Kitty-Proofing Basics
Here are some things to keep in mind when setting up your space for a cat. It is important to set up your space while taking their needs into account to keep them happy indoors. Luckily, this can be accomplished with a few easy tips and tricks. Here, I explain why cats have specific needs and how to address them.
Safe Spaces
When stressed out, cats naturally want to hide. The ideal hiding spot for a cat is a space that is approximately their size and walled off or high up where they can look at everything around them. Creating a safe space for your cat can be as easy as providing them with a cardboard box to hide in, or placing a blanket on top of a shelf for your cat to rest on. It may help to leave an article of clothing or a blanket with your scent on it as this is often comforting for your cat. Zeus enjoys having a high seat by the window, either from a cat tree or window seat, to people-watch and bird view.
Products mentioned:
Travel carrier (option 1) (option 2) (option 3)
Cardboard box with bed
Separated Areas in Their Environment
Different resources for your cat should be kept in different areas. These include: food and water, litter box, and resting areas/ toys. There should be enough of these items so that your cat does not feel the need to compete with other cats for them (whether or not there is another cat). Ideally, you will be able to provide options for your cat – even if they have one scratching post, they can opt to use a different one. A general rule of thumb is to keep 2m between their feeding station, litter box, and resting area.
Products mentioned:
Litter box (option 1) (option 2)
Play Behaviour
Out in the wild, cats are hunters and would spend most of the day hunting if food were not provided by us. Since we make sure that they have food to eat, they no longer have a need to hunt for food. However, the predatory hunting behaviour is still present and needs to be satisfied! The best way to do so is by providing toys for them to “catch”. This is also a great way to give indoor cats some exercise. With Zeus, I like to use food puzzle toys to add enrichment to his feeding time!
Products mentioned:
Catnip toys (option 1) (option 2)
The Human-Animal Bond
In general, cats prefer frequent but short interactions with humans. Allow your cat to choose when they want to socialize. This can be approached by calling them or extending your hand out to them to see if they will come to you. If you have a kitten, try to ensure that they have plenty of experience being handled by different people (at least four) and that these experiences are positive.