For cats, routine isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. Whether it’s waking up at the same time, eating in the same corner, or sunbathing in a favourite spot, cats rely on the predictability of daily life to feel safe.
Disrupt that routine too abruptly, and you may notice the signs: hiding, skipping meals, vocalising more than usual, or acting out in subtle ways. While humans often adapt quickly to change, cats don’t. They need stability—and they notice when it’s gone.
The science behind feline routine
According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), cats are “highly sensitive to changes in their environment” and are more likely to exhibit stress when their routines are disrupted.¹ Unlike dogs, who tend to look to humans for cues, cats feel secure when their world behaves predictably.
Dr. Tony Buffington, a veterinary expert on feline stress, has gone so far as to say that a cat’s sense of control over its environment is directly linked to its physical health.² Stress from inconsistency can trigger behavioural issues and even contribute to illnesses like feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC).
When everything else is unfamiliar—like your absence—routine becomes the thing that keeps your cat anchored.
What “routine” really means to a cat
Routine doesn’t just mean feeding them on time. It includes:
- Being greeted in a familiar tone
- Having their litter cleaned consistently
- Playing (or not playing) the same way each day
- Knowing when the lights go off and on
- Having control over their space—no surprises, no intrusions
Even small details matter. A sitter walking in the door at the same time each day can do more to reduce stress than you might think.
Cats are not asocial—but they are territorial. Their world is their map of safety, and routine is the key that helps them read it.
How to maintain routine while you're away
You can’t be two places at once—but with a bit of planning, you can help your cat feel like their world is still turning just the way they like it.
Choose a sitter who respects feline boundaries and is willing to follow your cat’s routine closely. That includes meal times, play preferences, and how to enter the home. Don’t hesitate to over-communicate—cats notice when something’s “off,” even if it's just a change in the order of events.
Leave detailed notes: when your cat expects attention, where they like to nap, how they prefer to be approached. Even the location of their scratching post matters.
You can also leave your scent behind—on a blanket, shirt, or cushion—so something familiar lingers in your absence.
Routine = security
When a cat knows what to expect, they can relax. They feel safe enough to sleep deeply, eat normally, and behave naturally. And when that routine is preserved—especially during times of change like your holiday—they’re far less likely to experience stress-related behaviours.
In short: routine isn’t about being rigid. It’s about creating a soft, predictable rhythm that helps your cat feel secure. And with the right sitter, that rhythm doesn’t have to stop when you pack your bags.
References
- American Association of Feline Practitioners – Environmental Needs Guidelines
- Buffington, C. A. T. (2006). "External and internal influences on disease risk in cats." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association