Your Cat and the Importance of Routine

Cats may appear to behave randomly, but beneath that layer of perceived insanity lies an animal with a deep appreciation for routine. The same cat who climbs the curtains and meows at the ceiling, might also settle down for the evening at the exact same time every day or enjoy visiting you in the bathroom anytime you go. In fact, routine plays a vital role in a cat's emotional well-being, sense of security, and particularly their relationship with you.

Routine as a Form of Communication

From a cat's perspective, routine is one of the clearest ways humans communicate. Unlike dogs, cats don't naturally look to us for direction, they observe our patterns instead.

Every repeated action sends a message:

·      Feeding at the same time each day reinforces the ideas they are cared for.

·      Consistent playtimes show them you are dedicated to them and value their connection.

·      A calm evening wind-down lets them know when it is a safe time to rest.

Put yourself into a cat's shoes. If you were thrust into a world where another, much larger species were your caregiver, but you couldn't speak their language, shared routines would help ease your anxiety and make it easier to feel a connection.

The Link Between Routines (or lack thereof) and Behavioural Issues

Many common kitty behaviour issues can actually be traced back to inconsistent or unclear routines. Cats thrive when their day follows a predictable flow, often referred to as the hunt-eat-groom-sleep cycle.

What's this cycle? It's the ideal series of events for a cat's day. Under ideal conditions, they would complete this cycle twice per 24-hour period. Once at sunup, and once at sundown. Domesticated cats are less strict as to when this all takes place, but to keep them happy, some form of it should play out daily.

When this cycle is fully disrupted, you may see:

·      Increased vocalization

·      Increased early morning wake-ups

·      Increased nighttime activity

·      Destructive or attention-seeking behavior

·      Litter box issues

·      Spraying/marking territory

Remember: A consistent routine helps regulate energy levels, encourages better sleep, and gives cats appropriate outlets for their natural behaviors.

Pattern Recognition as a Survival Skill

Noticing patterns are how cats stay safe in the wild - knowing when to hunt, where to rest, and how to stay safe can mean the difference between life and death. Domesticated cats may not face the same dangers, but their minds are finely tuned to watch for patterns to ensure their survival.

How to Start Building Routines With Your Cat

Creating a routine doesn't require rigid scheduling, it just requires dedication and repetition. If you're trying to get into a better routine with your cat, consider the following suggestions.

1. Anchor the Day With Feeding Times

Choose feeding times that work for your schedule and stick to them as closely as possible. Cats will want to eat as the sun comes up, so your chance to play with them to build an appetite is a bit limited. In the evening, however, if you can build it into your schedule, try to play with them a bit before they eat. This not only builds their appetite, it tuckers them out so they will sleep after they've bathed.

2. Schedule Daily Play

Cats benefit from at least one or two predictable play sessions per day. Use interactive toys that mimic prey to satisfy their hunting instincts. Over time, your cat will begin anticipating it and settle more easily afterward.

3. Create a Wind-Down Ritual

Evening routines help signal that the day is ending. This could include gentle play, brushing, cuddling, or simply watching TV together. Cats quickly learn that this ritual means rest is coming.

4. Be Consistent with Cues

Use the same words, actions, or locations for daily events. Saying the same phrase before meals or play sessions helps your cat connect your communication to what's about to happen.

Over time, your routines become a shared language. Your cat will likely begin waiting by their food dish, bringing you a toy at the same hour each evening, or curling up beside you at bedtime, which is awesome! These are all signs that they've embraced the life you've created together.