We love our cat. We care about him and do everything we can to make him happy. But if it's our first time living with one, we might not be doing some things quite right , which is completely normal.
This incredible feline has a very special character, quite different from that of a dog, so getting to know it takes time. However, I'm going to explain how to improve your cat's environment , giving you plenty of tips so that both you and your cat can have a very pleasant life together.
What does my cat like?
When we want to improve our cat's environment, we need to ask ourselves this question to know what we should do from now on. We can watch documentaries about domestic cats and get an idea of their general preferences, but not those of our own cat.
Each cat is unique and irreplaceable. Every cat has its own personality, its own needs, and its own preferences, so there's no other option than to dedicate time to getting to know it , to observing it. Only in this way can we know how to improve its environment.
To learn what your kitten truly enjoys, pay attention to its body language ( tail movements , ear movements, pupils), its preferred resting spots , and when it seeks interaction . Early socialization before four months of age helps kittens better accept people, everyday noises, and household routines. Avoid punishment ; it creates stress and worsens the relationship. Reinforce positive behaviors with treats, petting, and gentle voice.
Keep in mind that their instincts are still active: they need to climb, hide, observe from above, chase "prey," and mark with their claws . An environment designed to meet these needs reduces anxiety and prevents unwanted behaviors such as scratching furniture or biting.
Put the feeder and drinker in a quiet place
Cats like to eat in peace and quiet, in an area as far away as possible from where the family spends time . The noise we make daily, such as when we take out the trash, start the washing machine, or wash the dishes, can make them quite uncomfortable, to the point that they may end up eating too quickly.
To avoid this, we should place their food and water bowls in a quiet room , such as the bedroom, and always as far away from the litter box as possible, otherwise they most likely won't eat.
Also, take care with the bowls : wide ceramic or stainless steel bowls help prevent whisker fatigue; many cats dislike it when their whiskers rub against the edges. Place several water sources around the house, change the water daily, and consider a fountain (they are attracted to moving water and it promotes hydration). Keep the water away from food and the litter box to respect their hygiene instincts.
Regarding feeding, many cats prefer 15-16 small meals a day. You can divide their portions, use interactive feeders , or hide small treats to encourage them to forage. Avoid sudden changes in diet; if you need to make one, transition gradually over several days to prevent digestive upset. If you have any nutritional concerns (weight, age, health conditions), consult your veterinarian.
Give him a comfortable resting place
As we know, this furry friend can spend many hours sleeping (between 16 and 18 hours if it's an adult, more if it's young). During all that time, it will need to be in a comfortable bed, as well as a room where it can rest peacefully.
From here, I would like to recommend that you let him sleep in your bedroom since these are rooms that are usually only entered when cleaning or when going to sleep, so that the furry friend can sleep for hours without being disturbed.
If you don't want him to sleep in your bed , buy him one at a pet store. There are many models: cave-style, mat-style, with a cushion… Choose the one (or ones) you like best and teach your cat where he should sleep from day one, gently picking him up, placing him in the bed, and giving him treats.
Create multiple sleeping areas : soft, low surfaces, cozy nooks for privacy, and elevated spots for a sense of security. Radiator hammocks and padded shelves are a plus in colder weather. Place beds in quiet corners, away from appliances and high-traffic areas. Maintain a regular cleaning routine for textiles to reduce strong odors that might be bothersome.
Improves visual and mental stimulation
Given that it can live up to 20 years and will most likely never go outside, both visual and mental stimulation are crucial for its health and happiness. Therefore, whenever possible, it's highly advisable to improve access to shelves, ledges, or hammocks near windows so it can see the street, using wire mesh (grille) to prevent escape or injury.
In addition, it's a good idea to make some changes at home to keep him entertained, for example, by putting up shelves at different heights with cat treats so he has to climb to get them; buying him one or more scratching posts to play with and, incidentally, sharpen his claws on them; and/or giving him an interactive toy that we can find for sale in pet stores.
Add three-dimensional structure: shelving , walkways, rope bridges , connected hiding places, and non-slip mats on the platforms. Start with moderate heights and gradually increase them to prevent falls. Windows and balconies should have safety nets to prevent accidents (parachute syndrome).
Introduce cognitive enrichment : ball tracks, maze toys, food puzzles, and treat hideaways. Rotate toys every few days to maintain novelty and reduce habituation. Toys that simulate prey (feathers, wands, fabric mice) activate their hunting instinct.
Use his toys to keep him happy
Sometimes we buy toys for our cat thinking he'll play with them on his own, but the truth is, he'll only play with them if we play with him . If we make the mistake of believing he'll enjoy himself alone, we'll end up with a bored cat who does nothing but eat, drink, and sleep. Therefore, it's essential to buy toys that we know we'll use to make our cat happy. He deserves it, and we'll have a great time too!
Some cats need 15-20 minutes of active play to burn off energy. Alternate styles: wand chase , chasing flying balls, ambush tunnels, or ribbons hidden among cushions that "snake." Avoid using hands or feet as prey to prevent learned bites and scratches. End each session with a " win " (let them catch the prey) and offer a small treat to complete the hunting cycle.
Toys infused with catnip or matatabi can increase motivation in some cats. Observe their preferences and adapt the type of play: some cats like to jump, while others prefer to stalk. Also, include gentle training sessions (target, "sit," "come") with treats; this stimulates their mind and strengthens your bond.
Check toys regularly and replace them when they are broken, have loose parts, or have lost their appeal. A good practice is to have a toy " drawer " and take out 3-5 different toys each day, putting the old ones away to keep things fresh.
Adapt your home to your disabled or troubled cat
If your cat has a disability or joint problems, it's essential that its home is adapted to its needs. For example, if it has pain in its paws , its bed should be orthopedic so it can rest better, and its food and water bowls should be near where it sleeps so it doesn't have to walk far.
If your dog is blind , it's advisable to give it a strong-smelling food, whether kibble or natural, as its sense of smell will be even more developed and it will use it to guide its movements. Place its water bottle right next to its food bowl so it only has to tilt its head slightly.
For cats with arthritis or reduced mobility, add ramps , steps, and non-slip mats. The litter box should have a low rim (4-5 cm) or a front entrance and be placed near their resting areas. For deaf cats , communicate with visual cues or gentle touches; for blind cats, avoid moving furniture and create olfactory cues with pheromones or subtle scents among key resources.
Design short routes between bed, water, food, and litter box. Slightly elevate the food bowl to reduce neck strain. For overweight dogs, prioritize food puzzles and low-intensity hunting games to safely increase calorie expenditure.
Protect your cat from wires
From experience, I can tell you that cats, especially young ones, love to chew on everything they find, including mobile phone charger cables, headphone cables, landline phone cables, internet cables… basically, any kind of cable. Some aren't dangerous if they break them, but you have to be very careful with those connected to the electrical grid, as they could electrocute the cat.
So, if you're going to leave your pet alone, even for just a couple of hours, put the cables right behind the furniture, and place the furniture as close to the wall as possible so they're not visible. Another option is to cover them with cardboard or tape and spray them with cat repellent once they're wrapped .
Include protective cable covers , organize ropes and use bags with handles, and store threads or ribbons to prevent ingestion. Check washing machines and dryers before using them; their curiosity leads them to get inside. Keep cleaning products out of reach and check that there are no toxic plants in the house (lilies, pothos, ficus, hydrangeas, among others). Install sturdy netting on windows and balconies . If your pet has access to the outdoors, make sure it has a microchip and visible identification on a secure collar.
Love it and respect it
This is the last piece of advice I'll give you, but the most important. It's the basics. Loving and respecting a cat is fundamental for a pleasant life together. Every day, you should show them plenty of affection and trust; this will make them feel how much you care. But be careful not to overwhelm them, because just as we set boundaries to prevent them from hurting themselves, they also set their own boundaries when they don't want us to keep petting them.
Establish predictable routines : playtime, mealtimes, and rest periods. If there are changes (construction, moving, visitors), introduce them gradually and consider using pheromone diffusers to help with the adjustment. If you're only going to be away for a few days, it's usually better for the cat to stay in its territory with someone who visits, cleans the litter box, and replenishes food and water, rather than moving it.
Learn to recognize signs of distress : decreased play, changes in appetite, changes in litter box use, excessive grooming, isolation, or aggression. Many health problems and stress manifest first as behavioral changes ; consult a veterinarian if you notice any significant changes.
Take care of the litter box and its hygiene
The litter box is a critical resource. Choose a large one , preferably without a lid and with a low rim if you have a senior cat. The ideal litter is usually clumping, medium-grain, unscented , and low-dust. Place it in a quiet spot , away from food and water. As a rule, install more than one litter box per cat , distributed throughout the house, and remove waste at least twice a day . Clean the litter box thoroughly with mild soap and water regularly.
If you live in a large or multi-story house, distribute resources (food, water, rest areas, litter boxes, scratching posts) in different zones. For very young kittens, it's helpful to keep everything in the same room initially so they have it within easy reach, and then gradually separate the items to avoid conflicts over resources.
Offers scratching posts and three-dimensional space
Scratching serves essential functions: visual and olfactory marking , claw maintenance , and muscle stretching . Provide vertical scratching posts (sisal, cardboard) as well as horizontal or angled ones. Place them where your cat spends time , near resting areas, and along transit routes such as hallways or by the front door. Ensure they are stable so they don't move or fall over; if they wobble, your cat will reject them.
Complement this with trees that include platforms at different heights and cave-like shelters. Place them near secure windows ; observing the outside reduces boredom. If you're just starting out, offer a lower scratching post and gradually increase the height until it exceeds 1,5 meters once your cat is comfortable climbing.
Sensory, social, nutritional and cognitive enrichment
– Sensory: alternate pleasant smells (catnip, matatabi), soft sounds (nature, calming music), and visual stimuli such as views of the outdoors. Avoid loud or continuous noises. Offer a variety of textures (carpets, plush, cardboard).
– Social: Spend quality time with him every day, respecting his initiative to make contact and his pauses. If several cats live together, provide duplicate resources and escape routes to prevent conflicts. Introductions between cats should be gradual , with an exchange of scents before eye contact.
– Food: Use puzzles , snuffle mats, and treat hideaways. This channels energy positively and reduces food anxiety. Combine dry food with wet food portions as needed.
– Cognitive: Incorporate problem-solving toys and short training sessions with positive reinforcement. Change the challenges periodically to maintain interest.
Common mistakes to avoid
– Overloading with stimuli: too many objects or continuous changes can cause stress . Introduce new things gradually and observe their reaction.
– Not respecting their space : cats need moments of solitude. Provide them with hiding places and don't force interaction.
– Lack of variety or personalization: not all cats enjoy the same things. Adjust toys, heights, and play rhythms to suit their preferences and age.
– Neglecting safety : cables, toxic plants, windows without screens, and cleaning products must be checked. Regularly inspect your home with a cat's eye lens.
With small adjustments, attention to their natural needs, and plenty of love, your feline will enjoy a safe , stimulating environment tailored to their needs. You'll notice improvements in their health , behavior, and the bond you share day after day.
