This situation though, is helped by the fact that I often spend a multitude of hours outside of my home, unlike your cat. If you’ve just brought home a furry feline or plan to do so, a key factor that should be in your mind is creating a safe space for them. 

The sense of discomfort in your own home does not bode well for you, and it would be even worse for your little housemate – who is unable to convey their thoughts to you. There are both passive and direct methods which you can take in order to ensure that your feline friend feels as comfortable as you do in your home.

5 Steps to Create a Safe Space for your Cat

A Hideaway For Your Cat

Just as you have your own room – your own area of solace, so should your cat. Whether it’s a few different boxes or a separate space that you create yourself, make sure to provide that for them. All beings have their primal urges, and cats thrive on having their own space to crawl into to be away from everything. 

From time to time, I would often get a mini heart attack wondering if my cat had run away – when in fact they were just hiding from me. However, you soon get used to it, just as I was when I realized it was just hiding under the bed, or in the balcony or on top of shelves around the house. 

Make sure to keep their space accessible and clean!

Resources For Your Cat

Food, water and litter boxes are essential components for a cat. While it is obvious that you don’t need to mention the need for eating and drinking – the point is to create a specific area within your home, so that the cat knows for itself where it has to go. 

The litter box area is important and should be within the vicinity of its other resources but far away, allowing for it to be easy to access for both you and your cat. It also marks a specific spot for your cat to get and do whatever it needs. 

While it is important to maintain a space for feeding (including both food and water bowls), make sure both the bowls are not placed right next to each other. Cats do not like their water being placed too close to their food. 

What Toys To Get Your Cat

Being stuck in the house makes you feel cramped up, so imagine how much worse it can get for cats, who are known primarily to run and jump around all day, (not really mostly they just sleep or stay stationary). 

A way of keeping a cat occupied and in constant movement everyday is to have toys. 

The toys act as a means of exercise for your cat, but also allow you to bond with it directly. This not only lets the cat have fun, but also builds trust between the both of you.

Cats don’t need much to be entertained, nor do they need much to make a mess. I learned that the hard way, when I saw my cats playing with cardboard boxes or crumpled up pieces of paper. If you think it’s messy when you throw them around the house; imagine what cats can do to them. However, they do enjoy them.

What also works is a laser light that they just love to follow or jump around trying to catch (inevitably failing of course). You can also tie anything to a string and watch as they jump around trying to grab it. On occasions I’ve also tried playing ‘fetch’ with my cats, where they definitely go grab the ball or whatever I throw, but they forget the “fetch” part of the game, leaving it lying there and standing around it.

Interacting With Your Cats

Humans are known to be social beings, because I know I can’t properly function without some interaction with friends/family. However, too much can become tiresome and overwhelming – the same applies to your cat. 

Your cat will interact with you throughout the day, and over time it will build a better bond between the two of you. It’s also up to you to do the same – but it is of paramount of importance to ensure that it stays limited to what the cat is okay with. 

Forcing interactions with your cat will hamper the relationship between you, and no one wants to be the clingy one in the relationship – no matter how cute and cuddly your feline friend seems. 

With 5 cats at home, I come across a varying range of emotions and situations to deal with. One of the most important things to remember is that each cat has its own personality and will want your attention differently. 

Some often like to be by themselves and won’t come seeking attention all that much, whereas others would cuddle by my side for most of the day. Not to mention, just as humans have different phases in their lives where sometimes they want more attention from their parents and other times less – cats will do the same with you.

In general however, a kitten or a young cat will often be by your side more often compared to an adult cat, which will enjoy its own space more. 

Cat’s Senses

The clumsy human mind and nose mostly works when there’s some mouthwatering food nearby, and our stomachs start to growl – but cats depend on it. We’ve all seen movies where the big bad animal’s keen sense of smell is hampered by the inclusion of an extremely potent smell, well you’ll do your best to make sure you avoid that in your home.

Cats rely on their smell to keep sense of where they are, and to become familiar with their surroundings. If there is a constant change or various scents around them, it creates confusion and instigates unwanted behavior from them. 

FAQs 

Q. What is toxic to cats in the house?

1. Anything within your household that includes chemicals can be toxic to your cat. For example: detergents, fertilizers, bleach, etc. 

Q.  What are house cats afraid of?

1. Cats can be afraid of many things in their home, but most of which are changes within the household. If you are changing furniture, it would be wise to do it slowly, so that your cat can get used to the changes.
   
   Other issues can be loud noises, mirrors, strangers/people coming into the home. Each cat is different and with time it will be easier to find out these issues, but most are minor and can be dealt with easily. 

Q. Do cats feel safe at home?

1. Cats will feel safe at home after they’ve become adjusted to the space, and realize that there is nothing to harm it. Cats also run on their own biological clock, which means they realize when it is time for food, or you to come back home, etc on their own.
   
   It is a good measure to ensure a routine, to create a controlled environment for your cat, at least in the early stages.

The Takeaway

• Your home is created entirely by you – so it is key for you to ensure there is a safe space for your cat ready, which will allow it to be hidden away and be in its own space whenever it needs it.
  
• Providing an area for food, water and litter boxes is important, and it is pivotal that there is no disruption in that area, so that the cat feels safe to go there whenever it needs to
  
• Your cat needs its toys to pass its time by itself and you can also play with it, helping in strengthening the bond between you two
  
• Interaction between you and the cat is important, but needs to be carried out in moderation – keeping in mind that you do not force it
  
• The cat’s senses are key when it comes to it feeling comfortable, and its sense of smell is very important
  

That’s all for Meow!

Disclaimer: The writings shared on mycatsareadorable.com reflect the personal experiences and opinions of the author. However, they are not intended to serve as medical advice. If you have concerns about your cat’s health, it is strongly recommended to consult with a qualified veterinarian. Veterinarians are trained professionals who can offer personalized guidance and medical assistance tailored to your cat’s specific needs. Remember, the health and safety of your feline companion should always be a top priority, and seeking professional veterinary care is essential for addressing any medical issues or questions.