Bringing a Cat Home: A Renovation Proposal for Cat-Friendly Living [6]

KEY2 Cat’ room ——Independent Cat House · Part 1

KNOW HOW:

An Independent Cat House refers to a designated room or cabinet that houses all the essential items a cat may need, such as food and water bowls, litter boxes, and other cat accessories. Independent cat houses are commonly used when the pet owner is away, and there is a need to limit the cat’s activity to a specific area, or in multi-cat households where separation is required.

When designing an independent cat house, several factors must be considered, including ensuring sufficient space for the cats to move around comfortably, the appropriate ratio of cats to space, proper ventilation, and enough room for the litter box and feeding stations.

· The Cat House Should Be Placed in a Well-Lit Area with Good Interaction Opportunities with the Family

When designing the interior, it is common to first finalize the layout of the main spaces such as the living room, dining room, and bedrooms before considering the location of the cat house, often placing it in areas like a storage room or a back balcony. However, these spaces may not always align with the natural habits of cats. It is recommended to consider both the needs of the cat and the family when planning. Cats are generally very curious, so placing the cat house near a window is ideal, allowing them to enjoy the outdoor view. However, attention should be paid to the duration of sunlight and the angle of sunlight entering the space to avoid overheating the room, which could be uncomfortable for the cat. Additionally, cats tend to enjoy observing the activities of their family members, so positioning the cat house in a common area such as the living room or study is also a good option.

· Space Planning for the Cat House and Cat Cabinet Interiors

There are generally two types of cat houses: one is a small room designated for the cat’s use, and the other is a cabinet-style design that integrates platforms, litter boxes, and other cat accessories. Compared to the cabinet design, the cat house offers a larger space and feels less cramped. On the other hand, the cabinet design requires more attention to detail. Since cats may spend a long time inside the cabinet during the day, it is crucial to focus on ventilation and heat dissipation. Additionally, the path to the litter box should be smooth, ensuring no dead corners or insufficient step height that would make it difficult for the cat to move around.

· Installation of Fall Prevention Design for Windows

Some clever cats are capable of opening windows. Therefore, if the cat house has an exterior-facing window, it is recommended to install a fall prevention design. A common solution is to use child safety locks that limit the window’s opening width, preventing the cat from squeezing through. Additionally, a fixed screen can be installed to keep the window closed, but if the cat tends to damage the screen, it is advisable to use a stainless steel mesh. This material will maintain proper ventilation while ensuring safety.

· Avoid Using Wallpaper or Wall Fabrics

It is common to see wallpaper or wall fabrics being damaged by cat claws. It is recommended to choose smooth materials for the walls, such as painted surfaces, lacquered glass, mirrors, or melamine boards, as they are more scratch-resistant and easier to clean. Sometimes, solid wood veneer is used for decoration. In this case, it is advisable to select hardwood veneers, such as beech or ironwood. Softwoods like cedar or paulownia should be avoided, as cats may extend their claws while playing, and softer woods are more prone to scratches.

· Choose Scratch-Resistant and Easy-to-Clean Flooring

Extremely smooth floors can lack traction for cats, making it difficult for them to walk. To achieve easy cleaning while allowing the cat to move freely, it is recommended to choose durable flooring materials like abrasion-resistant flooring or PVC plastic floors. Abrasion-resistant flooring is highly scratch-resistant and can withstand the cat’s scratching, while also being easy to clean. Additionally, if the cat tends to urinate outside the litter box, polished quartz tiles or seamless flooring options like self-leveling cement are ideal. It is best to avoid wooden floors or PVC tiles, as the seams can trap odors.

· Properly Finish the Edges of the Panels

If a cat has a habit of spraying or poor litter box habits, it is recommended to choose easy-to-clean materials, such as melamine boards, for both the steps the cat uses and the cabinet structure. In addition to using waterproof materials, it is also important to ensure that the edges of the panels, particularly those the cat may come into contact with, are smoothly finished. Sharp designs should be avoided to prevent snagging on fur and to protect the cats from injury when they are entering or exiting.

· Properly Hide Electrical Cables and Curtain Cords

Cats are naturally attracted to long, string-like objects. If the cat house or cat cabinet contains items like electric water dispensers, fans, or curtains, it is important to ensure that electrical wires and curtain cords are properly tucked away and do not hang down to the floor. This will help prevent the risk of a kitten getting tangled in the curtain cords and suffocating. Alternatively, using blinds with curtain pull rods can reduce the likelihood of such accidents. Additionally, electrical wires can be organized with cord storage boxes to protect them from being chewed on.