Respect your cat in order to create a healthy and happy relationship that lasts for ages.
As if we didn’t spoil them enough, right?
In honor of Respect Your Cat Day, I wanted to take the time to go over a few simple rules for cat parents. Yes, there are rules! To explain, I like to use the phrase “When the queen is happy, there is peace in the kingdom”. This has never been more true than with cats.
How To Respect Your Cat
Call it ‘professional courtesy’. Cats are divas in their own right, but they do deserve our love and respect. They’re living creatures that have feelings too; for this reason, we can’t just treat them however we want and expect them to tolerate it.
Respect Your Cat’s Space
No matter how loving and cuddly your cat is, they still need a little private time. Don’t force things. Cats should never be forcibly held or chased down, as this only serves to agitate them. In some cats, it can make them fearful of you.
Cats also like to have their own isolated spot or ‘cat cave’ to get some quality alone time. Consider giving them their own room or a cardboard castle to play in. Misha and Tippy each have their hiding spots that they like to get cozy in when they want their ‘me time’.
Other things you can do:
- Make sure their litter box is in an open, yet private spot for doing their business (see our post on litter box etiquette for more tips)
- Don’t force them to interact with visitors if they’re adverse to it; they’ll only get stressed out
- Let sleeping cats lie; they need their beauty rest too
Respect Your Cat’s Needs
Taking on the responsibility of being a pet parent means that you need to attend to your cat’s needs, just as you would with a human child.
Cats need quality food, medical care, grooming and attention. If you can’t give them these things, don’t adopt them a cat in the first place. Too many animals are returned to shelters because their owners just didn’t want the hassle anymore.
It doesn’t have to be a hassle, though! There are plenty of ways to give your cat what they need without breaking your budget.
- Use a pet food delivery service like Chewy (free shipping over $49 – huge selection of premium pet food!)
- Buy pet insurance (this pays for itself very quickly in the event of an emergency)
- Give your cat puzzles so they can play on their own if you’re busy; create an environment that stimulates them without you having to lift a finger
- Gladly receive your cat’s affections when they give them – they’re paying you a huge compliment, and cuddles are always free!
For more ideas, check out I Heart Cat’s 7 Budget-Friendly Ways To Give Your Cat The Purrfect Home.
Respect Your Cat’s Unique Personality
So, you adopted what you thought was a lap cat, but the closest thing you get to a cuddle is a swat at your hand. Don’t despair! Not all cats are created equal; you just need to find ways to spend time with your cat that suit both of you.
Every cat is different. Half of the reason that we love them is because of their quirks, so be accepting of your cat’s unique behaviors. It can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to months for a cat to get used to a new home. In the meantime, be patient and kind with them. Let them get used to you, just as you’re getting used to them.
Even if your cat wasn’t the cuddly or, vice versa, the independent cat you wanted, make the best of your relationship. Find things to love about your cat and be open-minded. A lot of patience goes a long way, and you may just discover the perfect companion.
Pawsum posty. Ya’ll are very cute kitty girls. We’re glad ya’ll were adopted together and have a luvvin’ furever home. We’re really glad you were featured on the pet parade blog hop this week. Big hugs
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena