5 Ways to Create the ‘Purrfect’ Cat-Friendly Home

Pets make for perfect pals – so it’s only fitting that our homes reflect our love for these cuddly creatures.

Whether you’ve had a cat for years or have recently welcomed one into your home, there are several ways you can make your space both pet-friendly and stylish. Here are five tips:

Investing in a scratching post isn’t just a way to protect your furniture – it’s essential for your cat’s physical and emotional health. According to popular pet-sitting company Rover, scratching helps cats helps reduce stress, keeps their claws healthy, and provides necessary stretching for their tendons and muscles.

Choose a scratching post that complements your space. Opt for designs that blend seamlessly with your décor, whether it’s an intricate shape that doubles as a stylish accent or a wall-mounted scratching board that saves your floor space. Consider multifunctional options, too, such as posts that serve as both an end table for you and a bed cave and scratching area for your cat.

Cats love to bask in the sunshine, keep an eye on the outside world, and catch some ZZZs. Create the “purrfect” perch for your cat by selecting a sunny spot by the window where they can enjoy a front-row seat to the great outdoors and indulge in their favorite pastimes. Outfit the space with a bed or blanket for a soft place to rest. If your home doesn’t have a windowsill big enough for lounge space, consider picking up a cat perch that attaches to the wall.

By creating a private potty zone for your cat,  they feel secluded – and you avoid having a litter box linger in plain sight. Place the litter box in a discreet spot like your mudroom or laundry room. If space is tight, look for clever litter box designs disguised as furniture or houseplants.

Keep your home smelling fresh with litter deodorizers – and even consider upgrading to a high-tech self-cleaning litter box.

Many cats prefer to graze on their food throughout the day, which means their bowls are likely a visible fixture in or near your kitchen. Accordingly, upgrade your cat’s food and water bowls to match your kitchen’s theme. Look out for ceramic bowls that complement your own dishware, feeding mats in aesthetic colors, and a sleek wood or metal dish stand to elevate the dining experience.

If you really want to customize your home for your cat, consider creating a catio — a secure, outside space for house cats to experience nature safely. Think: an enclosure accessible through a window or pet door that offers your cat a slice of the outdoors right at home. Some people even fence in their patios and porches for the ultimate catio environment.

Especially helpful for those who live in cities, a catio can be tailored to your cat’s preferences with their favorite toys, scratching posts, and lounging spots. Enhance the retreat-like space with unbreakable lights, pet-safe plants, and fun décor that makes everyone happy – cat and human alike.

Looking the ideal home for you and your cat? Connect with a local RE/MAX agent today.

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