A Cat in an Apartment Building? Of course!
A cat for an apartment building?Although some people still think of cats as pets that live indoors and are free to go outside, this image is becoming a thing of the past.A great many, if not most, of the furry pets that have human owners are indoor cats.These days, more and more people are choosing to have a cat as a companion in their apartment, without the option of going outside.Here are a few tips for dealing with this situation.
Cats in the Home and Their Needs
As a pet, a cat feels right at home in a human environment.The more time kittens spend in close contact with humans, the easier and more willing adult cats are to form cat-human friendships.However, just because a cat was born and raised at home doesn’t mean it won’t have its natural instincts.The apartment will become his whole world, but that world must be properly prepared and organized so that he truly feels at home there.
Are there any cat breeds suitable for apartment living??It all depends on the conditions we can provide for the cat.An agile and active cat bursting with energy—such as a Sphynx, a Bengal, or a Devon Rex—will need plenty of space, as well as obstacles to navigate, climb, or run around.On the other hand, we have Ragdolls and British Shorthairs, which can also turn out to be bundles of energy.So there’s no point in focusing solely on breed; instead, we should think about what our cat might actually need.
What are a cat's needs??
Above all, a cat is a hunter by nature.He needs hiding spots, vantage points, appropriate play, and human attention.Especially since these animals are able to make use of the third dimension—that is, to climb onto furniture and jump around on it.This way, cats living in an apartment—even a small one—can feel very comfortable.
Therefore, in order to take care of a cat, we must first and foremost have the time to devote to it every day.
Add to that a proper diet, keeping the litter box area clean, and veterinary care combined with preventive checkups, and there you have it: a well-cared-for, happy pet.Whether at home or in an apartment building.
How to prepare your home for a cat?
When creating a space for your cat in your home, you must also keep its safety in mind.Windows should be secured with a special mesh to prevent pets from falling out.The same applies to the balcony.The mesh should be sturdy, preferably made of metal, and securely fastened—so that if a cat jumps against it, it can support its weight.
Similarly, any home accessories such as shelves, ceiling-mounted bridges, elaborate scratching posts, or high-up hiding spots should be securely fastened to the walls and secured to prevent them from falling.Cats are agile and fast, but if they fall from a height—even indoors—they can seriously injure themselves.Let’s make sure to look after both their comfort and safety at every turn.
CAT BEHAVIOR EXPERT
Małgorzata Biegańska-Hendryk