Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

If cats had New Year’s resolutions, here’s what they would be

Here are the funniest New Year's resolutions for cats

BethAnn Mayer
By

Cats: We can’t live with them, and we definitely can’t live without them. Although we could do without the early morning yowling for food, the shedding, and the occasional hairball, our fur babies bring us a sense of joy and wonder that makes every day feel like a holiday.

But we can’t help but wonder, “What would my cat’s New Year’s resolutions be?” While our cats are perfect as they are and most likely have no desire to change, that doesn’t mean we can’t have a bit of fun imagining what resolutions they might make if they weren’t already the flawless and fabulous companions they are today.

Recommended Videos

Here are some resolutions that would probably make the list.

An orange tabby sitting on a green chair. a woman with a white sweater is looking on

I will actually pay attention to my owner

It’s possible to train a cat, but let’s be real: They’re not lab puppies. Cats are typically far less eager to please and more of a challenge to train than dogs. Ask them to come over to cuddle, and they may get up and walk into the other room. They may also chirp at birds loudly during your Zoom calls, despite your insistence that they pipe down. In an alternative universe, your cat would work on heeding your requests.

Black cat lying on a table with plants on a balcony

I will come out of hiding every once in a while

Cats can be stealthy. Some can find corners of your house you didn’t know existed and hide. Though some cats are social and go in and out of hiding, others stay there. Though we have to accept our kitties for who they are, it’s natural to secretly wish they’d resolve to hang out with you every so often. FYI: If your cat isn’t generally a hider and is suddenly constantly nowhere to be found, it may be a sign they are sick.

Two brown tabby cats playing with a toy

I will stop leaving dead birds on the doorstep

Cats kill billions of birds each year, which is part of the reason most vets recommend keeping them indoors. You may have an outdoor-only or indoor-outdoor cat for various reasons, though. If that’s the case, your kitty may leave you some not-so-pleasant surprises. You’ll have to forgive your cat. They’re hunters by nature. In the wild, cats teach their kittens to eat by bringing home prey. Your cat is trying to do the same for you. Perhaps this year, your cat could come to terms with the fact that you provide them — and yourself — with all the food they need and come home without bearing gifts.

clipping cat claws

I will try to be nicer when getting my nails trimmed

A manicure may be a small luxury to you, but cats don’t feel the same way. Your cat’s nails once protected them in the wild, so felines like to keep them sharp. They may also not enjoy being held. It’s important to trim those claws, though, even if your kitty hisses and squirms. It would be nice if they didn’t turn this tiny must-do into a production. You can help them achieve this resolution by finding the right nail clippers.

A cat sitting on a bed

I will let my parents sleep past 7 a.m.

Cats are nocturnal. Humans usually aren’t. If you work a regular shift, your cat’s nightly antics, or at 4:30 a.m., may serve as an unwelcome alarm clock. Help your feline nail this New Year’s resolution by tiring them out during the day and ensuring they have enough food in their dish to get them through the night.

Orange and white cat stretching its paw and showing its claws

Cats will be cats

Cats are quirky creatures, which is part of the reason we love them. They’re not here to build our egos, and we’re often not surprised if they forego a snuggle session to hide under the bed. Of course, your kitty may have a habit of actually wanting to hang out — before the sun comes up. Though we love our fur babies just the way they are, ’tis the season to start making resolutions. If your cat had any desire to change, they might resolve to pay attention to you more, sleep through the night, and hiss less during nail trimmings. Your cat probably thinks they’re perfect just the way they are, though, so don’t expect big changes this year. Jokes aside, would you really have it any other way?

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
BethAnn Mayer
BethAnn Mayer
Contributor
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
Reddit says the best cat litter is actually… pellets for a Traeger?!
Wood pellet kitty litter: Why Reddit is in a catfight over this money-saving idea
Cat jumping out of a litter box

Is the best kitty litter not really kitty litter? Reddit is heating up with a genius hack for cat parents. You can DIY wood pellet kitty litter with pellets for a Traeger grill.

Can the stuff you use for the best wood-fired, smoky-tasting barbecue dishes double as cat litter? Reddit is in a dust-up over the purported genius hack.

Read more
Whisker fatigue: Your cat might have this strange condition without you knowing
What does whisker fatigue look like? Here's what to know about this condition
A gray cat's close-up side profile in front of a dark background

If your cat is acting unusual when they try to eat or drink, there are a number of problems you'll want to rule out. Odds are, though, you're not dealing with a major issue! So instead of worrying, keep an eye on your furry friend and make a note of the symptoms they're showing or experiencing. While you should contact your vet for any long-term or severe concerns, you just might be able to figure out the problem right at home.
In some cases, it might actually be your cat's whiskers causing them extra mealtime stress. Felines can suffer from something called whisker fatigue, which is actually more overstimulation than it is fatigue. Still, it's a relatively new problem that's gaining attention among veterinarians and pet owners alike - -and it just might be affecting your cat, too.
Here's what to know about whisker fatigue.

What is whisker fatigue?
Whiskers are so much more than cute little hairs on your kitty's face. These hairs are also known as tactile hairs or vibrissae, and they help cats perceive a lot of sensory information about the world around them. As Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center explains, the nerve endings at the base of cats' whiskers "help cats orient themselves, navigate their environment in the dark, hunt for prey (by sensing air currents), and determine whether or not they can fit into a tight space."

Read more
What is the difference between cat breeds? Here’s what to know about different types of felines
Breeds aren't just for dogs. There are many different types of cats, too
Silver Persian cat

In the pet world, there’s a decent amount of focus on dog breeds. There are so many distinct breeds with different physical and social characteristics. Cats just get grouped into one bucket: cats. Sometimes, people consider them as "short-haired" and "long-haired" cats, but that's it.

However, there are several different types of cats, too, and you’ll want to consider their preferred lifestyles before making them a part of yours. Finding the right fit for your home is essential. It helps ensure you and your feline build a lifelong friendship.

Read more