Predictability = Safety: What does that mean for your cat?

If you've had a cat for a while, you know that many cats are creatures of habit. For example, we had a cat that once stood on a freshly painted threshold and knocked his paw off. For the rest of his life, he continued to knock his paw off when he walked over that threshold, even though it had been dry for a long time. And Flo, our current cat, always walks the 'long' route around the kitchen island on the right, never on the left. Perhaps it's no coincidence that the tap is on the left. But why do cats like routines so much? We'll go into that in more detail in this article!

Cats naturally like routine and predictability . In Flo's case: The tap on the left is unpredictable and unsafe , so she prefers a long route where nothing crazy has ever happened. In the following four points we will discuss why predictability is so important for cats:

1. Stress

Cats often do not cope well with changes . They can become very scared or stressed by them. Routines are predictable and therefore provide a safe and relaxed feeling. However, you cannot avoid changes 100% for your cat. Therefore, make sure that you prepare a cat as well as possible for major changes. For example, avoid crowds and provide their familiar snacks.

2. Territory

Cats are territorial by nature. Our cat Pip always likes to walk around with us outside. However, we always notice it immediately when we leave her territory. She gets scared, gets a thick tail and starts meowing. She also tries to 'protect' us from this unsafe area by walking back and meowing that we should come with her. She prefers to be in her own familiar territory , where she knows everything and where it is predictable and safe for her.

3. Predictability in behavior

Actually, cats are just incredible control freaks . They like to know what to expect, also from their owners. Many unexpected events will cause fear and uncertainty . As an owner, it is therefore your job to be as predictable as possible for your cat. Also think of fixed times for feeding, playing and resting. Always feeding at a different time can cause uncertainty for a cat. Will I still get my food? An automatic feeder can help a lot with this, because it gives food to your cat at exactly the same times every day. An automatic feeder is therefore a piece of predictability and safety for your cat!

4. Health and well-being

If unpredictable things happen to your cat for a long time , they will feel stress, fear, uncertainty and insecurity for a long time. This will eventually lead to health problems . Think of bladder infections, intestinal and behavioral problems. A predictable environment reduces these risks. Of course, this is the worst case scenario. A change once in a while or something unpredictable now and then will generally not make your cat piss off immediately. However, it is advisable to make what is in your power as predictable as possible!