Let’s cut to the chase: I did not wake up one day and decide I wanted to raise a spoiled cat. It just sort of crept up on me. One day I was buying cheap dry food and a disposable plastic bowl, and the next I was ordering Kitty a heated bed, subscribing to Fancy Food Friday, and rearranging my living room furniture to accommodate her “better view” of the window.
If you’re reading this, odds are you know EXACTLY what I’m talking about. Signs your cat is completely and utterly spoiled are impossible to ignore — you just convince yourself they’re not that bad. But trust me. Once you see them, you can’t unsee them.
What Does a Spoiled Cat Even Look Like?
Okay, so before we dive into my (extensive) list, I want to address one thing. Having a spoiled cat does not necessarily mean you have a bad cat. Cats are spoiled when they learn very early on that they can manipulate you — and you love it. They know what they want, how to ask for it, and that you will be proud to provide it. Some people might balk at this type of behavior. I applaud it.
When you spoil a cat, it usually doesn’t happen overnight. Maybe one day you let them sleep on the couch because they seemed cold. Now the couch is their spot and you’re the one bumping around on the edge. Then you buy your cat their own couch so you have somewhere to sit. Sound familiar? Let’s hop into those signs.
Signs Your Cat Is Completely and Utterly Spoiled — and You Know It
Once you become aware of all the signs your cat is spoiled in your everyday life, it’s hard to stop picking up on them. Here are some indicators that you’ve lost all control — but love every second of it.
1.You Have More Than One Brand of Cat Food Because They’re “Picky”
Your cat sniffed the can, stared you down, and sauntered away. Now you purchase four different kinds of protein to make sure you have something they will actually eat that day. You’re basically their personal chef, minus the TV show.
2.Your Cat Has Claimed Their Very Own Side of the Bed
Yes, the bed. And not just the bed — their side. You literally sleep like a pretzel so you don’t disturb their comfort. And if they decide they want to stretch and take up EVEN MORE room at 3 a.m., you move. Not your cat.
3.If They’re Sleeping, You Whisper or Tiptoe
You silence your phone. You ask people to be quiet when your cat is sleeping. You don’t even watch TV in the living room anymore because your cat may be napping there and it just feels rude to make noise. The whole house operates on their sleep schedule.
4.They Own More Toys Than They Know What to Do With
There are baskets — maybe even multiple baskets — full of toys your cat will never touch. But you buy them new ones anyway, because what if this is the toy that sparks joy? You’ve spent hundreds of dollars on toys your cat swats at once and then ignores for eternity.
5.You’ve Started Having Full Conversations With Them
You don’t just baby-talk to your cat. You have real conversations with them. You tell them about your day. You ask for their opinion. You apologize if you accidentally brush their tail. And your cat responds with a look that could kill a lesser person — but you know they understand.
6.You’ve Rearranged Furniture to Meet Their “Needs”
You moved the armchair closer to the window because they like to nap there with a good view. You cleared off a bookshelf so they can sit up high. You would rearrange your entire home just to keep your cat comfortable, and honestly, you already have.
7.They Have a Wardrobe and Sometimes Wear Clothes
Whether it’s cute collars, bandanas, or actual outfits, you’ve bought your cat adorable things to wear. And I’m sure they tolerate them — for a minute. But you bought them anyway, and you’d do it again without hesitation.
8.You Feel Bad Leaving the House
Going to the store feels like you’re abandoning them. Leaving for vacation requires at least a week of preparation and a printed handbook on how to properly care for your cat for whoever is watching them. You check in on them via webcam while you’re away and narrate everything they’re doing.
9.Everything You Do Is Interruptible by Them
Work phone calls, Zoom meetings, important documents you need to sign — none of it is sacred. Your cat will walk across your laptop keyboard, perch themselves directly between you and your screen, or demand to be held at the worst possible moment. And you drop everything to comply. Every time.
10.You Keep a Detailed File on Their Vet Visit History
They are up to date on all vaccines, have had dental cleaning, have a favorite vet, and you know exactly how much they weigh — down to the tenth of a pound. You would know instantly if something was wrong because their vet records are more detailed than your own health history.
11.Their Monthly Food Budget Is All Organic, Grain-Free Options
You read every single label. You’ve tried raw feeding your cat. You spend more money on their monthly food expenses than you do on your own. And you don’t feel bad about it one bit, because your cat deserves the absolute best.
12.They Have a Special Sleeping Spot in Every Room
A bed in your bedroom. A blanket on the couch. A cushion by their favorite window. Maybe you even have a cat hammock on your radiator. Every room in your home has been outfitted with your cat’s own special sleeping spot.
13.You’ve Said, “We Can’t Do That — the Cat Wouldn’t Like It”
Whether you didn’t want to leave them for too long, you were adjusting their dinner plans, or something just didn’t feel right for your cat, you’ve passed up something because your cat wouldn’t approve. Your cat is a part of every decision you make. Literally.
14.They Receive Birthday Celebrations and Holiday Gifts
You buy them a special treat on their birthday. Maybe you’ll throw them a little party and take pictures. Every holiday season they have their own stocking or present under the tree. You don’t think any of this is excessive at all — and frankly, neither do I.
15.You Would Do It All Over Again in a Heartbeat
You know how much you spend on your cat, how much you bend over backwards to keep them comfortable, and how you’ve basically let them take over your life. But you wouldn’t have it any other way. Not for anything in the world.
Nope! As long as your cat is happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated, treating them to fancy food every now and then is not the worst thing in the world.
How do I know if my cat is spoiled versus well taken care of?
Honestly, spoiled cats know they’re spoiled. A well-cared-for cat is healthy and eats great. A spoiled cat will manipulate you into giving them everything they want and act out when they don’t get their way. Both are loved — one just knows they run the show.
Can I stop spoiling my cat?
Sure you can. You can start setting boundaries and correcting behavior if your spoiled cat is becoming a real handful. But honestly — who actually wants to do that? As long as the extra cuddles and indulgent treats aren’t causing problems, why bother?
Why do we spoil our cats?
Simple: we love them. Cats are companion animals that help reduce our stress, make us feel loved, and warm our homes. When something does all of that for us, we want to spoil them and show them how much they mean to us. End of story.
See yourself in most of these? Congratulations. My living room is FULL of people who couldn’t make it through this list without realizing they have a spoiled cat — and not a single one of them regrets it.
Here’s the thing nobody tells you when you first bring a cat home: you think you’re getting a pet. What you’re actually getting is a tiny, opinionated roommate who will quietly redesign your life around their preferences, and you will thank them for it.
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I'm the kind of person who says hi to dogs before people. Here, I share little tips, fun ideas, and everyday moments from life with cats and dogs. If you love homemade treats, silly pet habits, and making your fur babies feel extra loved, you're in the right place.
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