how do i make my house cat friendly

1. Expand your cat’s world: create vertical space. One of the most important aspects of creating a cat friendly home is making sure your cat has vertical space.
2. Provide a dining experience free of whisker stress. Did you know the high sides of your cat’s dish bother his delicate whiskers? Whiskers are extremely sensitive.
3. Give your cat a cocoon, not a hideaway. Every cat friendly home needs good places for your cat to hide away and snuggle up. ...
4. Offer a room with a view. Cats love to look out windows. ...
5. The multi-bathroom home. “Cat Daddy” Jackson Galaxy recommends the “plus one” rule, meaning when determining how many litter boxes you need, count the number of cats you have and ...
No “gas station” bathrooms please. Cats want a clean and non-stinky place to do their business and who can blame them? ...
Place scratching posts where your cat wants them, rather than where you want them. ...

How to make a cat-friendly living room?

• Freestanding cupboards and wardrobes have large areas where a cat can rest or hide in a high place. It may be necessary to place furniture nearby to give the cat a halfway platform for ease of access. • Shelves can be constructed specifically for the cat’s use.

How to make your cat feel safe at home?

Every cat friendly home needs good places for your cat to hide away and snuggle up. You should therefore p rovide a spot for your cat to disappear in plain sight so he can still be a part of family life but feels safe and secure.

Why is it important to have a cat friendly home?

It is no coincidence that indoor cats develop physical problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle, for example, urinary tract disease, over-grooming problems and eating disorders. A cat-friendly home is about compromises that you can make so that the environment suits you both.

How can I Make my Cat enjoy being outside?

To bring the outdoors in, add some fun greenery that kitty can munch on, like catnip or cat grass. Just like with toys, it’s good to have a variety of scratching surfaces in your home so your cat can groom her claws, get a good stretch and leave her scent mark on them.

How do I socialize my cat to be friendly?

Socializing Cats & PeopleAlways use a calm, quiet voice and slow, deliberate movements.Get down on your cat's level and stay low to the ground at first.Begin by petting their head and shoulders, avoiding the underbelly.When you're ready to lift your kitty, do it smoothly from under the chest.More items...

How long does it take for a cat to get used to a house?

In general, for a happy and healthy cat, it should take no longer than a week or a week and a half to get used to a new home. We will need to encourage the cat when adjusting to a new owner or home, but they should feel comfortable easily enough. Some cats, especially those with trauma, make take longer.

How do you adjust a scared cat?

Put off loud chores or events like vacuuming, moving furniture, or dinner parties until later. It helps to play soft music and use calming scents to make the environment more comforting to the fearful cat. Talk softly and move slowly around your cat.

How do you know your cat feels safe?

They love spending time with you! If your kitty loves to lounge around with you and seems relaxed in your company, this is a good sign that they trust you. If cats feel worried or uncomfortable in a situation then they are likely to go and hide, so if your cat is happy to spend time with you it's a good sign!

Can you take a cat to another house?

It's important that your cat stays confined to the house for at least two weeks as this will allow them time to get used to their new territory. If your cat is very confident and you feel they are getting frustrated at being kept indoors then you can consider letting them out a bit earlier, but only by a few days.

Can a cat get used to two homes?

Your cat's health is always a top priority. That being said, cats are very adaptable creatures and they can even get used to having two homes.

How long should you keep a new cat in one room?

Keep your cat/kitten in one room for 2-3 days. This helps the cat/kitten feel safe and secure, and lets him/her establish his/her own territory. It is also easier for toilet training and cleaning. Ensure the room is quiet, secure, a comfortable temperature and well-ventilated.

How can I calm my stressed cat after moving?

After the Move Put one or two empty boxes in the room for playing or hiding. Familiar scents can help calm your cat. Place some of your own clothing in the room to keep your scent nearby. Bring a blanket or towel with the scents of the old home.

How to make a cat friendly home?

1. Expand your cat’s world: create vertical space. One of the most important aspects of creating a cat friendly home is making sure your cat has vertical space. The creation of vertical space is HUGE for cats. It opens up their space, makes it easier for cats in a multi-cat household to get along as they can “time-share” their space/assets ...

How to make a cat look out for you?

Create a lookout point for your cat with a window perch or an appropriately situated shelf or bookcase. You might never know what your cat is thinking about when they spend all day staring outside, but a perch is always a kitty favourite. Though be aware that the outdoor presence of neighbourhood cats can disquiet indoor cats.

How many litter boxes do you need for a cat?

“Cat Daddy” Jackson Galaxy recommends the “plus one” rule, meaning when determining how many litter boxes you need, count the number of cats you have and add one; if you have two cats, you’ll want three litter boxes, situated in locations with social significance to your cats. Unfortunately, your cats would like their litter boxes placed where you spend most of your time. We get that you might not want a litter box in your living room but perhaps you can compromise; if your cats spend a lot of time by certain windows or doors, place the litter boxes in these spots or in the bathroom that you use.

How to get rid of stinky cat smell?

By optimizing natural air circulation it allows litter to dry properly, discouraging the growth of bacteria and fungus, aka the cause of stinky ammonia and other malodorous gases. Bonus—you’ll need to change your cat’s litter far less frequently!

How much does a Vesper cat furniture cost?

Pictured above: Get your scratch on! Vesper V-line cat furniture (from $65, pictured $155) melds cat-friendly materials with elegant design, combining cozy cubes, platforms and tunnels with strategically placed scratching areas.

What is a Lotus cat shelf?

The beautiful Lotus Cat Shelves from Refined Feline provide an ideal up-top perch for your cat. Not only do they provide vertical space, but they’re supremely chic (from $64).

Do cats have sensitive whiskers?

Did you know the high sides of your cat’s dish bother his delicate whiskers? It’s true. Whiskers are extremely sensitive. A wide, low-sided dish suits cats best.

How to make your cat happy?

Creating an engaging and stimulating home for your cat is the key to helping her live a happy and healthy life. By adding things to the environment that spark interest and cater to her instincts, you can keep her entertained, especially while you are busy or away . These simple ideas will help you think like a cat, so have fun and do a little experimenting!

How to make your cat's environment more engaging?

Start by moving furniture around to make a path that’s easy for kitty to traverse. Take her from the back of the sofa to her favorite cat tree and up to the top of a bookshelf.

How to make a cat play with toys?

Have a variety of toys for your cat to play with, each representing a different kind of prey. Purchase or make toys that simulate mice, lizards, birds, bugs and other critters that kitty might hunt in the wild. Hide toys in spots where your cat will find them as she goes about her day, including on the vertical path you create. Your cat might also like to pull toys out of a toy box, so gather some up and place them in a bowl or basket that’s easily accessible. Finally, rotate your cat’s toys, putting some away in storage and bringing new toys out regularly. This will make old toys seem new and exciting.

Can cats hunt food?

In addition to hunting toys, cats can also hunt their food. Instead of leaving out a whole bowl of food, use puzzle toys and treat dispensers to distribute small snacks around the house. Kitty will come across the hidden prize and feel like she’s found her prey. This simulates how she would hunt for food outdoors but within the safety of your home.

Can you add a catio to a screened in porch?

A catio can be as elaborate as a whole screened-in porch or as simple as a window box add-on. Either way, this expansion of territory will provide variety in kitty’s environment.

How to make a cat more lovable?

The initial stage of coaxing a cat into being more lovable is to let her recognize your positive intentions by dependably offering her good food, clean water, fun toys to play with and a litterbox that is cleaned regularly.

How to help a kitten associate being petted?

While preparing her food (or making a production of opening that can of food), talk to your kitty. When she begins eating, gently stroke her a few times. This will help her associate being petted with a positive experience.

Is a cat antisocial?

Some cats are antisocial when it comes to being picked up, cuddled or petted (much less sitting in a person’s lap for these shows of affection). Other kitties are born loving this sort of attention. If you’re not lucky enough to have a cat who automatically seeks out your affection, trying to entice that reclusive furball to become your snuggle ...

Physical Security Is Key

All animals need is to feel safe and feel that they have enough control and predictability about their surroundingsto cope with daily life. How this actually plays out, however, depends on their heritage.

Reduce Anxiety and Gain Trust

All we need to do to reduce a cat’s anxiety and gain their trust is to accommodate their independence and provide them with the resources they need where they need them so they can use their own things rather than ours. Accommodating their independence just means letting them come to us.

Establish Communication

In addition to locating food and water in a safe place, how it is offered can contribute to making our homes cat-friendly places.This consideration brings us to the understanding that cats have different personalities and preferences just as we do, and that we can increase their perception of control and predictability by learning what those preferences are.

Get Them to Work for You

Like all animals, cats respond to praise. When you see your cat do what you want her to do, go overboard with reward and praise immediately after the action is performed, including small favorite treats. Eventually, you can give treats and rewards less frequentlyto help keep your cat interested in "working" for you.

How to introduce a new cat to a new home?

If your cat is new to your household, start interacting slowly. If there are other cats in the house, introduce them gradually, providing both new and older pets with options for coming closer or getting away easily.

What to do if your cat is not going to the vet?

If your pet has not been to the vet lately or is displaying unusually antisocial behavior it's a good idea to be sure there isn't an underlying health issue to address. You'll know your socialization efforts have been successful if your cats encounter each other without hissing and growling.

Why do cats pee outside the litter box?

An established cat may urinate outside the litter box to "mark" its territory when a newcomer arrives. If that's the case, you may want to provide separate litter boxes for each cat. It may seem like a bit of overkill, but if it keeps the cats happy, it will be worth it.

Why is it so stressful for a cat to be a new cat?

In some cases, a new cat may be the target of aggression on the part of resident cats, making it tough for the newbie to show affection to its human owners. Stress can also affect your cat's appetite, mood, and sleep patterns.

When trying to socialize a new cat to an existing environment, some well-meaning owners go too far in one?

When trying to socialize a new cat to an existing environment, some well-meaning owners go too far in one direction; either over-praising and coddling the new arrival, or treating the established cat with kid gloves, fretting about how they'll get along with the new cat.

What happens if one cat is jealous?

It's not easy to find the balance, but if you have one cat acting jealous, chances are, you're neglecting it in favor of the other. While you have to work to help the new cat acclimate, make sure to set aside some one-on-one time with your current feline housemate.

Why are cats shy?

Even healthy cats can be shy when they're in a new environment or confronted with new animals who will be sharing their space . When cats are not feeling well, their instinct is to find a quiet, hidden corner and stay away from humans and other animals.