Let the Sun Shine!

Some kitties are lucky enough to have a custom catio and other adventurous felines take matters into their own paws to stake out their own space with the best view of the neighborhood. If you just can't build an outdoor cat enclosure, here's an article on creating an outdoor inspired space for your indoor cat. Invest in a tall kitty condo with lounging platforms, grow cat-safe plants or buy fresh cat grass weekly, and let the sun shine in. Your kitty deserves the sunniest window in your home and preferably an open window (safely screened of course) where he or she can smell all those fascinating outdoor smells. Sisal mats, baskets,and cardboard boxes are inexpensive and offer interesting textures to scratch and sleep on or in. If you can find a hefty log from a recently cut tree, even better. Basking in the warm sun is one of the pleasures of being a cat!

How Catified is your Home?

Here are some shots of two very kitty-friendly homes! Scarlett is a 4 year old orange tabby who requires a lot of stimulation in her daily life. Trout as well, is a busy little person. Their parents encourage these smarties to be curious and confident with lots of enrichment options such as a variety of scratching/scent marking options, climbing levels, and spots to "cave." When the kitties are at home on their own the blinds are open so kitties can watch the world outside and enjoy sun breaks.

Scarlett at the top of her four-in-one condo. She can use the chairs for climbing as well. Hanging in front of the window is a humming bird feeder that Scarlett's people keep filled. There is also a large tree squirrels scamper on in Scarlett's view.

Scarlett observing me in her kingdom. In addition to the large kitty condo, Scarlett can choose to scratch the sisal rope post for a different texture.The centerpiece of the room is her leopard print tunnel. This is particularly fun to hide out in when playing with da bird or a laser.

Trout enjoying the warm indoors on a clear but chilly day. The corner window gives him an incredible view of the neighborhood and the urban wildlife.

Trout has probably spotted the neighbor kitty across the street in this picture. Being up high allows him to feel secure.

If your kitty isn't using her kitty condo, moving it to a different area with more of a view or near where you spend a lot of time will help. If your cat is climbing on a certain chair or other piece of furniture repeatedly, that is probably a good spot to put her own condo. Remember that offering a more interesting alternative is the best way to redirect a behavior you dislike. Cats need to scent mark belongings in their home, which is what scratching your sofa accomplishes. Either a cardboard scratcher or a sturdier post near or next to the couch should make them happy. Their own bed on the sofa or near it would also be ideal. I hope this makes you excited to arrange your living space so that your feline family members get maximum enjoyment from the home you share!