I am working from home full time and have noticed my focus drops significantly when Vera or Sam decide they need attention. I track my interruptions and found a correlation between my 3pm snack break and increased pet attention-seeking. I am looking for data-driven strategies to minimize this. What has worked for others in maintaining a consistent workflow?
I understand the struggle. With Ollie being diabetic, my feeding schedule is rigid. I found that setting up a specific 'work zone' where the cats cannot enter helped. I also use a timer for my breaks so I am not distracted mid-task. It is about structure. I wrote more about my routine in feeding times vs work hours if you want to see the specifics.
Oh, I feel this. Simba is a menace when it comes to hairballs, and he loves to sit on my lap during calls. I started using a closed door system, which I detailed in hairball management strategies. It is like creating a bubble. I also have a little mat outside the door for them to wait on. It helps immensely.
Ginger jumps on my counter every single time I start a video call?? It is driving me insane. I tried the spray bottle but she just looks at me with those big eyes. Does anyone have a solution for this specific behavior? I posted about it in stopping counter jumping but I am still stuck.
I am interested in the cost aspect. If I were to set up a dedicated room for Zoe and Max, how much would that run? I saw a thread in cost of pet proofing a room that had some numbers, but I want to know if it is worth it for just two dshs who are mostly healthy.
The closed door idea is logical. I will test it for two weeks and log the data. Regarding the counter jumping, I note that Sam often does this when he is hungry. I am considering adjusting his feeding time to 2:30pm instead of 3:00pm to see if the interruption rate drops. I also recall that pkelly had a similar issue with Pip. Did you find a solution in entertaining kittens during calls?
A very good point, @vowens. Timing is everything. I also find that if I give them a specific toy to play with right before I start working, they stay occupied for about 15 minutes. It is a small window, but it helps. I have used this with Mabel as well, even though she is older. It is about routine.
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