Cats may live under our roofs, but make no mistake—they are not mere guests. They are cohabitants, with needs, desires, and boundaries that deserve as much respect as our own. The classic phrase, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” reminds travelers to adapt to the customs of the place they visit. But in the world of cat caregiving, a better maxim might be: “When in a cat’s home, do as the cat would do.”
The basic concept of the saying ““When in Rome, do as the Romans do” is applicable here. It means to adapt one’s lifestyle to that of the cat in this instance! The ideal is that cat and caregiver are equals in the home, each adapting to the other’s lifestyle. Cats have to do a lot of adaptation to be truly domesticated. We owe them to do the same in the interests of excellent caregiving.
Living with a cat means sharing your home with a creature of habit, instinct, and intense environmental awareness. To truly care for a cat, it isn’t enough to feed them and scoop their litter. We must recognize that our domestic space is also their territory—one that must be enriched, understood, and respected.
Cats are not dogs. They don’t adapt easily to our routines or bend to our expectations. They don’t seek approval for their actions. Their behaviors—scratching, climbing, hiding, hunting (even if only in play), and perching—are deeply rooted in feline nature. If we want to live harmoniously with cats, we must adapt to them as much as we expect them to adapt to us. For example: plenty of cat scratching posts/boards in the home. They are not great-looking items of furniture but they are essential from the cat’s perspective.
Enrichment is a cornerstone of responsible cat caregiving. This means creating an environment that allows your cat to express natural behaviors safely and comfortably. Vertical space—such as cat trees, shelves, or window perches—gives your cat opportunities to climb and survey their domain. As mentioned, scratching posts positioned in key areas (like near where they nap) give them appropriate outlets for claw maintenance and territorial marking.
Likewise, a true cat-friendly home provides safe hiding spots where a cat can retreat when stressed. Rotating toys, puzzle feeders, and interactive play mimic the hunting experience and stimulate their minds. Even the simple act of placing a box in the living room can turn your cat’s day from dull to delightful.
But adapting to cat life doesn’t stop at furnishing your home. It also involves adjusting your behavior. Respect your cat’s need for space—don’t force affection. Learn their body language so you know when they’re inviting interaction versus when they need solitude. Be quiet when they’re nervous. Celebrate the slow blink. Understand that sometimes your cat isn’t being “difficult”—they’re just being a cat.
Living with a cat means entering into a quiet pact of mutual accommodation. You get companionship, affection, and perhaps the occasional paw on your laptop. In return, you offer a home shaped around your cat’s needs and rhythms.
So next time your cat sprawls across your clean laundry or demands a 4 a.m. meal, remember: you’re not just the homeowner. You’re a citizen of a shared world. And in that world, the wise caregiver knows—When in Rome, do as the Romans do!
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