There’s no denying that being a pet parent has its ups and downs. The bonding and togetherness is always welcome, but it’s understandable to feel a little down on your skills as a cat parent if you lost your cool after your furbaby scratched the couch or unrolled the toilet paper again. When those instances occur, it may make you wonder if your cat thinks you’re a good cat mom or dad. To help you feel more confidence, we rounded up 7 signs you’re a good cat parent, according to a vet.

Keep in mind that we all have those moments as a pet parent and nobody is perfect, after all. However, sometimes it’s nice to get a little reassurance that you’re doing all you can to show up for your cat, even when your patience is tested.

Keep reading to see some of the biggest signs you’re a responsible cat owner. You may be pleased to learn that you’re a lot better than you may have thought! After you’re done, share what Julie Hunt, DVM, a veterinarian contributor at Embrace Pet Insurance had to say with your other family members and friends you have a pet cat. She not only provides insight to what makes a good cat owner, but she also reveals happy cat signs and behaviors you can look out for that show that your cat loves you.

Related: 7 Sweet Signs Your Cat Feels Like Part of Your Family, Experts Say 

The Biggest Signs You’re a Good Cat Parent

Every cat-parent relationship is different, but there are a few consistent traits that good cat parents share, according to Hunt. See how many of them you can check off!

1. You Meet Your Cat’s Basic Needs

One sign you’re a good pet parent? Your place doesn’t need to be spotless all the time, but a good cat parent will ensure that their little one has a clean home, including tidy food bowls and consistent access to a fresh water source. Healthy food and shelter from the elements is crucial, too, Hunt says.

2. Your Cat’s Safety Is a Priority

If you’re always thinking about your pet’s safety, that’s a strong sign you’re a good cat parent. Responsible cat owners take steps to protect their cats from predators, other animals, and dangerous situations that could affect their cat’s health and well-being. This includes keeping cats away from animals with a high prey drive and limiting exposure to trauma, such as busy roads or unsafe outdoor environments. Prioritizing safety is an essential part of proper cat care and plays a key role in raising a happy, healthy cat. When you do that, your cat is grateful you’re their pet parent.

3. Your Cat Greets You or Follows You Around

How do you know if your cat loves you and if you’re a good cat parent? When your cat is excited to see you and greets you at the door or follows you from room to room, it’s often one of the clearest signs your cat is happy and feels secure with you. According to Hunt, this behavior can reflect a strong bond between cats and their owners and is commonly seen in attentive, responsible cat care routines. So take this cat behavior as a sign that you are a great pet parent.

“Your cat greeting you when you arrive home is a sign that your cat may have missed you while you were away and may be happy that you are arriving home,” Hunt says. “This suggests that you and your cat have a positive social bond and that your cat enjoys your presence.”

However, if your cat doesn’t do this, don’t take this as a sign you are a bad pet parent. “Cats are independent creatures, and the lack of these signs does not automatically mean that you are a bad cat parent,” Hunt says. “It may just mean that your cat is more independent, values what it is doing in that moment, is distracted or is sleeping deeply and doesn’t notice your arrival.”

Related: 10 Signs Your Cat Is Happy & Feels Safe, According to a Vet

4. Your Cat Has Loads of Confidence

One of the clearest signs you’re a good cat parent is having a confident cat that feels safe, secure, and comfortable in its environment. “A confident, happy cat is a mark of a good cat parent,” Hunt explains. “In order for a cat to be confident and happy, its needs must be met.” A cat that is living in chaotic or unsafe conditions will not be able to feel confident and happy, she points out.

But Hunt also notes that some cats are naturally shy or reclusive, either due to being inadequately socialized as a kitten or for having had traumatic experiences earlier in life. Therefore, this cat behavior isn’t seen with all furry family members. “Shy cats may have difficulty trusting humans or acting in a confident, happy manner for the duration of their lifespans, regardless of how good a cat parent they have and how safe and inviting their present environment may be,” Hunt says.

5. You Stay On Top of Vet Visits

What makes a good cat parent? Someone who cares about the health of their furbaby! Keeping up with regular vet visits is one of the most important habits of a responsible cat owner and a clear sign you’re a good cat parent. In fact, good cat moms and dads know that even healthy cats should visit the vet regularly. “Regular veterinary care includes kitten visits, spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, annual examinations, sick visits as needed and other care as recommended by your veterinarian,” Hunt says.

6. You Respect Your Cat’s Space

One of the hallmarks of a good cat parent is respecting your cat’s unique personality and boundaries. Some cats love being affectionate and cuddling, while others prefer their space. “Good cat parents don’t force interactions that you want, like hugs, kisses and forced snuggles. Instead, they interact in the way the cat prefers, which may be through playtime or simply sharing the same space,” Hunt says.

7. You’re All In With Your Cat

A true sign of a good cat parent is fully committing to your cat for its entire life. When you adopted or purchased your cat, you accepted the responsibility to provide proper care, love, and attention for the long term. “Purchasing or adopting a cat is a commitment to care for that cat for its lifespan,” Hunt says. “Once you have that cat, if you need to move to a new apartment, you’ll choose one where pets are allowed. If you move across the country, you’ll take the cat with you. If your cat gets sick or you have a baby, you’ll treat the illness rather than dumping the cat at an animal shelter, giving it away, or shoving it outside and forgetting about it.”

Hunt adds that if circumstances truly prevent you from caring for your cat, a responsible cat owner will work hard to find a loving, permanent home because they genuinely care about their cat’s well-being. Commitment like this is one of the clearest signs of being a dedicated, responsible cat parent.

Source

This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Dec 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the Cats section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.