Making your home suitable for a cat
Here's what your cat will need for a comfortable life in your home.
- Bed: provide a comfortable, dry, draught-free, clean and quiet place for your feline friend to rest.
- Toilet: cats need to visit the toilet easily. Give them regular access to a suitable toilet place, outside or a litter tray, kept separate from their eating and sleeping areas.
- Somewhere to hide: cats need to have somewhere to hide away from things that scare them, so make sure they have safe hiding places in your home.
- Toys and space to play: cats are very intelligent, and a bored cat is an unhappy cat. Make sure they have plenty of things to do, with enough space to exercise, climb and play. Indoor cats need more to keep them entertained.
- High places: cats are active and like to run, jump and climb. They often feel safest when high, so provide a suitable high place to climb and rest, e.g. shelves.
Cats are inquisitive, so make sure your home is safe, secure and hazard-free to stop them injuring themselves. If you have more than one cat, remember that they'll each need enough toys, cat beds and hiding places to allow them to get away from one another when they feel the need to be alone. Check out our online shop for some great ideas for your cats.
If you're going on holiday
Cats are territorial, so they become very attached to their home and environment. If you're going away, try to find someone to care for your cat at home. If boarding, make things easier for your cat by taking their familiar things with them, such as their bed and toys.
Make sure cat carriers feel secure in transport, and make their introduction to new surroundings gradual. As with boarding, putting familiar smelling items in their carrier can help them feel more comfortable.
Make sure the size and temperature of anywhere they are left (including vehicles) is comfortable for them.
If you move house
Cats need time to adjust and settle if you move house. They could get into serious danger trying to return to their previous home. To prevent this, keep cats indoors for at least two weeks after moving. Ensure your cat's behaviour has settled before letting them outside.
For more advice on keeping your cat healthy and happy, read how to take care of your cat.
