Cat, Signs You Are a Good Cat Owner, and What I Added

@celticeagle (187014)
Boise, Idaho
February 4, 2026 8:50pm CST
I love cats. I enjoy their addition to my home existence. I think that they are such opposites from dogs in that dogs seem so dependent on their owners where a cat could take us or leave us. If we aren't feeding them (we do) then they just go out and catch a bird or a mouse. They are proud animals and I like that. Independent and playful. So, veterinarians say that cats show us in subtle ways that we are doing a good job. Subtle, "a relationship built on trust, safety and mutual understanding" no flamboyant displays of affection like a slobbering dog might find necessary Here are a few ways to tell if we're doing a good job: * A cat chooses to be near you, even follows you from room to room. This is because they feel safe. * They have reduced anxiety because they are fed regularly and food is offered consistently. I have added brewer's yeast which I sprinkle on their food. They seem to like it, and vets say it's full of nutrition. * The cat litter box is a big deal. If they use it consistently, they know you are consistent and is a clear sign of well-being which I think is a Biggy. A litter box that is kept clean makes them and you happy, right? * When the cat's boundaries and our boundaries are being met it reflects a stable environment. We all want that, right? * We have one cat that has the zoomies regularly. I think that cats that play regularly and sleep a lot are happy cats. We have 4. We lost Mittens a couple of months ago. * According to vets a regular self-grooming means they have good physical and mental health. It means there is usually proper nutrition, emotional stability, and a low-stress home environment. It's all pretty basic isn't it?
12 people like this
11 responses
@sallypup (68434)
• Centralia, Washington
5 Feb
Maybe its just me but I have never had aloof cats. At one time or other in a typical day all the cats come and visit with me. I find that the Siamese breed of cat is the most touchy feely- the one who reaches out to touch and insist on holding on to me.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (187014)
• Boise, Idaho
5 Feb
I've never known an aloof cat either. Subtle and restful but not aloof. I think Siamese cats are very stern and want things their way. Very hands on types for sure.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (68434)
• Centralia, Washington
5 Feb
@celticeagle That's interesting about Siamese being stern. You are right. They do want things to go their way.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (187014)
• Boise, Idaho
6 Feb
@sallypup .......I think so. Very much so.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (204937)
• United States
5 Feb
I think my cat and I have a rocky relationship, but there is love there.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (187014)
• Boise, Idaho
5 Feb
Cats can be very playful. They love to mess with their owners.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (75301)
• Philippines
5 Feb
Really pretty basic for cat lovers. I once had two cats and I loved them. One I gave to my vet and the other was stolen from me. Why don't I have cats anymore? Coz I realized that I'm not really a cat person. I'm a dog person.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (187014)
• Boise, Idaho
5 Feb
Some people get along better with dogs. I like dogs and have had several great ones. I just like having cats around.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (54491)
• United States
5 Feb
I have always been a big cat lover. We only have one now.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (187014)
• Boise, Idaho
5 Feb
I always like to have two so that they have a pal.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (187014)
• Boise, Idaho
6 Feb
@Tampa_girl7 .......How sad. Beautiful set you have there. Or had I guess.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (54491)
• United States
8 Feb
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Feb
I haven't had a cat in many years. There are days when I miss having one
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (187014)
• Boise, Idaho
6 Feb
I have always had at least one cat in the house.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (187014)
• Boise, Idaho
6 Feb
@Marilynda1225 ........That's a good number. I always think that to have just one cat is very sad. They need someone to pal around with. I think their lives are fuller when they share it both with humans and another cat.
1 person likes this
• United States
6 Feb
@celticeagle the most i ever had at one time was 3
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (217088)
• United States
5 Feb
We always had dogs; but this is very interesting.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (187014)
• Boise, Idaho
5 Feb
When I was growing up we had both. I just like having cats around. I think they are cool animals.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (187014)
• Boise, Idaho
6 Feb
@LindaOHio ......Very much so.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (217088)
• United States
6 Feb
@celticeagle They are lower maintenance than dogs too.
1 person likes this
@May2k8 (19741)
• Indonesia
6 Feb
Actually, I don't have a cat anymore, now I enjoy taking care of stray cats that don't get food. They are happy because they always come on time.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (187014)
• Boise, Idaho
6 Feb
Nice of you to do that.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (375315)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Feb
It is pretty basic and some of the points would apply to any pet; and to domestic livestock like horses and cows. They like consistency and routine too.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (187014)
• Boise, Idaho
5 Feb
It's only fair.
1 person likes this
@valherma00 (1690)
• Zagreb, Croatia (Hrvatska)
7 Feb
sorry for Mittens. you are right, they are simple creatures. we just need to get to know them better
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (187014)
• Boise, Idaho
9 Feb
Yes, we sure miss Mittens. They are dear creatures.
@indahwow (119)
• Yogyakarta, Indonesia
6 Feb
I really relate to this. Loving cats is a quieter kind of connection, but it runs deep. They don’t demand constant attention, and that’s exactly what makes it meaningful. When a cat chooses to sit near you, follows you around, or sleeps comfortably in your space, it feels like genuine trust. I also agree that routine matters so much for cats. Regular feeding, a clean litter box, and a consistent environment give them a sense of safety. Those simple things make a big difference. You can see it in how relaxed they are, how they play, and how balanced their energy feels. The part about boundaries really resonates with me too. Cats teach us mutual respect. When we honor their limits, they feel secure, and the relationship becomes more equal and calm. And yes, cats that still get the zoomies, groom themselves well, play, and sleep deeply are usually happy cats. That’s a sign of a home that works for them, physically and emotionally. Losing a cat like Mittens is never easy, but the way you describe your home shows how much care and love your cats receive. To me, caring for cats isn’t about doing anything grand. It’s about consistency, presence, and understanding. Cats may show it subtly, but they always know when they are loved.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (187014)
• Boise, Idaho
6 Feb
Routine shows them consistency. Yes, mutual respect. Very much so.
1 person likes this
@leiilaoc (14)
• Indonesia
5 Feb
I read somewhere if a cat has garlic clove fur, it means they're well nourished. My cats gradually developed that kind of fur when I started upgrading their food 3 months ago.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (187014)
• Boise, Idaho
5 Feb
I've never heard of 'garlic clove fur' before.