Good Meow-rning! 5 Things You Need to Do for Your Cat Every Morning

“Meow!”

Ahh, the deafening sound of your kitty waking you up an hour before your alarm just to make sure you don’t forget her breakfast. 

I’m pretty sure every cat guardian can relate. It’s frustrating to be woken up and not be able to fall back asleep thanks to your cat. 

But mornings with your cat don’t have to be like that. You can sleep in AND have a happy cat when you stick to a morning routine. 

But how?

Cats thrive with a routine. If they know exactly when they’ll be fed, they’ll be less likely to wake you up and beg for food before it’s time. 

Trust me. Try out the below routine for a month. Chances are, your kitty will learn it, and you’ll get a few extra hours of uninterrupted shut eye each night. 

You’re welcome. 

Morning Routine Checklist for Cat Parents

Cuddle Time

First and foremost, give your kitty some love! My cats are known for being purr machines the second they wake up in the morning. There’s pretty much nothing sweeter than the headbutts they give and biscuits they make before we even leave the bed. 

Selfishly, I love our morning snuggle ritual, but it also has benefits for the cats. When we spend this time together, it helps them bond and build trust with me. This ultimately leads to them having a happier, more fulfilling life as a companion animal. So don’t skip the cuddles!

Brush Them

When they’ve had their fill of cuddles, grab your cat’s favorite brush and spend a little time grooming them. This will build upon the bond you’ve already started, while helping your kitty stay clean. 

In our house, we also make sure the cats get brushed every morning to help cut down on hairballs. The more hair I get off of them, the less they’ll ingest, which means fewer messes to clean up—and a lot more comfort for them!

Get Them Playing

Your cat’s natural instinct is to hunt for their food. They can’t exactly do that when you pop them open a can in the morning, but you can help imitate that behavior (and get out some of their excess energy) by playing with them. 

But don’t just throw them a toy and expect them to do all of the work. Really get in on playtime with interactive toys and your undivided attention. Your cat will be more likely to play and stay engaged with the activity when you do. 

Freshen Up Their Water

Water is important for your cat’s health. Set them up for success from the start each day by giving them clean, fresh water. 

We like to have a few different water bowls throughout the house so that the cats are encouraged to drink during the day. For us, that means freshening up the water fountain in the bedroom and refilling the bowl in the bathroom every single morning. We also deep clean them with soap and water on a regular basis to keep the bowls bacteria-free and safe. 

Feed Them

Finally, the moment your cat has been waiting for…

It’s food time!

Go ahead and pop open that can and give your cat the breakfast she’s been begging for. Stick around while she eats to make sure she’s acting normal. After all, monitoring your cat’s appetite is an important part of making sure she’s healthy. 

And that’s it! Your cat’s morning routine is all done. 

Bonus points if you add in a few more pets and purrs before you both continue your day. 

Every Cat is Different, Find a Routine that Works for You

Each cat has a unique set of needs—and purrsonality. You may need to tweak the above routine to fit you and your cat. 

For example, if your cat is on medication, you need to find a way to work that into the daily plan. Or you may have a cat who prefers to play after she eats instead of before. 

Even if you need to deviate from the standard schedule, make sure you’re sticking with your custom checklist each morning. Consistency is key when it comes to teaching your cat her new routine. With enough repetition, she’ll catch on and find comfort in each step every morning. 

And you’ll finally get a full night’s sleep—it’s a win-win!

I know a lot about cats, but I’m not a veterinarian or animal welfare professional. Please don’t take any of the statements I give as medical advice and do always consult your trusted vet, rescue group, or welfare professional, especially if your cat is experiencing behavioral or physical challenges.