Catification Ideas for Small Spaces: Vertical Space and Hideaways

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

A small home can be a perfectly good place for a cat, as long as the space is used well. Cats care less about square footage than about height, hiding places and choice. This guide shows how to design a small home so that your cat is stimulated and secure, and your furniture still looks like yours.

Think like a cat

Cats see territory in three dimensions. They want high places to survey, hiding places to retreat, scratching surfaces for marking, places to watch outdoors and quiet spots to sleep. Design with these needs in mind. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.

Go vertical

Vertical space is the secret to a small home.

• Wall shelves and steps create a path that cats can climb. Choose sturdy brackets, fix them to studs, and leave a few inches for landing.
• Tall cat trees use little floor area. See how to choose a cat tree.
• Window perches give views. See window perches and bird feeders.
• Shelves above furniture, such as a high bookcase top, give cats a safe retreat.
• Cat walkways along walls can link rooms.

Make sure that every perch has an easy way down, and that older or heavy cats can reach it. See senior cat home modifications.

Create zones

Divide the space into areas.

• Eating: away from the litter box, in a quiet corner. See how to clean cat food bowls.
• Sleeping: warm, quiet spots with beds. See how to choose a cat bed.
• Scratching: near entry points and sleeping areas. See how to choose a scratching post.
• Play: an open area where you can use wand toys.
• Litter: in a quiet, accessible place. See where to put the litter box.
• Hiding: boxes, caves and covered beds.

Hide the litter box

In a small home, litter boxes can be an eyesore. Options include a cabinet with an entrance cut in the side, a screen, or a piece of furniture designed for litter boxes. Make sure that ventilation is good, the entrance is easy and the box is large enough. Keep the box clean, since a hidden box is easy to forget. Do not hide it in a place where the cat feels trapped. See litter box types compared and how often to clean a litter box.

Smart furniture

• Choose furniture with scratch-resistant fabrics, such as tight weaves or leather that is hard to snag.
• Use cat-friendly furniture that doubles as a bed or tunnel.
• Fit a cat door in a cabinet for a hideaway.
• Cover sofas with washable throws.
• Keep fragile items out of reach.
• Choose non-toxic plants. See cat safe houseplants.

Safety checklist

• Secure windows and balconies. See cat proofing your home.
• Tie up cords and blind pulls.
• Make sure shelves and trees are stable.
• Check that small gaps cannot trap a cat.
• Avoid essential oil diffusers. See essential oils and cats.

Beat boredom

Rotate toys, move a perch to a different window, and add puzzle feeders. See puzzle feeders and slow feeders for cats and exercise for indoor cats. Cardboard boxes and paper bags with handles removed are cheap and fun.

Renting

If you rent, use freestanding trees, tension poles and damage-free hooks. Ask your landlord before drilling. Protect floors with mats.

Multi-cat tips

Provide more than one perch and path, so cats do not block each other. See setting up a multi-cat home.

Choosing the right cat

Some breeds suit small spaces better than others. See best cat breeds for apartments.

Colors, materials and style

Cat furniture does not have to be ugly. Choose neutral wood, natural sisal and fabrics that blend with your decor. Wall shelves in the same finish as your bookcase look tidy, and a tall tree in a corner can double as a plant stand for cat-safe plants. Use washable covers, and pick a tree with a base that does not scratch floors. Keep wires and loose parts out of reach. A cat-friendly home is easier to live in for both of you, because the cat has legal places to climb and scratch.

A starter plan for a studio flat

Begin with a window perch, a tall scratching post and a covered bed. Add one shelf near the ceiling, and a puzzle feeder. Rotate toys weekly.

When to see a vet

If your cat shows signs of stress in a small space, such as hiding or overgrooming, see a vet. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.