Exactly how to keep a single cat happy in an apartment (cat room ideas)

Use these fun cat furniture pieces to make a cat room or cat corner in your apartment. These pieces will keep your single cat happy even if you live in a small apartment.

Cat furniture helps your cat feel confident and safe at home. All of this nurtures your cat’s natural, wild side. All cats have natural instincts, even if they have never been outside.

So we need to use furniture that satisfies these instincts if we want our cats to be happy in our apartment.

Your cat needs to scratch, climb, perch, rest, and hide to be happy.

It’s ok to adopt one cat only as long as you do these things!

I grew up with multiple cats, and it’s not for me. I prefer to have a single cat in my apartment. My cat Jericho is a single cat who used to live on the streets. Now he’s thriving in a small apartment because I create little cat corners and spaces just for him.

Here’s how to keep a single cat happy in an apartment:

  1. Provide scratching areas for your cat
  2. Cat furniture for perching
  3. Comfy cat beds for resting
  4. Hiding places keep cats happy
  5. Climbing areas make cats feel safe
  6. Activity areas will keep your cat from being bored
  7. A clean litter box keeps cats healthy

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Cat corners in our apartment

I like to place Jericho’s furniture in one area so he has easy access to them. We have one cat corner in our bedroom which is set up like an office.

And we have another cat corner in our living room which is set up like a studio (our bedroom and living room are all one space).

Jericho also has a play area set up in the living room.

jericho on cat ladder caticles.com

The cat ladder is up against the window so he can climb, perch, and look outside. His desk-mounted bed is attached to the table right next to his ladder. This makes it easy for him to climb inside and nap whenever he wants.

My computer desk is on the other side of the ladder. And he has his own bed on my desk. He can climb to all areas very easily because they are put together in one corner.

ideas for cats in small apartments

Jericho’s DIY cat stairs (I explain how to do this below) lead up to his cat condo. And his window perch rests on top of the cat condo ledge.

This gives Jericho a space to run up and down, climb, perch, rest, hide, and look out the window. It’s excellent to place furniture pieces together. It’s like building a cat jungle gym!

cat popping head out of ripple rug enrichment jess caticles

Jericho also has a play area in the living room. We have a cat scratcher, the Ripple Rug, cotton area rugs, lots of toys, and a tunnel all in one area.

This encourages Jericho to run around, scratch, and play. He absolutely loves his play area!

Now I’ll break down the different furniture pieces so you can build your own cat corners or an entire cat room.

Provide scratching areas for your cat

Proper scratching areas will save your furniture.

how to keep a single cat happy scratching post

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.

purrfect post scratcher
Jericho loved Purrfect Post right away

Best scratching posts:

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.

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.

jericho on cat ladder caticles.com

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 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.

ergo purrch best cat perch for apartment jess caticles

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.
jericho in friends of normie whicker basket bed

Beds that we have:

Wash beds according to the instructions before use.

Private resting areas provide warmth to your cat and make him feel safe!

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.

make your cat happy tunnel

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:

how to make your cat happy indoors

Cat condos:

  • We have a basic grey condo. Jericho enjoys perching by the window. Buy the condo on Amazon and Chewy.
  • Tuft + PawModern 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.
  • 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.

make your cat happy cat condo

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.

DIY cat stairs for climbing

I inherited some wire shelving from my last apartment. The previous tenant left it behind.

So I used it to build a stair-shaped climbing condo.

Materials needed:
Optional additions (from Etsy):

Climbing keeps your single cat happy because it’s healthy exercise to get to perching, resting, and hiding areas.

Activity areas will keep your cat from being bored

Activity centers give your cat his own space to play and provide enrichment and mental stimulation.

ripple rug activity center with toys

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 Chewy.

Set up a play area with a rug and some toys as well. Cats love to bunny kick and scratch on rugs. We have cotton rugs from Hook & Loom. Jericho loves to play on this rug every day.

Cat activity play rugs are perfect for getting your cat to play by himself.

Activity centers give your cat a space to play. Play is great for mental stimulation and happiness.

A clean litter box keeps cats healthy

Unfortunately, many people overlook the power of a clean litter box.

clean stainless steel 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.

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.

cat kissing human

Final thoughts on keeping a single cat happy in an apartment

It’s actually much easier to keep a single cat happy than it is to keep multiple cats happy. You don’t need to adopt more cats!

You just need to provide the right enrichment and mental stimulation to nurture your cat’s natural instincts.

Cats love to perch, climb, scratch, rest, hide, and play. Make a cat room or a cat corner with fun furniture and activity mats so your cat can be a cat.

Jericho doesn’t have his own cat room. But I do have cat corners set up in our apartment. This encourages him to play, scratch, climb, perch, and do all the things our cats need to be happy.

Need some more ideas? Check out enrichment activities for single cats next!

Save this post for later to your cat room ideas board on Pinterest.

cat room ideas for single cats in an apartment caticles.com