How to cat in a small apartment & other questions
August 19, 2023 5:44 PM Subscribe
The awkward litterbox question below reminded me that I have my very own awkward litterbox question, plus a few others about keeping a cat in a small apartment. I hope the experienced cat caregivers of AskMeFi can help!
I grew up with both cats & dogs (and other animals) but have only ever had a dog as an adult. But, now I'm pet-less and thinking about adopting a cat. But, I've only ever lived with cats in a big house, never in a small apartment And so I am flummoxed about how to set things up for an eventual cat. Here are my specific questions:
1. I have a one-bedroom apartment with a tiny bathroom, tiny bedroom and tiny kitchen, but relatively spacious living/dining room. That makes the living room the most obvious place for a litterbox. But that seems gross - aside from assiduous cleaning, what's the best non-gross set-up the average cat is likely to accept? Litter robot? Furniture to hide the litterbox in? Or, how small a litterbox do cats typically accept and use correctly if I want to try squeezing one into the bathroom?
2. Do you have a pet insurance provider you're happy with? I'm ok covering standard vet care out of pocket, but would like to have insurance for any major medical events. Or happy to have standard vet care covered too if there's an affordable insurance that includes that.
3. My building doesn't have built-in screens, so I use slide-in screens that are relatively easy to push out the window -- any ideas on how to secure those so the cat can't go leaping out the window if a pigeon lands on the ledge? I wouldn't leave windows open when I'm away from home, but do want to be able to pop into another room without having to shut all the windows first.
4. Any tips on picking out a cat? Every cat I've ever had has just shown up in our lives and then become a family cat, so I have no idea what to ask for at the shelter other than reasonably friendly and healthy. Pros and cons of kittens vs adults? Is an only cat ok or do they need a friend?
5. Aside from providing toys & a scratcher and playing with the cat (if the cat is the type to play), are there any tips and tricks for avoiding destructive behavior? I'm not too fussed about my rug (cheap & easily replaceable) and sofa (already kind of sad) getting scratched up but I'd like to discourage climbing/exploring the bookshelves or walking on the stove/kitchen counter.
I'd welcome any other first-time cat adopter advice you all have to offer as well!
I grew up with both cats & dogs (and other animals) but have only ever had a dog as an adult. But, now I'm pet-less and thinking about adopting a cat. But, I've only ever lived with cats in a big house, never in a small apartment And so I am flummoxed about how to set things up for an eventual cat. Here are my specific questions:
1. I have a one-bedroom apartment with a tiny bathroom, tiny bedroom and tiny kitchen, but relatively spacious living/dining room. That makes the living room the most obvious place for a litterbox. But that seems gross - aside from assiduous cleaning, what's the best non-gross set-up the average cat is likely to accept? Litter robot? Furniture to hide the litterbox in? Or, how small a litterbox do cats typically accept and use correctly if I want to try squeezing one into the bathroom?
2. Do you have a pet insurance provider you're happy with? I'm ok covering standard vet care out of pocket, but would like to have insurance for any major medical events. Or happy to have standard vet care covered too if there's an affordable insurance that includes that.
3. My building doesn't have built-in screens, so I use slide-in screens that are relatively easy to push out the window -- any ideas on how to secure those so the cat can't go leaping out the window if a pigeon lands on the ledge? I wouldn't leave windows open when I'm away from home, but do want to be able to pop into another room without having to shut all the windows first.
4. Any tips on picking out a cat? Every cat I've ever had has just shown up in our lives and then become a family cat, so I have no idea what to ask for at the shelter other than reasonably friendly and healthy. Pros and cons of kittens vs adults? Is an only cat ok or do they need a friend?
5. Aside from providing toys & a scratcher and playing with the cat (if the cat is the type to play), are there any tips and tricks for avoiding destructive behavior? I'm not too fussed about my rug (cheap & easily replaceable) and sofa (already kind of sad) getting scratched up but I'd like to discourage climbing/exploring the bookshelves or walking on the stove/kitchen counter.
I'd welcome any other first-time cat adopter advice you all have to offer as well!
Two cats are happier than one, even in a small space - I know from experience in a tiny apartment. I suggest getting a bonded pair, like siblings, or cats who've already lived together happily. (Don't risk two unbonded cats, as they may never get along).
posted by nouvelle-personne at 6:28 PM on August 19, 2023 [9 favorites]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 6:28 PM on August 19, 2023 [9 favorites]
Best answer: Talk to the shelter about your specific limitations/requirements. It's possible a slightly older cat might be happier/calmer in a smaller space. Our cat spends a lot of time in our only screened window watching birds and passers-by, but he doesn't push on the screen when excited. We have a table with a cat platform like this in front of that window, with the hidey-hole facing the room, which seems to keep him off the windowsill and he seems content to stay on the platform to sleep and watch. We call it the cat TV.
Also, a couple of years ago we discovered the miracle of pine pellet litter, which, when used with a filtering tray, completely absorbs odors. It also doesn't track around much. You just scoop the poops and the urine dissolves the wood pellets into sawdust, and you shake/sift that through. We empty the bottom pan once a week and there is no odor. You could place the litter under a side table in a corner to disguise it.
As for curbing bad behaviors, our guy was really bad about jumping on the counters when we first brought him home from the shelter, and it took about a 12 months to fully train him out of that. He caught on pretty quickly that he wasn't allowed, but he still stealthily jumped up in search of food whenever he thought we weren't looking. We got him a woven jute mat that we placed under one of our living room chairs for scratching, and he uses it regularly and never scratches on anything else. It's got thick loops and a rubber backing, so I think he just finds it more satisfying to work his claws on than any other surface in the house.
posted by amusebuche at 7:02 PM on August 19, 2023 [7 favorites]
Also, a couple of years ago we discovered the miracle of pine pellet litter, which, when used with a filtering tray, completely absorbs odors. It also doesn't track around much. You just scoop the poops and the urine dissolves the wood pellets into sawdust, and you shake/sift that through. We empty the bottom pan once a week and there is no odor. You could place the litter under a side table in a corner to disguise it.
As for curbing bad behaviors, our guy was really bad about jumping on the counters when we first brought him home from the shelter, and it took about a 12 months to fully train him out of that. He caught on pretty quickly that he wasn't allowed, but he still stealthily jumped up in search of food whenever he thought we weren't looking. We got him a woven jute mat that we placed under one of our living room chairs for scratching, and he uses it regularly and never scratches on anything else. It's got thick loops and a rubber backing, so I think he just finds it more satisfying to work his claws on than any other surface in the house.
posted by amusebuche at 7:02 PM on August 19, 2023 [7 favorites]
Best answer: How small is your space in terms of square feet?
Anyway, to your specific questions:
1. There really is nothing inherently wrong with a litter box in the living room - if you scoop 1-2 times per day and regularly do a deep clean/litter change, your room won't smell most of the time. As to what type and size of litter box, this will depend on the cat - for example, one of my cats is excellent at pissing over the box wall, and this was especially a problem when we tried to use one of those litter box furniture enclosures - that was a total failure. For the same reason, I need to buy the tallest box possible. Cats can also be picky about the type of litter. In short, your cat(s) will somewhat dictate what litter and box you'll end up using.
2. I have never found a pet insurance for cats that made any economic sense. You can of course get unlucky, but in my experience cats need minimal veterinary care until the final year or so of their life. That, combined with the deductibles, for all the cats I've had it would have been expensive to have insurance then just pay out of pocket. But I've never been unlucky.
3. I would not rely on screens like that, unless there is a wide external ledge. The issue would be less a cat attacking a pigeon but more cats like to sleep in window sills and will lean their weight against the screen. Perhaps not ideal for mosquitoes, but no screen would be safer than a weak screen.
4. If your apartment is less than 600 square feet, I probably would try to and get a young adult cat (or a bonded pair) that has a chill personality. It can be hard to predict which kittens will grow up to be wild and energetic, and which will quickly mellow as they age - I would not want to have to deal with a high energy cat in a small space. Cats are social and generally happier with a friend, but some adult cats who became accustomed to being solo prefer to stay that way.
5. While I've read somewhere that the spray bottle method doesn't work, it has at least reduced the amount my cats jump on the counters, and it's easy.
posted by coffeecat at 7:06 PM on August 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
Anyway, to your specific questions:
1. There really is nothing inherently wrong with a litter box in the living room - if you scoop 1-2 times per day and regularly do a deep clean/litter change, your room won't smell most of the time. As to what type and size of litter box, this will depend on the cat - for example, one of my cats is excellent at pissing over the box wall, and this was especially a problem when we tried to use one of those litter box furniture enclosures - that was a total failure. For the same reason, I need to buy the tallest box possible. Cats can also be picky about the type of litter. In short, your cat(s) will somewhat dictate what litter and box you'll end up using.
2. I have never found a pet insurance for cats that made any economic sense. You can of course get unlucky, but in my experience cats need minimal veterinary care until the final year or so of their life. That, combined with the deductibles, for all the cats I've had it would have been expensive to have insurance then just pay out of pocket. But I've never been unlucky.
3. I would not rely on screens like that, unless there is a wide external ledge. The issue would be less a cat attacking a pigeon but more cats like to sleep in window sills and will lean their weight against the screen. Perhaps not ideal for mosquitoes, but no screen would be safer than a weak screen.
4. If your apartment is less than 600 square feet, I probably would try to and get a young adult cat (or a bonded pair) that has a chill personality. It can be hard to predict which kittens will grow up to be wild and energetic, and which will quickly mellow as they age - I would not want to have to deal with a high energy cat in a small space. Cats are social and generally happier with a friend, but some adult cats who became accustomed to being solo prefer to stay that way.
5. While I've read somewhere that the spray bottle method doesn't work, it has at least reduced the amount my cats jump on the counters, and it's easy.
posted by coffeecat at 7:06 PM on August 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
Best answer: We have a small house with two tiny bathrooms. We also have four cats. In one bathroom, we keep a litter box inside the bathtub. Yes, I do have to take it out every time I shower. The upside to this is all the loose bits the cats track stays inside the tub, rather than going elsewhere. It's very easy to clean up. In the other bathroom, we found a narrow litter box that fits in the exact space between the toilet and the wall. The cats step into it, do their business, and then exit it via the small space between the back of the toilet bowl and the wall. They're cats; they fit through that slot.
In both cases, we are quite adept at scooping poops very quickly, and changing the boxes often, so we avoid the dreaded litter/urine/poo smell.
And yes, multiple cats are always better than a single cat. You get extra karma points if you adopt pairs of adult cats; quadruple points for seniors.
posted by BlahLaLa at 7:25 PM on August 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
In both cases, we are quite adept at scooping poops very quickly, and changing the boxes often, so we avoid the dreaded litter/urine/poo smell.
And yes, multiple cats are always better than a single cat. You get extra karma points if you adopt pairs of adult cats; quadruple points for seniors.
posted by BlahLaLa at 7:25 PM on August 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Our one litter box for our two cats is in the dining room. We get away with this because:
1. It is in a cabinet like this.
2. We use unscented walnut clumping litter
3. We clean the box very frequently - it gets checked probably four times a day and scooped whenever necessary
4. We use a litter genie and have the luxury of being able to store that in the garage (but those things are super odor proof)
We use a high sided cat box and have a litter mat in the cabinet. Roomba runs almost every day so any escaped litter is dealt with quickly. The cabinet is by a window and sturdy enough to sit on and look outside.
Our last pet sitter asked me for links and immediately replicated our setup - it is working well for her, too.
So if it needs to be the living room so be it. Cabinets can make that an easier option.
posted by hilaryjade at 8:32 PM on August 19, 2023
1. It is in a cabinet like this.
2. We use unscented walnut clumping litter
3. We clean the box very frequently - it gets checked probably four times a day and scooped whenever necessary
4. We use a litter genie and have the luxury of being able to store that in the garage (but those things are super odor proof)
We use a high sided cat box and have a litter mat in the cabinet. Roomba runs almost every day so any escaped litter is dealt with quickly. The cabinet is by a window and sturdy enough to sit on and look outside.
Our last pet sitter asked me for links and immediately replicated our setup - it is working well for her, too.
So if it needs to be the living room so be it. Cabinets can make that an easier option.
posted by hilaryjade at 8:32 PM on August 19, 2023
Best answer: I'd like to discourage climbing/exploring the bookshelves or walking on the stove/kitchen counter.
You need a good amount of "yes"s to balance out the "no"s. Kitty's likely going to enjoy perches at various heights, including high up. Is the top of the bookshelf off-limits? You can make use of tall furniture you already have by making the tops cat-accessible in a way that's acceptable to you.
(This plus cat trees and deep windowsills was how we survived for a couple years in a small apartment with... a significant number of cats.)
Kitty will still probably want to check out the shelves on occasion but will have other, more attractive pathways & perches.
Are you able to anchor your furniture and screw stuff into the walls?
For the countertops, some cats will happily sit on a tall chair placed nearby, because they just want to be near you and see what you're doing. Some cats are way too food-motivated for this to work so YMMV.
Litterboxes: I'd only go with a small one in the bathroom if there's a big one in the living room. I shelled out for large litterboxes with very high sides to avoid pee collecting in side seams... Kitty might not be a high pee-er so you may not encounter the need for very tall, seamless sides.
Clay litter dust is horribly obnoxious, and crystals are far worse (don't even try). Corn litter is okay but I always worried about bugs. I liked pine litter made for cats the best: they have options like clumping and extra-soft, and it doesn't smell weird.
(I switched to pine pellet bedding for horses long ago but would still use pine litter for cats if I could!)
The number one way to get the least-stinky litterboxes at all times:
very high quality food, meaning wet food that's high protein & virtually no carbs. On a perfect diet, there aren't any stink bombs! Just small poops that aren't very smelly.
Really good food typically smells more like recognizable meat than that cat food smell, which is a nice side benefit. It is pricy, though.
Of course not every cat is exactly the same, and some cats are happy to immediately switch between foods while others need a gradual transition so be aware that finding the "right" cat food can be a long process.
Watch out for very high fat food though. Ideally you want more calories from protein than from fat. (YMMV, we found that very high fat diets made for poops that could be classified as cruel and unusual punishment.)
posted by Baethan at 10:17 PM on August 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
You need a good amount of "yes"s to balance out the "no"s. Kitty's likely going to enjoy perches at various heights, including high up. Is the top of the bookshelf off-limits? You can make use of tall furniture you already have by making the tops cat-accessible in a way that's acceptable to you.
(This plus cat trees and deep windowsills was how we survived for a couple years in a small apartment with... a significant number of cats.)
Kitty will still probably want to check out the shelves on occasion but will have other, more attractive pathways & perches.
Are you able to anchor your furniture and screw stuff into the walls?
For the countertops, some cats will happily sit on a tall chair placed nearby, because they just want to be near you and see what you're doing. Some cats are way too food-motivated for this to work so YMMV.
Litterboxes: I'd only go with a small one in the bathroom if there's a big one in the living room. I shelled out for large litterboxes with very high sides to avoid pee collecting in side seams... Kitty might not be a high pee-er so you may not encounter the need for very tall, seamless sides.
Clay litter dust is horribly obnoxious, and crystals are far worse (don't even try). Corn litter is okay but I always worried about bugs. I liked pine litter made for cats the best: they have options like clumping and extra-soft, and it doesn't smell weird.
(I switched to pine pellet bedding for horses long ago but would still use pine litter for cats if I could!)
The number one way to get the least-stinky litterboxes at all times:
very high quality food, meaning wet food that's high protein & virtually no carbs. On a perfect diet, there aren't any stink bombs! Just small poops that aren't very smelly.
Really good food typically smells more like recognizable meat than that cat food smell, which is a nice side benefit. It is pricy, though.
Of course not every cat is exactly the same, and some cats are happy to immediately switch between foods while others need a gradual transition so be aware that finding the "right" cat food can be a long process.
Watch out for very high fat food though. Ideally you want more calories from protein than from fat. (YMMV, we found that very high fat diets made for poops that could be classified as cruel and unusual punishment.)
posted by Baethan at 10:17 PM on August 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
Other folks have given good answers, I'm only going to comment on one vs two cats. It really depends on the cat! I see posts all the time for adult cats looking for a home where they are the only cat. My dear departed Portia tortie would've preferred to be an only cat - that didn't work out super well for her, for a few years I had her plus 3 more cats and a house rabbit. She was very good at ignoring all of them, lived the single cat life as best she could, was very bonded to me only.
If getting kittens or young cats, yes, a pair is generally better, for matched energy in a playmate if nothing else. If getting adult cats, it really depends on the cat.
Of the 4 cats I have currently, one was bonded to another cat, since he passed away she lives her own individual life. I don't think she really minds the other cats, but she would be perfectly fine without them. Two more have a moderate preference to be with another cat (but not each other). And the last one is highly social, he absolutely needs a kitty friend! He would be a lonely, needy little critter as an only pet.
posted by dorey_oh at 12:01 AM on August 20, 2023 [2 favorites]
If getting kittens or young cats, yes, a pair is generally better, for matched energy in a playmate if nothing else. If getting adult cats, it really depends on the cat.
Of the 4 cats I have currently, one was bonded to another cat, since he passed away she lives her own individual life. I don't think she really minds the other cats, but she would be perfectly fine without them. Two more have a moderate preference to be with another cat (but not each other). And the last one is highly social, he absolutely needs a kitty friend! He would be a lonely, needy little critter as an only pet.
posted by dorey_oh at 12:01 AM on August 20, 2023 [2 favorites]
Due to Reasons at times in the last year I've had up to 7 cats, three with litterbox issues, in 600 square feet. 7 has been definitely overwhelming, but up to 5 is doable. One open box in the powder room (wedged behind the toilet, powder room is about 8 square feet, I doubt your bathroom is smaller...), one covered box with filter in the hallway, and once the guests became regular, a LitterLocker next to it. The two out in the open look like a plastic box and a plastic basket. I use Cat's Best plant-based clumping litter and change it every 6 days or so, with twice daily scooping.
This results in no smell with the following caveats:
- scooping poop as soon as I smell it/walk in the door
- at some point the odour absorbancy of the litter fails at once and you need to change boxes immediately, but you get a knack for predicting it
- some cats will avoid the litterbox and that depends on the cat, though outside of active UTIs you can usually work out a detente like puppy pads, microfiber cloths on easily washable surfaces, or for one rubber mats with edges; it takes more active management but I was able to stay on top of things
- bottle of smell neutraliser always on hand for accidents
- vacuuming every freaking day. I could get away with twice weekly with my original four, but with litter catching mats put away because of the cats with Issues, has to be daily
Of my own initiative, I wouldn't have more than two cats in 600 square feet, and I'm very happy I'll be down to four shortly, but *shrugs* I manage.
posted by I claim sanctuary at 1:28 AM on August 20, 2023
This results in no smell with the following caveats:
- scooping poop as soon as I smell it/walk in the door
- at some point the odour absorbancy of the litter fails at once and you need to change boxes immediately, but you get a knack for predicting it
- some cats will avoid the litterbox and that depends on the cat, though outside of active UTIs you can usually work out a detente like puppy pads, microfiber cloths on easily washable surfaces, or for one rubber mats with edges; it takes more active management but I was able to stay on top of things
- bottle of smell neutraliser always on hand for accidents
- vacuuming every freaking day. I could get away with twice weekly with my original four, but with litter catching mats put away because of the cats with Issues, has to be daily
Of my own initiative, I wouldn't have more than two cats in 600 square feet, and I'm very happy I'll be down to four shortly, but *shrugs* I manage.
posted by I claim sanctuary at 1:28 AM on August 20, 2023
Cat "furniture" to cover a box can help a lot with smell and dust. But you MUST scoop every day. Every. Damn. Day. It's your only chance to stop smell.
posted by tiny frying pan at 5:16 AM on August 20, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by tiny frying pan at 5:16 AM on August 20, 2023 [2 favorites]
You've already gotten good answers but since I haven't seen anyone mention it: conventional advice is that having n+1 litter boxes works better. in other words, one box per cat, plus one extra box. this helps cut down on intensity of odor in my experience (but you still have to scoop every day!) I keep my litter boxes in the bathroom in my current apartment, but in the past I've kept them in a living room or bedroom and the smell wasn't bad. You do end up having to sweep the area frequently.
posted by okonomichiyaki at 6:05 AM on August 20, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by okonomichiyaki at 6:05 AM on August 20, 2023 [1 favorite]
Can totally confirm the observation that feeding carbohydrate free changes/improves the poop odor. I used to feed my old cats "regular" cat food and smell was Bad despite scooping often etc . With my new cat, an adult rescue cat i took in last spring, i only feed her carbohydrate free food and the difference in smell of poop is staggering. Yes, it is more expensive but she actually needs less because it is better suited to a cat's metabolism.
Mimi is an only cat, and as far as i can tell enjoys being the only one. I chose her because my apartment is small, she was adult, and the rescue said she was happier alone than with other cats at the shelter, they actually kept her in her own room because she would attac other cats. Generally often shelters do have difficulty placing older cats because kittens of course are cute.
posted by 15L06 at 6:10 AM on August 20, 2023
Mimi is an only cat, and as far as i can tell enjoys being the only one. I chose her because my apartment is small, she was adult, and the rescue said she was happier alone than with other cats at the shelter, they actually kept her in her own room because she would attac other cats. Generally often shelters do have difficulty placing older cats because kittens of course are cute.
posted by 15L06 at 6:10 AM on August 20, 2023
Different cats may have different opinions on litter boxes. My last cat was cool with a covered box in an out of-the-way place. My current cat needs an uncovered litterbox near where her people hang out. Ignoring her preferences leads to puddles of cat urine in undesirable places. Plan as you may, you will need to accept that your cat will have the final say on litterbox type and placement.
The one thing I would strongly recommend, especially for a small space, is an air purifier. Along with frequent scooping, it really helps keep the smell down.
posted by ourobouros at 6:30 AM on August 20, 2023
The one thing I would strongly recommend, especially for a small space, is an air purifier. Along with frequent scooping, it really helps keep the smell down.
posted by ourobouros at 6:30 AM on August 20, 2023
Best answer: Seconding the air purifier recommendation. You can get ones with filters targeted for pet odors. It makes a significant difference. Though you still need to scoop daily (for the cat’s comfort if nothing else).
For cats who don’t like having their litter box in an enclosed space (a lot of the litter box hiding cat furniture I see online seems to be relatively small), you can also get room screen - full size, or I’ve seen half-size ones - to keep it out of constant view. Your future cat will likely appreciate a bit of privacy as well. I’ve also seen litter boxes in closets, if there’s a convenient closet whose door you can keep open.
I have Trupanion insurance. They seem to be average, as pet insurance goes? Would recommend getting insurance that your vet will direct-bill to, if you do get pet insurance. Note that pet insurance still excludes Pre-existing conditions, but if you get it before an older cat develops thyroid disease, kidney disease, or feline diabetes, it can help with the cost of medications and tests beyond regular senior cat wellness check-ups… you have to check the fine print on details like that, though. If you adopt an older shelter cat, where you don’t know what sort of diet or other factors during their earlier life may influence development of the usual range of senior cat issues, I would recommend pet insurance. If you adopt a kitten and feed it a good diet throughout its life, get regular check-ups, and otherwise follow standard vet advice for keeping a healthy cat, the balance of risk is more on the side of not getting pet insurance.
I would not have a cat in an apartment with insecure screens, for the various reasons other posters have mentioned above.
An adult cat that the shelter indicates would be a happy only cat would perhaps be better for a smaller apartment? Kittens need play space, even though they are smaller. A bonded pair would likely also fit, depending on energy levels and temperament. Definitely avoid two random cats that don’t get along with each other, however. And get two litter boxes if you get two cats, to avoid conflict. In any case, do get cat trees/furniture for your cat to climb - not only does this make the cat happier, but it increases the effective size of the apartment for them, in the same way that a two or three story house has more square footage in the same base footprint than a one story house.
posted by eviemath at 7:23 AM on August 20, 2023
For cats who don’t like having their litter box in an enclosed space (a lot of the litter box hiding cat furniture I see online seems to be relatively small), you can also get room screen - full size, or I’ve seen half-size ones - to keep it out of constant view. Your future cat will likely appreciate a bit of privacy as well. I’ve also seen litter boxes in closets, if there’s a convenient closet whose door you can keep open.
I have Trupanion insurance. They seem to be average, as pet insurance goes? Would recommend getting insurance that your vet will direct-bill to, if you do get pet insurance. Note that pet insurance still excludes Pre-existing conditions, but if you get it before an older cat develops thyroid disease, kidney disease, or feline diabetes, it can help with the cost of medications and tests beyond regular senior cat wellness check-ups… you have to check the fine print on details like that, though. If you adopt an older shelter cat, where you don’t know what sort of diet or other factors during their earlier life may influence development of the usual range of senior cat issues, I would recommend pet insurance. If you adopt a kitten and feed it a good diet throughout its life, get regular check-ups, and otherwise follow standard vet advice for keeping a healthy cat, the balance of risk is more on the side of not getting pet insurance.
I would not have a cat in an apartment with insecure screens, for the various reasons other posters have mentioned above.
An adult cat that the shelter indicates would be a happy only cat would perhaps be better for a smaller apartment? Kittens need play space, even though they are smaller. A bonded pair would likely also fit, depending on energy levels and temperament. Definitely avoid two random cats that don’t get along with each other, however. And get two litter boxes if you get two cats, to avoid conflict. In any case, do get cat trees/furniture for your cat to climb - not only does this make the cat happier, but it increases the effective size of the apartment for them, in the same way that a two or three story house has more square footage in the same base footprint than a one story house.
posted by eviemath at 7:23 AM on August 20, 2023
Cats need verticality. They must climb things, they must be able to observe. Definitely obtain a floor-to-ceiling scratching post with platforms. These wedge in with springs, no screws required.
I also recommend learning to accept having cats on as many surfaces as you can tolerate. You are inviting new beings to share your space, you must accommodate their natures, and those natures include scratching things, rubbing their faces on things, leaving hair on things, barfing hairballs on things, wanting to observe from high places, wanting to being near their people, needing to romp and zoom at times, sleeping with/near you, holding you forcefully to a schedule, and making devastatingly cute half-closed eyes at you once they truly trust and care for you.
Also you have to provide constant enrichment with toys, catnip, regular and frequent interaction with you, plus access to the breeze / outdoor smells with screened windows. Also if you are thinking of letting your cat loose onto an apartment balcony don't unless you get e.g. pigeon netting installed so the cat can't fall off. Because they do. Way too often. Especially if a bird lands nearby or they get the zoomies and/or are clumsy.
OK i'll shut up now.
posted by seanmpuckett at 7:34 AM on August 20, 2023 [6 favorites]
I also recommend learning to accept having cats on as many surfaces as you can tolerate. You are inviting new beings to share your space, you must accommodate their natures, and those natures include scratching things, rubbing their faces on things, leaving hair on things, barfing hairballs on things, wanting to observe from high places, wanting to being near their people, needing to romp and zoom at times, sleeping with/near you, holding you forcefully to a schedule, and making devastatingly cute half-closed eyes at you once they truly trust and care for you.
Also you have to provide constant enrichment with toys, catnip, regular and frequent interaction with you, plus access to the breeze / outdoor smells with screened windows. Also if you are thinking of letting your cat loose onto an apartment balcony don't unless you get e.g. pigeon netting installed so the cat can't fall off. Because they do. Way too often. Especially if a bird lands nearby or they get the zoomies and/or are clumsy.
OK i'll shut up now.
posted by seanmpuckett at 7:34 AM on August 20, 2023 [6 favorites]
Two cats are happier than one
That has really been the opposite of my experience. When we had two cats and one of them died from very fast moving cancer, our other cat positively blossomed and was clearly much happier. And, as chance would have it, I was just yesterday talking to a friend whose elderly cat died around a month ago, and his family has observed the same phenomenon with their remaining cat—clearly happier, spending time in places that had been exclusive to the other cat, more affectionate and in all respects doing better. Another friend in a similar situation reported the same thing.
I’m not saying that some cats aren’t happier around other cats (bonded siblings or mother + child), but I’m becoming increasingly sure that is the exception rather than the rule and that many/most reports of cats who are happier in multiple cat homes are wishful thinking. Most cats, I think, prefer to be the only cat in the home and to make friends with the non-cats.
posted by slkinsey at 7:56 AM on August 20, 2023 [2 favorites]
That has really been the opposite of my experience. When we had two cats and one of them died from very fast moving cancer, our other cat positively blossomed and was clearly much happier. And, as chance would have it, I was just yesterday talking to a friend whose elderly cat died around a month ago, and his family has observed the same phenomenon with their remaining cat—clearly happier, spending time in places that had been exclusive to the other cat, more affectionate and in all respects doing better. Another friend in a similar situation reported the same thing.
I’m not saying that some cats aren’t happier around other cats (bonded siblings or mother + child), but I’m becoming increasingly sure that is the exception rather than the rule and that many/most reports of cats who are happier in multiple cat homes are wishful thinking. Most cats, I think, prefer to be the only cat in the home and to make friends with the non-cats.
posted by slkinsey at 7:56 AM on August 20, 2023 [2 favorites]
I lived in a very tiny urban apartment with a cat. We had the litter box in the living room and found that a large litter box worked best for preventing litter from escaping onto the floor. As long as you keep the box clean by scooping once a day it shouldn’t smell. Our box was sort of hidden as part of a set of floor shelving.
In my experience younger cats (especially under 2 years) are much more active and want to play more and may do better as a pair. Plenty of older cats (3 years or older) are perfectly happy being the lone cat in a home.
Shelters often have cats that live in foster homes and those folks can provide you with a lot of detailed information about a cat’s needs and personality. When I have fostered cats and kittens people often came by to meet the cat to see if they were a good match.
posted by forkisbetter at 9:19 AM on August 20, 2023 [1 favorite]
In my experience younger cats (especially under 2 years) are much more active and want to play more and may do better as a pair. Plenty of older cats (3 years or older) are perfectly happy being the lone cat in a home.
Shelters often have cats that live in foster homes and those folks can provide you with a lot of detailed information about a cat’s needs and personality. When I have fostered cats and kittens people often came by to meet the cat to see if they were a good match.
posted by forkisbetter at 9:19 AM on August 20, 2023 [1 favorite]
I agree that two cats aren't always better than one. I adopted littermates as kittens. One of them was constantly chewing off her fur and had big bald patches on her legs and stomach. When her brother died, all of that stopped. She also stopped completely flipping out every time she saw another cat outside. (She was my favorite cat ever for various reasons, but she was also the most anxious cat I ever knew.)
The problem is that would have been completely unpredictable. If your shelter has an adult bonded pair, that might be the way to go.
posted by FencingGal at 9:25 AM on August 20, 2023 [1 favorite]
The problem is that would have been completely unpredictable. If your shelter has an adult bonded pair, that might be the way to go.
posted by FencingGal at 9:25 AM on August 20, 2023 [1 favorite]
hilaryjade wrote above: [the litter box] is in an enclosure like this
The link they provided was broken, so here it is fixed: https//a.co/d/6e1Zrh0
(I assume that's a shortened Amazon link and that it works; I didn't click on it for Reasons)
posted by intermod at 11:46 AM on August 20, 2023
The link they provided was broken, so here it is fixed: https//a.co/d/6e1Zrh0
(I assume that's a shortened Amazon link and that it works; I didn't click on it for Reasons)
posted by intermod at 11:46 AM on August 20, 2023
Looks like that link correction got mangled as well; try this.
posted by not just everyday big moggies at 1:24 PM on August 20, 2023
posted by not just everyday big moggies at 1:24 PM on August 20, 2023
I would stick with one cat given your issues with placement of the litterbox. I currently have one cat, and although I'm aware of the n+1 rule, in my experience, an only cat in a small space can be just fine with a single litterbox. However, with 2 cats, I really don't think you could get away with one litter box.
Also nthing that while younger cats generally do best as a bonded pair, if you adopt a slightly older adult cat, you should be able to find a cat that's happy as a single cat. I got my cat when he was about 3 years old, and while he gets along okay with other cats, he constantly got bullied by other cats in the foster home b/c he just won't stand up for himself. And he's perfectly happy as an only cat. He's very bonded to me, but he also does just fine if I'm gone at work or if I go out of town (with cat sitter visitng obviously).
posted by litera scripta manet at 6:31 PM on August 20, 2023
Also nthing that while younger cats generally do best as a bonded pair, if you adopt a slightly older adult cat, you should be able to find a cat that's happy as a single cat. I got my cat when he was about 3 years old, and while he gets along okay with other cats, he constantly got bullied by other cats in the foster home b/c he just won't stand up for himself. And he's perfectly happy as an only cat. He's very bonded to me, but he also does just fine if I'm gone at work or if I go out of town (with cat sitter visitng obviously).
posted by litera scripta manet at 6:31 PM on August 20, 2023
Best answer: If you are adopting an adult cat from a shelter or a foster situation, you may be able to find out if the cat is more of a cave lover/box sitter than a percher. I have lived with several cats, and a few were basically uninterested in kitchen counters and dining tables, even during meal times. My current cats however treat the counters as lounging areas on hot days, we were not successful in teaching them otherwise, despite a floor-to-ceiling cat tree and other designated cat hangout spots.
posted by spamandkimchi at 11:39 AM on August 21, 2023
posted by spamandkimchi at 11:39 AM on August 21, 2023
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With adult cats, the shelter will likely have some info about only-cat/multi-cat preferences.
posted by janell at 6:03 PM on August 19, 2023 [1 favorite]