Do you and your feline friend live in an apartment? If so, you are in excellent company! Kitties may be the ideal pet for, well, anyone, but they are purrfect choices for apartment dwellers. A neighborhood Oshawa, ON veterinarian shares some advice for keeping Fluffy happy, healthy, and purring in an apartment.
Can Cats Be Happy In Apartments?
Yes! In fact, cats make excellent apartment pets. Fluffy is small enough to sprint under any size requirement. She won’t need to be walked or trained, and she can handle small areas just as well. While some of our feline friends have a habit of ‘caterwauling,’ most of them should not be loud enough to bother your neighbors.
Will My Cat Ruin My Apartment?
Fluffy is quite clean, and she is unlikely to rip a hole in your door or gnaw up your cupboards. However, she may be a little destructive. Window blinds are something you might want to look into. These are common in many residential buildings. Many of our feline pals love looking out the window and will detroy or just go through any blinds that are impeding their view. While replacing blinds is not a major undertaking, you may find it easier to get curtains or shades. Safety is also an issue: you do not want your pet to become entangled in cords or blinds.
Fluffy may also scratch up some carpet. If you find her scratching a lot, we recommend getting her many different nail care stations. Towers are fantastic, but you can also use scratching posts or boards. Short on space? Fasten one to the wall.
Finally, there is the potential of spraying. This is most often an issue with male, unfixed cats. If Fluffy is still intact, schedule that appointment with your vet ASAP.
What Is the Best Cat Breed for Apartments?
With dog breeds, you may need to conduct some study to discover a pup who is a good fit for an apartment dweller. That isn’t necessary with cats; most felines can thrive in an apartment. That said, some of the more active kitty breeds, such as Bengals, may need a bit of extra attention when it comes to toys, stimulation, and activity. Ask your vet for more information.
What Are Some Apartment Essentials For Cats?
In truth, our feline companions are pretty easy to keep.
Your kitty will require the same basics, no matter where she lives. While Fluffy would undoubtedly prefer to have a stocked fishpond and kitty shelves in every room, you don’t have to go to that extent.
So, let’s have a look at some of those kitty necessities:
Dishes: First and foremost, Fluffy will require some dishes. You may observe your pet dumping her food on the floor while eating. If so, try a larger or shallower bowl; her whiskers touching the plates may be bothering her. Another thing to remember? Many cats enjoy running water. You might want to try a pet fountain.
Litterbox: A litterbox and litter are obviously essential. For the most part, you can simply go with your personal style and brand preferences. There are exceptions, however. If you’re getting a kitten, avoid clay or clumping litter. If your pet is a senior, you’ll want something that she can easily get into and out of.
Of course, the litterbox isn’t going to create an ideal centerpiece. There are certain things you can do to hide your cat’s bathroom. One approach is to conceal it behind a foldable screen. You can also upcycle an end table, trunk, or buffet by cutting a hole on one side for your pet and using the existing doors for access. You can even buy components designed specifically for concealing litterboxes. Alternatively, conceal it behind an end table using fabric and/or plants.
Toys: You do not have to spend a lot of money on pet toys, but you should make sure she constantly has something to pounce on. Fluffy will need things to play with and push beneath the couch. Kitties all have various preferences here, so experiment and see what your pet enjoys the most. Fluffy should have stuff she can play with on her own, as well as interactive toys that you can control.
Purrniture: Cats aren’t bashful about using their humans’ goods, but they do benefit from having their own. A cat tower is, of course, the gold standard in this case. At the very least, give your furry little diva a good scratcher. Beds would also be high on the list, however your kitty companion will not mind sharing yours.
How Do You Provide Enrichment For An Apartment Cat?
No matter where your pet resides, she’ll require some form of amusement. There are a few simple things you can do to make your home more enjoyable and comfortable for your cat.
Offer Things For Fluffy To Explore
Never underestimate Fluffy’s box obsession. Cat tunnels are fantastic, but if you don’t have enough space, you can simply supply an occasional box. Kitties also enjoy paper grocery bags. Simply cut the handles off first.
Give Your Cat A Window Seat
Window chairs are tremendous fun for cats. Fluffy will have a great time watching what goes on outside. Give your furry explorer a comfortable spot with a nice view. Your pet might spend hours watching birds, squirrels, and pedestrians. Just make sure your windows and screens close securely.
Set Out Safe Plants
Many cats like sniffing and nibbling at plants. Fluffy may like pretending to be a fearsome tiger hunting you in the jungle. Simply put your lovely pet’s safety first. Stick to harmless plants. (Tip: The ASPCA website provides a complete list here.) You’ll also have to be careful about how you arrange things. Avoid placing heavy plants with trailing vines in areas where your cat could knock them over. Macrame holders can also be problematic because Fluffy may want to play with the dangling rope.
Catproof Your Apartment
Fluffy will always see herself as a formidable predator and desire to improve her hunting abilities, no matter where she lives. This is, of course, really cute to see, and one of the reasons cats make such great pets. However, cats do not understand what is and is not safe for them. You will need to undertake some basic pet-proofing. That includes removing or securing anything that is unsafe. This list contains small or sharp objects, plastic bags and ties, chemicals, drugs, and other potential hazards. Contact your Oshawa, ON veterinarian for further information.
Keep Up With Your Cat’s Veterinary Care Needs
Even indoor apartment cats require frequent veterinary care. Make sure to bring Fluffy to our animal clinic on a regular basis. Microchipping, parasite management, immunizations, spay/neuter surgery, and checkups are essential for all of our feline friends! In between appointments, keep a look out for symptoms of disease. If you see anything awry, contact your Oshawa, ON veterinarian immediately.
Book An Appointment At Our Oshawa, ON Pet Hospital
Do you need to bring your feline companion in? Please contact us, your local Oshawa, ON pet clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinarian requirements. We’re here to help!
