Cats can make great roommates. But it’s important they feel at home in their living environment. If they don’t, they’ll let you know, and you won’t like it. If you’re gearing up to move or recently settled into a new apartment, here are some ways to make your feline friend feel more at home.
Give ’em room to roam
Old adages suggest, and experiences confirm, that cats are curious. They want access to every nook and cranny in your apartment. Restricting access to some areas in your apartment is necessary for protecting your cat and your possessions. But you should give your cat as much room to roam in your apartment as you can. You should also designate a small area specifically for your cat, an area that he or she can feel is their own special piece of territory.
And room to perch
Designer cat trees, cat shelves, and other vertical pet furnishings can help your cat get more out of your apartment’s horizontal space. Most cats also love to perch near windows, curiously observing the world outside. If your apartment doesn’t have the right window perches, you can buy attachable perches to affix to windowsills or suction-cup to windows.
Clean litter boxes
Cats care about the cleanliness of their litter boxes at least as much as you do. Litter boxes should be scooped a minimum of once per day, and litter should be changed in accordance with the schedule recommended for the litter type. When changing your cat’s litter, always clean litter boxes with soap and water. Dry or let dry before adding new litter. Most experts recommend keeping at least two litter boxes in your apartment. And don’t worry. It’s easy to seamlessly hide litter boxes in your apartment.
Don’t let clutter accumulate
It may sound counter intuitive, but taking good care of a cat is a recipe for living a neat and organized life. Clutter tends to stress cats out. Resolve to never let clutter accumulate in your new apartment once you move in. You and your cat will both be better off as a result.
Stay attuned to your cat’s happiness
It takes time for a cat to adjust to new surroundings. After carving out a space in your apartment, monitor your cat’s mood and behavior, making changes to the space and seeing how they react and adapt. Remember also that your cat cares about how you feel. He or she is likelier to be content if you seem content. So prioritize your happiness, and try not to take it out on your cat if you have a bad day. Be patient, create space for your cat, and he or she should be a happy camper in your apartment.
Like what you just read? Why not subscribe to the AMLI Blog so you don’t miss another post?
View All Posts by Jason Ernst