Writing Advice from the Pets of the FWC

Greetings from Pretzel, Seven, Bailey, Professor Meowmeow Fuzzypants (aka Kitty), and Gemma. 

After observing humans doing the thing called “writing” for many years now, we felt it was time to step in and offer some advice. We have often observed our humans sitting and tapping on the portable devices that seem to entrance them so. We are not sure why they haven’t yet discovered that these devices work best as heated beds, but perhaps it is because they find the sounds and colors on the screens so distracting. They will stare at these objects for hours on end—sometimes tapping and sometimes simply staring. We have also noticed that this tapping and staring is sometimes accompanied by some level of distress—raised heartbeats, anxious foot jiggling, and stress-eating, to name a few. Though we can assist our humans in escaping this cycle by walking on their devices, sitting on their laps, and otherwise being present with them, we realize this is a larger issue plaguing many humans who we can’t reach individually. This is why we have chosen to raise our voices and intervene, offering our advice for writing to the larger FWC community. 

Thus, we now lay out our advice for those engaging in “writing”:

1. Pause to pet the cat (or dog). If there is a dog or cat near you, obviously you should pet them. Unless you shouldn’t, in which case, they will let you know. Petting an animal gives a sense of comfort and calm. If there are no pets near you, research has shown some positive effects from watching “videos” of cute animals, including lower heart rate and reduced anxiety. [1]
2. Go on a walk. Bailey, in particular, highly endorses this suggestion. Walks are good for everyone. Being outside feels great and there are so many intriguing sights and smells to explore! If you’re lucky you might even see a squirrel! Even if there aren’t any squirrels nearby, fresh air is good for you and can increase your energy level—perfect for when you are feeling tired out. [2]
3. Look out the window. Looking out the window is great. There are birds and leaves and people and cars! If you can open the window, it is even better (see notes about fresh air above). Even if you don’t have time for a walk outside, looking out the window can give your eyes a rest and your mind a boost. [3]
4. Eat a snack and drink some water. It is hard to focus when your basic needs aren’t being met. As a cat, I know how difficult it is to stay hydrated. That’s why I need five different water sources available to me at all times. Make sure you stay hydrated while working with ample access to water. Snacks are also vital. I get very hangry when I haven’t had a snack recently and begin to knock things off tables and yell wildly. Let’s just say, we all need a snack sometimes.
5. Don’t work too long. As cats and dogs, we know how to conserve our energy for the things that really matter (like walks and dinnertime). You should take a cue from us and save your mental energy for the tasks that are most important. Working in short, focused bursts can be more effective than forcing yourself to sit in front of your device for extended periods of time.
6. Stop worrying about the future. We noticed that humans tend to be happiest and most productive when they are focused on the present task. We are always in the present and it helps us to focus on what is in front of us at every moment. Like getting pets. Or snacks. If you can do this too, we think it will make your writing quicker and easier. That way you can get back to attending to our every whim.

Author Bios

Pretzel Image Favorite ways to help with writing: Sitting on the keyboard. She’ll bop you if you get too close!	Seven Image Favorite ways to help with writing: Lurking nearby, but cutely.
Bailey Image Favorite ways to help with writing: Protecting the house from dangerous passersby (when she’s not sleeping).	Professor Meowmeow Fuzzypants (aka Kitty) Image Favorite ways to help with writing: Sitting on your papers and encouraging you to take breaks.
Gemma Image Favorite ways to help with writing: Attacking your feet

Endnotes

[1] Emily L. R. Thelwell, “Paws for Thought: A Controlled Study Investigating the Benefits of Interacting with a House-Trained Dog on University Students Mood and Anxiety,” Animals, Vol. 9, No. 10 (2019): 846, https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9100846.

[2] Richard M. Ryan, Netta Weinstein, Jessey Bernstein, Kirk Warren Brown, Louis Mistretta, Marylène Gagné, “Vitalizing effects of being outdoors and in nature,” Journal of Environmental Psychology, Vol. 30, Issue 2 (2010): 159-168, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2009.10.009.

[3] Rachel Kaplan, “The Nature of the View from Home,” Environment and Behavior, Vol. 33, Issue 4 (2001): 475-607, https://doi-org.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu/10.1177/00139160121973115.