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For those who just happen to live in an apartment and are wondering if cats can live in an apartment, then the answer is yes. However, it does have several disadvantages that make both you and your feline friends unhappy. Therefore, I hope this post about living with cats in an apartment can help you answer some related concerns below. There are a lot of issues to care about, but I only mention some tips that I think is the most important.
Litter box odor
Fluffy Persian kitten sitting in the tray for the toilet @petmd.com
Where to put the litter box
Normally, the cat owner will let the cat’s litter box in the apartment, especially those with no balcony. But this cause difficulty in placing furniture or unpleasant odor is unavoidable. This also directly affects the family’s living environment. Some other cat owners put the litter box in the bathroom, but you will feel uncomfortable cleaning your body in such a space.
Therefore, we need to limit their litter space in order to limit odors and cat hair to cling to your clothing at any time. I believe you understand how tired it is to pick up every cat’s hair out of your clothes, which causes irritation to your feline friends.
A warehouse can be the best choice for the litter box. However, not all apartments have this private space. Other popular options are the shoe closet, kitchen drawer, or less used kitchen cabinets. You can create the shelves in the cabinets above, which is about 1 meter above the ground, with plastic containers with lids. Then, you can place a rug under the ground to collect sand from the cat’s feet after they finish using the litter box.
Cleaning the litter box
If you want to live in an apartment with your cat, know that you will have to commit to cleaning your cat’s litter box daily (twice a day if you use unscented litter). Your cat doesn’t want to live in the stink, and neither do you.
For the convenience in cleaning the litter box, I would recommend using pellet litter. Though a lot of cats don’t like it, if your cat does, it is highly recommended. You will find it easier to clean up the few stray pellets that make their way out of the litter box, and limit the litter that sticks in your feet (like grainy litter usually does).
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Once a week, all used litter should be disposed of and the box should be cleaned. It’s important to wash the container thoroughly to remove as much odor as possible so that your cat does not become averse to using his/her litter box due to a lingering smell. You can wash the box with plain hot water and soap (choose natural, fragrance-free one).
The secret to controlling litter odor, for the benefit of you, your family members, including your feline friends, is to keep the litter box in pristine condition.
Get the scratch on
This is an issue that every cat owner will have to deal with, not just we small-space dwellers. Scratching serves more than one purpose for cats, such as keeping their nails healthy or marking their territory (this is why many cats will scratch up furniture even if they have a scratching post). Therefore, make sure your cat has somewhere to scratch in every room.
Try investing in inexpensive cat trees or cardboard cat scratchers if you do not want to break the bank!
A Lion-Style kingdom
Cats love sitting at an elevated vantage point, surveying surrounded things as if it’s their kingdom. It’s simply one of their survival instinct. No need to spend money on fancy cat furniture like carpeted tower clashes. Simple shelves placed strategically along the wall, or top of your refrigerator are good enough. But remember to keep away your fragile things from the shelves, and keep the top of your fridge clear off.
Netflix
It’s not about a TV channel but a WINDOW VIEW, especially for apartments that don’t have a balcony. Even outdoor cats spend 2-5 hours per day sitting on a window ledge, watching the world outside. That means it’s crucial your window sill is kitty-friendly.
Deck out window sills
If the ledge is too narrow for a cat to lounge comfortable, connect a small shelf to add width, or a hanging basket cat perch.
Safety!
One of the biggest dangers for cats living in high-rise homes is that they can fall from a balcony or open window. Therefore, you should be sure to install some sort of netting, fencing or other barriers around balconies and windows that open.
Grab some toys
Beside some toys that require actively move, throw, or engage with in some way for your cat to play with, be sure to stock your home with a few extra toys that he or she can play with by themselves. You can consider cat springs, bouncy balls, or sisal mice full of catnip. These types of toys can help entertain your cat, especially when you’re away for long hours for work.
Get the right plants
Remember, not all plants will make your cat’s life better. Some are poisonous and can cause serious illness or indigestion in cats. You can look up which plants are pet safe HERE.
Some notes about catnip
Catnip is a very favored cat species that stimulate cat excitement. In fact, this is just a vegetarian diet that contains high levels of fiber and is good for cats when used properly.
When using catnip, cats will have some special reactions such as sneezing, chewing, meowing, rolling on the ground, using the brush face on the plane, or even purring like they’re drunk. The excitement catnip brings can help your cat relax and reduce stress.
Catnip can be used to put in the toys or sprayed onto the cat tree to make cats more interested in playing and climbing, but most of the catnip is often used in the form of small pieces. You only need to put 2 -3 grams in toys or in front of your cat. He/She will smell or taste, just a few minutes later they will have different feelings and behaviors.
However:
- Catnip is not recommended to use for cats under 8 months.
- For adult cats, only use a suitable dose. Excessive use of high doses will make cats no longer sensitive with the taste or smell, making them unresponsive when using catnip, and also can cause shortness of breath.
Privacy
In a small apartment or studio, it can be difficult for a cat to get privacy, but even the most gregarious cat needs to be alone sometimes in a day. You can consider creating some hiding spaces such as an enclosed cat bed, a box with a comfy towel, under your bed, in your closet or on the shelf with small curtains for your cat to hind behind.
