Apartment Care for Kitties

Do you and your kitty friend live in an apartment? If so, you are in excellent company! Kitties may be the ideal pet for apartment dwellers. A neighborhood Slidell, LA veterinarian shares some advice for keeping Fluffy happy, healthy, and purring in the apartment below.

Will A Cat Ruin My Apartment?

Generally, no. Cats are quite clean, and normally don’t do much, if any, damage. There are a few things to be careful of.

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. Cats are continuously looking out the window and will go through any blinds that are impeding their view. While replacing blinds is not a major undertaking, it is definitely easier to obtain a different style of window treatment. Safety is also an issue: you do not want your cute 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 a nail care station. 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 significantly more common in unfixed kittens. If Fluffy is still alive, schedule the appointment straight immediately.

What Is the Best Cat 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.

What Are Some Key Cat Apartment Essentials?

Your kitty will require the same items 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. In truth, our feline companions are pretty easy to keep.

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 bowl; her whiskers touching the plates may be bothering her. Another thing to remember? Many cats enjoy rushing water. You might want to try a pet fountain.
• Litterbox: A litterbox and litter are obviously required. For the most part, you can simply go with your personal style and brand preferences. There are several 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 and using the 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.
• 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.

Beds are also a must, but cats aren’t picky here: your feline buddy will snooze pretty much anywhere, and isn’t shy about getting comfy on your bed or sofa.

How Do You Provide Enrichment For Apartment Kitties?

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 Your Pet To Explore: 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.
• Provide A Lot Of Fun Toys: You do not have to spend a lot of money on pet toys, but you should make sure that your feline buddy has always got something to pounce on.
• Offer 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.
• Provide Your Kitty With 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.) 

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.

Do I Need To Catproof My Apartment?

Fluffy is very curious and playful. She also likes to practice her lion skills. This is, of course, really cute to see, and one of the reasons cats make such great pets. However, kitties do not understand what is and is not safe for them. You will need to undertake some basic pet-proofing. That entails removing or securing anything that is unsafe, such as small or sharp objects, plastic bags and ties, chemicals, drugs, and other potential hazards. Contact your Slidell, LA veterinarian for further information.

Veterinary Care

Even indoor apartment cats require regular 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’ health and well-being! In between appointments, keep a look out for symptoms of disease. If you see anything awry, contact your Slidell, LA veterinarian immediately.

Book An Appointment At Our Slidell, LA Pet Hospital

Do you need to bring your feline companion in? Please contact us, your local Slidell, LA pet clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinarian requirements. We’re here to help!