You can make your home fit for a cat without spending a lot of money, whether you live in a penthouse, a ranch home, a basement apartment, or a townhouse in the city, suburbs, or country. All you have to do is help your cats feel like they belong, like they are viable members of the household. They need their own spaces. You can claim the couch and the recliner; they have dibs on the scratching post and the top shelf of the bookcase.


What Did You Say?

 Here are a few translations of your cat’s communication:
Meow. Your cat delivers this sound when she demands your attention. She may be saying, “Come see me play — now!” or “It’s late. Where have you been all night?”
Chirp. This musical trilling sound ends in a question mark. It conveys a friendly greeting given only to people, not other cats. It can mean “Welcome home” or “I just woke up from my nap and it’s really good to see you.”
Purr. Cats have the unique skill of breathing in and out while making this engine revving sound with their mouths closed. Cats purr when they are happy — like during a massage — and, strangely, when they confront a stressful situation, such as a vet visit.
Hiss. Your cat is plainly telling you to “back off.” If the warning is unheeded, a defensive swipe of the paw likely will follow.3
Cat-pleasing household items to consider include the following:
Scratching post. One is a must. Two or more in different rooms is even better. Cats with claws need a place to hone their nails, mark their territories, and release their predatory aggressiveness. The multitiered ones are more expensive, but they double as “forts” for cats to play on.
Comfy napping accoutrements. Situate big, soft pillows or folded blankets in strategic places around your home. Cats like them on the foot of your bed, near a sunny window, and in the closet. Make sure these sleeping materials are washable and clean them once a month.
Window platforms. Pet shops and many retail stores sell self-supporting platforms that attach to window frames to offer your cats a high perch. The platform is supported by bars with suction cups on their ends. The bars extend down from the platform and then bend in to press against the wall below the window. It’s physics and it’s sturdy and safe (and no need to drill holes into the drywall). Many platforms feature cozy fleece seats that cats love to snooze on.
Cat condo. Cats love to hide out in comfy cat-size spaces; carpet-covered kitty condos fit the bill. Simple cat condos are no more than glorified “caves.” More complex cat condos offer enclosed sleeping spaces as well as a variety of platforms for perching, lounging, hiding, and scratching.
Welcoming Your Cat into Your Daily Routines
Your actions and attitudes also influence how well your cat takes to indoor living. The most important thing is to establish a routine. Cats are creatures of habit. And they quickly learn how to train us to cater to their needs and whims. They wake us up when they want to be served food, rub against our legs when they want some attention or a mini-massage, and drop toys at our feet or on the newspaper we’re reading when it’s time to play. Here are some ways to make your cat feel like she is a full-fledged member of the household:

Multitiered cat condos, also known as cat trees, offer many different platforms for napping, hiding, scratching, and otherwise lounging about.
 After you complete your morning grooming routine, groom your cat. Cats love to be brushed; it not only keeps their coat healthy but also feels great — like having an extended back-scratching session! Your cat will soon learn to sit waiting for you in the bedroom as you get ready for the day.
 Invite your cat to hang around with you and explore your closet while you’re deciding what to wear each morning.
 Got a cat who hates shut bathroom doors? When you’re planning to pamper yourself with a well-deserved bubble bath, place an old towel or sweatshirt on top of the laundry basket lid or toilet lid as a comfy perch for your nosy cat. Let her sit and enjoy the fragrance of the bubble bath and the moist heat in the air without getting a drop of water on her fur. It’s like a cat sauna. Resist the playful temptation to sprinkle water on your cat. Use this opportunity to strengthen your bond of trust.
 Open the window blinds every morning to allow sunshine to pour in and to give your cat a warm perch for observing outdoor activities.
 During cold winters, wrap your cat in warm towels plucked from the dryer to take the chill out of his coat. Prevent static electricity by keeping your house at 50 percent humidity with a couple of humidifiers humming in high-traffic locations.
 Fill your cats’water bowl with fresh water every morning and every evening. Instead of tap water, give them a healthier source — bottled water or filtered water.Clean out the litter box each morning. Change it weekly. Cats like clean bathrooms and may go elsewhere if the litter box is dirty and smelly. Sprinkle baking soda into the litter to help reduce its odor.