The Ideal Space for a Happy Cat: What Every Owner Should Know

Cats don’t require as much space as you might think. While you might assume that your pet cat should have as much space to roam as possible, cats aren’t concerned about space as much as they are about layout. Cats like to climb on things and hide in small places. Without a space to hide, they become stressed. Large, wide-open spaces also cause pet cats to become stressed about their environment.

The average pet cat requires a minimum of 18 square feet of living space. Even the smallest apartments have rooms with this much space. Obviously, if you have two cats, you’ll require twice this amount of space. Very active cats will enjoy having slightly more space to run, jump, and play, while others will enjoy having a small hiding spot to call their own.

Determining Space Requirements

As stated above, 18 square feet is considered the minimum amount of space for a pet cat. As this is the amount you’ll require for one cat, you will have to do a little math to figure out how much space you need to multiple cats. The table below gives you the minimum space required based on the number of cats you own.

Number of cats Minimum square footage 1 18 2 36 3 54 4 72 5 90

The Most Important Thing Is The Layout

We’ve discussed the minimum space requirements for pet cats, as outlined by the American SPCA. The most important thing for cats is something called “zoning.” Large, open spaces are uncomfortable for cats, so it’s important to layout your room with appropriate hiding spots. Cats like to hide and have a territory to call their own.

Are Cats Happy In Small Apartments?

Cats make fantastic apartment pets. While some are more energetic than others, their energy tends to be exhibited in short bursts in the form of play. They are content as long as they have enough space to play and places to jump and hide.

Cats love apartment living because they have lots of crevices to hide in. Tops of cupboards, behind furniture, and inside closets are favorite hiding spots.

If you’re keeping a pet cat in an apartment, ensure that your communal area is at least 18 square feet, and make sure to plan out your space carefully if you wish to have multiple cats.

Does My Cat Need His Own Room?

You don’t have to provide your cat with his own room, but it is beneficial to create a private space for him. There are a few reasons why.

• Cats have territorial instincts that are better managed if they have a space to call their own. Otherwise, you may find your cat staking claim to your couch or your bed.
• You’ll need a private space to keep the litter box. Cats like privacy while using the facilities.
• A safe space to eat. Like all other aspects of life, cats often like to eat privately.
• You want your cat to have a safe space to retreat to when they get overwhelmed, like when you have company over, for example.
• It’s easier to create a play space or climbing gym for your cat if you have a designated area to do so.

Do Cats Need Outside Space To Be Happy?

If you’re keeping an indoor cat, they will most likely be content remaining that way. Many rescue organizations believe that all cats should be kept indoors, as there are risks to letting them roam outside. However, if you are adopting a cat who’s used to being outdoors, they may never be happy as a solely indoor cat.

Being outside provides much-needed exercise for cats. They can run, jump, climb, and chase prey. If they are feeling lazy, there is nothing cats love more than to nap and sunbathe.

How Do I Know If My Cat Is Happy With His Space?

You’ll have to learn to read your cat’s body language to determine whether they are content. There are several indications of stress, including:

• Urinating or marking outside the litter box
• Always hiding
• Excessive scratching and grooming
• Destructive behavior
• Bolting for freedom every time you open a door

How To Create A Cat-friendly Space

If you live in a small house or an apartment, there are a few things you can do to make your cat more comfortable and improve its overall quality of life.

• Keep your cat’s space clean. Cats become very unhappy with dirty conditions.
• Avoid drafty areas. If you have windows with cold drafts, an air conditioner, or a fan, make sure the cold air doesn’t blow directly into your cat’s space.
• Be aware of prey. Cats are predators by nature, so make sure they’re not camped out next to a fish tank or an open window with a bird feeder.
• Make your furniture cat-friendly. Arrange your furniture to provide your cat with an obstacle course. The ability to climb and jump up and down will make up for the lack of square footage.
• Providing hiding places. Cupboards can be great hiding places in small spaces. Even cardboard boxes will work if you need a budget-friendly cat hiding space.

Final Thoughts

Cats don’t need a lot of space to be happy, and many cats can thrive in small spaces. Understanding their needs means that you can tailor their surroundings accordingly to make them as comfortable as possible.

• Related read: How to Live With a Cat in a Small Apartment: 10 Things to Know