How to Make Your Home Cat-Friendly

Without Sacrificing Cleanliness, Style, or Function

Recently, I spoke with a woman about my job writing about dogs, cats, and the pet industry. She loved animals, especially cats, but she couldn’t bear the thought of having them in her home. Her main concerns were the unsightly carpet-covered cat trees and the dreaded smell of a litter box.

I totally get it.

But our conversation made me realize that with a bit of effort and knowledge about cats, it’s entirely possible to make your home cat-friendly while maintaining cleanliness, style, and function. Here are my top tips for keeping Newtie and Ripley happy while ensuring your home remains clean, odor-free, and family-friendly.

How to Cat-Proof Your Home

Safety should always be the top priority when it comes to pets. Here are some ways to cat-proof your home:

• Secure cords on blinds and curtains.
• Store trash, compost, and recycling in a cabinet or use a closed lid.
• Anchor TVs, bookcases, shelves, and furniture to the wall to prevent them from toppling over.
• Close the washer and dryer, cabinets, and freezer to prevent your cat from getting stuck.
• Hide electrical cords. Products like these are great for keeping your cats safe and your electronics organized.
• Remove access to small, swallowable items such as batteries, cigarette butts, essential oils, cleaning chemicals, bug spray, pest control products, mothballs, medications, plastic bags, tape, strings, ribbons, elastics, and hair ties.
• Re-home toxic plants. This reference can help you identify which plants are dangerous for cats.

Think of your cat as a smarter, craftier toddler. Consider how you’d keep a toddler safe and then imagine that toddler had better fine motor skills. Cats can get into serious trouble quickly, so take the time to thoroughly proof your home.

How to Meet Your Cat’s Needs at Home

Once your home is safe, consider your cat’s needs:

• Healthy food
• Access to fresh, clean water. Cats love fountains because of the movement. We have two, plus two still water dishes, and their favorite is this one.
• A clean place to go to the bathroom. More on this later.
• Enrichment and stimulation through positive interactions like petting, play, or grooming.
• An appropriate place to scratch.
• A place to hide. This can be as simple as an Amazon box or as elaborate as a multi-level cat condo.
• Preventative medical care. Regular vet visits are crucial.

For multi-cat households, ensure you have enough resources for each cat. This means one litter box per cat plus one extra, and one water dish per cat plus one extra. Spreading resources throughout your space helps prevent territoriality and fights. Cats that don’t have their needs met can experience stress and are at risk for health and behavior issues.

A Separate Note on Litter Boxes

Don’t let litter boxes deter you from having a cat. Many people cite litter boxes as the reason they avoid getting a cat, but there are plenty of solutions available. From the type of litter you choose to the style of the box and how often you scoop, there are ways to manage this issue effectively.

Litter Box Furniture

We have two cats and three litter boxes. If you have the budget and space, you can conceal your litter box in a piece of furniture. There are options for every budget and style. Even simple cubes work great, although we found them too bulky for our space and opted for more straightforward solutions.

Now we use these litter boxes with mats underneath to collect stray litter. They’ve held up well over the years and are easy to scoop and clean. We’ve tried various litter mats but ended up preferring fluffy bath mats from IKEA, which can be tossed in the washer and dryer.

With these tips, you can create a home that is welcoming to your cats without compromising on cleanliness, style, or functionality. Enjoy the joy and companionship that cats bring to your life!