New Year’s Resolutions for Cat Owners
- Lisa McGrath
- Dec 30, 2025
- 3 min read
Cats may act like they’re above New Year’s resolutions, but deep down, they appreciate a peaceful home, a predictable routine, and humans who pay attention to their needs. Here are some simple, meaningful ways to make this year a wonderful one for your feline family members.
1. Keep Things Predictable
Cats love consistency, even if they pretend otherwise. Regular mealtimes, clean litter boxes, cozy resting spots, and gentle routines help them feel secure and confident. A little predictability goes a long way in keeping stress low and whiskers relaxed.
2. Focus on Safety
Indoor cats and adventurous cats alike benefit from a yearly safety check.
This might include:
Updating microchip information
Making sure carriers are safe and sturdy
Checking windows and screens
Reviewing an emergency plan for storms or evacuations
If you’d like to feel more prepared for medical emergencies or injuries, you’re welcome to join one of our pet first aid & CPR classes through Pet Emergency Education. Knowing what to do in a crisis can make an enormous difference for a cat who hides discomfort so well.
And if you ever find yourself facing a sudden veterinary emergency and cost becomes a barrier, please remember that our nonprofit Thorin’s Promise may be able to help. We were created to support families during unexpected emergency vet situations, so you never have to face those moments alone.
3. Enrich Their Environment
Cats thrive when they can climb, scratch, explore, and “hunt.” A few simple enrichment ideas include:
Rotating toys
Offering daily interactive play sessions
Adding or refreshing scratching posts
Incorporating vertical space like cat trees or shelves
Tiny adjustments can make a big difference for curious, independent kitties.
4. Adjust Care as They Age
Senior cats are experts at hiding discomfort, so it’s important to watch for subtle changes. A slower jump, a little stiffness, a shift in appetite, or new sleep habits can all be early hints that your cat might need a gentler routine or a vet check.
Supporting cats through every life stage is one of the sweetest commitments we make as pet parents. They may age gracefully, but they deserve all the comfort and care we can give.
5. Have a Trusted Pet Care Plan
Life gets unpredictable, and cats do best when their routines stay stable. Keeping a relationship with a professional cat sitter ensures your cat is safe, comfortable, and cared for whenever you need to be away. Cats are creatures of habit, and knowing they’re in capable hands keeps their world calm and happy.
6. Refresh Training and Enrichment Habits
Yes, cats can learn too. A little target training, clicker work, or teaching your cat to come when called can build confidence and reduce stress. It also makes handling, transport, and vet visits much easier.
7. Organize and Update Cat Records
Take a moment to gather:
Veterinary history
Vaccination dates
Medications or supplements
Feeding instructions
Emergency contacts
Having this ready (and digitized) is incredibly helpful for sitter visits, vet appointments, or unexpected situations.
8. Enjoy More Quality Time
And finally, the heart of it all. Snuggle more. Play more. Slow down and appreciate your cat’s quiet companionship, their quirks, their slow blinks, and their calming presence. Cats don’t ask for much. They simply ask for us.
If you ever need support, cat-care guidance, or want to join a first aid class, I’m here for you and your whiskered loved ones. Wishing you and your feline family a peaceful, joyful New Year.
P.S. If you also have a dog at home, I created a companion version of this article just for dog parents. It pairs perfectly with this one and covers canine-specific New Year’s resolutions.
Join us in our All Paws Welcome Facebook Group. It's a happy hangout for pet lovers.
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