Cats. They’re our furry companions, our purring confidants, and sometimes, our tiny, adorable overlords. Sharing your home with a cat is a rewarding experience, filled with moments of joy, comfort, and the occasional playful mischief. But as much as cats bring warmth and charm into our lives, they also come with unique needs that go beyond just food and a cosy bed. Creating a cat-friendly house means designing a space where your feline friend feels safe, stimulated, and loved—somewhere they can truly thrive. 

From finding the perfect spots for scratching posts to choosing houseplants that are both stylish and safe, every detail counts. It’s about catering to their natural instincts to climb, explore, and hide, while also keeping potential hazards out of reach. This guide will walk you through how to make your house cat-friendly, covering everything from plant safety tips to creative play areas that encourage healthy activity and bonding. 

And when life takes you away from home, you can trust Lions Den Cat Boarding in Surry Hills to provide a home away from home for your beloved pet. With comfortable suites, engaging play spaces, and caring staff, it’s a purr-fect vacation spot that ensures your cat feels just as cherished in your absence. Let’s create a space that both you and your cat will adore! 

Creating a Safe Haven: Cat-Proofing Your Home 

One of the most crucial aspects of a cat-friendly house design is ensuring your home is safe. Cats are curious creatures, and their explorations can sometimes lead them into trouble. Here’s how to make your home safe for a cat: 

• Toxin-Free Zone: Keep all cleaning products, chemicals, medications, and potentially hazardous items securely stored away, out of your cat’s reach. 

• Window Safety: Ensure your windows are screened or have secure barriers to prevent falls. Cats love to watch the world go by, but open windows pose a significant risk. 

• Electrical Cords: Secure or tuck away wires and cables to prevent chewing, which can lead to electric shock. 

• Small Objects: Be mindful of small objects like buttons, beads, and rubber bands, as these can be ingested and cause choking or internal blockages. 

• Safe Plants: Many common houseplants are toxic to cats. Choose cat-friendly house plants instead (more on this below!). 

Designing a Cat-Friendly House: Creating an Enriching Environment 

Making your home more cat friendly goes beyond just safety. It’s about creating an environment that caters to their natural instincts and provides them with mental and physical stimulation. 

• Vertical Space: Cats love to climb and observe their surroundings from a high vantage point. Add cat trees, shelves, and window perches to create vertical territory. 

• Scratching Posts: Provide plenty of scratching posts made of rope, cardboard, or carpet. Scratching is a natural behaviour that helps cats maintain their claws and mark their territory—plus, it protects your furniture! 

• Hiding Places: Cats need safe spaces where they can retreat and feel secure. Cardboard boxes, cat caves, and even open shelves can serve as excellent hiding spots. 

• Playtime Essentials: Engage your cat in regular play sessions with interactive toys, feather wands, and puzzle feeders. Play helps cats exercise, bond with their owners, and express their natural hunting instincts.  

• Litter Box Placement: Place litter boxes in a quiet, accessible location. The general rule is to have one more litter box than the number of cats in your home. Ensure they are cleaned regularly. 

• Feeding and Water Stations: Place food and water bowls in a quiet area away from the litter box. Consider elevated bowls for senior cats or cats with joint issues. 

The Purr-fect Plants: Choosing Cat-Friendly House Plants 

Many cat owners worry about their feline friends nibbling on their beloved greenery. And rightly so! Many common houseplants are toxic to cats. But don’t despair, you can have a beautiful indoor garden and a healthy cat. The key is choosing cat friendly house plants. 

Here’s a guide to some safe and stylish options: 

• Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura): This vibrant, patterned plant is non-toxic to cats and adds a touch of the exotic to your home. 

• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): A popular, low-maintenance plant that is safe for cats and purifies the air. 

• Cat Grass (a variety of grasses): A dedicated pot of cat grass provides a safe outlet for your cat’s natural grazing instincts and can help with digestion. 

• Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): While it might have a strong odor, valerian is safe for cats and can have a calming effect. 

• Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): This elegant air-purifying plant adds a tropical touch to your home and is completely safe for cats. 

• Peppermint (Mentha x piperita): While some cats might not like the smell, peppermint is generally safe and can help freshen the air. 

The Best Plants for Cats in Different Rooms 

Here are some plant choices for specific rooms: 

Bathroom 

• Boston Fern – Thrives in humidity. 

• Bamboo Palm – Adds a tropical touch and is an air-purifying plant safe for cats. 

Living Room 

• Spider Plant – Safe, attractive, and low-maintenance. As mentioned earlier, it also helps purify the air. 

• Areca Palm – A wonderful cat-friendly house plant that also improves air quality. 

Low Light Areas 

• Prayer Plant (Calathea) – A great low-light plant that is safe for cats. 

• Cast Iron Plant – Thrives in low light conditions while being completely non-toxic. 

With these options, you can create a lush, pet-friendly home without worrying about your cat’s safety. 

Plants to Avoid: 

It’s crucial to keep toxic plants far away from your cat. Some common culprits include lilies, azaleas, tulips, and daffodils. Always research a plant before bringing it into your home if you have a cat. 

Creating Harmony: Encouraging Your Cat to Love Your Home 

Sometimes, even with the most cat-friendly house design, your cat might still seem a little hesitant. Here are some tips to help your cat feel comfortable and loved in your home: 

• Patience is Key: Allow your cat to adjust to their new environment at their own pace. Don’t force interactions and provide them with plenty of space to retreat. 

• Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and gentle petting, to reward desired behaviors. 

• Scent Soothing: Use cat-specific pheromone diffusers or sprays to create a calming environment. 

• Regular Playtime: Regular Playtime: Interactive play helps your cat burn energy, bond with you, and gain confidence in their surroundings. 

• Respect Their Privacy: Cats value peace and quiet. Ensure they have calm spaces where they can retreat and relax undisturbed. 

A Home Away From Home: Lions Den Cat Boarding 

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, life takes us away from our furry friends. When travel calls, Lions Den Cat Boarding in Surry Hills is the perfect place for your cat to enjoy a vacation of their own! 

Located on the first floor above Southern Cross Vet Surry Hills, Lions Den offers spacious and comfortable suites designed with your cat’s well-being in mind. Our suites feature separate areas for eating, sleeping, and using the litter box, ensuring a clean and relaxing environment. We provide plenty of cozy bedding, stimulating toys, and climbing structures to keep your cat entertained and engaged. 

Our experienced, caring team provides individual attention to each cat, ensuring they receive the love and care they deserve. We understand that every cat is unique, and we tailor our interactions to suit their individual personalities. We also offer regular updates and photos, and even video calls, so you can stay connected with your feline friend while you’re away. 

Whether you’re looking for short-term or long-term cat boarding, Lions Den is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment for your cat. Contact us today to learn more about our services and book your cat’s next vacation! Book now by calling us at 1300 DOC SAM (1300 362 726). 

Creating a cat-friendly house is an ongoing process. By understanding your cat’s needs and providing them with a safe, stimulating, and loving environment, you can build a strong bond with your feline friend and enjoy many years of happy companionship. And when you need a trusted home away from home for your cat, remember Lions Den Cat Boarding is here to provide exceptional care.