There’s a secret society many people walk right past every day. No handshakes, no robes—just the quiet, knowing look of someone who’s shared their home, heart, and probably their bed with a cat. To outsiders, it might look like these people have lost their minds (and in a way, they have)—but to fellow cat parents, it’s just life as usual.
Living with a cat means adapting your behavior in ways you’d never expect. You start doing things that make perfect sense in your day-to-day, but that might raise an eyebrow—or five—if shared too casually at a dinner party. What feels like second nature to you might sound absolutely bananas to someone who’s never had a feline roommate.
So in celebration of the wonderfully weird world of cat ownership, here are 5 things only cat parents truly understand, and 5 things that seem downright bizarre to everyone else. If you know, you know—and if you don’t, well… maybe you’re just not there yet.
1. Talking to Your Cat Like They’re a Tiny Roommate
It’s not just baby talk—it’s full-blown conversations, complete with tone, pacing, and pauses for their nonexistent replies. Throughout the day, cat parents find themselves narrating everything from making coffee to choosing outfits, often ending with, “Right?” like their cat might weigh in. At some point, your cat’s “voice” becomes part of your inner dialogue, and no, you’re not concerned about it. These chats might even include arguments about who woke who up or debates about feeding times. Outsiders may hear it and chuckle, but cat people know these exchanges are comforting. It creates a bond, even if one side is mostly meowing or blinking in slow motion. Honestly, it’s more mutual respect than conversation—and that’s what makes it special.
2. Strategic Sleeping to Avoid Disturbing the Cat
When your cat curls up on your legs or snuggles into your side, your body instinctively goes still—even if you’re wildly uncomfortable. Shifting positions becomes a tactical decision, and more often than not, you just don’t. There’s a quiet pride in enduring a dead leg or back cramp if it means your cat stays cozy. This is the same person who wouldn’t tolerate a lumpy pillow but will gladly suffer under 10 pounds of snoring fluff. You learn to sleep around them, not with them. And when they leave in the middle of the night? You still don’t move—because what if they come back? That level of sacrifice? Only cat parents understand.
3. Making Cat-Specific Playlists or Leaving YouTube On
Music for cats exists—and you’re not only aware of it, but you’ve curated a playlist. Whether it’s ambient nature sounds, classical music, or literal bird chirps, you’ve experimented to see what your cat prefers. Sometimes it’s just about giving them “vibes” while you’re away. Other times, it feels like you’re creating a sensory experience for them, like a tiny spa day. And yes, you’ve left your laptop open with a ten-hour video of fish swimming across the screen. If anyone asks why, the answer is simple: enrichment. It’s all part of the deluxe feline lifestyle you’re proudly managing.
4. Celebrating Their Gotcha Day (With Cake and Hats)
Adopting a cat is a life event—and the anniversary deserves celebration. Gotcha Day becomes an annual excuse to show your cat a little extra love (and maybe post about it, too). Some go all out with themed treats, tiny party hats, or even homemade banners. You know your cat couldn’t care less about the festivities, but that’s beside the point. It’s not about them enjoying the party—it’s about you honoring their presence in your life. There’s a joy in commemorating the moment your family grew by four paws. And if there happens to be cake for the humans too? All the better.
5. Calling Yourself ‘Mom’ or ‘Dad’ With Zero Irony
At first, it felt weird referring to yourself as their “mom” or “dad.” But then they started relying on you for food, comfort, safety, and affection—and it just made sense. Soon enough, you’re telling people things like, “My son scratched me” or “I have to get home to feed my daughter.” The titles may not be official, but the bond definitely is. Friends might chuckle, but there’s nothing funny about the love you feel. In many ways, the dynamic is parental—minus the diapers and college fund. You didn’t expect to embrace the title, but now you wouldn’t have it any other way.
1. Sniffing Their Fur Because You ‘Love the Smell’
Some people are candle collectors. Others sniff their cat’s head. There’s something oddly comforting about the warm, slightly dusty scent of your cat’s fur—especially after a nap in the sun. You don’t go around announcing it, but yes, you’ve buried your nose in their neck more than once. It’s not weird if you love them. Even though your non-cat friends may recoil in horror, you’ll keep doing it. And no, you don’t want to talk about what’s in their fur. It’s called love, okay?
2. Spending More on Cat Furniture Than Your Own
That sleek, modern cat tree was worth every penny—even if your human furniture came from a secondhand shop. At some point, the living room aesthetic shifted to accommodate their comfort more than yours. Now you’re comparing shag textures and sisal rope finishes while sleeping on a futon from college. What matters is that they’re cozy. You’ve bookmarked Instagram accounts dedicated solely to cat-friendly interior design. And let’s be honest, you enjoy watching them lounge in luxury. It’s not spoiling them—it’s called being a good provider.
3. Letting Them Walk Across Your Keyboard Mid-Zoom
Nothing halts a virtual meeting like a tail in the webcam. Yet, for cat parents, it’s just part of the routine. You’ve typed important emails with a cat half-sitting on your wrist, and it shows. Occasionally, your coworkers even greet your cat by name. You could push them away, sure—but why cause conflict when it’s their desk now? Besides, it’s the perfect excuse to pause a meeting for a second. Everyone acts annoyed, but deep down, most people love the cameo.
4. Analyzing Their Poop Like a Scientist
Never in your life did you think you’d study feces with this level of interest. Color, consistency, timing—you’ve become oddly in tune with your cat’s bowel habits. One odd-looking turd and you’re Googling symptoms like an anxious vet intern. It’s gross, but it’s also part of being responsible. Your cat can’t tell you what’s wrong, so their litter box is the communication line. You’ve even messaged friends or your vet about suspicious droppings. Yes, it’s weird—but it’s also love in its weirdest, realest form.
5. Sleeping with One Eye Open During the 3 AM Zoomies
Nighttime is no longer just for sleeping—it’s also for parkour. Your peaceful slumber is shattered by the sound of a rogue cat sprinting from room to room like they’re in a high-stakes chase. You instinctively pull the blanket over your head or move your face out of claw-range without even waking up fully. Sometimes you wonder if this is payback for something. But cat parents know: this is simply part of the contract. You love them, and in return, they destroy the quiet of your nights. It’s chaotic, but it’s also weirdly endearing.