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.

I do these things daily to keep my cat happy in our small apartment.

Jericho was living on the streets before I adopted him. So he had lots of mental stimulation out there!

But now I’m able to keep him entertained and happy in our small apartment.

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

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

PS – If you’re ready to give your cat a happy life, my Cat Care & Enrichment Binders are for you!

My Cat Care & Enrichment Binders include printable and digital cat care planners, trackers, sitter instructions, medical records, and bonus videos for litter box hacks, how to bond with cats, and how to find a sitter you trust so you can give your cat a happy life.

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.

Transition your cat to healthy food

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

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.

Ready to switch to healthy food for a happier cat?

Grab my Ditch the Kibble video course and get the same plan that 564+ cat parents used to switch from kibble to a healthy cat food brand.