Last Updated: 09/02/2026
How To Catify Your Apartment: Tips for a Happy Indoor Cat
Living in a small space doesn't mean your cat has to miss out. Learn how to 'catify' an apartment with vertical climbing zones, stylish hideaways, and smart litter systems to reduce stress and prevent common indoor behavioural issues.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 5 minutes - short read
Living in an Australian apartment offers a great lifestyle, but for a feline resident, a smaller footprint can sometimes lead to big stress. In the wild, cats rely on varied terrain to feel secure, and when a home feels too "flat" or cramped, it can result in issues like furniture scratching or unwanted spraying. "Catifying" a home is the art of adjusting a living space to meet these natural instincts. By thoughtfully arranging furniture and resources, even the most compact studio can become a stimulating sanctuary that promotes physical health and emotional well-being.
Maximising vertical space
In a small living space, it's impossible to expand your cat's territory horizontally. The only option is to go upwards.
This is great for cats, who are naturally inclined to climb and explore different levels. The more levels a cat has access to, the larger they feel their territory is.
You may wish to use a cat tree. These often provide multiple levels for your cats to explore, with the added benefit of providing surfaces and posts for them to scratch.
Window beds are also available, which act as shelving high up on a window. This allows your kitty a resting place high up with a view.
Safe retreats and hiding spots
Cats naturally seek out hiding places when frightened or stressed. Even if your cat isn't prone to stress, it is always good to provide a number of nice hiding places for them.
Of course, most cats are happy to hide in an old cardboard box. However, there are a number of stylish and attractive hidey hole products that both you and your cat can be happy to have on display in your apartment. Tunnels provide a hidey place as well as a fun place to play, while igloo-style beds provide a warm area to sleep as well as the comfort of a shelter.
Managing litter in small spaces
In a small indoor space like an apartment, used litter can stink up the whole home very quickly. Choosing a litter tray with an enclosed hood can make a big difference by keeping odours in.
It is also important to choose a litter that works for you and your cat. An odour-neutralising litter is good for a small apartment, and a clumping litter can help save on time and maintenance. Clumping litter absorbs waste and forms clumps, which means that all waste can be removed in its entirety, leaving behind only clean litter. This eliminates the need for regular full litter tray clean-outs.
For those who really don't like cleaning up their cat's waste, there are self-cleaning robotic litter boxes available now, which do the work for you.
If there are multiple cats in a household, you should always provide one litter tray per cat, plus one extra. For example, two cats will need three litter trays, and four cats will need five litter trays.
Mental stimulation and interactive play
Unlike dogs, cats don't need to be walked to stay stimulated and healthy. Instead, cats require regular play as a form of exercise and mental stimulation. Providing lots of toys in your home will help keep your kitty stimulated, fit, and happy.
If you work from home and need some time to yourself, it can be helpful to buy interactive toys such as window teaser toys to keep your cat entertained when you aren't around.
Also, don't forget to provide plenty of scratchers so your kitty doesn't damage your furniture!
For more information, read through How Much Exercise Do Cats Need?
Hydration and fresh water solutions
Just like us, cats prefer to drink fresh water and require clean water daily.
If cats don't like stagnant water in a bowl, they won't drink. This can lead to dehydration and can potentially worsen urinary or renal disease. It is therefore ideal to encourage cats to drink water regularly.
Cats are drawn to running water due to their instinct to find fresh, non-stagnant water. There are a number of Cat Water Fountains available which keep the water moving and cool. While these are great for all cats, they are particular important for cats with any history of urinary disease (such as crystals in the urine or a bladder infection), kidney disease, or diabetes.
FAQs
Creating a cat-friendly apartment is about more than just decor; it is about providing a secure environment where a cat can thrive. By focusing on vertical expansion, cleanliness, and consistent enrichment, common stress-related behaviours can be significantly reduced. A few simple adjustments to the home layout can ensure a harmonious life for both the pet and the pet parent.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 10 Feb 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Carla graduated from the University of Queensland in 2013 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East Queensland. While Carla enjoys most facets of clinical veterinary work, she holds a special passion for feline medicine, pocket pets, and nutrition.
