How to create a SAFE SPACE for cats

Today, let’s talk about creating a purrfect environment for our cats through enrichment. Making sure that our environment (our home) works for our cats just as well as it works for us, is very important! It’s not hard, it’s not rocket science thankfully, and just after making a few small changes, your cat would be much happier and healthier as a result!

I believe that addressing environmental needs is ESSENTIAL for optimum well-being of our cats. When we add enrichment into their lives, it helps reduce stress and the likelihood of developing unwanted behaviors and stress-related illnesses. Plus, we create a better living space for our kitty or kitties, and that essentially makes them happier and strengthens our bond!

If you prefer watching a video vs reading a blog, here’s my YouTube video on this topic.

Here are 5 tips on how to create a safe and comfortable space for your cat

#1: Hiding places

Every cat should have a secure place to hide when they need to, for example if they’re being chased by another cat, dog, or a child. Or if they simply need to have some me-time away from the noise, like a vacuum cleaner, or some noise from outside that you cannot control, or simply if you have guests and your cat is not feeling very sociable. It’s a place where they know they won’t be disturbed.

Having this hiding place means that a cat doesn’t have to be exposed to scary stimuli against their will, and it is very important to give them this opportunity if we want to prevent anxiety, stress and possible emotional trauma.

A hiding place should be in a darkish quiet area, away from the most active part of the house. You could create a few hiding spots if your home permits. A few simple ideas: You can use a simple cardboard box for this purpose, or it could be a little cat bed in your closet, or a blanket under your bed or behind a sofa. Just make sure to clean and wash those once a month or so. Also, try to listen to your cat and pay attention to when they enjoy hanging out when they have me-time, and try to organize a cozy place there.

#2: Individual resting place for each cat

If you have more than one cat, it’s very important to provide as many hiding spots and private areas as you can, so that each cat has enough options to choose from, and to make sure that they can always find a comfy spot to rest when they need to.

For example, if you have a window that all of your cat enjoys, try to put a few cat perches there, or a cat tree with multiple levels, or add those window perches that you can place on the window with suction cups. We need to do this to prevent possible fights over resources, and to make sure that all kitties can have their place under the sun in a prime location. If you have a few cats, you probably noticed that each cat may prefer specific locations, as they try to share space with other kitties. Or they may do time-sharing, for example, in the morning the windowsill is occupied by one cat, and in the afternoon, it belongs to another kitty.

#3: Vertical space

You probably heard how important vertical space is for a cat. And that is because they feel safe when they can see and observe their environment from a high point. Let’s not forget that cats are hunters but they’re also a prey, so they feel good when they see their environment and it’s very important for them to feel safe in their environment. A vertical place is also important to keep cats safe from other animals in the house, and from the kids who can’t reach it, so it’s especially important to have a variety of vertical escape routes for your cat if you have dogs, other cats and young kids. Some ideas for a vertical space:

• Cat trees

• Shelves (can be special cat shelves or other cat furniture, or simple bookshelves that are connected securely to the wall and can withstand your cat’s weight)

• Bookcases, dressers or other tall furniture – just make sure it’s sturdy and secure and won’t tip over if your cat jumps.

• Tables or desks

• Windowsills or window perches

 #4: Cat-proofing your home

Here are a few basic cat-proofing tips:

1. Install window screens and check them regularly to make sure that they’re secure

2. Keep all cleaning supplies, medicine, and other potentially hazardous substances in a securely closed cabinet (some cats are masters of opening cabinets, so make sure it’s closed really tight, has a lock, or use tape to make sure no cat can open it)

3. Don’t leave out strings, rubber bands, ribbon, hair ties, pins, paper clips and other small things that can be swallowed

4. Always check closets, drawers, cabinets, washer, dishwasher and dryer before closing them, as cats love to use those places as their hiding spots

5. Make sure your cat doesn’t have access to your trash bin, use ones with lids or hide them in the cabinets

6. Make sure all your electric cords are safe and secure and are not dangling. The same goes for shade/ blind pulls.

7. Don’t let your cat play with bags that have handles

8. Most plants are toxic to cats, so make sure they’re out of reach, or keep them in a separate room with no cat access

Those are basic and very logical things, we just need to remember about them if we have cats!

#5: Scratching posts (for pawsitive marking)

Scratching is a very natural behavior for cats, it helps them stretch, exercise and remove the old claw sheaths, they also scratch to mark their territory in a positive way since their paw pads have friendly pheromones, so all the items that a cat scratches essentially smell like them, and it helps cats feel safe and “at home”.

Cats also scratch to relieve pent-up energy and emotions, so as you can see, scratching is very VERY important for their physical and emotional well-being.  That’s why we want to provide cats with appropriate items for scratching, to help them feel good and also to protect our furniture lol Try to provide scratching posts in a variety of materials and locations. Meaning, that you can use vertical or horizontal scratching posts made of sisal rope, cardboard or wood. Try to get the tallest scratching post available so that your kitty can really stretch nicely. Us cat behaviorists usually recommend a scratching post that is at least 6in or 15 cm higher than your cat. Make sure that all scratching posts and pads are sturdy, not wobbly, and safe.

 That’s all of the things I wanted to share today! Thank you so much for improving your cat’s life and for being a mindful caring cat parent 🫶 Please share this article with your cat loving friends 😻 Until next time!

~ Vani 🐚