Your feline companion may seem better suited to indoor city living than their canine counterpart, but their overall needs are very much the same, since cats can become destructive if they don’t get adequate exercise or attention.
Pamela Reid, a vice president at the ASPCA and an animal behavior expert, suggests rotating their toys to keep them interested. Consider leaving a device that plays music or gives visual stimulation when you go out, to keep them engaged and less lonely until you return.
Also, you can designate an area or comfort zone outfitted with essentials like a soft bed, self-cleaning litter box, scratching post and puzzle feeder. This will help keep them well-adjusted, out of trouble and feeling safe.
Dr. Whitney Miller, chief veterinarian at Petco, also encourages every cat owner to take safety precautions. “Use childproof latches to keep your cat out of cupboards, and cord covers to secure loose wires to discourage chewing,” she said.
Miller also suggests ensuring you’re not housing any toxic houseplants such as aloe vera, cutleaf philodendron and pothos and snake plants. And if you have a balcony, don’t risk allowing your cat access unless there’s a protective barrier.
Here’s some of the best gear and safety measures in place then you can rest easy knowing you’ve created the ultimate cat haven.
MiaCara’s Bosco cat toys are handmade using natural wool and include a built-in pouch for catnip, so even the less active feline will feel motivated. Toys, $30 each; catnip, $9; The Cat Butler
Record all your favorite memories and milestones in My Adorable Cat Journal. $14.95 at Chronicle Books
Ouai’s pet shampoo will leave their coat shiny and clean with sweet notes of orange and peony. $32 at Sephora
For a quick spot clean, Swipes are gentle and hypoallergenic, so they’ll never irritate skin. $20 at Pride And Groom
Every cat mom deserves a shout-out, so gift them this keychain as a daily reminder. $18.92 at Zazzle
They can always be found with Cube’s GPS tracker. Just attach the device to your cat’s collar and watch the app for real-time notifications. $87.77 at Chewy
Catstages’ Kitty Lickin’ Layers puzzle is a fun multilayered feeder that will keep them entertained and happy during mealtime. $12 at Chewy
Give them a superluxe vertical perch that offers a sleeping nook and scratching panel all in one. MiaCara Small Torre Cat Tower, $665 at The Cat Butler
Every mama loves to feel connected to their constant companion. Gift yourself or someone you love a Tiny Tags 14-k gold plated paw chain necklace. $25 at Target
LA-based artist Jen Peters created Smitten Kitten peel-and-stick, eco-friendly wallpaper for the cat obsessed. From $45 at Chasing Paper
A constant flow of filtered water will keep them hydrated during the hottest months. Catit Flower water fountain, $18.65 at Petco
