Having a cat in a small apartment is easy with enrichment. Cats require daily play, cat-friendly furniture, a clean litter box, and healthy food in all living spaces.

Here’s how to make your small apartment cat-friendly:

Check out this guide today or pin the image below to your Cat Happiness board on Pinterest.

Disclaimer: You (and only you) are responsible for your cat. I earn a commission through affiliate links below. No additional cost to you.

Play with your cat daily

Playing with your cat daily provides exercise and mental stimulation.

Daily play can prevent stress and boredom. And it’s a great bonding activity!

Jericho loves to play in our small one-bedroom apartment

All cats need daily exercise (play) regardless of your small space.

My cat isn’t interested in playing” is the most common excuse I hear.

Wild cats spend most of their day hunting (exercise and stimulation).

We need to play with our apartment cats since they don’t hunt.

Playing with your cat is easy and very fun!

Jericho’s favorite cat toys are rabbit fur, wool chase balls, and Matatabi sticks.

I’ve found that cats like toys made with natural materials the most.

Buy the best cat toys on Etsy.

Get cat-friendly furniture that takes up vertical space

Cat furniture that takes up vertical space is perfect for small apartments.

Jericho’s favorite cat ladder only takes up about 2′ of floor space.

cat furniture small apartment
Jericho plays, scratches, and perches on his cat ladder daily

Cat furniture provides enrichment in a small space.

Cats love to climb, perch, rest, and scratch.

The cat ladder satisfies all of these needs!

Put your cat’s furniture by the window for added entertainment.

A window perch is excellent for small apartments too.

cat resting on window perch
Jericho gets some sun on his window perch daily

Cats love watching over their territory. Even if your view stinks.

Shop best cat furniture:

Put your cat’s litter box in a quiet space

Cats prefer and deserve a quiet, clean place to do their business.

clean litter box area
Jericho’s litter box is in a nook between the couch and the closet

Many cats refuse the litter box simply because they aren’t comfortable using it.

Cats do not want to climb through a messy closet to get to their bathroom.

Most cats also prefer hoodless boxes. They like the open space to dig and turn around in the box.

Hooded boxes also trap smells inside.

Buy my litter box supplies on Amazon:

Tip: Check out my 5 mins/week litter cleaning routine.

Need a centralized place to keep track of everything related to your cat? Grab my Cat Care Binder Bundle!

Transition your cat to healthy food

We are what we eat. And unfortunately, most commercial cat food is not what it seems.

Switch your picky cat to wet or raw easily

Dry food (no matter who makes it) is not appropriate for any cat.

Feeding your cat dry food only dehydrates him from the inside out.

Water (moisture) is the most important nutrient.

The cat’s natural prey is 70-80% moisture. Dry food is only 10% moisture.

“My cat is too picky” is the #1 complaint I get.

That’s why my cat food transition plan is specifically formulated for picky cats.

Shop best wet cat food:

Raised Right is only suitable for adult cats. Use code PETS20 for 20% off.

Use code CATICLES for $5 off your first box.

Shop best raw cat food:

Darwin’s is complete and balanced as is. Tell them about your cat and get 10 lbs of food for just $14.95!

They also sell a CKD support diet (not eligible for new customer discount).

Quest is complete freeze-dried raw for all life stages. Use code JESSCATICLES for 25% off.

Viva Raw Complete for cats is complete for all life stages. Their pure blends are the perfect base for homemade cat food. Use this link for 20% off. Check out my Viva Raw page for instructions.

Hare Today is for more experienced raw feeders. Buy meat, bones, and organs chubs plus Alnutrin for meat and bone and fish oil supplements. Use my PDF guide for instructions.

Create an account and earn discount points on purchases.

Only Natural Pet sells freeze-dried raw foods. Freeze-dried raw is a very easy way to transition from dry or wet food.

Check out cat food reviews for more options.

Final thoughts on having a cat in a small apartment

Cats can be happy living in a small apartment.

As long as you play with your cat daily, provide cat-friendly furniture, keep a clean litter box, and feed healthy food.

These are natural needs of all cats regardless of the space in which they live.

Need a centralized place to keep track of everything related to your cat? Grab my Cat Care Binder Bundle!