Our love for cats can be easily determined by the number of cat pics we have on the internet. However, cats need more than just pictures; they also need a safe, comfortable, and friendly environment to thrive. That is why we have compiled a list of the top ten tips for creating a cat friendly environment.
Ten smart tips for Creating a Cat-friendly Environment
Let’s get started:
1. Provide a vertical space
The first and foremost part of creating a cat-friendly environment is providing a vertical space for your cat. Cats are by nature climbers and love to climb and explore the surrounding around them. There are many cat accessories that can help your feline babies indulge in these instincts. We recommend installing cat trees, shelves, or wall-mounted perches to give them opportunities to climb, jump, and survey their territory from high vantage points.
2. Offer scratching surfaces
Another helpful tip for creating a cat-friendly environment is to offer them scratching surfaces. Cats love and even need to scratch to maintain healthy claws and their natural instincts. We recommend sturdy scratching posts or boards in various locations throughout your home. Different textures like sisal, cardboard, or carpet can appeal to different cats according to their preferences. You may also want to discourage them from scratching furniture by using deterrents like double-sided tape or citrus-scented sprays.
3. Create a safe outdoor space
If possible, you should create a secure outdoor area or use a catio. A catio is a sort of enclosed patio where your cat can experience the outdoors safely. Ensure the space outdoors is escape-proof (there should be no holes and no risk of cats climbing out) and also free from any potential hazards.
4. Provide mental stimulation
When creating a cat-friendly environment, it is crucial to focus not only on the physical space but also on the mental space. A part of it thus involved providing mental stimulation to your cat. Cats are quite intelligent and, as such, need mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Thus, you must provide interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and toys with feathers or catnip that can keep your cat entertained and mentally stimulated. We recommend rotating toys regularly to keep their interest and prevent boredom.
5. Set up a play area
Another crucial part of creating a cat friendly space is dedicating a specific area for playtime with toys, interactive games, and climbing opportunities. This will encourage exercise and mental stimulation in your cats, helping to prevent obesity and boredom.
6. Creating a cat perch
A good way of creating a cat-friendly environment is creating a window perch. This will speak to their instincts for observing the outside world. You can provide window perches or alternatively create cozy spots near windows with a view so they can enjoy watching birds, squirrels, or other outdoor activities.
7. Keep hazardous items out of reach
Cats are curious creatures by nature and love to explore everything and thus may try to explore items that could be harmful to them. Thus one of the tips for creating a cat-safe environment 101 is keeping various hazardous items away from them. You may also want to keep valuable items out of their reach.
8. Provide plenty of exercises
Depending on their breeds and age, cats need regular exercise of varying levels to maintain a healthy weight, physical fitness, and mental well-being. We highly recommend using various cat toys to provide them with a lot of exercises, especially if you notice them getting obese.
9. Ensure access to fresh water
A crucial part of ensuring that your cat has a safe environment is ensuring it also has easy access to fresh, clean, and flowing water. Cats tend to have a low-thirst drive and thus may not drink enough water, and the situation may be worsened if they are on dry food. Further, many cats have a preference for running water, and water in bowls may not appeal to them. You must ensure that the cat has multiple water bowls at multiple spots in the house and that the water in them is always fresh. We highly recommend considering a cat fountain.
10. Establish rules and boundaries
The last but not the least tip is establishing a litter box area for your cats. We highly recommend placing litter boxes in quiet, easily accessible areas where your cat can have privacy. You must also maintain cleanliness by scooping the litter daily and changing it completely on a regular basis. You can also create a backup litter box, as cats love cleanliness by nature.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s)
There are several questions that the readers may have about creating a safe, secure, and comfortable cat-friendly environment. The following are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s):
Question: What are some toxic materials I should keep out of reach of my cats?
Answer: Some things that may be hazardous for your cat include medications, cleaning products, toxic plants, unsecured electric cords, anything marked as toxic, and small objects out of your cat’s reach.
Question: What are some other tips I should know for providing a cat-friendly environment?
Answer: The following are some other tips to know about creating a cat-friendly environment:
- Remember that every cat is unique, and their preferences may vary. You must pay attention to your cat’s behavior and adjust the environment accordingly to ensure its comfort and happiness.
- The requirements for a cat-friendly environment may also vary according to your cat’s age and breed. Puppies may need more looking after. The same is true for more active cats too.
- Ventilation and heating must be adjusted according to climate to ensure that your cat is not exposed to any extreme weather conditions.
- Try to be in good spirits when around your cat, as it may pick on your moods and reflect them.
If the reader has any other questions, they should feel free to ask them here.
The Bottom Line
One can easily wrap up the above discussion by concluding that much like any other living thing, your cat needs a safe and secure environment to thrive in, and we hope that our tips shall help you do create just such an environment.
