If you want a closer relationship with your cat, it’s actually pretty simple. Creating cat rituals is a great way to bond with your cat.
Every cat is different and has their own favorite activities, whether it’s playing in boxes or with iPad games; their favorite treats whether that’s chicken or catnip; and habits that make them feel comfortable and cozy. If you’re an involved and caring cat companion, you probably know what all of these are. But to really take things up a step, create rituals around these. This type of modification may seem insignificant to a person, but it makes a huge difference to your cat.
We kitties are literally creatures of habit. We thrive the most when we have predictable routines. When it’s something fun, and it involves our favorite human (you!), it brings us even closer to that person.
Creating a few cat rituals isn’t that complicated. You may even do some of them already. But if you think of your cat’s day-to-day life in terms of a series of rituals, it’s even more helpful. The more you can take the good things in your cat’s life and build routines around them, the better.
Keep in mind, rituals don’t have to include set schedules. It can be a series of actions that lead up to the fun game or nice time. This is really helpful for humans like mine, who freelances and doesn’t work at specific times. For example, if she sets a box in the middle of the living room and gets treats out of the cabinet, I know we are going to play the box game! This happens pretty randomly, but I know what is going on.
It would be even better if she told me ahead of time we were going to play the box game. After doing this a few times, she could just tell me it was box game time and I’d be waiting for the box and treats to come out!
So whether it’s treat time, nip time, or even just couch time, set up rituals around them. It’ll enhance your cat’s enjoyment of these activities. For cats, knowing that something good is about to happen is half the fun.
Is there a time when cat rituals aren’t good? Try to avoid time being part of the breakfast ritual, if you like sleeping in on your days off. I know I’m getting fed once my human has gotten up, brushed her teeth, gotten dressed, and turned on the computer. So the getting up part has never been a big part of my breakfast ritual. I just get up when she does. Actually, I usually get up after her! I know breakfast is near when that computer gets turned on.
Do you have cat rituals at your house? And where do you think you could create new ones? Let me know in the comments!
Other posts you’ll enjoy:
- How to Bond With Your Cat – 8 Tips
- Five Reasons For Cats to Learn Tricks
- Do Cats Love Their Humans as Much as Dogs Do?
I used to get things ready for the nest day..and then I would put Pipo’s treats and a toy inside an open box, he would jump in and gobble them up, then snag the toy and jump oiut to play his own kitty games with the toy…usually a mousie or a pom=pom.
We have brushy brushy time, treat puzzles (Princess) Rosie just doesn’t get it. Rosie loves boxes. I try to keep one around on occasion. Where I lack is play time. Princess is on in years and gets board fast. Rosie makes her own fun. She loves her toys. I do play fishing pole time, but not enough.
My life is a ritual and when TW leaves, they change. When I start coughing and the Aerokat comes out, I always ran to avoid it. Lately I learned if I stand still I’ll get treats after it. TW shoulda done that years ago.
Every night before I go to sleep, as soon as I lie down on the bed, Sydney comes up, and kneads my neck for 10 minutes, purring loudly! Her favorite places to knead me are on my neck and right below my kneecaps!
Ava is all about the rituals, and we love it. Our fave is that everyday, she waits patiently for lap time to start the day, and also before bedtime. 🙂
Yes, our rituals are sure important, we have an evening playtime, snacktime and bedtime ritual here, it’s not the same if it doesn’t happen.
Mudpie has squeezie time rituals! I love that you get up after your human. Smart kitty!
Great post. My Sammy and I had a lot of rituals that I miss. I need to make some new ones with Elvira and Friday. XO
Our ritual was feeding the boys then me and Ivor had breakfast. They would go in their pots in the greenhouse while I sorted the horses out. As soon as I came back they knew it was time to go for a walk.
Great post. Raz wants treats in the afternoon but Mom doesn’t give in to a “schedule” for them.
You are so right Summer!
Excellent ideas. All good. Thank you.
This is great, Summer. The mom and me have a nice morning ritual of her feeding me then we spend time together sitting and I get lots of pets.
Good post, Summer!
One of Tama’s favourite rituals is to come when #1 is at the computer and request cuddles. This does not work so well when #1 is trying to work!
Purrs,
Tama and Benny
From Toffee Cat: Wonderful post. I am hoping my old man and old woman who create a ritual before feeding me PRAWNS – hopefully several times a day!!!