The best ideas for cats in small apartments include cat condos that use vertical space, scratching surfaces on the wall or couches, and using your bed to play with your cat.

These cat supplies and activities are a must if you want your cat to be happy in a small space.

The best way to nurture cats is with the right cat supplies, healthy cat food, and lots of play.

Let’s get into the best ideas for cats in small apartments:

  1. Cat condos
  2. Ripple Rug
  3. Cat supplies organizer
  4. Play with your cat
  5. Scratching surfaces
  6. Window perch
  7. Beds
  8. Litter box location
  9. Hunting for treats
  10. Clean dishes and food mat
  11. Catio on balcony
  12. Arranging cat supplies
  13. Keep your apartment clean
  14. Feed a healthy diet
  15. Use natural supplements
  16. DIY condo
  17. DIY bed
  18. DIY TP toys
  19. DIY catnip toys

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pin image 19 fun cat ideas for apartments

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1. Cat condos

Cat condos and cat trees are beneficial in many ways. Pick condos that satisfy multiple needs.

This will keep your cat happy.

Plus, you’ll nurture multiple wild instincts with just 1 piece of furniture. This saves apartment space and money.

cat furniture for small apartments cat ladder
Jericho perches up high on his Cat Ladder

The Cat Ladder (on Etsy) is Jericho’s favorite. It’s tall and sturdy, he can scratch each platform, and it doesn’t take up a lot of floor space.

More fun cat condos on Etsy:

  • Mau makes real tree branch condos
  • JML Pets makes real wood and natural carpet condos
  • Pet Treehouses makes treehouses with tree branches, wood, and carpet

Other cat trees and condos:

cat condo supplies
Condos on Amazon are just as useful!

Benefits of cat condos and trees:

  • Takes up vertical space rather than floor space
  • Has multiple perches for resting and relaxing
  • Is sturdy for climbing and jumping
  • Has scratching areas

Get a condo that matches this list. It satisfies multiple wild needs of cats.

Put the condo against the window for extra entertainment.

Buy the grey condo on Amazon (US, CA, UK) and Chewy.

A tall cat condo is essential for cats in small apartments. Condos take up vertical space and satisfy multiple enrichment needs.

2. Ripple Rug

The Ripple Rug is a versatile activity center for cats. It’s made from recycled plastic bottles.

These rugs save 24 bottles from the landfill.

This is a great product for eco-friendly people.

cat playing on ripple rug
Jericho plays on the Ripple Rug daily

Benefits of the Ripple Rug:

  • Cats can hunt, scratch, rest, and play
  • Easy to roll up and store away to save apartment space
  • Hide toys and treats inside the ripples for extra entertainment

Jericho and I love the Ripple Rug. We play on it daily.

I put his cotton chase ball toys inside the holes and ripples. Jericho goes crazy pawing them out. He does bunny kicks and scratches on the rugs.

I know Jericho loves the Ripple Rug because his wild side comes out when he plays on it.

These rugs satisfy the multiple needs of cats. It is more than worth the money.

Cat activity play rugs are great for enrichment.

Buy the Ripple Rug on Amazon or Chewy. Don’t fall for the knock-offs!

Check Ripple Rug’s website for more color options and international shipping.

3. Cat supplies organizer

Cats require multiple toys to prevent boredom. Playtime is important because cats need to exercise indoors.

Wild cats get exercise from hunting. Since indoor cats don’t hunt, they need to play for exercise. This keeps cats healthy and entertained.

Put your cat supplies and toys in an organizer to save space and keep your apartment tidy.

cat resting on window perch

Benefits of an organizer:

  • Keep your cat supplies away when not using
  • Provides an extra perch for your cat to rest on
  • Leave a drawer empty for a DIY cat bed

Quality is key here. Plastic is no good and needs to be replaced frequently. This means more money spent in the long run.

A handmade organizer is made with quality materials built to last. This also looks nicer than plastic in your apartment.

It can also double as a coffee table or bookshelf.

Buy a handmade organizer on Etsy.

4. Play with your cat

Again, cats need to play to be happy. Playing gives your cat exercise and mental stimulation.

Both are required for indoor cats to stay healthy and happy.

Consider playing with your cat on your bed or on a table if your apartment is extra small.

kitty whip wand toy
Jericho plays with the Kitty Whip on our table

I’ve had many cat clients that loved running around on the bed. You can use wand toys or toss mice toys for them to catch.

Jericho enjoys playing in the bathroom. Tease toys under the bathroom door to simulate the hunting experience.

Before you say, “My cat doesn’t like to play” let me interrupt you.

I’ve had many clients, friends, and family tell me this.

But I’m able to get all of those cats to play with a little patience and the right tricks.

My guides will help you.

Check out my cat isn’t interested in playing. Or watch the video below.

5. Scratching surfaces

Cats need to scratch. These wild instincts are ingrained.

Scratching allows cats to shed dead layers of claws, stretch, and mark their territory. It’s a natural stress relief for them.

We need to nurture this wild instinct.

upcycled diy scratching post with carpet
Upcycle your current scratching post with the Ripple Rug bottom only

Never declaw your cat. This is a serious amputation of the toe, not just the nail.

It would be like losing the tip of your finger to the first knuckle.

Plus, even declawed cats have the urge to scratch. Talk about stress for your cat!

purrfect post scratcher
Jericho loved Purrfect Post right away

To save your furniture, get proper scratching pads or posts for your home.

Best scratching options:

  • Purrfect Post. Multiple height options and customizable colors!
  • JML Pets scratching pad (Etsy). Large enough for your cat to stretch but doesn’t take up a lot of space.
  • Modern scratchers by Tuft + Paw. Handmade, high quality. Built to last.
  • Trixie scratching post (Amazon, Chewy). Budget-friendly option. A cheap scratcher is better than no scratcher!

Or you can upcycle your frayed scratching post with carpet.

Need a centralized place to keep track of everything related to your cat? Grab my Cat Care Binder Bundle!

6. Window perch

Jericho loves his window perch. He watches outside and naps in the sun.

The window perch doesn’t take up a lot of space. I use the provided legs and also rest the edge on his condo for added support.

cat sunbathing on window perch
Jericho soaks up the sun on his window perch daily

Jericho loves to nap and meditate in the sun. He also watches outside. This serves as endless entertainment for him.

What if I don’t have a nice view?

Your cat will enjoy looking outside even if your view is of a building across the alleyway.

One of my client’s views was of a building about 20 feet away from hers. Her cat still enjoyed looking out the window.

And I saw a cat in the building across the way lounging on the windowsill. Coincidentally, the cats were both tuxedos!

Measure your windowsill before buying the window perch to make sure it will fit.

Buy a window perch on Amazon and Chewy.

7. Beds

Jericho cuddles with me every night. He also enjoys napping with me during the day.

Jericho has private beds as well. It’s great to have other options even if your cat sleeps with you.

organic eco friendly cat bed
Jericho snuggles in his sleeping bag on my lap while I work

Cats like privacy and safety when they sleep. They are both predators and prey in the wild.

So privacy is a must!

2-in-1 cat cave bed with cat inside

Benefits of cat beds:

  • Cats love to curl up and be warm in soft beds
  • Private beds provide comfort and safety
  • Cats are territorial and prefer to have multiple options
  • Keeps cats calm and comfortable

You can put cat beds on top of condos, window perch, coffee tables, inside furniture pieces, on large windowsills, or in empty dresser drawers.

Top picks for cat beds:

Private beds make cats feel safe and comfortable in their territory.

8. Litter box location

Litter box location matters for your cat. Cats prefer a quiet, low-traffic area to do their business.

Just think about your bathroom. You like it clean, and you like to feel safe.

The same goes for your cat.

litter box area

Litter box location ideas:

  • Quiet, low-traffic area
  • Separate and secluded but open
  • On the side of your couch. This is where I keep Jericho’s box.
  • Away from food and water. This one is a must too. Track litter waste can get into food and water then travel to your sink. So this is dangerous and gross for both you and your cat.

Use more sanitary supplies. And create a daily and weekly litter box cleaning routine.

I only spend about 5 mins/ week. Check out my litter supplies and cleaning routine. Or watch the video below.

9. Hunting for treats

Make your cat work for his food. This will provide mental stimulation and exercise.

It’s a great game because it mimics the cat’s instinct to hunt.

ideas for cats in small apartments cat hunting for treats

You can hide treats around your home to keep your cat entertained.

Jericho looks forward to this game every day.

Hide treats in:

  • Condos
  • Beds
  • Between furniture
  • The Ripple Rug
  • Toys
  • On top of scratching posts

Tip: Crunchy “dental” treats are filled with crap cats shouldn’t eat. Use healthy cat treats made with meat only instead.

10. Clean dishes and food mat

Plastic traps bacteria. No matter how many times you wash it.

Stainless steel and lead-free ceramic are much more sanitary.

elevated food stand
I no longer use this food stand. But I do use the plates and the mat.

Benefits of stainless steel and ceramic:

  • Doesn’t trap bacteria like plastic
  • Easier to clean
  • More sanitary
  • Less risk of chin acne

The food stand I use comes with two stainless steel bowls and one plate. I also use a food-grade silicone mat which fits perfectly for the stand.

Clean your bowls regularly to prevent pink residue bacteria buildup.

Buy a stand and dish combo and a food mat on Amazon. Or buy a stand and dish combo on Chewy.

Check out Tuft + Paw for modern feeding areas.

11. Catio on balcony

I don’t have a balcony, but I know other apartments have one.

Consider building a catio if you have a balcony or backyard.

cat sleeping on window perch

A catio is a cat-safe patio. This will give your cat a taste of the outdoors safely.

Check out Catio Spaces for DIY plans.

12. Arranging cat supplies

Use the space that you have wisely. Cats need a lot of supplies to stay happy indoors, especially in small spaces.

It might seem overwhelming to have a cat condo, scratching post, beds, perches, etc.

But you can stack needs on top of others.

make your cat happy cat condo
Stack furniture along the wall and next to each other

A few examples:

  • Put cat beds on the bottom of condo, organizer, or top of window perch
  • Run a cat tunnel alongside a coffee table
  • Put condos or DIY stairs against the wall
  • Keep blinds open for extra entertainment

Cats are sensitive to change. Be sure to help your cat adjust to new things gradually.

13. Keep your apartment clean

Cats live close to the floor and close to bacteria.

Keeping a clean apartment will make you and your cats happy.

I spend about 2 hours a week on chores. Check out my apartment cleaning hacks.

14. Feed a healthy diet

A species-appropriate diet benefits your cat in many ways. After all, we are what we eat.

cat eating quail piece
Jericho eating a piece of whole quail

Benefits of raw, homemade cat food:

  • Biologically appropriate. Cats are obligate carnivores. Meaning they need meat, bones, and organs to survive and thrive.
  • No filler ingredients. Raw, homemade foods contain nutrients that your cat needs. Nothing else.
  • No carbs/starches. Cats cannot produce the enzyme amylase in their saliva. Amylase breaks down carbs and starches. Most commercial pet foods have high amounts (around 25-50%) carbs/starches. This is bad for your cat’s teeth and health. Cats are not designed to digest carbs and starches. This leads to obesity.
  • Less poop in frequency and smell. Raw eaters produce less stool naturally. That means easier litter clean up and less stink.
  • Healthier all around. Raw is what cats are designed to eat. Just think of their wild ancestors. They eat prey whole and raw.

How to feed your cat better:

Need help feeding your picky cat better? My switch your cat to raw course is for you!

15. Use natural supplements

Natural supplements come in handy in small apartments. Cats live close to the floor surrounded by bacteria.

Cats are closed in by walls and surrounded by artificial smells from other apartments.

coconut oil supplement for cats

Some of my neighbors like to smoke. So I get the stink of cigarettes in my apartment frequently.

Benefits of natural supplements:

  • Antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
  • Provides easily digestible energy
  • Supports healthy immune response
  • Healthy skin and coat
  • Relieves joint pain

Buy coconut oil on Amazon.

16. DIY condo

You can build a DIY condo too. I built Jericho’s using wire shelving.

This makes it more personalized to your space. His stair condo is against the wall so it doesn’t take up a lot of floor space.

diy cat condo

It leads to his other condo and window perch. Jericho loves running up the stairs to his perch.

Buy 3-tier wire shelves and stackable wire shelves on Amazon.

The wire shelves linked above are from the same company so you should be able to mix and match.

I used the Ripple Rug bottom only for the carpet. And put Jericho’s backpack on the top for a cozy nap spot.

Other materials for DIY cat trees:

17. DIY bed

Another personalized cat enrichment need is beds.

You can use boxes, blankets, and T-shirts for this one.

Cats love boxes because they are cardboard. Cardboard is made from trees. Trees are mother nature’s scratching post.

Now you know why your cat favors the box instead of what you just bought!

Put a large T-shirt over the box. The neck hole will be the entrance to the bed.

Put a small pillow or a blanket inside to make it comfy.

18. DIY TP toys

Toilet paper and paper towel rolls come in handy for DIY cat toys.

Reuse these rolls to make food puzzles, wand toys, or a cat mobile.

how to treat a cat diy food puzzle toilet paper rolls

We know how much cats love cardboard so these toys are perfect.

Check out my guide for 13 toilet paper roll toy ideas. Just be mindful that some companies use toxic glue on the rolls.

19. DIY catnip toys

I buy and DIY catnip toys. They are easy to make in a pinch. And you don’t have to be an expert sewer.

catnip toys with fabric and needle and thread

Materials needed:

Check out my simple instructions for DIY cat toys with felt.

cat looking outside from window perch

Final thoughts on ideas for cats in small apartments

Remember that your cat sees your apartment as his territory.

You need to nurture his wild side. Provide the right cat supplies to keep your cat happy in a small apartment.

The right cat supplies will help prevent stress and keep your cats happy.

Choose cat supplies that benefit multiple enrichment needs.

High-quality cat supplies are best. They are more sanitary and built to last.

This benefits your cat’s health and your wallet in the long run.

Need a centralized place to keep track of everything related to your cat? Grab my Cat Care Binder Bundle!