Bringing A Cat Home To An Apartment: 6 Preparation Tips

By Emila Smith

Photo by Yuliya kota

Some say cats are aloof and indifferent to their humans, but every cat lover knows that’s not true. Sure, they like their independence, but their lovable temperament and compact size make having a cat in an apartment a great idea. cats ideal apartment companions. 

In this post, we’ll look at why cats are well-suited for apartment living, and we’ll also provide tips for being an excellent kitty roommate to your favorite feline friend.

Cats Are Perfect Apartment Companions

Cats are notoriously independent creatures, being able to clean and maintain themselves. Although they do need constant care and frequent attention, they don’t need to be taken out for daily walks, nor do they take up too much space. They are quiet, so you don’t need to worry about neighbors complaining about noise. Also, they can be very happy even in small spaces. 

Of course, you can also cross paths with a cat with attitude, whether they’re loud, scratchers, or hyperactive. That’s no reason to worry, though, since most of them can be trained to thrive in apartment settings. 

There are many things you can do to ensure your cat is living her best apartment life. So let’s get into how you can do just that.

Tips for a Happy Cat Haven

Owning a cat in an apartment requires a few extra steps (and a little extra money) during the application process, but most agree it’s well worth it! Once you’re settled, your apartment will need a few finishing touches to make it the purrrfect kitty sanctuary: 

1. Find a clean, private place to put her litter box.

Cats are generally picky about where they choose to use the bathroom, but it’s especially important to get them situated with the ideal potty location in a new apartment where the scents are unfamiliar. If a cat doesn’t have a consistently clean box, she may look for other areas to go (especially if the former tenants had pets who marked their territory there), so keep a spray bottle with a water/vinegar mix handy to clean up these spots if needed. 

2. Give her a designated spot for climbing and scratching.

Cat trees and scratchers are a must-have for apartment cats! Sprinkle a little catnip where you want her to scratch, and she’ll be more than happy to use it instead of your carpets, drapes, and furniture.

3. Provide plenty of toys for exercise and stimulation.

Even though they’re generally happy indoors, cats need exercise and stimulation. Food puzzle toys, door-hanging toys, and wind-up (or battery-powered) “mice” that she can chase are all great examples of toys that would be great for a cat in a studio apartment.

Cat-Proofing the Apartment

Even the most chill kitties get curious, so cat-proofing your apartment is always a good idea. Here are some of the things you can do to make your apartment safe for your companions. 

1. Use baby-proofing tools to lock cabinets.

A baby-proof apartment is a cat-proof apartment. Some cats are very curious, so they might be tempted to get into all the nooks and crannies of your apartment, including cabinets. You might want to use baby-proof locks, especially on cabinets where you keep medicine, food, and trash. 

2. Remove carpets if they are not your own.

If your carpets came with the apartment, you should know they are likely going to be a target for your kitten. Young kittens might even pee on them if they are not yet trained to use the litter properly. Additionally, cats like to scratch carpets since it’s very easy and enjoyable for them. Sometimes they might also throw up, so removing the carpets would be a good idea to keep them in good condition.

3. Be careful of the plants you have in your home.

Taking care of a cat in an apartment also involves being mindful of your plants. Many plants can be toxic for cats, and if they nibble on their leaves or even sniff them they might have allergic reactions. Make sure you check the type of plant and whether it’s safe for cats before you bring them into the home. To help keep them healthy, you should provide some cat-safe grass since they need this for proper digestion.

Cat People Unite!

Cats are perfect companions for all apartment dwellers. It’s important to remember that every cat has a unique personality, and you will get to know them and adapt to their behavior. We hope these tips will provide a good starting point and help you along your journey of housing your cat in your apartment. 

We predict if you’ve never had a cat before, you’ll be hooked once you’ve been roommates for a few days! From that point, you won’t be able to imagine your life without one. Enjoy the furry cuddles and afternoon sofa naps!