make a hissing noise or snap your fingers when Rusty tries to jump up.
• Set up physical barriers around the desk, like sticky-side-up duct tape.
• Wear headphones during calls if Rusty continues to meow.
• Incorporate “attention breaks” during the day where Rusty gets your undivided attention, away from the desk.

The more structure you can build into a remote workday, the better. If Rusty can count on a comfortable, sequestered space during meetings, plus regular attention breaks from you, he may settle down – and save your job.

Send your comments, questions or tips to ask@pawscorner.com.

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