The best ideas for cats in small apartments include cat condos that use vertical space, scratching surfaces on the wall or couches, and using your bed to play with your cat.
These cat supplies and activities are a must if you want your cat to be happy in a small space.
The best way to nurture cats is with the right cat supplies, healthy cat food, and lots of play.
Let’s get into the best ideas for cats in small apartments:
- Cat condos
- Ripple Rug
- Cat supplies organizer
- Play with your cat
- Scratching surfaces
- Window perch
- Beds
- Litter box location
- Hunting for treats
- Clean dishes and food mat
- Catio on balcony
- Arranging cat supplies
- Keep your apartment clean
- Feed a healthy diet
- Use natural supplements
- DIY condo
- DIY bed
- DIY TP toys
- DIY catnip toys
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1. Cat condos
Cat condos and cat trees are beneficial in many ways. Pick condos that satisfy multiple needs.
This will keep your cat happy.
Plus, you’ll nurture multiple wild instincts with just 1 piece of furniture. This saves apartment space and money.
The Cat Ladder (on Etsy) is Jericho’s favorite. It’s tall and sturdy, he can scratch each platform, and it doesn’t take up a lot of floor space.
More fun cat condos on Etsy:
- Mau makes real tree branch condos
- JML Pets makes real wood and natural carpet condos
- Pet Treehouses makes treehouses with tree branches, wood, and carpet
Other cat trees and condos:
- Tuft + Paw for a modern look
- CatsPlay if you like to customize
Benefits of cat condos and trees:
- Takes up vertical space rather than floor space
- Has multiple perches for resting and relaxing
- Is sturdy for climbing and jumping
- Has scratching areas
Get a condo that matches this list. It satisfies multiple wild needs of cats.
Put the condo against the window for extra entertainment.
Buy the grey condo on Amazon (US, CA, UK) and Chewy.
A tall cat condo is essential for cats in small apartments. Condos take up vertical space and satisfy multiple enrichment needs.
2. Ripple Rug
The Ripple Rug is a versatile activity center for cats. It’s made from recycled plastic bottles.
These rugs save 24 bottles from the landfill.
This is a great product for eco-friendly people.
Benefits of the Ripple Rug:
- Cats can hunt, scratch, rest, and play
- Easy to roll up and store away to save apartment space
- Hide toys and treats inside the ripples for extra entertainment
Jericho and I love the Ripple Rug. We play on it daily.
I put his cotton chase ball toys inside the holes and ripples. Jericho goes crazy pawing them out. He does bunny kicks and scratches on the rugs.
I know Jericho loves the Ripple Rug because his wild side comes out when he plays on it.
These rugs satisfy the multiple needs of cats. It is more than worth the money.
Cat activity play rugs are great for enrichment.
Buy the Ripple Rug on Amazon or Chewy. Don’t fall for the knock-offs!
Check Ripple Rug’s website for more color options and international shipping.
3. Cat supplies organizer
Cats require multiple toys to prevent boredom. Playtime is important because cats need to exercise indoors.
Wild cats get exercise from hunting. Since indoor cats don’t hunt, they need to play for exercise. This keeps cats healthy and entertained.
Put your cat supplies and toys in an organizer to save space and keep your apartment tidy.
Benefits of an organizer:
- Keep your cat supplies away when not using
- Provides an extra perch for your cat to rest on
- Leave a drawer empty for a DIY cat bed
Quality is key here. Plastic is no good and needs to be replaced frequently. This means more money spent in the long run.
A handmade organizer is made with quality materials built to last. This also looks nicer than plastic in your apartment.
It can also double as a coffee table or bookshelf.
Buy a handmade organizer on Etsy.
4. Play with your cat
Again, cats need to play to be happy. Playing gives your cat exercise and mental stimulation.
Both are required for indoor cats to stay healthy and happy.
Consider playing with your cat on your bed or on a table if your apartment is extra small.
I’ve had many cat clients that loved running around on the bed. You can use wand toys or toss mice toys for them to catch.
Jericho enjoys playing in the bathroom. Tease toys under the bathroom door to simulate the hunting experience.
Before you say, “My cat doesn’t like to play” let me interrupt you.
I’ve had many clients, friends, and family tell me this.
But I’m able to get all of those cats to play with a little patience and the right tricks.
My guides will help you.
Check out my cat isn’t interested in playing. Or watch the video below.
5. Scratching surfaces
Cats need to scratch. These wild instincts are ingrained.
Scratching allows cats to shed dead layers of claws, stretch, and mark their territory. It’s a natural stress relief for them.
We need to nurture this wild instinct.
Never declaw your cat. This is a serious amputation of the toe, not just the nail.
It would be like losing the tip of your finger to the first knuckle.
Plus, even declawed cats have the urge to scratch. Talk about stress for your cat!
To save your furniture, get proper scratching pads or posts for your home.
Best scratching options:
- Purrfect Post. Multiple height options and customizable colors!
- JML Pets scratching pad (Etsy). Large enough for your cat to stretch but doesn’t take up a lot of space.
- Modern scratchers by Tuft + Paw. Handmade, high quality. Built to last.
- Trixie scratching post (Amazon, Chewy). Budget-friendly option. A cheap scratcher is better than no scratcher!
Or you can upcycle your frayed scratching post with carpet.
Give your cat a confident and comfortable life with the digital + printable Cat Care Binder so you can become best buds.
6. Window perch
Jericho loves his window perch. He watches outside and naps in the sun.
The window perch doesn’t take up a lot of space. I use the provided legs and also rest the edge on his condo for added support.
Jericho loves to nap and meditate in the sun. He also watches outside. This serves as endless entertainment for him.
What if I don’t have a nice view?
Your cat will enjoy looking outside even if your view is of a building across the alleyway.
One of my client’s views was of a building about 20 feet away from hers. Her cat still enjoyed looking out the window.
And I saw a cat in the building across the way lounging on the windowsill. Coincidentally, the cats were both tuxedos!
Measure your windowsill before buying the window perch to make sure it will fit.
Buy a window perch on Amazon and Chewy.
7. Beds
Jericho cuddles with me every night. He also enjoys napping with me during the day.
Jericho has private beds as well. It’s great to have other options even if your cat sleeps with you.
Cats like privacy and safety when they sleep. They are both predators and prey in the wild.
So privacy is a must!
Benefits of cat beds:
- Cats love to curl up and be warm in soft beds
- Private beds provide comfort and safety
- Cats are territorial and prefer to have multiple options
- Keeps cats calm and comfortable
You can put cat beds on top of condos, window perch, coffee tables, inside furniture pieces, on large windowsills, or in empty dresser drawers.
Top picks for cat beds:
- Purrfect Play sleeping bag on Etsy
- 2-in-1 cave bed on Amazon (US, CA, UK) and Chewy
- Tuft + Paw modern dome bed
- Cat Box Classics doubles as a bed and scratcher
Private beds make cats feel safe and comfortable in their territory.
8. Litter box location
Litter box location matters for your cat. Cats prefer a quiet, low-traffic area to do their business.
Just think about your bathroom. You like it clean, and you like to feel safe.
The same goes for your cat.
Litter box location ideas:
- Quiet, low-traffic area
- Separate and secluded but open
- On the side of your couch. This is where I keep Jericho’s box.
- Away from food and water. This one is a must too. Track litter waste can get into food and water then travel to your sink. So this is dangerous and gross for both you and your cat.
Use more sanitary supplies. And create a daily and weekly litter box cleaning routine.
I only spend about 5 mins/ week. Check out my litter supplies and cleaning routine. Or watch the video below.
9. Hunting for treats
Make your cat work for his food. This will provide mental stimulation and exercise.
It’s a great game because it mimics the cat’s instinct to hunt.
You can hide treats around your home to keep your cat entertained.
Jericho looks forward to this game every day.
Hide treats in:
- Condos
- Beds
- Between furniture
- The Ripple Rug
- Toys
- On top of scratching posts
Tip: Crunchy “dental” treats are filled with crap cats shouldn’t eat. Use healthy cat treats made with meat only instead.
10. Clean dishes and food mat
Plastic traps bacteria. No matter how many times you wash it.
Stainless steel and lead-free ceramic are much more sanitary.
Benefits of stainless steel and ceramic:
- Doesn’t trap bacteria like plastic
- Easier to clean
- More sanitary
- Less risk of chin acne
The food stand I use comes with two stainless steel bowls and one plate. I also use a food-grade silicone mat which fits perfectly for the stand.
Clean your bowls regularly to prevent pink residue bacteria buildup.
Buy a stand and dish combo and a food mat on Amazon. Or buy a stand and dish combo on Chewy.
Check out Tuft + Paw for modern feeding areas.
11. Catio on balcony
I don’t have a balcony, but I know other apartments have one.
Consider building a catio if you have a balcony or backyard.
A catio is a cat-safe patio. This will give your cat a taste of the outdoors safely.
Check out Catio Spaces for DIY plans.
12. Arranging cat supplies
Use the space that you have wisely. Cats need a lot of supplies to stay happy indoors, especially in small spaces.
It might seem overwhelming to have a cat condo, scratching post, beds, perches, etc.
But you can stack needs on top of others.
A few examples:
- Put cat beds on the bottom of condo, organizer, or top of window perch
- Run a cat tunnel alongside a coffee table
- Put condos or DIY stairs against the wall
- Keep blinds open for extra entertainment
Cats are sensitive to change. Be sure to help your cat adjust to new things gradually.
13. Keep your apartment clean
Cats live close to the floor and close to bacteria.
Keeping a clean apartment will make you and your cats happy.
I spend about 2 hours a week on chores. Check out my apartment cleaning hacks.
14. Feed a healthy diet
A species-appropriate diet benefits your cat in many ways. After all, we are what we eat.
Benefits of raw, homemade cat food:
- Biologically appropriate. Cats are obligate carnivores. Meaning they need meat, bones, and organs to survive and thrive.
- No filler ingredients. Raw, homemade foods contain nutrients that your cat needs. Nothing else.
- No carbs/starches. Cats cannot produce the enzyme amylase in their saliva. Amylase breaks down carbs and starches. Most commercial pet foods have high amounts (around 25-50%) carbs/starches. This is bad for your cat’s teeth and health. Cats are not designed to digest carbs and starches. This leads to obesity.
- Less poop in frequency and smell. Raw eaters produce less stool naturally. That means easier litter clean up and less stink.
- Healthier all around. Raw is what cats are designed to eat. Just think of their wild ancestors. They eat prey whole and raw.
How to feed your cat better:
- Create a cat feeding schedule
- Learn how to read cat food labels
- Feed your picky cat better food
Need help feeding your picky cat better? My switch your cat to raw course is for you!
15. Use natural supplements
Natural supplements come in handy in small apartments. Cats live close to the floor surrounded by bacteria.
Cats are closed in by walls and surrounded by artificial smells from other apartments.
Some of my neighbors like to smoke. So I get the stink of cigarettes in my apartment frequently.
Benefits of natural supplements:
- Antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
- Provides easily digestible energy
- Supports healthy immune response
- Healthy skin and coat
- Relieves joint pain
Buy coconut oil on Amazon.
16. DIY condo
You can build a DIY condo too. I built Jericho’s using wire shelving.
This makes it more personalized to your space. His stair condo is against the wall so it doesn’t take up a lot of floor space.
It leads to his other condo and window perch. Jericho loves running up the stairs to his perch.
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.
I used the Ripple Rug bottom only for the carpet. And put Jericho’s backpack on the top for a cozy nap spot.
Other materials for DIY cat trees:
- Cardboard box pieces to line shelves
- Nontoxic glue
- Scratchpad
- Cotton bed
- Organic catnip
17. DIY bed
Another personalized cat enrichment need is beds.
You can use boxes, blankets, and T-shirts for this one.
Cats love boxes because they are cardboard. Cardboard is made from trees. Trees are mother nature’s scratching post.
Now you know why your cat favors the box instead of what you just bought!
Put a large T-shirt over the box. The neck hole will be the entrance to the bed.
Put a small pillow or a blanket inside to make it comfy.
18. DIY TP toys
Toilet paper and paper towel rolls come in handy for DIY cat toys.
Reuse these rolls to make food puzzles, wand toys, or a cat mobile.
We know how much cats love cardboard so these toys are perfect.
Check out my guide for 13 toilet paper roll toy ideas. Just be mindful that some companies use toxic glue on the rolls.
19. DIY catnip toys
I buy and DIY catnip toys. They are easy to make in a pinch. And you don’t have to be an expert sewer.
Materials needed:
- Felt fabric
- A scissor
- Thread and needle
- Organic catnip
- Catnip alternatives
Check out my simple instructions for DIY cat toys with felt.
Final thoughts on ideas for cats in small apartments
Remember that your cat sees your apartment as his territory.
You need to nurture his wild side. Provide the right cat supplies to keep your cat happy in a small apartment.
The right cat supplies will help prevent stress and keep your cats happy.
Choose cat supplies that benefit multiple enrichment needs.
High-quality cat supplies are best. They are more sanitary and built to last.
This benefits your cat’s health and your wallet in the long run.
Need a centralized place to keep track of everything related to your cat? Grab my Cat Care Binder Bundle!
