December is National Cat Lovers’ Month, a perfect time to celebrate everything that makes cats unique. It’s also a great time to learn a little more about them and better understand them. At Park Cities Pet Sitter, honoring cats means respecting their natural needs, not just buying more toys or treats. Today, we’re sharing 5 essential things every cat lover should know about our feline friends. My hope is that a better understanding will lead to more harmony in cat-friendly Dallas homes!
1. Cats Are Requisite Carnivores
Cats are obligate (or requisite) carnivores, which means their bodies are designed to get essential nutrients like taurine, arachidonic acid, and certain vitamins almost entirely from animal protein. Diets too high in carbohydrates or too low in quality animal protein can lead to weight gain and health issues over time. Choosing high-meat, species-appropriate food is one of the most important ways cat lovers can support long-term wellness.
2. Cats Hydrate Through Food
In the wild, cats get much of their water from the prey they eat, which is naturally high in moisture. That instinct remains, so many indoor cats are chronically under-hydrated when fed only dry food. Offering wet or fresh food, water fountains, and multiple water stations around the home can better match their natural hydration style and support urinary and kidney health. If possible, most experts recommend feeding cats canned food exclusively, removing kibble from their diets entirely. Learn more about dry vs. wet cat food and how to transition your cat here.
3. Cats are Both Predator and Prey
Cats are skilled hunters, but their small size also makes them prey to larger animals, which shapes how they behave. This dual role explains why many cats love to stalk, pounce, and chase toys yet also hide easily, startle at noises, or feel stressed by sudden changes or rough handling. Providing safe hiding spots, vertical spaces, and daily play that mimics hunting helps them feel secure and fulfilled. Cats have highly developed senses because they have to be sensitive to changes in their environment to be good hunters and protect themselves from predators. Learn more about cats’ powerful abilities here.
4. Cats are Highly Territorial by Nature
Cats are deeply territorial and attach strongly to their environment, including rooms, perches, and even specific windowsills. Sudden rearrangements, new pets, visitors, or construction noises can feel like threats to their territory, sometimes leading to stress behaviors such as hiding, hissing, or inappropriate elimination. Keeping predictable routines and making gradual changes to their space helps reduce anxiety and keeps them confident at home. If your cat is damaging your furniture by scratching surfaces, for example, it may be a territorial behavior caused by instability in their home environment.
5. Cats are Very Aware of Their Resources (Or Lack Thereof)
For cats, “resources” include food, bowls, litter boxes, water, resting spots, scratching posts, and safe routes to and from these areas. They notice even small changes: a moved litter box, a new scent, or another pet blocking access can create tension or stress. Multi-cat homes especially benefit from multiple, well-spaced resources so no cat feels trapped or forced to compete. When bringing a new pet into the home, ensuring ample resources for each pet is key. Here are some tips to get it right.
5 Essential Things Every Cat Lover Should Know
During National Cat Lovers’ Month, cat parents in the Park Cities area can celebrate by looking at life through their cat’s eyes—honoring their carnivore diet, moisture needs, hunter instincts, territorial nature, and sensitivity to resources. Park Cities Pet Sitter supports these needs with in-home visits that maintain routine, low-stress care in the one place cats love most: their own territory.
The Best Cat Sitters in the Dallas Metroplex
At PCPSI, we love cats and their intricate nature. To learn more about our cat-specific services, please visit our FAQs and contact us at 214-828-0192 and pets@pcpsi.com. Alternatively, you can register via our client portal, available here. Existing clients, please submit reservations via this link.
We proudly serve cats in the following Dallas neighborhoods & surrounding suburbs: Bluffview, Deep Ellum, Downtown, Highland Park, Knox Henderson, Lake Highlands, Lakewood, Lower Greenville, Medical District, North Dallas, Oak Lawn, Northwest Dallas, Northeast Dallas, Old East Dallas, Preston Hollow, Turtle Creek, University Park, Victory Park.
If you are outside of our service area, check the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) or Pet Sitters International (PSI) to find a pet sitter near you.
