Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app

Continue in app Continue in browser

If You Have A Cat, These 30 Hacks May Interest You

ADVERTISEMENT

Cats are the perfect companions for us humans. Who wouldn’t want a serial cuddler that doesn’t judge you (not too obviously, at least), an endless source of amusement, and a great listener all in one? But some things about our feline friends don’t always make life easy. From the constant shedding to the litter box odors, it can be challenging to keep up with the needs of our furry confidants.

While cats are perfectly capable of taking care of themselves for most of their daily needs, it’s not like they can avoid shedding, keep their litter box clean, or ignore their nature and not scratch the furniture just to please us. Especially if we don’t provide them with a scratcher to do it! As responsible cat owners, we need to learn how to help our kitties through any issues they may have.

If you’re thinking about bringing a new furry friend into your home and could use a little help to take care of a cat, we’re here to give you a paw! We’ve investigated and rounded up tons of cat hacks and tips to learn how to tend to your cat’s every need like a pro, so you can make sure they’re happy in their forever home!

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

Cat with green eyes Get them neutered. To ensure all cats have a safe and happy home, one of cats protection’s key aims is to champion neutering as a way to keep the cat population under control.

cats.org.uk Report

275points

Ace 2 years ago

Wish I could upvote this twenty times...

58points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#2

If your cat lets you touch its paws, it means that they love and trust you.

164points

Screen_Addict 2 years ago

Trust the toe beans

48points

View more comments

#3

Cat licking To end a game of chase with the laser, give your cat a treat to give them a sense of accomplishment and a job well done.

rauanimalhospital.com Report

141points

Bored Retsuko 2 years ago

Yes, the laser thing can be frustrating for cats because they never get to catch their prey, and there's no accomplishment! Physical toys are better imho.

34points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#4

If you don't let your cat outside, it'll avoid any number of random dangers the world can throw at it.

139points

Cindy Jordan 2 years ago

Cats won't be the reason birds and other animals go extinct look in the mirror

34points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#5

When you move to a new place, unpack the litter box first. Then "unpack" the kitty and put her next to the litter box so he/she knows where it is... Cats use the litter box as a "home base" and start exploring from there.

ruforealz Report

132points

Valerie G. 2 years ago

and be sure to lock them in the bathroom before all the boxes come into the house, so they don't go darting out the door.

60points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#6

Gray cat on the chair looking Talk to your cat. It helps to build a rapport, and he/she will respond to more tones of your voice.

131points

Robin Canfield 2 years ago

I talk to my cats all the time..you don't to need to be mushy gushy..but if they trust your voice especially if you have to move to a new apartment or go to the vet...it really does help

27points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#7

Hang an inexpensive bird feeder outside a window and be sure you have a chair or table near the window so they can sit and watch the birds. It will entertain them every day!

soaringrooster Report

113points

Navindu Wijewardena 2 years ago

Our cat sits on my piano and looks out through the window at the tree right in front of it

24points

View more comments

#8

Cat walking outside Teaching your cat to come when called is not only handy but could save his life. If he escapes outside, you can call him back home.

108points

K- THULU 2 years ago

And when naming a cat, first try going outside and shouting possible names 4 or 5 times....if you feel like an idiot, find a better name! ( I've had cats called Mortis and princess bubblegum.... I know!)

49points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#9

It is recommended that you play with your cat for 15 to 20 minutes before bedtime so that they can let out all their excess energy. This pre-bedtime play session will make the cat calmer and help them sleep better through the night.

95points

Valerie G. 2 years ago

and if they only get wet food once a day, give it to them at supper time, that way they won't be waking you at 4am for food.

28points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#10

Cat with green eyes in snow Got feral cats in the backyard? Keep ‘em warm this winter. Provide some food and shelter for feral or stray cats.

93points

Russ Whiteman 2 years ago

Yep, we set up a couple of cat houses in the backyard a few years ago, during a particularly vicious cold snap. We'd already been providing a bit of food for the ferals, and we could deal with the chances of finding a little frozen body. The only downside is that we don't get to watch birds at our feeders anymore, but the regular visits from the kittens more than makes up for it.

23points

View more comments

#11

If you find that your cat has a propensity to sit on your book or keyboard or in front of your monitor as you attempt to use it, place an open box on your desk big enough for your cat. If there’s one thing cats love more than sitting on keyboards, it’s sitting in boxes.

92points

Valerie G. 2 years ago

You can also put a spare keyboard right next to the one you are using.

23points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#12

Touch it’s ears, paws, and belly frequently to get it acclimated to those areas being handled.

MemerDreamerMan Report

89points

Bored Retsuko 2 years ago

I think this applies to most pets.

25points

View more comments

#13

Different cats in the kitchen It’s a good idea to get two cats, especially if you’re out of the house during the day. Not only will your cat be less lonely, but they’re also less likely to get destructive if they have someone to play with during the day.

85points

Frankthetank 2 years ago

Yeah, definitely not a guarantee they will get along. I had litter-mate brother/ sister pair and they HATED each other- full on cat fights with abscesses. The key is to pair based on personality

31points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#14

When petting a cat, watch the tail. A tip flip is annoyance, a tail thump means get away, and a twitch from the base means you're about two seconds from getting bit. Stop as soon as you see any of these, and your cat will respect you more and tolerate more petting in the future.

njbrun01 Report

84points

Joyce mann 2 years ago

My cat swishes her tail, when she wants me to play "throw" that is throw a treat and she will chase it

15points

View more comments

#15

Gray cat lying on the ground near yellow ball Store-bought toys look fun to us humans, but most cats are perfectly happy to swat around things like bottle caps, pipe cleaners, and old playing cards.

83points

Russ Whiteman 2 years ago

Plastic rings from milk jugs have been the most popular among my cats for something a bit over 50 years now. I dread moving the refrigerator when we leave...

51points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#16

Give your cat running water. Some cats like flowing water and the filter helps keep the water fresh.

preventivevet.com Report

76points

The Mom 2 years ago

All 3 of mine loves their sink like fountain.

12points

View more comments

#17

Every pet owner should consider pet insurance. Even if you believe you have enough money to cover veterinary costs, pet insurance could still save you thousands of dollars if your pet gets sick or injured.

72points

ItsJess 2 years ago

This- just ONE emergency vet visit for my senior dog cost upwards of $5000. She was too old to be insured. Now we have pet insurance on our newly adopted 2 year old rescue dog.

21points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#18

Cat and dog looking If you’re bringing a cat into a home with other pets or another pet into a home that already has a cat, don’t just put them together and hope everything works out. Cats tend to be very territorial, and they also need time to adjust to a new environment.

69points

Frankthetank 2 years ago

Jackson Galaxy has great tips for how to introduce cats and it really works. He's pretty dorky but his methods are very reliable.

32points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#19

From an early age, touch your cat's feet and toes often. If they get used to having their toes handled, it is much easier to cut their nails later.

old.reddit.com Report

67points

Jordi Sharpe 2 years ago

Trim. They're not removing the claws, theyre trimming them. Cats can get their claws stuck in fabric if they're too long, and can injure themselves. They still have claws. They're just trimmed down. They can sharpen them again immediately.

10points

View more comments

#20

A great way to keep your indoor cat active, particularly if you live in a smaller home, is to put up some shelves or towers for them to climb.

64points

BatPhace 2 years ago

My daughter's cats favorite places are on top of the shelf my fabric is stored in and on top of the china hutch 🤣 anything up. My cats too big to get up there too, so she can run him ragged then escape

6points

View more comments

#21

scared cat with green eyes It’s time to stop spraying cats with water! Your cat starts to associate the unpleasant experience with you, and not necessarily his actions with the punishment.

63points

Michelle Muirhead 2 years ago

Initially I would spray with water (because they were jumping on the kitchen counter and terrified they might jump on the stove). I would make scoosh noise at the same time as spraying, didn't take long to just make the scoosh noise to prevent jumping.

17points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#22

Place pinecones in potted plants, because they're uncomfortable for your cat to step on and will keep them out.

62points

Aunt Messy 2 years ago

Crumpled tin foil works as well.

8points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#23

Cat looking Keeping your cat at home is the safest and least unsettling option when you go on holiday as they’re less likely to be stressed and will be more content in their own environment.

cats.org.uk Report

62points

Royal Stray 2 years ago

This really varies from cat to cat and is absolutely not a general rule

13points

View more comments

#24

Leaving treats hidden around the house when leave. It means that cat looks forward to leaving instead of being anxious because he gets to go on a treasure hunt.

MeowsTheHouseDown Report

61points

Janine B. 2 years ago

That's what I do to keep them a little entertained. Also a huge box with paper streamers works wonders. Throw in some treats, they'll love it.

9points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#25

Cuddling cat Avoid letting the cat play with your hands. Letting your cat play wrestle with your hands teaches them that biting and scratching is an acceptable behavior.

59points

Synsepalum 2 years ago

Yup, hands are for love, and toys are for play.

17points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#26

Store dry cat food in a plastic pitcher or cereal container. Leaving your cat’s food in the opened bag runs the risk of letting it get stale.

51points

Valerie G. 2 years ago

that and mice often will help themselves by chewing through the bag.

14points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#27

Brown cat chewing stick If your cat goes crazy for catnip, consider growing your own. Catnip is relatively easy to grow in pots, and it’ll give you an endless supply of fun. Make sure to keep the pots out of kitty’s reach until you’re ready.

46points

Valerie G. 2 years ago

I once planted catnip in a neighbour's garden that was a particular pain. He came out to find a lot of his plants flattened.

22points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#28

Providing a cat-friendly climbing alternative not only protects your collectibles, but it affords items which may be destined for the landfill, a new purpose in life.

45points

Natalie H 2 years ago

And buy decoy collectibles for it, so they have stuff to knock on the floor, or your collectibles still aren’t safe lol ♥️🐾

10points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#29

You can build your own cat tent with some basic items that you'll already have at home. Using wire coat hangers make a frame like a tent, with two hangers crossing each other over the top and place an old t-shirt over the frame.

instructables.com Report

43points

urszulat 2 years ago

One of my cats loved newspapers. I built him a tent with boxes and newspaper linking the boxes. He was in heaven.

2points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#30

Cat lying on the sofa Safeguard your sofa. Setting up decoy scratching posts, you can give cats a place to mark, stretch, and trim their nails, without damaging your belongings.

petmd.com Report

41points

Valerie G. 2 years ago

I once had a lady come into the shelter to adopt. I asked her if she had a scratch post, her response "no, I have a sofa". Give the lady a cat. And she also became a volunteer with us for many years.

33points

View more comments

Note: this post originally had 120 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

Eligijus Sinkunas

I’m a visual editor for Bored Panda, trying to find and select high-quality images to enhance articles across different formats. With a keen eye for detail, my goal is to ensure that each picture helps to attract readers into captivating visual experiences. As a freelancer, I’m also working as a video editor for a YouTube channel that makes music games. After work, I like to play with guitar, go to karate classes or just relax at home at play video games.

I’m a visual editor for Bored Panda, trying to find and select high-quality images to enhance articles across different formats. With a keen eye for detail, my goal is to ensure that each picture helps to attract readers into captivating visual experiences. As a freelancer, I’m also working as a video editor for a YouTube channel that makes music games. After work, I like to play with guitar, go to karate classes or just relax at home at play video games.

Melanie Gervasoni

Writer on a quest to explore every corner of the world, one country at a time. Fueled by my love for Arcane, oversized hoodies, and weightlifting, I try my best to bring even more fun energy to Bored Panda. My cup of tea? Pop culture, funny content, sharing interesting facts about the world, and creating listicles for fellow Pandas. When I’m not crafting articles, my eyes are still glued to a screen — be it binge-watching my favorite shows, leveling up in video games, or learning Spanish with Duolingo. Always on the hunt for the ultimate playlist, I scour Deezer to find the right tunes to listen to while working on my creative projects.

Writer on a quest to explore every corner of the world, one country at a time. Fueled by my love for Arcane, oversized hoodies, and weightlifting, I try my best to bring even more fun energy to Bored Panda. My cup of tea? Pop culture, funny content, sharing interesting facts about the world, and creating listicles for fellow Pandas. When I’m not crafting articles, my eyes are still glued to a screen — be it binge-watching my favorite shows, leveling up in video games, or learning Spanish with Duolingo. Always on the hunt for the ultimate playlist, I scour Deezer to find the right tunes to listen to while working on my creative projects.

Robertas Lisickis

Some time ago, Robertas used to spend his days watching how deep the imprint in his chair will become as he wrote for Bored Panda. Wrote about pretty much everything under and beyond the sun. Not anymore, though. He's now probably playing Gwent or hosting Dungeons and Dragons adventures for those with an inclination for chaos.

Some time ago, Robertas used to spend his days watching how deep the imprint in his chair will become as he wrote for Bored Panda. Wrote about pretty much everything under and beyond the sun. Not anymore, though. He's now probably playing Gwent or hosting Dungeons and Dragons adventures for those with an inclination for chaos.

Saulė Tolstych

Saulė is a photo editor at Bored Panda with bachelor's degree in Multimedia and Computer Design. The thing that relaxes her the best is going into YouTube rabbit hole. In her free time she loves painting, embroidering and taking walks in nature.

Saulė is a photo editor at Bored Panda with bachelor's degree in Multimedia and Computer Design. The thing that relaxes her the best is going into YouTube rabbit hole. In her free time she loves painting, embroidering and taking walks in nature.

What do you think ?

madbakes 2 years ago

Not even finishing this thread, as so far they are all quite obvious to cat owners. To people are are considering getting a cat: do not declaw them. You're essentially cutting off the top knuckles, and they will have arthritis later in life.

18points

Okatango 2 years ago

Thank you for this. It is so painful for them, they cannot jump, they cannot even use regular litter and if the need ever arises, are utterly defenseless. many countries have made it illegal.

6points

Load More Replies...

Craig Silberman 2 years ago

not a single hack in the list; just a bunch of tips; I know English isn't the first language of the author, but c'mon, where did you get the idea that "tip" and "hack" are synonyms?

6points

Craig Silberman 2 years ago

most of the tips are incredibly obvious too; I've got a cat and am scrolling through this list hoping to find something I didn't already know

7points

Load More Replies...

Bouche Clay 2 years ago

Yes, this I know. Bouche has toys she loves all over the house. This does not stop her from stealing my stylus every single day. She's not the one with fat fingers.

5points

Load More Comments

madbakes 2 years ago

Not even finishing this thread, as so far they are all quite obvious to cat owners. To people are are considering getting a cat: do not declaw them. You're essentially cutting off the top knuckles, and they will have arthritis later in life.

18points

Okatango 2 years ago

Thank you for this. It is so painful for them, they cannot jump, they cannot even use regular litter and if the need ever arises, are utterly defenseless. many countries have made it illegal.

6points

Load More Replies...

Craig Silberman 2 years ago

not a single hack in the list; just a bunch of tips; I know English isn't the first language of the author, but c'mon, where did you get the idea that "tip" and "hack" are synonyms?

6points

Craig Silberman 2 years ago

most of the tips are incredibly obvious too; I've got a cat and am scrolling through this list hoping to find something I didn't already know

7points

Load More Replies...

Bouche Clay 2 years ago

Yes, this I know. Bouche has toys she loves all over the house. This does not stop her from stealing my stylus every single day. She's not the one with fat fingers.

5points

Load More Comments

You May Like

50 Adorable Pet Adoption Pictures To Make Your Day A Little Brighter (October Edition)

Evelina Šiukšterytė

50 Cat Pics From The Online Group Dedicated To Raising People’s Spirits One Kitty At A Time

Ieva Pečiulytė

Back to Homepage

More about Cats

Related on Bored Panda

Related on Bored Panda

Trending on Bored Panda

Also on Bored Panda