Whether you are a new cat owner or looking to enhance your feline friend’s living space, creating a cat-friendly home is essential for their happiness, safety, and overall well-being. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various ways to transform your living space into a cat paradise. Learn all the essentials necessary for creating a cat-friendly space where your furry companion can lead a safe, comfortable and enriched life.
Cat Proof Your House
The first step in creating a cat-friendly home is ensuring your space is safe for your feline friend. Here are some key areas to focus on:
Check Your Plants
Many common houseplants can be toxic to cats if ingested. Research each plant in your home and remove any that pose a threat. Some popular plants to avoid include lilies, sago palm, dieffenbachia, azaleas and cyclamen. Replace them with cat-safe alternatives like spider plants, Boston ferns, or cat grass.
Most importantly, do not leave anything potentially toxic using the excuse that “my cat does not eat them.” They might not have eaten them YET.
Secure Wires
Cats love playing with elongated dangling objects. Unfortunately, cords and wires might attract the attention of some curious explorers, which can lead to electrical hazards or damaged electronics. Use cord protectors or cable management systems to keep wires out of reach. Consider wireless options for devices, when possible, to minimise temptation.
Lock Cabinets
Curious cats can easily open cabinets and get into potentially harmful substances. Install childproof locks on cabinets containing cleaning supplies, medications, or other hazardous items. This simple step can prevent accidental poisoning and keep your cat safe.
The same goes for… the cabinet where you store your cat’s food. While eating a week’s worth of food all at once will not kill your cat, it will likely result in vomiting (on your favourite carpet!). Similarly, your cat might try to “unpack” some of their treats, ingesting plastic wrappers and other inedible packaging.
Secure Furniture
Tall or unstable furniture can pose a tipping hazard if your cat climbs or jumps on it. Anchor bookcases, dressers, and TV stands to the wall to prevent accidents. This is especially important for kittens or particularly adventurous cats.
Be especially careful if you let your cat watch “cat channels” on your TV. I used to catsit a furry fellow like this, who loved watching squirrels and birds in HD until… he pushed the TV on the floor and scattered the screen. Remember, your cat might have the proverbial nine lives, but your devices do not!
Secure Your Windows and Doors
Ensure all windows have secure screens that withstand a cat’s weight and claws. Consider installing window guards or limiting how far windows can open for added safety. Be cautious with balcony doors, as cats can easily slip through railings or jump from heights. If you want to give your cat balcony access, do it only after securing it with net.
Keep the Dining Room and Kitchen Secure
Many food items we eat daily are unhealthy and highly toxic to cats. Be mindful when cooking and eating, and clean your table immediately after your meal is finished. Be careful especially when it comes to food and drinks containing:
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Tea
- Coffee (cream or foamed milk might be very tempting to your cat!)
- Garlic
- Onion
- Bones
- Grapes
Make the Most of Vertical Spaces
Cats are natural climbers and love observing their surroundings from high points. Maximising vertical space gives your cat plenty of options for climbing and perching. This is especially important if you live in a small apartment. By using vertical spaces, you can literally double your cat’s living space.
Use Your Furniture
Arrange furniture to create “stepping stones” for your cat to climb. A strategically placed bookshelf next to a windowsill can provide an exciting pathway for exploration. And do not forget about placing something nice and soft on top of your wardrobe. Your cat will really appreciate such an elevated and princely napping spot!
Buy Quality Cat Tree
Invest in a sturdy, multi-level cat tree that offers various platforms, scratching posts, and hiding spots. Place it near a window for added entertainment. While decent trees can be expensive, they last for years and are certainly worth the initial cost.
Install Shelves
Mount cat-specific shelves on your walls to create an elevated highway system for your feline friend. For a budget option, install cheap shelves from the home improvement store or make some yourself. Stagger them at different heights to encourage jumping and climbing. Place them strategically between your other furniture to create a comfortable passage.
Provide High Resting Spaces
Height gives cats a sense of security and control. Offer multiple elevated resting areas throughout your home. Since you already know how to maximise vertical spaces in your home, improve your cat’s life even further by adding a couple of blankets or beds on top of these elevated spots.
Let Your Cat Scratch
Scratching is a natural and necessary behaviour for cats. Instead of trying to prevent it, provide appropriate outlets:
Scratching posts
Offer various scratching surfaces, including vertical posts, horizontal pads, and angled scratchers. Use different materials like sisal, cardboard, and carpet to cater to your cat’s preferences.
Scratching mats on furniture
Place sisal or cardboard scratching mats on the sides of sofas or chairs to redirect your cat’s scratching instincts to appropriate areas. This is especially practical if your cat has already developed a habit of scratching on your furniture.
DIY hoods protecting your armchairs
Create fabric covers for the arms and backs of chairs to protect them from scratching while allowing your cat to engage in the behaviour. Like in the case of scratching mats, use these if your cat has already started scratching on your furniture.
Keep the Balance Between Hiding Spots and Social Spaces
Cats need both private areas for relaxation and open spaces for play and interaction:
Boxes and Bags
Leave cardboard boxes or paper bags for your cat to explore and hide in. Rotate them regularly to keep your cat interested.
Tunnels and Activity Mats
Provide collapsible tunnels and play mats with built-in toys to encourage exercise and play.
Keep the Wardrobes Open
Allow access to the bottom of wardrobes or closets, creating cosy hiding spots. Place a soft blanket inside for added comfort.
Place Cat Tree in Your Lounge
Invite your cat to spend chilled-out evenings with you by strategically placing their cat tree in the areas where you relax and socialise.
Give Your Cat Beds and Blankets
Offer multiple sleeping options throughout your home:
- Place beds in sunny spots for warmth-loving cats.
- Provide covered beds or igloos for cats who prefer enclosed spaces.
- Leave soft blankets on furniture to create inviting nap spots.
Bring the Outside In
Help your indoor cat experience the joys of nature:
Cat Grass
Grow cat grass in small pots around your home. This provides a safe way for your cat to nibble on greens and aids digestion.
Window Perch
Install a sturdy window perch to give your cat a front-row seat to the outside world. This can provide hours of entertainment and mental stimulation.
Catio
If possible, create a secure outdoor enclosure or “catio” where your cat can safely enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Just ensure the space is secure and your cat cannot escape!
Arrange Litter Boxes
Proper litter box placement and maintenance are crucial for a happy cat:
- Place litter boxes in quiet, easily accessible locations.
- Keep litter boxes away from food and water sources.
- Clean litter boxes daily and perform a deep clean weekly.
- Cater to your cat’s litter preferences
- Choose open and spacious litter boxes
Provide Enrichment and Entertainment
Mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise for cats.
Food Puzzles
Use puzzle feeders and let your cat work for their food. This mimics natural hunting behaviours and keeps your feline friends active and engaged.
Snuffle Mats
Create or purchase snuffle mats to hide treats or kibble, encouraging your cat to use their nose and paws to find food.
DIY Toys
Create simple DIY toys using household items like toilet paper rolls, crinkly paper, or ping pong balls. For more ideas, check out our blog post on unusual cat toys and read our tips for playing with cats without actual toys.
Organise Water and Feeding Station
Proper hydration and comfortable eating areas are essential for your cat’s health.
Separate Food and Water
Place water bowls away from food dishes, as cats naturally prefer to drink water away from their food source.
Fountains
Many cats prefer running water. Consider investing in a cat water fountain to encourage increased water intake.
Open a Tap
If your cat shows interest in faucets, consider leaving a tap dripping slightly at set times of the day to provide fresh, running water.
Final Thought on Creating a Cat-Friendly Home
Creating a cat-friendly home is an ongoing process that requires observation, creativity, and a willingness to adapt to your feline friend’s needs. By implementing these suggestions, you’ll create a safe, stimulating environment that allows your cat to express their natural behaviours while feeling secure and loved.
Remember that every cat is unique, so pay attention to your pet’s preferences and adjust your home accordingly. Some cats may love high perches, while others prefer ground-level hiding spots. The key is to provide various options and observe what your cat gravitates towards.
Let us know in the comments how you arranged your house to make it more cat-friendly and what solutions worked particularly well for your feline friends. And lastly, don’t forget that the most important aspect of a cat-friendly home is the love and attention you provide! <3