If your cat had a favourite film, it would be “Groundhog Day”. The predictability of the day ahead and the lack of surprises makes them feel safe and allows them to really relax.

rou·tine | /ro͞oˈtēn/ | noun | a sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program

There are a few simple things you can do to ensure your cat has the most unspontaneous of days:

• Preferably ad lib feed, or if not ensure regular feeding times and feeding place
• Regular play times
• Free outdoor access if possible or regular outdoor times

If you stick to a daily feeding and activity schedule, your cat will be able to fall into their beloved routine and start building their day and expectations around it. A strict feeding schedule and place means your cat doesn’t need to worry about regular food supplies. If you have more than one cat, then you can ease mealtimes even more by using a SureFeed™ Microchip Pet Feeder Connect as you’ll be able to prevent your pets from stealing each other’s food and monitor their feeding routine. Having secure access to food, your cat might even fall into a more natural feeding behaviour of ad lib feeding:

ad lib | /ˌad ˈlib/ | adverb | as much and as often as desired

Bringing more routine into your cat’s day also affects your personal lifestyle. To your cat, your working hours, travel plans, social life and even your home redecoration decisions can trigger a lot of uncertainties and surprises (no offence to your DIY projects). The home you share with your cat is their sanctuary. Having unfamiliar smells, noises or encounters with new people, pets or even new things can put your cat’s day out of balance and stress them. Whilst we’re not suggesting cancelling your social life and banning spontaneity, you can help your cat to be prepared for unexpected encounters and help them find peace and quiet despite your own plans:

Introduce new people gradually or ideally not all at once. Let your cat decide on the pace when it comes to contact. Some may have pets of their own and therefore may smell even offensive to your cat. Make sure your cat always has access to a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle to seek out comfort. This could be a comfy second bed in a spare bedroom or study. You can also install a SureFlap™ Microchip Cat Flap Connect or the larger SureFlap™ Microchip Pet Door Connect so, your cat can step outside whenever needed.

If you can, introduce time away and pet sitters gradually. Whether you’ve been working from home and intend to return to the office or go on vacation, try getting your cat used to the solitary time by increasing the time way gradually. Just like with new visitors, sitters should be introduced ahead of your vacation, so your cat has time to get used to them and the sitter used to their personality and routines. A SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect and SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect are a great way to offer your cat mental stimulation whilst you’re away. You’ll also be able to track your cat’s comings and goings from your phone and share access to this kind of information with your sitter by inviting them into the Sure Petcare App.

Talking about outdoor access and routines: Cats are territorial but non-confrontational creatures. They’ll roam and mark their territory and guard their precious resources to ensure no other cat gets too close for comfort.

Installing a SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect or a SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect not only allows your cat to patrol their territory but keeps intruder cats out of your home. Particularly in suburban areas with busy housing estates cats will have overlapping territories and thus are more likely to encounter each other.

calm | /kä(l)m/ | adjective | not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions

Unless of an unusually vocal breed, cats are relatively quiet animals and can react with stress or fear to sudden loud noises and commotion. If you can, avoid loud music or noises, shouting and slamming doors. Young families can be a great source of fun and playtime but they’re also busy and a source of bursts of commotion. Try teaching your children to be respectful of their pets and how to look after them properly. Children will automatically be drawn to animals and knowing how to interact with them will not only ensure the wellbeing of your pet but also avoid disappointing experiences.

Places of feeding, sleeping, drinking and toileting should be kept out of busy rooms or away from high traffic areas like doorways.

When children enter our lives, it is all too normal for a shift of focus to take place. To keep an eye on your pet’s wellbeing and routines whilst looking after your family, why not enlist the help of smart devices. Sure Petcare’s range of connected feeders, doors and a drinking station help you monitor their feeding, drinking and outdoor activity patterns so you’re able to spot when something is changing.

You can read more about feline behaviour here.

If you’d like to share your own pet care tips with us, why not send us a message on social media, get involved in the conversation using the hashtag #DoYouSpeakCat or give @SurePetcare a mention.

Always make sure to consult your vet, should you have concerns about your cat's wellbeing.