Want to know how to keep a single cat happy in your apartment? Easy.
Nurture your cat’s wild side and spend quality time together.
Cats are wild. Even if they have never been outside.
Your cat needs to scratch, hunt, climb, perch, rest, and hide to be happy.
Window-watching also provides endless entertainment to single cats.
Here’s how to keep a single cat happy:
- Make your cat hunt for treats
- Daily play sessions keep cats happy
- Provide scratching areas for your cat
- Cat furniture for perching
- Comfy cat beds for resting
- Hiding places keep cats happy
- Climbing areas make cats feel safe
- Window-watching provides enrichment
- A clean litter box keeps cats healthy
- Spend quality time with your cat
- Respect cat behavior
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My single cat
My cat, Jericho, my partner, and I live in a 1-bedroom apartment. Jericho was rescued from the streets.
Your cat is wild too. Even if he’s never been outside.
I’m constantly getting creative on how to keep my single cat, Jericho, happy indoors.
Maybe you’re having the same issues.
Does your cat knock stuff off counters?
Cats do this when they are bored. The sound of the stuff smacking the floor is entertaining to them.
Does your cat chew up and unravel the toilet paper?
Again, another form of entertainment. He is probably doing this because he’s bored or lonely.
Should you get another cat?
Adopting another cat isn’t always the solution. Cats are territorial creatures.
Some cats can become loving siblings when introduced properly.
But more cats isn’t always doable. Especially in a small apartment.
Instead, nurture your cat’s wild side with enrichment and mental stimulation.
Make your cat hunt for treats
Wild cats spend most of their day hunting for food.
All cats are natural-born hunters. Cats need to hunt to stay happy and healthy.
- Healthy exercise
- Mental stimulation
- Fun game for both of you
Hiding treats is a great way to simulate hunting indoors.
This is a fun exercise for all cats. But especially for overweight cats that need to move around more.
Here are some indoor hunting ideas:
- Hide food/treats around your home (I use glass jar lids)
- Use treat-release toys on Amazon and Chewy
- Get a foraging mat on Amazon and Etsy
- Play on the Ripple Rug Amazon (US only), Chewy, and Ripple Rug website for international shipping
- Use food puzzle toys on Amazon and Chewy
- Cat Amazing on Amazon and Chewy truly is amazing
All of these options require some work to get food.
Your cat has to sniff out the food, complete a task, then he earns a reward for his hard work.
Unfortunately, most food puzzle and release toys are made out of plastic.
Always wash them after each use. Replace them regularly.
Plastic traps bacteria. Even with regular washing.
Here are some healthy treat options:
Liver treats on Raised Right. Or Dr. Becker’s Bites.
Dehydrated meats and organs on Hare Today (US only).
Healthy treats on Amazon:
DIY options for hunting
Toilet paper rolls
You can create food toys with toilet paper or paper towel rolls. Create tunnels and different sized ring diggers.
A cardboard egg carton works well too.
Just remember to use new rolls and cartons each time since you can’t properly clean them.
Healthy treats, like dehydrated meat treats, work well in this DIY option.
Tip: Here are 12 other toilet paper roll toys for cats.
Coffee mug
Fill the mug with food. Lie the mug on its side on top of a food mat or newspaper.
Pawing out food will earn mental stimulation as well.
Glass jars
I reuse glass jars from salsa, sauce, yogurt, etc.
Fill the jar with food or treats and make your cat paw out the reward.
Place these on soft surfaces on the floor only for safety. It will probably get knocked around.
You can buy a food mat on Amazon to keep the floor sanitary.
Jar lids
I hide Jericho’s treats on glass jar lids.
He eats freeze-dried raw treats.
So I use the lids to keep my surfaces sanitary.
Hiding ideas for lids:
- Inside beds
- On top of condos
- In tunnels
- Between furniture
- Ripple Rug
- Under stuffed animals
- Anywhere else they fit
Tip: Check out 8 more ways to keep your cat entertained.
Your cat will expect to hunt once you establish this routine.
Daily play sessions keep cats happy
Playtime is another version of indoor hunting that we can use.
Your cat doesn’t like to play?
Sounds like you need better toys, persistence, and more creativity ????
Best cat toys on Etsy:
Cats love natural materials. So cats are attracted to these natural toys immediately.
Clients and friends have said to me “my cat doesn’t like to play”.
But I’m able to get their cats to play.
What’s the difference?
I mimic prey movements, I’m persistent, and I get creative.
Sometimes I wave the wand around for 10 minutes before Jericho pounces.
All indoor cats love to play since they don’t hunt.
Tip: Check out the best lazy cat toys and my video on how I get my cat to play every day.
Playtime is the indoor version of hunting. All cats love to play.
Provide scratching areas for your cat
Proper scratching areas will save your furniture.
All cats love to scratch.
- Natural stress reliever
- Sheds dead layers of claws
- Allows cats to mark their territory
Never declaw your cat. It is a serious amputation of the toe, not just the claw.
Plus, even declawed cats have the urge to scratch. Talk about stress!
Your furniture will get clawed to shreds if you don’t provide proper scratching areas.
Best scratching posts:
- Purrfect Post customizable scratching post
- JML Pets scratchpad on Etsy
- Tuft + Paw modern scratchers
- Trixie scratching post on Amazon and Chewy
Note: Trixie is the budget-friendly option. Sisal rope is popular. But it frays easily, it’s messy, and it’s rough on paws.
Sisal fabric and carpet are much softer and last longer.
Cats love cardboard so this is a no-brainer. However, it shreds easily and gets everywhere.
You could DIY a cardboard scratcher, but you’ll need to replace it in a year.
Don’t forget to teach your cat how to use it.
- Tease toys around it
- Sprinkle organic catnip
- Scratch on it yourself
We know what it is, but your cat doesn’t.
Tip: Do you have a frayed mess that needs a makeover? Check out my upcycled scratching post tutorial.
Scratching is a natural stress reliever. We need to nurture this wild instinct to keep our single cats happy.
Cat furniture for perching
Wild cats perch up high because they want to watch over their territory.
Yes, your cat sees your apartment as his territory.
Tall cat furniture and cat trees are perfect for perching.
Buying guide:
- Tall
- Durable
- Multiple levels
- Sleeping areas
- Scratching areas
- Natural materials
It’s best to buy furniture that satisfies multiple enrichment needs. This will save space in your apartment.
Durability is a must.
Your cat won’t use it if he isn’t comfortable using it.
Jericho’s favorite right now is the Cat Ladder.
We have the 6-step ladder. I put it up against the window for extra entertainment.
Buy the Cat Ladder or a cat treehouse on Etsy.
Tip: Here are more apartment-friendly modern cat furniture suggestions.
Perching makes your cat feel safe and comfy at home. A safe and comfy cat is a happy cat.
Comfy cat beds for resting
Wild cats sleep a lot. They need to save energy for hunting.
Indoor cats sleep a lot because this instinct is ingrained.
Your cat needs private resting areas even if your cat sleeps with you.
Jericho cuddles on my pillow every night. He’s the little spoon.
But he still has private beds to keep him comfy and warm.
Private beds keep your cat warm when you’re not home.
Beds that we have:
- Organic cotton sleeping bag. Made in the US and softer than my bedding. Buy the Purrfect Play bed on Etsy.
- 2-in-1 cat bed. Washable, soft, and multi-use. Buy the 2-in-1 bed on Amazon and Chewy.
Other beds on my wish list:
- Wool felt bed (Etsy). Hand-felted, warm cat cave.
- Dome tent bed (Tuft + Paw). Made with fabric, wood, and cotton. A portion of all proceeds are donated to no-kill shelters.
Wash beds according to the instructions before use.
Private resting areas provide warmth to your cat and make him feel safe.
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!
Hiding places keep cats happy
Wild cats hide to stay safe.
Indoor cats don’t need to dodge traffic or predators. But they still like to hide.
Single cats feel safe knowing there are hiding spots if needed.
Your cat may hide from guests, loud neighbors, or a storm.
Hiding spot ideas:
- Most cat condos come with hiding huts
- Enclosed beds can serve as hiding spots
- Cat tunnels are hiding spots too
- Put a blanket in a box and call it a day
Cat condos:
- We have a basic grey condo. Jericho enjoys perching by the window. Buy the condo on Amazon and Chewy.
- Tuft + Paw. Modern and stylish furniture made by cat behavioralists. Made in the US. Buy Tuft + Paw on their website.
- Mau condos. Made from real tree branches and soft plush. A new tree is planted for every purchase. Made in the US. Buy Mau condos on Etsy.
Any of the condos mentioned above are great for hiding.
Cat tunnels:
- Pawz Road tunnel. It’s the one we have. Most durable, longest, and widest tunnel I’ve come across. Buy the tunnel on Amazon (US, CA, UK).
- Tunnel cave bed. More of a bed but definitely a cozy hiding spot. Hand-crocheted in the US. Buy the handmade tunnel on Etsy.
Blanket in a box
Cardboard = trees.
Trees = natural scratching post.
Boom!
This is why cats love boxes.
Some boxes may cause itchiness. And it’s not the most sanitary option.
But it’s an idea if you’re on a tight budget.
Hiding spots keep single cats happy because it makes them feel safe.
Climbing areas make cats feel safe
Climbing goes along with perching.
Cats love to climb trees because they can perch, rest, and hide up there.
Climbing also provides healthy and fun exercise.
Indoor cats need places to climb too.
Cat condos, trees, and tall cat furniture mentioned above are best for this.
Tip: Check out the wildest cat trees for apartments.
DIY climbing
I inherited some wire shelving from my last apartment. The previous tenant left it behind.
So I used it to build a stair-shape climbing condo.
Materials needed:
- Buy 3-tier wire shelves on Amazon
- Buy stackable wire shelves also on Amazon
- Cardboard box pieces to line shelves
- Carpet samples, rugs, or Ripple Rug baby base
Optional additions (from Etsy):
Climbing keeps your single cat happy because it’s healthy exercise to get to perching, resting, and hiding areas.
Window-watching provides enrichment
The window provides endless entertainment to your single cat.
Your cat will enjoy window-watching. Even if your view stinks!
The window perch we have:
- No power tools required
- Attaches to your windowsill with an adhesive strip
- Metal legs included for added stability
- Soft, washable cover
- No idea where it’s made
I rest the perch on the cat condo platform for extra security.
Buy the window perch on Amazon or Chewy.
Tip: My friends and clients have the suction-cup hammock-style perches. Their cats didn’t use it.
Cats prefer stability, and the hammock suction-cup perches aren’t as stable.
Other options:
- Wall-mounted shelf bed (Tuft + Paw). Install it near the window. Soft, washable cover. Made in the US.
- DIY shelf made with cardboard. Video tutorial.
Regardless of which you choose, always check that it’s secure before use.
Window-watching keeps your single cat happy because it provides endless entertainment.
A clean litter box keeps cats healthy
Unfortunately, many people overlook the power of a clean litter box.
So many people want to know how to keep the litter box area clean and how to keep the apartment from smelling like the litter box.
I’ve got a simple answer for you…
Clean it!
Cats prefer and deserve a clean bathroom, just like you.
- Daily scooping, weekly cleaning
- Unscented, naturally clumping litter on Amazon, Only Natural Pet, and Chewy
- Stainless steel box on Amazon and Chewy
- Metal litter scoop on Amazon and Chewy
- Double-layer litter mat on Amazon, Only Natural Pet, and Chewy
- Ripple Rug bottom only
A dirty litter box can lead to health issues and your cat may refuse the box.
You want an easy cleanup, a healthy cat, and no accidents around your apartment?
Follow my advice…
A clean litter box keeps you and your cat happy because there’s less stink.
Spend quality time with your cat
Cats prefer human interaction to other stimuli despite their aloof behavior.
Cats love their humans, but interaction must be on their terms.
Everything must be on your cat’s terms.
Cats own us, not the other way around.
Tip: Check out 29 ways to strengthen your bond and how to pet a cat [with pictures].
Spending quality time together is a great bonding experience and keeps your single cat happy.
Respect cat behavior
Cats are mysterious creatures.
I’ve had 12 cats in my personal life. And I’ve worked with 400+ cats professionally.
I’m still learning new things about cats every day.
The most important thing you can do for your single cat is respect him.
I always explain cats and dogs this way…
Dogs work to earn our trust. But, with cats, we have to work to earn theirs.
Respect your cat’s boundaries:
- Cats don’t like to be picked up. Of my 400+ clients, only 1 actually wanted to be picked up.
- Don’t touch your cat’s belly.
- A quickly whipping tail means your cat is annoyed.
- Don’t stare at your cat. It’s intimidating.
- Be patient. Don’t force interaction.
Being patient goes a long way, especially with shy cats.
If you force the interaction, you’ll just make your cat lose trust in you.
Tip: Learn how to read your cat’s emotions with cat tail language.
Respecting your cat’s boundaries will keep him happy because it’s what he prefers.
Final thoughts on how to keep a single cat happy
Dress your apartment in proper enrichment. Buy furniture that satisfies multiple needs.
This will save space in your apartment.
All cats need to climb, rest, scratch, perch, window-watch, and hunt.
This provides mental stimulation and especially keeps single cats happy.
A clean litter box is a must. No exceptions.
Spend quality time with your cat. But do it on his terms.
Respect your cat’s boundaries and be patient.
Need some help forming a strong bond with your single cat? Check out how to form a strong bond next!
