Cats are both fearsome predators and a prey species (which is part of why we recommend cats spend time outdoors in a catio rather than being allowed to roam freely). Because they are at risk of turning into someone’s lunch, they can easily become scared, anxious, or stressed when unexpected events occur in the environment. Keeping their world predictable can have great mental benefits for your cat and is one of the best ways you can reduce their stress.
Improved Communication
If you think your cat isn’t listening to you, most of the time your cat can hear you just fine. They likely just don’t understand what you’re saying or asking of them. By keeping your interactions with your cat positive and predictable, your cat will know exactly what to do in any given situation. This helps build trust between the two of you and results in a cat that does actually understand what you’re asking of them.
Less Annoying Behaviors
If your cat knows when things will happen during the day, they won’t feel the need to (loudly) solicit things from you. Examples of behaviors you may notice less of:
- Excessive vocalization
- Knocking things over
- Scratching and other destructive behaviors
- Begging for food
These behaviors may still happen to some degree, but you’ll likely seem them happen way less frequently. Plus, when they do occur, you’ll know something is off.
And Less Dangerous Behaviors
Some behaviors you may see less of are ones you really don’t want your cat doing. If your cat tends to bite when you handle them or nip at you when you try to trim their nails, making a predictable signal that you are going to pick them up or begin clipping their nails will allow them to know what happens next. Knowing what is coming means less reason for them to be afraid and no need to defend themselves.
Predictability also reduces stress in general. Less stress means they will feel more secure about their world. A cat that feels safer won’t need to scratch, bite, or otherwise try to drive you out of their territory.
Better Sleep For You
If your cat wakes you up to get breakfast, you may be tempted to respond by feeding them. This will teach them that if they wake you up, they’ll get fed. Guess who isn’t going to sleep?
Keeping life consistent for your cat helps them know when is play time, when it’s time to snuggle, and when it’s time to eat. Because none of those times happen when you are asleep, your cat will not bother you at night if you keep their schedule and your behavior predictable.
Ways To Increase Predictability For Your Cat
Wondering how to make your cat’s life more predictable? Depending on how flexible your schedule is, you can try:
- Creating a ritual for your morning and evening with your cat.
- Clicker train your cat to help them develop a sense of control over the world. You can book a session with me or pick up a clicker training kit to learn how.
- Use an automatic feeder for meals (or just keep meal times consistent, though automatic feeders help with that)
- Don’t use punishments so your cat isn’t unsure whether you are going to be scary or fun. Stick with being fun.
Everyone Does Their Part
In order to get the maximum benefit from creating a predictable schedule and interactions with your cat, everyone who interacts with your cat needs to be on the same page about interacting with them. If people in your home mostly don’t use their hands as toys but one person does sometimes, your cat will learn it’s worthwhile to try.
While predictability benefits your cat, you are the one who will benefit the most from it. You’ll love when you don’t have to stress nearly as much because your cat’s behavior is unpredictable. You can instead focus on the fun parts of having a cat!
