COVID-Still

I have continued to monitor the symptoms of the newly identified Covid-And Stress Syndrome in humans. For a little while, my humans and the humans they interact with via their screens seemed to be recovering. They were exhibiting less stress-induced behavior; they were smiling and laughing more often. (These two strange communicative behaviors in humans are usually a sign of well-being.) They seemed to be adjusting to a "new normal," and my housemates and I started settling into a pleasant new life in which we had more human company without the extra stress that the humans brought home with them when they first started staying at home back in the early spring. 

Lately, though, their recovery has gotten a bit derailed. I am calling this phase of the Covid-And Stress Syndrome "Covid-Still." They are becoming troubled by the fact that they are still at home and the virus is still rampaging through the country and there is still no end in sight. Human behavior tends to change with the seasons, and many of them had expected things to change for the better in time for the fall season. Now those hopes are dwindling, and the humans are having to make yet another adjustment of expectations. Added to this there is the fact that the outpouring of mutual support and creativity with which many humans countered the onset of the pandemic is running out.

So you may find your humans getting irritable and twitchy again. If they feel dull and dry, don't be surprised. 

Direct their attention.

You may both benefit.

So what's a cat to do? You may be able to direct their attention to restorative activities that can brighten their mood. One such activity is gardening. Some of them may not realize that now is in fact a great season to start some seeds. If you can get them to plant some grass for you while they're at it, you will both benefit.

Otherwise, it may be time to call on your own reserves of patience. 

Patience required.