Creating a dedicated indoor cat room can be a great way to provide your feline friend with a stimulating environment and safe space of their own. An indoor cat room allows your cat opportunities for play, exercise, and relaxation without requiring access to the outdoors. When designed properly, a cat room can help prevent boredom-related behavior problems and enhance the bond between you and your cat. This article will provide tips on how to make the ideal indoor cat room that both you and your cat will enjoy.
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Choose a Room
The first step in making an indoor cat room is selecting which room (or portion of a room) you want to dedicate to your cat. Here are some things to consider when choosing a space:
– Size – Ideally the cat room should be at least 80-100 square feet to give your cat enough space to move around and play. However, even a small to medium sized room or large closet can work.
– Accessibility – Choose a room that is easy for you to access so you can frequently interact with your cat. An unused guest room or office is often a good option.
– Windows – Natural light can provide mental stimulation and allow your cat opportunities for bird watching. But be sure to properly secure any windows so your cat can’t accidentally escape.
– Noise level – Select a quieter area of your home, away from loud appliances and high traffic areas for a more relaxing environment.
– Ventilation – Ensure the room has adequate airflow. If needed, install a ventilation fan or air purifier.
Catproof the Space
Once you’ve selected a room, the next step is to thoroughly catproof the space. Take the following precautions:
– Remove any toxic houseplants. Many common houseplants like lilies are highly toxic to cats.
– Secure loose wires and hide electrical cords. Cats may chew on or play with dangling wires.
– Eliminate choking hazards. Small items like paper clips, rubber bands and tinsel can be tempting toys but pose a choking risk for cats.
– Block access behind large furniture and appliances. Cats can wiggle into very tight spaces and potentially get stuck.
– Use child safety locks on cabinets and closets. Curious cats are expert door openers.
– Check for small openings along baseboards or around vents and seal up any gaps over 2 inches wide. This helps prevent escape and stops mice or bugs from getting in.
– Secure windows with child locks. Provide a sturdy cat tree or screened shelf to allow safe access to window views.
– Remove carpeting with loops that could snag a claw. Use a smooth, washable flooring.
Thoroughly catproofing the space ensures your cat has a safe room to call their own.
Add Cat Furniture
What good is a cat room without great cat furniture? Incorporating vertical space with cat shelves and cat trees, as well as cozy cat beds and hiding spots, will make the room both functional and comfortable for your cat. Be sure to include:
Cat tree or tower – A sturdy cat tree with multiple platforms and scratching posts is ideal. Place it near a window for bird watching. Look for one that is tall enough to allow stretching upward.
Window perches or shelves – Install shelving along windowsills or use window mounted cat perches. These are great vantage points.
Scratching posts – Include scratching posts around the room so your cat can stretch and scratch. Multiple materials (sisal, cardboard, wood) may entice your cat.
Cat beds – Incorporate several soft, comfortable cat beds so your cat can lounge and sleep. Place beds in cozy corners or high-up cubby holes.
Tunnels – Hide tunnel toys around the room to allow for burrowing and hiding. Your cat can pop out and surprise you too!
Cubby holes or enclosed beds – Boxes, hideaway beds, and enclosed shelves appeal to a cat’s primal desire for security and small spaces.
The right cat furniture will make your cat feel relaxed and engaged in their special indoor room.
Litter Box Accommodations
Of course, you’ll need to include proper litter box accommodations in the cat room. Here are some tips:
– Provide at least one large litter box – Make sure the box is 1.5 times the length of your cat.
– Use unscented clumping litter – Most cats prefer unscented litter. Scoop daily.
– Place litter box in a low traffic spot – Give your cat privacy but don’t hide the box away in a closet.
– Avoid litter box covers – Covered boxes can trap odors. Your cat may refuse to use a covered box.
– Add a mat below the litter box – Mats catch stray litter from paws.
– Consider adding a second box – If your cat ever stops using the litter box, a second option can help identify preference.
Keeping the litter box clean, with your cat’s preferred type of litter, is important for room use and for reducing litter box problems.
Include Entertainment and Toys
One of the key functions of the indoor cat room is providing entertainment and mental stimulation for your cat when you can’t directly interact with them. Be sure to include:
Cat toys – Stock the room with interactive toys your cat enjoys like feather wands, treat balls, and catnip mice for independent playtime. Rotate toys to keep the selection novel and exciting.
Scratching surfaces – Make sure to have a few scratching posts and scratching pads around the room. These satisfy scratching urges and gives cats a great stretch.
Puzzles and food dispensers – Food puzzles like treat balls and puzzle feeders give cats a challenge at mealtime. Start with easy puzzles to teach your cat how to use them.
Cat TV – Provide window access for bird and nature watching. Or play videos made specially for cats to capture their attention when they are alone.
Hiding boxes – Boxes, tunnels, hideaway beds and cubbies allow cats to act out their natural stalking and hiding behaviors.
Catnip – Use fresh or dried catnip to fill toys or rub on scratching posts. This natural herb is irresistible to most cats.
Rotate toys frequently and experiment with different puzzles to see what most engages your cat. Mental stimulation is key to having a happy, healthy cat.
Make It Comfortable
Cats appreciate comfort. Make sure the cat room includes soft, cozy spaces for lounging and sleeping. Ideas include:
– Place cat beds around room – Provide beds with soft cushions, warm fabrics and enclosed sides.
– Use cat-friendly heating pads – Heated beds keep old or arthritic cats comfortable.
– Add blankets and throws – Draping furniture with soft blankets and small throws makes great nesting spots.
– Install window perches – Perches with cushions allow cats to relax in the sun.
– Put out cardboard boxes – Simple boxes with towel-lined bottoms can be cozy cat hiding spots.
– Incorporate hammocks – Hanging rope or fabric hammocks are relaxing lounging spots.
– Use carpeted cat shelves – Shelves and ledges with short pile carpet offer a secure grip and soft touch.
Your devoted feline will certainly spend many peaceful hours sleeping and relaxing in their own special room if you provide inviting comforts.
Final Touches
Here are some final tips and touches to complete your indoor cat room:
Add enrichment items – Incorporate grass planters, branches for scratching, and smooth rocks or pebbles to bat around to keep your cat engaged.
Use natural scents – Lightly scent the room with cat-safe aromatherapy oils like catnip or lavender to create a soothing environment.
Play calming music – When keeping your cat company, play calm music to help them relax.
Install shelves for displays – Mount shelving to display framed photos of your cat or favorite cat figurines.
Consider cameras – Set up a webcam to check in and watch your cat play while away.
Give it time – Initially supervise your cat in the new room. It make take days or weeks for them to fully embrace the space.
With the proper planning and setup, an indoor cat room can provide your feline friend with endless entertainment. Just be sure to schedule regular play sessions with you and daily interaction. A cat room should supplement, not replace, the companionship and affection you provide your devoted pet. They will surely let you know when it’s time for attention!
Frequently Asked Questions
How large should an indoor cat room be?
Ideally an indoor cat room should be at least 80-100 square feet to provide enough space for a litter box, cat furniture, and play area. However, a smaller room or converted large closet around 50 square feet can also work well.
What should I put in my indoor cat room?
Essential elements include cat furniture like a cat tree, scratching posts, a litter box, cat beds and hiding spaces, toys, and entertainment like puzzles and bird videos. Shelves, cat grass, and enrichment items can also be added.
Where should the litter box go in a cat room?
Choose an easily accessible spot for you, but provide some privacy for your cat. A corner with a low barricade or wall is ideal. Avoid loud, busy areas or cramped dark closets.
How do I get my cat to use their new room?
Initially keep the door open and lure your cat into the room with treats and playtime. Feed meals in the room. Add cat pheromones to help them feel relaxed and safe. Provide supervision at first, and don’t force your cat to stay alone in the new room. With time most cats will happily explore and use their space.
Can I leave my cat alone all day in their cat room?
No, an indoor cat room should not be used to isolate your cat for extremely long periods. Make sure to provide daily interaction, playtime with you, and access to other areas of the home. Think of the cat room as your cat’s special space or playroom, not their sole living environment.
Conclusion
Creating an enriching indoor cat room takes some planning and effort, but is a rewarding project for both you and your beloved feline. By following the tips outlined, you can convert any spare room or large closet into a customized space just for your cat. Just be sure to include proper litter accommodations, lots of fun cat furniture and toys, and cozy comforts. An indoor cat room allows your pet opportunities to play, climb, scratch, pounce, nest, perch and more based on their natural instincts. Your cat will enjoy having their own special retreat. But be sure they still get plenty of love and attention from you too! With a well-designed indoor cat room, you and your cat will certainly share many happy hours together.