Apartment Living With Cats

Cats are often considered ideal apartment pets—and for good reason. They don't need outdoor walks, use litter boxes, and can be content in smaller spaces. But apartment cats still have needs that must be met for them to thrive.

Why Cats Suit Apartments

Natural Advantages

• Don't require outdoor bathroom trips
• Generally quieter than dogs
• Content with vertical space
• Can be left alone during work hours
• Independent but still social

Still Require Attention

Cats aren't maintenance-free:

• Need daily play and interaction
• Require mental stimulation
• Litter boxes need consistent maintenance
• Scratching needs must be addressed

Creating Vertical Space

Why Vertical Matters

Cats experience space in three dimensions:

• High perches provide security
• Climbing is natural exercise
• Vertical space adds square footage from cat's perspective
• Height is often preferred for resting

Vertical Options

• Cat trees: Multi-level climbing and resting
• Wall shelves: Create pathways at height
• Window perches: Combine height with views
• Tall bookcases: Make tops accessible
• Cat bridges: Connect high points

Litter Box Management

Location

• Quiet, accessible location
• Away from food and water
• Not in completely enclosed space (needs ventilation)
• Private but not difficult to reach
• One per cat, plus one extra if possible

Maintenance

• Scoop daily: Most important factor for odor control
• Complete change: Every 1-2 weeks for clumping litter
• Wash box: Monthly with mild soap
• Replace box: Periodically (plastic absorbs odors)

Small Space Solutions

• Furniture that conceals litter boxes
• Litter box enclosures
• Top-entry boxes (reduce litter tracking)
• Litter-catching mats

See our odor management guide for more.

Enrichment and Play

Why It Matters

Indoor cats need outlets for natural behaviors:

• Hunting instinct requires play
• Without stimulation, cats become bored and may develop problems
• Play prevents obesity
• Mental stimulation is as important as physical

Daily Play

• Interactive play sessions (wand toys, laser pointers)
• At least two sessions daily, 10-15 minutes each
• End with a "catch" to satisfy hunting instinct
• Evening play helps tire them before your bedtime

Self-Play Options

• Balls and mice they can bat around
• Crinkle toys
• Puzzle feeders
• Cardboard boxes and paper bags
• Rotate toys to maintain interest

Environmental Enrichment

• Window access: Bird watching, outdoor observation
• Cat TV: Videos designed for cats
• Hiding spots: Boxes, tunnels, covered beds
• Scratching posts: Various surfaces and angles

Scratching Solutions

Why Cats Scratch

• Claw maintenance (necessary behavior)
• Marking territory
• Stretching
• It feels good to them

Providing Alternatives

• Tall, sturdy scratching posts
• Horizontal scratchers for cats who prefer them
• Different materials (sisal, cardboard, carpet)
• Place near furniture they might otherwise scratch
• Reward use of appropriate scratchers

Common Apartment Cat Challenges

Nighttime Activity

Cats are naturally more active at dawn and dusk:

• Evening play session tires them out
• Consistent feeding schedule helps regulate
• Interactive toys for nighttime self-play
• Don't reinforce nighttime attention-seeking

Window Safety

• Never rely solely on screens to prevent falls
• "High-rise syndrome" is real—cats fall from windows
• Secure windows or limit opening width
• Balconies should be fully enclosed if accessible

Noise

• Some cats are vocal (breed and individual variation)
• Meowing often means something—hunger, attention, needs
• Don't reward attention-seeking meows
• Address underlying causes