Why Cats Love Predictability
Last updated: Today
If you've had a cat for a while, you know that many cats are creatures of habit. For example, we had a cat who once stood on a freshly painted doorstep and patted his paw. For the rest of his life, he continued to pat his paw every time he crossed that threshold, even though it was long dry. And Flo, our current cat, always takes the "long" route around the kitchen island on the right, never counterclockwise. Perhaps it's no coincidence that the faucet is on the left. But why do cats love routines so much? We'll delve into that in more detail in this article!
Cats naturally love routine and predictability . In Flo's case: The faucet on the left is unpredictable and unsafe , so she prefers a long route where nothing unusual has ever happened. In the following four points, we'll explore why predictability is so important for cats:
1. Stress
Cats often don't handle change well. They can become very startled or stressed by it. Routines are predictable and therefore provide a sense of security and relaxation . However, you can't completely avoid change for your cat. Therefore, make sure you prepare your cat as well as possible for major changes. For example, avoid crowds and provide their familiar snacks.
2. Territory
Cats are naturally territorial . Our cat Pip always enjoys walking with us outside. However, we always notice immediately when we step outside her territory. She gets skittish, grows a bushy tail, and starts meowing. She also tries to "protect" us from this unsafe area by walking back and meowing for us to come with her. She prefers to be in her own familiar territory , where she knows everything and where it feels predictable and safe for her.
3. Predictability in behavior
Actually, cats are incredible control freaks . They like to know what to expect, even from their owners. Many unexpected events will cause anxiety and uncertainty . As an owner, it's your job to be as predictable as possible for your cat. Think about setting fixed times for feeding, playing, and resting. Feeding at different times can make a cat feel uncertain. Will I still get my food? An automatic feeder can be a great help, because it feeds your cat at exactly the same times every day. An automatic feeder therefore provides predictability and security for your cat!
4. Health and well-being
If unpredictable things happen to your cat for a prolonged period , they will experience prolonged stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and insecurity. This will ultimately lead to health problems , such as bladder infections, intestinal problems, and behavioral issues. A predictable environment reduces these risks. This is, of course, the worst-case scenario. A one-off change or occasional unpredictability generally won't upset your cat immediately. However, it is advisable to make everything you can as predictable as possible!
Cats love predictability. They're actually big control freaks. Your job as an owner is to make your cat's environment as predictable and safe as possible. Don't feel guilty if a big change or something unpredictable happens for your cat. They can generally handle it quite well. Some unpredictable things, like feeding at different times, are easy to solve. Consider getting an automatic feeder . It will become your cat's best friend because it's always predictable and reliable!
