keeping cats out of the home office

I am finding that as Willow ages, her energy levels have shifted. She is less interested in chasing the laser pointer and more interested in sitting on my keyboard while I try to write. The office is my sanctuary, but it seems to be her new favorite spot.

I have tried ignoring her, which usually works for a few minutes before she starts meowing softly. I am looking for gentle methods to keep her out of that specific room without causing stress. Has anyone found a way to make the office less appealing to an older cat?

Oh no, I know the feeling. My Siamese, Sparrow, thinks the office is the center of the universe. She screams if I close the door.

I tried the approach where you just let them in but give them a better option. I put a heated bed right next to my desk. It works sometimes, but only if the heating element is on. why the office is the best spot has some great theories on why they like the smell of us working.

This is a nightmare. I have a Bengal mix who sheds like crazy and a tabby who is just there to be annoying. I tried putting double-sided tape on the floor near the door. It did not work. Ollie just stood on it and looked at me with pure disdain.

I am considering a baby gate. Does that actually stop them? Or do they just learn to jump over it? physical barriers that actually work is what I am looking at right now.

Skye is deaf in one ear, so auditory deterrents are out for us. We use a motion-activated air spray. It is not a punishment, just a puff of air when they cross the threshold.

It took about two weeks for Skye to realize the door was a no-go zone. However, she still tries to watch me through the glass panel in the door. I think you need to be consistent. If you let them in once, the training resets. motion activated spray results discusses the pros and cons of this method in detail.

Thank you for the suggestions. The air spray sounds promising, but I worry it might startle Willow. She is an 11-year-old grey cat and her heart is not as strong as it used to be.

I am interested in the idea of a better option. I have a small window seat in the office that gets the morning sun. Could I make that more attractive than the desk? redirecting cats to a specific spot might have some tips on how to do that without just moving the cat around.

To answer my own question: I bought a gate with a hook at the top. Luna tried to jump it once, got her head stuck for a second, and now she refuses to go near it. It is not elegant, but it works.

However, I feel like we are all reinventing the wheel here. I remember seeing a very long thread where people argued about this exact topic for months. the eternal debate: can we train cats out of rooms seems to be the place where this was settled, or at least debated to death.

I just want to add that my ragdoll, Willow, is the opposite. She sleeps in the office all day and refuses to come out for food. I have to call her name three times. So it really depends on the cat's personality.

If you go with the window seat idea, make sure it is warm. Cats love warmth. Maybe a soft blanket with a familiar scent from your other room? cat on the desk during video calls had a suggestion about using a sweater you have worn to make the new spot smell like you.