National Cat Day: 8 Things Your Cat Wants That Aren't a New Toy

Today is National Cat Day. Your cat doesn't know this. Your cat also believes every day is their day, so we'll let that slide.

When it's time to celebrate a cat, most people grab a new toy. Cats usually ignore the toy and play with the box it came in. That's because cats want different things than we think they do.

Here are eight things your cat actually wants, and none of them is a new toy.

1. A routine they can count on

Cats love a schedule. Feed them at the same times each day. Play at the same times. Keep the litter box in the same spot. Cats feel safest when they can guess what happens next.

2. A high place to watch the world

A shelf, a cat tree, or a sturdy window perch gives your cat a view and a feeling of safety. Cats like to see everything without being in the middle of it. A cardboard box on a table counts too.

3. A scratching post that's actually good

Scratching isn't bad behavior. It keeps claws healthy and helps cats stretch. Pick a post that's tall enough for a full stretch and heavy enough that it doesn't wobble. Put it near where your cat sleeps or by the spot they already scratch.

4. Play that feels like hunting

This is the big one. Cats are natural hunters, and play is how they use that skill. A wand toy that moves like a bird or a bug works best. Move it away from your cat, not toward them, the way real prey runs. Try five to ten minutes once or twice a day.

The best play sessions follow a simple pattern. Hunt, catch, eat. Let your cat chase the toy, let them finally catch it, and then give a small treat to finish. That last part tells your cat's brain the hunt was a success. Many cats settle down for a nap right after, and that's the goal.

5. A litter box setup that makes sense

Many vets suggest one box for each cat, plus one extra. Keep boxes in quiet spots, not next to a loud washer or a food bowl. Scoop every day. A cat who skips the box is often trying to tell you something, so call your vet if it happens.

6. Fresh water in more than one place

Many cats don't drink enough. Try a few bowls around the house, away from the food. Some cats love a pet fountain because moving water seems more interesting. Wash bowls often.

7. A window with something to watch

Birds, squirrels, and passing cars are cat television. A perch near a window with a safe view can fill a whole afternoon.

8. Your calm attention

Cats like your company on their terms. Sit near them. Read a book. Try the slow blink. Look at your cat, close your eyes slowly, and open them. If your cat blinks back, that's a little cat hello.

The treat that ends the hunt

Tiny Fins are made for that last step of play. They have one ingredient: freeze-dried minnows. They're made and sourced in the USA. A whole little fish is a pretty good prize for a cat who just caught the wand toy.

If your cat is picky, go slowly. Put one Tiny Fin on the floor and walk away. Cats often like to inspect something new alone. Give them time. A single ingredient treat also makes it easy to tell what your cat is reacting to, which helps when you're trying something new.

Your National Cat Day checklist

• Play one real hunt session, ending with a small treat
• Check the litter box count and scoop it
• Add a water bowl in a new spot
• Clear a window ledge for watching
• Do the slow blink at least three times
• Check your cat's ID tag and microchip number

Shelters are full of great cats. Adult cats and black cats often wait the longest, and they're every bit as sweet.

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"A cat gives you their trust one slow blink at a time."

with love, Ava