Kitten Apartment Care

Do you and your feline companion reside in an apartment? If so, you are in good company! Kitties could be an ideal pet for apartment dwellers. Here, a neighborhood Marshall County, MS veterinarian shares some advice on keeping Fluffy happy, healthy, and purring in an apartment below.

Can a Cat Live in an Apartment?

Yes! Cats are ideal pets for apartment dwellers. Fluffy is small enough to fit under any size requirement. She won’t need to be walked or trained, and she can thrive in compact quarters. And, while some of our feline friends have a penchant of ‘caterwauling,’ the majority of them will not be loud enough to annoy your neighbors.

Will a Cat Damage My Apartment?

Fluffy is very clean, and she is unlikely to rip a hole in your door or gnaw through your cupboards. However, she has the potential to be rather destructive. Window blinds are common in many apartment buildings. Cats are constantly looking outside and have a habit of breaking through any blinds that restrict their view of the window. While replacing blinds isn’t a big hassle, it is definitely easier to acquire a different sort of window covering. Safety is also a concern: you don’t want your pet entangled in cords or blinds.

Fluffy may also leave some scratches on the carpet. If you find her scratching frequently, we recommend getting her a few different nail care stations. Towers work well, although scratching posts or boards can also be used. Don’t have enough space? Attach one to the wall!

Finally, there is the option of spraying. This is more common in unfixed cats. If Fluffy is still alive, schedule an appointment with our Marshall County, MS pet hospital right away. 

What Is the Best Cat For An Apartment?

With dog breeds, you may need to do some study to discover a puppy that is a good match for an apartment dweller. That isn’t necessary with cats, as almost any feline can thrive in an apartment.

What Are Some Must-Haves for a Cat Apartment?

While Fluffy would undoubtedly prefer to have a stocked fishpond and cat shelves in every room, you don’t have to go that far. In truth, our feline friends are pretty easy to keep.

Having stated that, let’s look at some of those kitty requirements:

Dishes: For starters, Fluffy will require some dishes. You might observe your pet putting her food on the floor to eat. If this is the case, try a larger bowl; her whiskers touching the plates may be bothering her. Something else to consider? Many cats enjoy being near rushing water. You might want to think about getting a pet fountain.

Litterbox: Obviously, a litterbox and litter are required. For the most part, you can just go with your personal style and brand preferences. There are a few exceptions. If you get a kitten, do not use clay or clumping litter. And if your pet is elderly, you’ll want something that’s simple for her to get in and out of.

Of course, that litterbox won’t make a fantastic centerpiece. There are ways to conceal your cat’s bathroom. One solution is to hide it behind a folding screen. You can also upcycle an end table, trunk, or buffet by cutting a hole in one of the sides and using the doors for access. You can even purchase components specifically designed for concealing litterboxes. Alternatively, conceal it beneath an end table using fabric and/or plants.

Toys: Fluffy will require a variety of toys to bat around and push under the couch. Kitties all have various preferences, so experiment and see what your pet prefers. Fluffy should ideally have toys she can play with on her own, as well as interactive items you can control.

Purrniture: Cats aren’t afraid to utilize their human’s furniture, but they do benefit from having their own. A cat tower is, of course, the gold standard. At the very least, provide your furry little diva with a suitable scratcher. Beds are also high on the list, though your feline companion will gladly use yours.

How Do You Offer Enrichment To Apartment Kittens?

Your pet will require some form of amusement, regardless of where she resides. Toys are great, but that catnip mouse shouldn’t be Fluffy’s only option. You may make your cat’s habitat more enjoyable and comfortable with a few simple changes.

• Give Fluffy Things To Explore: Fluffy’s box obsession is nothing to be taken lightly. Cat tunnels are fantastic, but if you don’t have enough space, you can supply an occasional box. Paper grocery bags are also very popular among kitties. Just cut off the handles first.
• Offer A Window Seat: Kitties love window seats! Fluffy will enjoy monitoring what’s going on outside. Give your canine traveler a comfortable spot with a nice view. Your pet could spend hours watching birds, squirrels, and pedestrians. Simply ensure that your windows and screens close securely.
• Provide Pet Safe Plants: Many cats enjoy sniffing and nibbling plants. Fluffy may like pretending to be a fearsome tiger hunting you through a forest. Put your adorable pet’s safety first. Use only harmless plants. (Tip: The ASPCA website provides a comprehensive list here.) You’ll also need to be mindful of how you organize things. Don’t put big plants with trailing vines in areas where your cat could knock them down. Fluffy may want to play with the dangling rope on macrame holders, which can be dangerous.

Cat Proofing An Apartment

Fluffy imagines herself as a fierce predator, and she will always want to improve her hunting skills. This is, of course, adorable to watch, and one of the reasons cats make such great companions. However, kitties really have no idea what is or is not safe for them. You will need to do some basic petproofing. This means removing or securing anything unsafe. Small or sharp objects, plastic bags and ties, chemicals, drugs, and other potential hazards are a few things on the list. For more information, consult with your veterinarian.

Veterinary Care

Even indoor apartment kittens require frequent veterinary attention! Make sure Fluffy visits our animal clinic on a regular basis. Microchipping, parasite management, immunizations, spay/neuter surgery, and checkups are all essential for our feline companions! In between visits, watch for indications of injury, illness, or disease. If you observe anything out of the ordinary, contact your Marshall County, MS veterinarian immediately.

Schedule An Appointment At Our Marshall County, MS Pet Hospital

Do you have to bring your feline companion in? Please contact us, your Marshall County, MS pet clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinary care requirements. We are here to assist you!