How a Simple Routine Can Calm Your Cat
Rita Reimers, a certified cat behaviorist, explains why a predictable schedule helps cats feel secure. She calls the routine PEGS-Play, Eat, Groom, Sleep-because it mirrors a cat’s natural hunting cycle.
Play satisfies a cat’s instinct to stalk, chase, pounce, and capture prey, even when they never need to hunt for food. After a play session, offering a meal signals the end of the hunt, giving the cat a clear cue that the activity is finished. Predictable mealtimes also provide a dependable part of the daily routine, helping cats know what to expect and when.
Once fed, cats often groom themselves, removing food traces and easing the transition from active hunting to a calmer state. This grooming phase acts as a bridge to rest. A satisfying play session followed by food can encourage a longer, more peaceful nap.
Using the PEGS routine before bedtime may help cats settle for the night instead of waking their people for attention or play. Reimers notes that PEGS reflects survival instincts that have guided cats for thousands of years, and building predictable routines around these instincts helps cats feel more secure while giving them an appropriate outlet.
Key takeaways
- Play satisfies natural hunting instincts.
- Feeding after play signals the hunt is over.
- Grooming helps cats transition to a calmer state.
- A full PEGS routine can promote longer, peaceful naps.
- Consistent routines help cats feel secure and reduce nighttime disruptions.
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Originally reported by Rita Reimers. Read the full article.
Cover photo by Tim Diercks via Pexels.
