Bringing a Cat Home: A Renovation Proposal for Cat-Friendly Living [2]

KEY1 Basic ——Fundamentals of a Cat-Friendly Home · Part 1

· The Majestic Clawing Ritual

Clawing is a natural instinct for cats. They need to sharpen their front claws for hunting and use the marks left by clawing to assert their dominance. It’s no surprise that the sofa in the living room often ends up scratched to bits—cats love the texture of the fabric, and more importantly, sofas are usually placed in prominent spots where cats can display their “clawing prowess.”

Aside from marking territory, clawing also serves as a way for cats to relieve stress. It often happens right after they wake up, much like how humans stretch and limber up after a nap. Cats will take the opportunity to sharpen their claws and stretch their muscles to shake off any tension.

· The Importance of Hidden Spaces for Cats

Cats are highly territorial animals and have a strong need to establish their own domain. To ensure their safety and avoid detection by potential threats, they instinctively seek out safe, hidden spots to take refuge. Even when living in a secure home environment, they still retain this instinct to explore and find places to hide. Therefore, having a hiding spot in the home is essential for a cat’s well-being.

However, many cat owners fail to properly plan for these hiding spaces. People often think that simply placing a cardboard box for the cat to hide in is enough, but it’s important to add a towel or bath towel to cover it and place it in a more secluded area. When the cat hides, it’s crucial that the owner does not disturb or tease the cat. Doing so can undermine the cat’s sense of security and lead to anxiety.

· Separate Spaces for Eating, Drinking, Littering, and Sleeping

Eating and elimination areas must be kept separate. If the food bowl and litter box are placed together, a cat’s natural cleanliness will cause it to ignore the litter box entirely. Therefore, keeping all of a cat’s essentials together in a cage is absolutely the wrong approach. When there are two or more cats in the household, it is recommended to feed them separately. Especially during mealtime, if one cat starts eating too quickly or aggressively, the feeding method should be adjusted. Cats are usually graceful eaters, and when their eating behavior deviates from the norm, it could be a sign of stress.

Some owners believe that feeding cats together will strengthen their bond, but the truth is that it’s the strong bond that allows them to eat together, not the other way around.

·Litter Boxes Should Be Hidden

Cats are naturally clean animals, and they have a habit of burying their waste. Therefore, a litter box is an essential tool for cat owners. Many cat owners may notice that their cats avoid using the litter box, which is often because it has been placed in the wrong spot. In addition to keeping water, food, and the litter box separate, cats also prefer that their litter box be tucked away. This is because, when using the bathroom, cats are in a vulnerable position and don’t like to be observed while relieving themselves. To give your cat a sense of security, it’s best to place the litter box in a well-ventilated, fixed, and hidden spot, such as a balcony, which is an ideal location for it.

· Multiple Cats Can Live in Harmony

When there are two or more cats in the household, and some of them are not getting along peacefully, special attention must be paid to home design! Cats have a hierarchical structure in their behavior. When a new cat joins the family, or if an older cat wants to avoid being disturbed by a kitten, they will hide to protect their territory. Therefore, the movement paths of each cat should be kept as separate as possible, or even completely distinct. Adding cat shelves, tunnels, or other pathways for multiple cats to hide and move around will provide them with more space. Additionally, when designing cabinets, it’s important to leave a few suitable hiding spots at the bottom, about 40–50 cm in length and width, which are the perfect secret hideaways for cats.

· Walking Your Cat: Not Just a Dream

Cats are solitary hunters by nature, which gives them an instinctive desire to patrol their territory. They only settle into the home once domesticated. However, the suppressed urge to explore the outdoors often manifests in physical and psychological issues, such as excessive grooming, compulsive behaviors, or urinary problems. If you can take your cat outside occasionally to satisfy its curiosity and release its natural instincts, these problems can be significantly reduced.

Even though some cats may tolerate being walked on a leash, they will still quickly escape if they encounter loud noises or sudden dangers, disappearing in a flash. Therefore, before taking your cat for a walk, it’s important to scout the area first. Make sure there are no places for the cat to hide and avoid toxic plants. It’s best to walk your cat during quiet times, such as late at night, and avoid busy places like night markets. Locations such as building lobbies or stairwells are ideal for a cat walk.

· The Ideal Cat Pathway: Connecting Every Corner of the Home

As mentioned earlier, cats, like lions and leopards, are carnivorous felines and natural hunters. One of their main daily tasks is to patrol, explore, and hunt. Therefore, when designing a home, it’s crucial to consider our “cat overlords” in the planning process. The ideal cat pathway should flow through the entire home, incorporating both vertical and hidden spaces, allowing cats to climb high for a panoramic view and move freely while patrolling. Adding a windowsill near a window, with enough space for the cat to jump up, gives them a chance to gaze outside and bask in the sun. This fulfills the wild instincts of our feline friends!