Cat palms do not tolerate dryness even for a brief period. They also prefer to be potbound. I have one on a wick system that wicks water up from below so that the soil stays constantly moist at all times. It always surprises me just how much water it uses every week.

I had one lapse with mine, allowing it to get too dry, and it immediately developed many yellow fronds and became infested with spider mites. I trimmed off the yellowed fronds and treated the mites with a soap spray. Since then, it has made a nice comeback. I have never repotted it even though it is quite rootbound.

It also helps to have it close to a window that faces north or east.

Let me know if you have further questions.

Will Creed
Interior landscaper