My family has 4 cats and 4 dogs. But I live in a single cat household.
My cat, Jericho, was born in the streets. We adopted him around the age of 1.
Jericho is very close to me. We are a bonded pair.
In this guide, I will discuss how I keep him happy, entertained, and less lonely.
These tips apply to all cats.
Your single cat household guide:
- Enrichment makes single cats happy
- Mental stimulation keeps your cat entertained
- Cat furniture nurtures your cat’s wild side
- Activity centers will keep your cat from being bored
- Cat-safe toys are great for exercise
- Routines help your cat feel safe
Disclaimer: I earn a commission if you purchase through affiliate links below. No additional cost to you.
Does a single cat get lonely?
Cats in a single cat household may get bored and lonely if you don’t provide proper enrichment, mental stimulation, and spend quality time together. Get high-quality cat furniture, fun activity centers, and play with your single cat daily to prevent health and behavior issues.
Enrichment makes single cats happy
Enrichment is important for cats because it keeps them entertained.
We have to nurture the cat’s wild side.
Your cat is wild. Even if he’s never been outside.
These wild instincts have been ingrained for thousands of years.
Just think about how difficult it is to break a habit…
Most important enrichment:
- Scratching
- Hunting
- Hiding
- Resting
- Clean bathroom
Scratching
Scratching relieves stress, sheds dead layers of claws, and it allows cats to mark their territory.
If you don’t get proper scratching areas, your cat will scratch your furniture.
It’s a serious amputation of the toe. And, declawed cats still have the urge to scratch.
Best high-quality scratchers:
- Customizable scratcher from Purrfect Post
- Handmade modern scratchers from Tuft + Paw
- JML Pets scratcher pad on Etsy
Best budget-friendly scratchers:
Cheap scratchers are better than no scratchers!
Or you could upcycle your scratching post with carpet.
Hunting
Cats hunt for food. Duh.
Hunting also provides cats with exercise and mental stimulation.
It’s like when we accomplish our goals and complete tasks.
Our brains reward us with happy-feel-good chemicals.
You can hide healthy treats on glass jar lids or use treat-release mice toys.
Treat-release mice toys are available on Amazon and Chewy.
Hiding
Most cats are shy and timid.
Cats prefer everything to be done on their terms.
So hiding spots indoors are a must for cats to feel safe.
Jericho loves to hide in his Ripple Rug (on Amazon and Chewy). Don’t be fooled by the knock-offs!
Check Ripple Rug website for more color options and international shipping.
Resting
Wild cats sleep a lot. They need to save their energy for hunting.
Indoor cats tend to sleep a lot too. But typically it’s because they don’t get enough enrichment.
Catnaps are fine throughout the day, but proper exercise is needed daily.
A tired cat is a happy cat!
Bonus! Cat beds are great for both resting and hiding.
My top cat bed picks:
- Organic cotton sleeping bag on Etsy
- Wool cat cave on Etsy
- 2 in 1 dome cat bed on Amazon and Chewy
Clean bathroom
Unfortunately, many people overlook the importance of a clean litter box.
A clean litter box can prevent health and behavior issues.
If your cat refuses the box, it’s likely that it isn’t clean enough.
Plus, your cat deserves a clean bathroom just like you.
Use my guides:
Mimic the wild cat’s enrichment indoors to make your single cat happy. A happy cat is a healthy cat.
Mental stimulation keeps your cat entertained
Mental stimulation is important for cats. It prevents boredom and stress.
Wild cats get mental stimulation from hunting.
Indoor cats don’t hunt. So it’s our responsibility to provide mental stimulation.
Let’s think about your life:
- Creativity makes you happy
- Exercise prevents stress
- Meditation prevents anxiety
- Activities keep you entertained
The same applies to our cats!
Puzzle toys provide a lot of mental stimulation and enrichment.
These puzzle toys simulate the hunting experience indoors the most. Your cat has to work for his treats!
Cat Amazing is truly an amazing puzzle toy. They have beginner and advanced puzzle toys for cats.
Buy Cat Amazing puzzle toy on Chewy and Amazon.
Cats need mental stimulation just like we do. Mental stimulation prevents boredom and stress.
Cat furniture nurtures your cat’s wild side
The right cat furniture provides entertainment and enrichment.
Cat furniture is crucial. You don’t want your cat to scratch your furniture and climb your kitchen counters.
Bored cats also knock things off of counters, get into trouble, and make a mess in your apartment.
My top picks
Tuft + Paw Frond Cat Tree
- Made with natural oak and sisal
- Multiple levels for climbing, perching, and resting
- Many places to scratch and stretch
Buy it on Tuft + Paw.
Cat Ladder
- Made with wood and carpet
- Choose from many sizes that fit your space
- Cats can climb, rest, and scratch
Buy it on Etsy.
Mau Cat Condos
- Made with real tree branches and soft plush
- Cats can climb, scratch, and rest
- A new tree is planted for every purchase made
Buy it on Etsy.
Window perch:
- Doesn’t take up floor space
- Memory foam and washable cover
- Hook loop fastening strip and metal legs (no power tools required)
Tip: Rest one side of the perch on your cat’s condo for added support.
Buy it on Amazon (same one pictured above) or Chewy (similar).
Pet Tree Houses
- Made with real tree branches, carpet, and silk leaves
- The ultimate treehouse for your cat
- Cats can climb, rest, scratch, perch, and hide
Buy it on Etsy.
Budget-friendly condo
- Sturdy enough
- Better than no condo
- Jericho loves his
DIY furniture
Maybe you prefer DIY and don’t have a woodshop (like me).
I assembled wire shelves to make a climbing stair-like condo.
Buy 3-tier wire shelves and stackable wire shelves on Amazon.
The wire shelves linked above are from the same company so you should be able to mix and match.
Other materials for DIY cat furniture:
- Cardboard box pieces to line shelves
- Nontoxic glue
- Scratchpad
- Cat yoga mat
- Cotton bed
- Organic catnip
Tip: Put your cat’s condos by the window for added entertainment.
Cat furniture keeps cats entertained because it provides enrichment.
Ready to ditch dry kibble and switch to healthy cat food? Get my proven plan that helps you switch to healthy wet or raw without the stress of dealing with a picky cat!
Activity centers will keep your cat from being bored
Activity centers provide enrichment and mental stimulation.
My cat’s favorite activity center is the Ripple Rug.
- Made with recycled plastic bottles
- Cats can scratch, rest, hide, hunt, and play
- Hide treats and toys inside ripples
- Cats can play by themselves safely
- Spot clean easily with water or throw it in the wash on cold delicate cycle then hang dry
Buy the Ripple Rug on Amazon and Chewy.
Cat activity play rugs are perfect for getting your cat to play by himself.
A food foraging mat is also great for mental stimulation.
Another fun way to simulate the hunting experience indoors!
Buy a food foraging mat on Etsy and Amazon.
Cat-safe toys are great for exercise
Cat-safe toys play by the same rules.
Natural materials are a must.
Toys are in and out of your cat’s mouth and roll around on the floor.
Buy washable toys or replace them regularly.
Tip: Check out my video how I get my cat to play with me every day.
My top picks on Etsy
Purrfect Play
- Made with cotton, wool, hemp, and certified organic catnip
- Catnip-free toys available
- 3% of proceeds are donated to animal charities
Buy Purrfect Play.
Chester and Pearl
- Wand toy is made with wood and Minky fabric
- Detachable and washable
- Mimics mama’s tail, your cat’s first toy
- Pouncers are fun for hunting and chasing
Buy Chester and Pearl.
Meowy Janes
- Catnip and alternatives like Silvervine and Valerian
- Matatabi sticks are fun to chase and chew
- Cat grooming sets available
Buy Meowy Janes.
Whiskers n Paws
- Toys made with real rabbit fur
- Catnip toys available
- Wand toys available
Buy Whiskers n Paws.
Kitty Whip
- Made with reclaimed wood
- Cotton, hemp, or leather whip
- The most natural wand toy you’ll find
Buy Kitty Whip.
If you prefer DIY cat toys:
More cat toys on Amazon and Chewy
The Cat Dancer is a simple, affordable, and very effective toy.
Buy it on Amazon and Chewy. Chewy’s is their own version of The Cat Dancer.
Wand toys with several attachments come in handy when your cat gets bored. The clasp allows you to use any toy with it.
Cat toys and activity centers mimic the hunting experience and provide mental stimulation. This keeps single cats happy and entertained.
Routines help your cat feel safe
Cats need routines in their lives because it makes them feel safe.
Let’s go back to the cat’s wild side…
Imagine you live outside. You’d have to:
- Hunt for food
- Find a quiet, safe place to sleep
- Fight for survival
- Find a safe place to do your business
You’d want your day to be predictable, right?
This is how your cat sees life. Even if your cat has never been outside.
Remember, these instincts are ingrained.
Any changes to your routines will stress out your cat.
Healthy routine examples:
- Litter box location and proper maintenance
- Scheduled mealtimes
- Play, eat, groom, sleep
- Scheduled grooming
- Cuddles and naptime together
These routines will help your single cat feel safe indoors.
Cats prefer predictability and routine. They don’t like surprises.
Final thoughts on single cat households
We must nurture the cat’s wild side to prevent boredom and loneliness.
Especially when you live in a single cat household.
Cats need fun activities and routines in their lives to feel safe and happy.
Provide enrichment, mental stimulation, and playtime daily.
This will prevent loneliness, boredom, behavior issues, and stress.
A happy cat is a healthy cat.
Need more help forming a strong bond with your cat? Check out my how to form a strong bond guide next!
