This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps keep the site running at no extra cost to you.

A Cat’s New Year’s Resolutions: What Your Cat Would Promise (If They Could Write)

Every January, humans scribble down ambitious promises about hitting the gym and eating more kale. Meanwhile, cats across the globe are mentally drafting their own list of goals, and spoiler alert: they’re far more entertaining than yours. If your whiskered companion could grab a pen (or knock it off the desk, more likely), here’s what their funny cat new year’s resolutions might actually look like.

A brown tabby cat looking like laughing in a mischievous way.
Photo by Zach Reiner on Unsplash

The Art of Perfecting the 3 AM Vocal Performance

Let’s address the elephant in the room, or rather, the yowling cat in the hallway. One resolution topping every feline’s list? Mastering the midnight concert series. This year, fluffy overlords everywhere are committing to refining their nocturnal vocalizations with the dedication of a Broadway understudy.

The goal isn’t just random shrieking. There’s strategy involved. Cats are aiming for that perfect pitch that makes humans shoot out of bed like they’ve been launched from a catapult. Bonus points if it happens right after the human finally drifts off following the 2 AM bathroom trip. Some felines are even workshopping new material, experimenting with different tonalities to see which ones generate the fastest response times.

Of course, this resolution pairs beautifully with another classic: preventing quality sleep. Why settle for disrupting one night when you can maintain consistency throughout the entire year? Commitment is key.

Expanding the Forbidden Food Sampling Program

Cats have been eyeing human plates with increasing boldness, and this year marks a new chapter in culinary exploration. The resolution? Sample every single food item that enters the household, regardless of whether it’s actually safe or intended for feline consumption.

That rotisserie chicken cooling on the counter? Fair game. The butter left out for softening? Absolutely. The houseplant that definitely isn’t edible? Challenge accepted. Cats are natural scientists, conducting taste tests with the thoroughness of a Michelin inspector, albeit with significantly less regard for dietary safety.

A cat standing on the kitchen table looking for food.
Photo by Nick Karvounis on Unsplash

The beauty of this resolution lies in its flexibility. If the first attempt gets thwarted by a spray bottle or stern voice, there’s always tomorrow. Persistence isn’t just a trait; it’s a lifestyle. Some cats are even planning coordinated strikes, waiting until their humans are distracted by that buzzing rectangle they’re always staring at.

Smart cat owners might consider investing in secure food storage containers to protect their groceries, though ambitious felines view these as merely upgraded puzzle feeders.

Achieving Peak Gravity-Defiance Skills

This year, cats worldwide are pledging to knock more items off more surfaces with increasing creativity and precision. It’s not destruction; it’s performance art. Every pen, every glass of water, every carefully arranged knick-knack represents an opportunity to test the laws of physics.

The water bowl experiment remains a particular favorite, combining hydration science with interior decorating. Why drink normally when you can first tip the bowl at a 45-degree angle and observe the fluid dynamics? And if that creates a small lake on the kitchen floor, well, that’s just data collection.

Cats are also planning to diversify their portfolio. Those picture frames on the mantle? Targets. The succulent collection on the windowsill? Future casualties. Remote controls, charging cables, and especially important documents awaiting signatures all made the list. The heavier the object, the more satisfying the crash.

A cat with blue eyes peeking over a table with a pen on it.
Photo by 승훈 한 on Unsplash

For this resolution, cats might appreciate their humans providing them with interactive puzzle toys or automated entertainment options as approved outlets for their destructive… err, exploratory tendencies.

Mastering Advanced Hiding Techniques

Stealth mode is getting an upgrade this year. Cats are resolving to discover and claim every possible hiding spot in the house, particularly the ones that induce maximum human panic. Under the bed? Amateur hour. Behind the couch? Getting warmer. Inside the box spring through that tiny hole in the fabric? Now we’re talking.

The ultimate achievement? Remaining completely invisible for exactly as long as it takes humans to start genuinely worrying, then emerging casually as if nothing happened. Timing is everything. The goal is to hear your name called at least seventeen times with increasing desperation before making a grand entrance, preferably while grooming nonchalantly.

A cat peeking out from under a white bed.
Photo by Daniella Mangani on Unsplash

Bonus points go to cats who can stay hidden during vet appointment time. The moment that carrier appears, the best hiding spots suddenly become occupied by felines who’ve apparently studied advanced camouflage techniques. Some cats are even planning to rotate locations to keep their humans guessing.

Providing plenty of cat-friendly furniture might give your sneaky companion approved spaces to lurk, though they’ll likely still prefer the forbidden zones.

Optimizing the Strategic Napping Schedule

If there’s one area where cats already excel, it’s sleeping. But there’s always room for improvement. This year’s resolution involves finding and testing every possible sleeping location, angle, and position throughout the house. Research suggests cats need anywhere from 12 to 16 hours of sleep daily, and ambitious felines are targeting the higher end of that spectrum.

The sleeping position catalogue is getting expanded. The classic loaf? Perfected. The upside-down pretzel? Currently in development. The dramatic sprawl across the keyboard precisely when work is happening? Already a specialty, but aiming for Olympic-level execution.

A tabby cat sleeping on a white and fluffy blanket.
Photo by Christopher Schruff on Pexels

Location scouting is equally important. That sunny spot on the floor moves throughout the day, requiring constant monitoring and adjustment. The warm laundry fresh from the dryer demands immediate claiming. And that expensive orthopedic cat bed you purchased? It’ll remain empty while the cardboard box it came in becomes prime real estate.

Speaking of beds, cats are also planning to test every unsuitable sleeping surface: laptop keyboards during video calls, freshly folded laundry, important paperwork, and the very center of your pillow at 3 AM. Variety keeps things interesting.

Perfecting the Art of Selective Hearing

Cats are naturally gifted at pretending they can’t hear their names, but this year they’re taking it to championship levels. The resolution involves developing an impenetrable force field of indifference, activated specifically when humans call them.

The science is simple. Cats absolutely recognize their names, but responding to them? That’s optional. The goal is maintaining perfect stillness while being called, perhaps with one ear twitching to indicate partial awareness, then continuing whatever activity is happening as if the human voice is simply background noise.

A brown and white cat peeking up behind a grey couch.
Photo by Ashley Anthony on Unsplash

This skill becomes particularly valuable during certain scenarios: when it’s medication time, when the nail clippers emerge, or when someone’s attempting to coax them out of their hiding spot for a vet appointment. The key is commitment to the bit. Never break character.

However, the selective hearing has interesting exceptions. The sound of a treat bag opening from three rooms away? Crystal clear reception. The fridge door? Instantly detectable. The can opener? Better than a dinner bell. It’s not that cats can’t hear; they’re just incredibly discerning about which sounds deserve acknowledgment.

Crafty humans might try storing high-value treats to improve their cat’s “hearing,” though success rates vary.

Expanding the Personal Territory Claim

Every cat knows the truth: everything in the house belongs to them. But this year’s resolution involves making that claim more obvious through strategic marking, occupying, and general domination of space.

First priority? That new piece of furniture you just brought home. Cats are committing to scratching every surface within the first 24 hours to establish ownership. It doesn’t matter if there’s a perfectly good scratching post nearby; that sofa arm needs their signature. Some forward-thinking humans invest in scratch-resistant furniture covers, but ambitious cats view these as merely textured challenges.

A cat putting its paw on the carpet.
Photo by Imre Tömösvári on Unsplash

Next up: personal space invasion. Your laptop while working? Perfect cat seat. Your yoga mat during morning stretches? Clearly designed as a cat lounge. The bathroom while you’re using it? Premium bonding time. Closed doors are an offense to feline sensibilities, and this year cats are resolving to protest them even more dramatically.

The lap occupation initiative is also getting reinforced. Cats plan to position themselves on human laps at the least convenient moments: right when someone needs to get up, during important phone calls, or precisely when the person is balancing a hot beverage. It’s not about comfort; it’s about asserting dominance.

Refining the Meal Timing Demands

Cats have always had opinions about when meals should happen, but this year they’re implementing a stricter schedule, their own. The resolution? Convince humans that breakfast should happen at 5 AM, regardless of what the actual clock says.

The campaign involves multiple tactics. The face-patting wake-up call is a classic, but cats are workshopping variations: the gentle nose boop that escalates to the full paw-on-closed-eyelid technique. The standing-on-the-chest approach remains effective, especially when combined with intense staring.

A black cat with bright yellow eyes at night.
Photo by Eduardo Mallmann on Unsplash

Vocalizations play a supporting role. Starting with soft meows that gradually increase in volume and urgency creates a sense of legitimate crisis. Some cats are even experimenting with different room acoustics, discovering that meowing near hard surfaces amplifies the sound beautifully.

Once awake, humans must immediately proceed to the food bowl. Any delay requires additional encouragement: leg weaving to create tripping hazards, leading the way with insistent backward glances, or the occasional dramatic collapse as if starvation is imminent despite eating four hours ago.

Cats who tend to inhale their meals might benefit from their humans using slow-feeder bowls, though most felines would veto this resolution entirely.

The Treat Negotiation Enhancement Project

Cats have already trained their humans reasonably well, but there’s always room for improvement. This year’s resolution involves increasing treat frequency through advanced psychological manipulation techniques.

Step one: the disappointed stare. Perfecting that look of utter betrayal when the treat jar isn’t immediately opened upon request. Some cats are practicing in mirrors (when they’re not knocking them over) to achieve maximum emotional impact.

Step two: the comparison strategy. Acting pathetically hungry near the treat location, even immediately after eating a full meal. The implication that they’re somehow being deprived becomes impossible to ignore when combined with sad meowing.

A silver tabby cat eating out of a white ceramic bowl.
Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash

Step three: the persistence game. Simply sitting near the treat storage and waiting. And waiting. And waiting some more. Humans eventually cave because the intensity of the feline stare becomes unsettling. Strategic treat placement might limit access, but determined cats view this as merely upgrading the challenge.

Step four: selective trick performance. Cats who’ve accidentally learned behaviors that resulted in treats are planning to deploy them more strategically. If sitting pretty once earned a snack, imagine what sitting pretty seventeen times in a row might accomplish.

Embracing Your Cat’s Purrfectly Imperfect Resolutions

The truth is, cats don’t need to change a single whisker about themselves. These “resolutions” are really just cats being authentically, wonderfully, frustratingly themselves. While they plot new ways to knock things off counters and perfect their 3 AM concerts, we humans are the ones who need to adjust our expectations and maybe invest in some better storage solutions.

This year, instead of trying to reform your feline overlord into something they’re not, celebrate their quirky determination to remain exactly who they are. After all, the day cats actually start following human rules is the day we’ll know something has gone terribly wrong. Their stubborn commitment to chaos, their unwavering confidence, and their complete disregard for our carefully laid plans is precisely what makes them so entertaining.

So when your cat knocks over that glass of water for the 47th time or serenades you at dawn like they’re auditioning for a feline opera, remember: they’re not breaking their resolutions. They’re crushing them. Every single ridiculous, adorable, infuriating goal is being met with the kind of dedication we humans can only dream about when we abandon our gym memberships by February.

Looking for more? Visit our Blog for more fun and insightful reads, or browse our full Cat Category for everything feline-related, from care to comfort.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your cat’s individual needs. Please verify current product information directly on the retailer’s site before purchasing.

Check out our most recent articles!

  • Can Cats and Rabbits Live Together? Multi-Species Harmony Guide
    Cats are predators, rabbits are prey, but that doesn’t mean they can’t coexist peacefully. Success comes down to understanding each animal’s instincts, respecting their boundaries, and taking introductions at the right pace.
  • Are Space Heaters Safe for Cats? Keeping Your Cat Cozy
    Space heaters can provide cozy warmth for your cat, but only when chosen and positioned with feline safety in mind. Discover which features protect against burns, fires, and electrical hazards.
  • Cat Bed Placement 101: Finding the Perfect Spot Your Cat Will Actually Use
    Cats spend up to 16 hours sleeping daily, yet many reject their designated beds completely. The problem isn’t pickiness, it’s placement. Learn where cats naturally feel safe and comfortable, and how to position beds they’ll genuinely use.
  • Can a Kitten Be Left Alone at Night? What You Need to Know
    Those first nights with a new kitten rarely match the peaceful scene you imagined. Learn why most kittens can sleep alone once they reach a certain age, and discover the setup secrets that make nighttime independence work for everyone.
  • A Cat’s New Year’s Resolutions: What Your Cat Would Promise (If They Could Write)
    Cats worldwide are drafting their own new year’s resolutions, and they’re refreshingly honest. From mastering the art of selective hearing to expanding their forbidden food sampling program, discover what your feline friend would promise if they could hold a pen (before knocking it off the desk).
  • Cats and Snow: Why Some Love It and Others Don’t
    Snow isn’t just uncomfortable for many cats, it’s a complete sensory overload. From cold paw pads to wet fur and changed landscapes, winter challenges feline comfort in unexpected ways. Learn how to recognize stress signals and create cozy alternatives for snow-averse cats.
  • Christmas Names for Cats: From Classic to Creative Holiday Ideas
    Naming your holiday cat goes beyond festive fun. Discover why Christmas-inspired names age beautifully, spark instant connections with fellow pet lovers, and capture the warmth cats bring to our homes during the most magical season of the year.
  • How to Keep Your Cat From Drinking Christmas Tree Water
    Your cat’s obsession with Christmas tree water isn’t just annoying, it’s genuinely dangerous. From harmful bacteria to toxic additives, that festive reservoir poses real health risks. Discover practical solutions that protect your pet without sacrificing holiday cheer.
  • Best Cat Toys for Christmas: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Joy
    Not all Christmas gifts end up under the tree, some get batted across the floor at 3 AM. Explore the wonderful world of holiday cat toys that match your feline’s personality, from plush companions for cuddlers to high-tech options for the eternally energetic.
  • Are Fake Christmas Trees Safe for Cats? A Holiday Safety Guide
    That beautiful Christmas tree might look festive to you, but to your cat, it’s an irresistible climbing gym with built-in toys. Find out whether artificial trees are truly safer for cats and discover the hidden dangers lurking in your holiday decorations.

Update cookies preferences