Caring For An Apartment Kitty
Do you and your cat live in an apartment? If so, you’re in wonderful company! Kitties can be the purrfect pet for apartment dwellers. A neighborhood Black Hills, SD veterinarian shares some advice on keeping Fluffy happy, healthy, and purring in an apartment below.
Can A Cat Live In An Apartment?
Yes! Cats make excellent companions for apartment dwellers. Fluffy is small enough to quickly dash under any size restriction. She won’t need to be walked or trained, and she can function well in small settings. And while some of our feline friends have a penchant for ‘caterwauling,’ the majority of them will not be loud enough to cause any complaints from your neighbors.
Will a Cat Ruin My Apartment?
Fluffy is quite clean, and she is unlikely to rip a hole in your door or chomp through your cupboards. However, she has a tendency to be, well, a bit destructive. Window blinds are commonplace in many residential buildings. Cats, of course, are always interested in looking outside and will go through any blinds that impede their view. While replacing blinds isn’t a big hassle, it may be easier to choose a different sort of window treatment. Safety is also a concern: you don’t want your pet to become entangled in cords or blinds.
Fluffy may also scratch some rugs. If you notice her scratching excessively, we recommend getting her a few different nail care stations. Towers are fantastic, but scratching posts or boards are also an option. Do you have limited space? Secure one to the wall!
Finally, spraying may be a problem, especially with unfixed male cats. If Fluffy is still intact, book your appointment immediately.
What’s the Best Cat for an Apartment?
With dog breeds, you may need to do some studying to find a puppy that is a good fit for an apartment dweller. That isn’t necessary for cats; almost any feline can thrive in an apartment.
What Are Some Cat Apartment Requirements?
Your cat will require the same supplies no matter where she resides. While Fluffy would undoubtedly like to have a stocked fishpond and kitty shelves in each room, you don’t have to go that far. In truth, our feline companions are relatively easy to keep.
So, let’s look at some of those kitty necessities:
Dishes: First and foremost, Fluffy requires some dishes. You may notice that your pet drops her food on the floor to eat. If this is the case, consider a larger bowl; her whiskers touching the plates may irritate her. Something else to remember? Many cats enjoy being around running water. Consider installing a pet fountain.
Litterbox Setup: For the most part, you can simply go with your own personal style and brand preferences. There are certain exceptions, though. If you get a kitten, don’t use clay or clumping litter. If your pet is a senior, you’ll want something she can easily get in and out of.
Of course, the litterbox isn’t going to make an attractive centerpiece. There are steps you can take to conceal your cat’s restroom. One solution is to conceal it with a folding screen. You can also upcycle an end table, trunk, or buffet by cutting a hole in one side and using the doors as access. You can even buy pieces specifically designed for concealing litterboxes. Alternatively, place it under an end table and disguise it with cloth and/or plants.
Playthings: Fluffy will need a lot of toys to bat about and push under the couch. Kitties all have various preferences here, so experiment and see what your pet likes best. Fluffy should have stuff she can play with on her own, as well as interactive toys you can control.
Purrniture: Cats are not bashful about using their humans’ goods, but they do benefit from having some of their own. A cat tower is, of course, the gold standard in this situation. At the absolute least, make sure your pet has a good scratcher. Beds are also high on the list, though your feline companion will happily use yours.
How Do You Provide Enrichment to Apartment Kitties?
Regardless of where your pet resides, she will require some form of amusement. There are a few simple things you can do to make your cat’s environment more enjoyable and comfortable.
Offer Things For Your Pet To Explore
Never underestimate Fluffy’s infatuation with boxes. Cat tunnels are fantastic, but if you don’t have enough space, just supply the occasional box. Kitties also enjoy using paper grocery bags. Just cut off the handles first.
Provide Many Fun Toys
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on your pet toys, but you should make sure she constantly has something to pounce on. On a budget? Look up DIY options.
Offer a Window Seat
Window chairs are fantastic entertainment for cats. Fluffy will have a great time watching what is happening outside. Give your furry traveler a comfortable spot with a nice view. Your pet may spend hours observing birds, squirrels, and pedestrians! make sure that your windows or screens close securely, though.
Provide Plants
Many kitties enjoy sniffing and nibbling on plants. Fluffy may like pretending to be a dangerous tiger hunting you through the forest. Simply put your adorable pet’s safety first. Steer clear of plants that could be harmful. (Hint: the ASPCA website has a complete list here.)
You’ll also need to be cautious about how you arrange things. Do not place heavy plants with trailing vines in areas where your cat could knock them over. Fluffy may attempt to play with the dangling rope on macrame holders, which can be dangerous.
Catproofing an Apartment
Fluffy will always see herself as a fierce predator and desire to improve her hunting skills, no matter where she lives. This is, of course, really cute to see, and is one of the reasons kitties make such great pets. However, cats have no idea what is and isn’t safe for them. You will need to do some basic pet proofing. This includes removing or securing anything that is not safe. Small or sharp objects, plastic bags and ties, chemicals, drugs, and other risks are all on the list. For further information, ask your Black Hills, SD veterinarian.
Veterinary Care
Even indoor apartment kittens require frequent veterinary care! Bring Fluffy to our animal clinic on a regular basis. Microchipping, parasite management, immunizations, spay/neuter surgery, and checkups are all necessary for our feline buddies! In between appointments, keep an eye out for indications of disease. If you find anything amiss, please contact your Black Hills, SD veterinarian immediately.
Make An Appointment At Our Black Hills, SD Pet Hospital
Do you need to bring your kitty friend in? Please contact us, your local Black Hills, SD pet clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We are here to assist!
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