Great Cat Furniture Tower And Condo Ideas For Small Spaces
Furniture pieces for cats, such as condos, towers, litter boxes, etc., are great fun and necessary for your cat’s well-being. They can, however, take up a lot of real estate in a space. It seems like manufacturers don’t seem to understand that a lot of people fall short where square footage is concerned. We may love our little furry felines, but sometimes we do not have much choice in the size of the space we share. All it not lost, however! There are a few people out there trying to figure out how to keep cats and people living together in harmony. Even when space is at a premium. To that end, here are six great cat furniture tower and condo ideas for small spaces.
The Jungle Life Isn’t Easy
Throughout the majority of their evolution, cats have lived in the great outdoors and have fended for themselves. While they are formidable predators, the outdoor life has it’s problems that can drastically cut a furry little feline’s life short. These include things such as exposure to highly infectious and contagious diseases along with sever injury and trauma. For tens of millions of years this was just part and parcel of the life of a cat. That is until us humans came along.
Around twelve thousand years ago, cats found it advantageous to start hanging around those weird groups of primates that walked upright. Eventually those primates grew fond of their newfound friends and began to bring them into their homes. This may have offered protection from many of the dangers of outdoor life faced by cats, but they were still wired to live that life. The easy indoor life, as great as it was, also brought about it’s own unique issues.
The Jungle Life Isn’t Easy
Throughout the majority of their evolution, cats have lived in the great outdoors and have fended for themselves. While they are formidable predators, the outdoor life has it’s problems that can drastically cut a furry little feline’s life short. These include things such as exposure to highly infectious and contagious diseases along with sever injury and trauma. For tens of millions of years this was just part and parcel of the life of a cat. That is until us humans came along.
Around twelve thousand years ago, cats found it advantageous to start hanging around those weird groups of primates that walked upright. Eventually those primates grew fond of their newfound friends and began to bring them into their homes. This may have offered protection from many of the dangers of outdoor life faced by cats, but they were still wired to live that life. The easy indoor life, as great as it was, also brought about it’s own unique issues.
If Kitty Isn’t Happy, Then Nobody’s Happy
Behavioral problems can manifest themselves in cats who’s indoor lives aren’t enriched enough to distract them from their evolutionary urges. Problems like self-injury, compulsive grooming, attention seeking, anxiety, going outside of the litter box, and unusual aggression can be signs that a kitty is bored. Usually, if a cat is exhibiting such behaviors, experimenting with different enrichment techniques can help. If the problems persists, however, get that little baby over to the vet!
Although the outdoor life can never be absolutely replicated in an indoor environment, there are a few things that can be done to make a cat feel right at home:
- Cats in the wild don’t always live their lives on the ground. Providing vertical space for them will fill that need to climb. This can also help in households with multiple cats and/or dogs as there will be more territory to divide up.
- Felines are natural hunters. Just because they are inside doesn’t make this urge go away. Provide cats with different toys on a rotating basis and make sure to include some for both of you to play with together!
- Cats will naturally seek out materials to scratch with their claws. This is how they keep them sharp and in tip-top hunting shape. This is an instinct that will not be curbed. They can be provided with more attractive options to use besides the nice living room set. Make sure to keep this in mind when picking out your cat’s furniture.
If Kitty Isn’t Happy, Then Nobody’s Happy
Behavioral problems can manifest themselves in cats who’s indoor lives aren’t enriched enough to distract them from their evolutionary urges. Problems like self-injury, compulsive grooming, attention seeking, anxiety, going outside of the litter box, and unusual aggression can be signs that a kitty is bored. Usually, if a cat is exhibiting such behaviors, experimenting with different enrichment techniques can help. If the problems persists, however, get that little baby over to the vet!
Although the outdoor life can never be absolutely replicated in an indoor environment, there are a few things that can be done to make a cat feel right at home:
- Cats in the wild don’t always live their lives on the ground. Providing vertical space for them will fill that need to climb. This can also help in households with multiple cats and/or dogs as there will be more territory to divide up.
- Felines are natural hunters. Just because they are inside doesn’t make this urge go away. Provide cats with different toys on a rotating basis and make sure to include some for both of you to play with together!
- Cats will naturally seek out materials to scratch with their claws. This is how they keep them sharp and in tip-top hunting shape. This is an instinct that will not be curbed. They can be provided with more attractive options to use besides the nice living room set. Make sure to keep this in mind when picking out your cat’s furniture.
It’s Not You, I Just Need Some Space
All animals share some basic things in common. Among them is a place to feel safe and secure. Cat’s are not any different. Enrichment and feeling secure go hand in hand in order to successfully share a space. This is especially true when it’s a tight one. For a small predator like a cat, hiding spaces can be essential to feel secure.
Life isn’t always roses. Even indoors a cat will experience situations they will perceive as stressful. This is one of those times cats will need a hiding spot it feels secure in. It will give them time to process what they just experienced and determine how to go from there. If a cat does not have a safe place to retreat to then that state of stress will persist. Having no other options may cause your lovely kitty to lash out and bite for what may seem like no reason at all.
Cats will find spaces to hide in, but if we don’t provide choices for them then the places they choose might not be safe for them. Make sure you provide spaces that are almost fully enclosed with an entry just big enough for the cat to access. This will make sure kitty feels that they are well protected and can keep a close eye on the only way in or out. If you have multiple cats, provide a few of these spaces at different heights so they can each choose their own safe space.
It’s Not You, I Just Need Some Space
All animals share some basic things in common. Among them is a place to feel safe and secure. Cat’s are not any different. Enrichment and feeling secure go hand in hand in order to successfully share a space. This is especially true when it’s a tight one. For a small predator like a cat, hiding spaces can be essential to feel secure.
Life isn’t always roses. Even indoors a cat will experience situations they will perceive as stressful. This is one of those times cats will need a hiding spot it feels secure in. It will give them time to process what they just experienced and determine how to go from there. If a cat does not have a safe place to retreat to then that state of stress will persist. Having no other options may cause your lovely kitty to lash out and bite for what may seem like no reason at all.
Cats will find spaces to hide in, but if we don’t provide choices for them then the places they choose might not be safe for them. Make sure you provide spaces that are almost fully enclosed with an entry just big enough for the cat to access. This will make sure kitty feels that they are well protected and can keep a close eye on the only way in or out. If you have multiple cats, provide a few of these spaces at different heights so they can each choose their own safe space.
Safe, Sound, And Secure
Hiding spaces are very important, however they are not the only things they need for security. Try creating more secure ways for them to get around, especially for cats that act more fearful of open spaces. More than likely, cats who have been traumatized or have some sort of physical impairment will be more hesitant to roam around in the open. In the wild this instinct would keep them safe from other predators. Tunnels and covered paths will provide that scaredy cat a safe way to move about the space with greater confidence.
- A cat needs to be very familiar with its territory. Face rubbing and scratching help to spread a cat’s mark on its domain. Provide them with ample things to scratch and rub so they can keep up their territorial claim with minimal destruction.
- Cats are very clean animals. In nature, they will seek out sand or leaves to use for their toilet which is why we provide them with litter boxes. These need to be kept clean on a daily basis and the litter needs to be kept fresh.
- Felines are sticklers for their schedules and, once they feel secure, they will generally expect the same things at the same time each day. Indoor life means they are not in control of feeding times so it is important to maintain a predictable schedule. This will keep any fur baby feeling secure in the source of its meals.
Safe, Sound, And Secure
Hiding spaces are very important, however they are not the only things they need for security. Try creating more secure ways for them to get around, especially for cats that act more fearful of open spaces. More than likely, cats who have been traumatized or have some sort of physical impairment will be more hesitant to roam around in the open. In the wild this instinct would keep them safe from other predators. Tunnels and covered paths will provide that scaredy cat a safe way to move about the space with greater confidence.
- A cat needs to be very familiar with its territory. Face rubbing and scratching help to spread a cat’s mark on its domain. Provide them with ample things to scratch and rub so they can keep up their territorial claim with minimal destruction.
- Cats are very clean animals. In nature, they will seek out sand or leaves to use for their toilet which is why we provide them with litter boxes. These need to be kept clean on a daily basis and the litter needs to be kept fresh.
- Felines are sticklers for their schedules and, once they feel secure, they will generally expect the same things at the same time each day. Indoor life means they are not in control of feeding times so it is important to maintain a predictable schedule. This will keep any fur baby feeling secure in the source of its meals.
Great Cat Tower And Condo Ideas For Small Spaces
Cats naturally want to climb and find secure places to hide away yet still keep tabs on everything that in their dominion. Whether perched up on high or nestled into a cozy cubby, any feline friends would love these tree and condo options. Take a look at these great cat furniture tower and condo ideas for small spaces.
Great Cat Furniture Pieces For Small Spaces
A cat needs it’s own space, but when square footage is at a minimum it can be a challenging task. This is where dual use pieces can come into play. It’s a side table AND a bed. Is that a bathroom cabinet? SURPRISE! It’s hiding the litter box! Getting creative with furniture pieces can turn them into something useful for both of you. Innovative cat furniture tower and condo ideas for small spaces are everywhere!
BONUS! Great Cat Wall Mounted Ideas For Small Spaces
I said I’d present just six ideas at the beginning, but once I got going I found it hard to stop. My obsession is your gain! Here are a few space-saving and cute ways to use your wall to keep your cat happy and keep your floors from getting cluttered. Keep things looking tidy with wall mounted cat furniture tower and condo ideas for small spaces.
The Purrrfect Situation
Sharing a small space with a cat is completely achievable and really doesn’t take much effort. The key is to provide the right balance of enrichment, personal interaction, and security to keep everyone happy. It may seem like there are only big, bulky items to give that kitty a good life. Don’t stress though! There really are plenty of space-saving options out there. Hopefully this will get you started on creating a miniature paradise to keep the feline family members feeling secure. And all the while allowing you didn’t have to sacrifice the comfort and enjoyment of your design style. Make proper use of these great cat furniture tower and condo ideas for small spaces.
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