September 17, 2025 Back Home

Back to School…But for Cats!

When the back-to-school season hits, homes suddenly shift gears.

Kids are off to class, parents’ schedules get busier with work or even classes of their own, and for your cat…things get a whole lot quieter. While you’re thinking about new backpacks, lunchboxes, or syllabi, your cat is wondering why the house feels so different.

Cats are creatures of habit, and big changes in household routines can lead to stress or boredom. But with a few intentional steps, you can make this transition smooth — and even fun — for your feline friend.

But first, how about this adorable video of cats going back to school?

Enrichment 101: Keeping Minds Busy

Without the usual daytime buzz, some cats may act out with scratching, meowing, or even over-grooming. Enrichment and entertainment is the key to keeping them occupied. Here are a few tips:

Puzzle toys challenge their brains and give them a reason to “hunt” for treats.
Window perches let them watch birds, squirrels, or just the neighborhood happenings.
Rotating toys keeps things fresh — switch out what’s available every week or two so they don’t lose interest.

Rebuilding the Routine

Cats thrive on predictability. As your household schedule changes, help your cat adjust with a routine reset. You can do this by fitting the following into your day:

Scheduled feedings at the same time each day offer structure and comfort.
Morning or afternoon enrichment — a quick play session before work or after school — can help burn off energy.
Interactive feeders combine mealtime with mental stimulation, making food time more engaging.

Class Is in Session: Training Time!

Think training is just for dogs? Think again. With the proper training and positive reinforcement, cats can learn tricks and behaviors that strengthen your bond. Try this:

Teach basics like sit or fun tricks like high five.
Try a practical skill like ringing a bell for food or attention.
Hook your cat up with an enrichment app designed to keep them entertained in your absence.

If Your Cat Had a Report Card…

Back-to-school is the perfect time for a wellness check-in. Imagine grading your cat in these categories:

Litter habits – Are there changes that might signal a health issue? If so, sprinkle on some Health Check-In™ Boosters™ litter additives. You’ll get a read on your cat’s health in seconds.

@jakelambertcomedyfanpage if cats went to school #cattok #catparents #funnytiktok #sketchcomedy ♬ original sound – Jake Lambert Comedy Fan Page

Activity level – Are they getting enough play? Do they need help losing some weight?
Appetite – Eating normally, or changes worth noting?
Coat condition – A shiny coat signals good health.
Social skills – How are they interacting with family and other pets?

Use this “report card” as a fun way to decide if it’s time for a vet visit or perhaps a new enrichment plan.

After-School Cat Club: Wind-Down Matters

Cats, like people, can also struggle with overstimulation or separation anxiety once routines shift. You can help them decompress with some extracurricular downtime by:

Creating quiet safe zones where they can retreat.
Playing soothing music to ease stress.
Offer treats outside of their normal feeding routine.

Final Bell

Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean stress for your cat. With enrichment, structure, training, wellness check-ins, and a little extra TLC, you can help your feline thrive through the season of change.

So while the kids are packing pencils and textbooks, make sure your cat is stocked up on puzzles, perches, and plenty of love.