Cats are naturally sensitive creatures. Though they’re born hunters, their alertness is always dialed up to the max. They love routine, and even the slightest deviation from their daily rituals can throw them off balance. Our feline friends understand, of course, that a human’s life is a litter box of chaos—always running around, making noise, leaving and returning. But there are situations where even the most adaptable cats, familiar with their humans’ lifestyle, might feel unsettled. So, what every day (and often unconscious) things do we, as humans, do that might stress out our cats? Let’s find out, fabCats!

Remember ahead of time: Keep the noise down

We humans are pretty noisy creatures. And though cats can adapt remarkably well to our noisy lifestyle, when their humans start yelling, blasting loud music, using menacingly noisy appliances, rearranging furniture, hammering walls, or tossing objects around, it’s a given—your cat won’t feel safe or comfortable in such an environment.

Home renovations might not be an everyday event, but if you’re planning loud activities like this—or even a housewarming party with friends—consider creating a sanctuary for your cat where they can retreat and relax. It could be a quiet bedroom that’s off-limits to guests and where your cat doesn’t need to leave (make sure to include a litter box and food dishes) or a different house floor away from the action. For extended periods of noisy renovations, you might even consider having your cat stay temporarily with family or friends (as long as your cat can handle a change of environment without undue stress). It’s all about sparing your furry friend from unnecessary nerves.

Tune into your cat’s needs

Let’s be honest, fabCats: most of us probably had some expectations about our first-ever feline friend. We imagined them as our best buddies, a cuddle champion, someone to hang out with all day, sit on our laps, purr endlessly, and play like a wild predator. But then reality hits—and we realize that every cat has its own personality and needs.

Some cats are super affectionate and crave constant human interaction. Others prefer to keep their humans at arm’s length, coming close only when they feel like it. One might love chasing a feather wand with wild abandon, while another prefers to pounce once and drag their catch under the bed.

How does this relate to stress? It’s simple: once you’ve figured out your cat’s personality and given both yourself and your cat time to adjust to one another, try not to overstep the boundaries they set. If your cat isn’t in the mood for petting, don’t force it. If they dislike sitting on your lap, don’t insist on picking them up and placing them there. Adapt playtime to their preferences—it’s about their fun, not yours. The less pushy you are about molding your cat to your expectations, the more trust they’ll place in you, and the more at ease they’ll feel in your presence.

Same old, same old? Cats love it!

You know those people who can’t stand the idea of someone else dictating their daily schedule? Well, when you’ve got a cat at home, you have to accept that you’ve got a boss—and a furry one at that. Cats thrive on routine; it’s their source of comfort and security, and they struggle with accepting chaos.

If your days start at wildly different times, you don’t have set meal times for your cat, you only remember to play with them sporadically, and you disappear for long hours without warning, it’s safe to say your cat won’t be too happy. Of course, life can get hectic at times, but if your everyday routine is unpredictable, you might be stressing your cat out without even realizing it.

Playtime for the cat, not for TikTok views

Do you enjoy recording funny clips of your cat in action? We do too! But let’s be honest—when you scroll through social media and see those hilarious cat fails or wild antics, doesn’t it sometimes feel like these clips were staged? That’s because, sadly, many of them are. Cats are often put in stressful or even unsafe situations just for internet laughs.

Don’t be that person, fabCat. Any form of play, whether it’s traditional or unconventional, should be tailored to your cat’s preferences and needs. Sure, show off your fabulous feline online—but capture them chasing a feather wand, wrestling their KungFu toy, scratching their beloved LUI, or snoozing in an utterly ridiculous, probably uncomfortable-looking position. Scaring your cat for likes? That’s just lame.

Let’s aim for fewer stress-inducing videos in the cat corners of the internet this year. And remember that playtime with your cat should be a daily ritual, not just a stunt for social media. Your cat will thank you for it 🙂

What other common human behaviors do you think might stress out our feline friends, fabCats? Share your thoughts below!