Under updated animal welfare regulations that took effect in 2019, the Swedish Board of Agriculture requires cat owners to ensure their pets receive daily social contact and supervision. The rules state that cats should not be left alone for more than 12 hours at a time. Lawmakers framed the change as part of a broader modernization of Sweden’s Animal Welfare Act, originally strengthened in 1988 and revised again in 2018 to emphasize animals’ natural behaviors and well being. The 2019 guidance clarified that cats are social creatures who need interaction, stimulation, and regular monitoring, not just food left in a bowl. While enforcement focuses on neglect rather than punishing responsible owners, the message is clear. Companionship is considered a basic need, not a luxury. In Sweden, even independence has limits when it comes to animal care.