How to Set Up a Cat-Friendly Home: Supporting Your Indoor Cat’s Wild Side

How to Set Up a Cat-Friendly Home: Cincinnati Animal CARE’s Guide to Enriching Your Cat’s Life Indoors

If you’ve ever watched your cat leap onto the top of the fridge, sprint through the house at midnight, or lovingly “gift” you a chewed-up toy mouse, you’ve witnessed a glimpse of the wild feline instincts your housecat carries within them. Cats may sleep 16 hours a day, but make no mistake—they’re not lazy. They’re apex predators in nap mode, and they need an environment that supports their natural behaviors.

At Cincinnati Animal CARE, we’re here to help adopters set their new feline friends up for success. Whether you’re a first-time cat parent or welcoming your fourth whiskered companion, creating a cat-friendly home means more than just food, water, and a litter box. It’s about enriching your indoor cat’s world so their instincts have safe, healthy outlets—and you don’t end up with shredded furniture or litter box mysteries.

Why Indoor Cats Need Enrichment

Cats are incredibly closely related to their wildcat ancestors—and they haven’t forgotten it. Scratching, climbing, chewing, pouncing, and hiding are all essential feline behaviors. When cats don’t have safe, appropriate ways to express those instincts, you may start to see behavioral issues like destructive scratching, inappropriate elimination, or biting during play.

So how do we bring the outdoors in? How do we set up our homes to support our cats’ natural instincts while keeping them safe inside? Let’s dig in.

Key Elements for a Cat-Friendly Indoor Setup

Vertical Space: Let Them Climb

Cats are tree-dwelling carnivores by nature. They love vertical territory—whether it’s a cat tree, a wall-mounted shelf, or a sunny windowsill. Giving your cat places to climb and perch not only helps them feel secure but also gives them an outlet for exercise and exploration. Bonus: it helps reduce territorial tension in multi-cat households.

Pro tip: Place vertical spaces near windows to double as wildlife-watching towers.

Multiple Litter Boxes: The Golden Rule

Cats are private creatures. The general guideline is one litter box per cat, plus one extra. Place them in quiet, low-traffic areas—away from food and water—and scoop daily. This simple step is one of the easiest ways to prevent bathroom-related behavior issues.

Common mistake: Tucking all the litter boxes in one room. Cats see that as one bathroom, not multiple options.

Sufficient Feeding Stations: Prevent Mealtime Battles

Feeding stations aren’t one-size-fits-all—especially in multi-cat homes. Set up multiple food and water locations to reduce competition and allow shy or slower eaters to dine in peace. A water fountain can encourage hydration, and puzzle feeders or food-dispensing toys can turn meals into enrichment sessions.

Need a hack? Freeze wet food inside a Kong toy for a cool treat on hot days.

Resting and Hiding Spots: Safe Havens Matter

Cats need cozy, quiet spaces where they can retreat, nap, or just disappear for a bit. Think cardboard boxes, hammocks, soft beds, even a designated shelf inside a closet. These hiding spots help reduce stress and give your cat control over their environment—a key factor in feline happiness.

You might not see them use every spot daily, but having options matters.

A Stimulating Environment: Keep Boredom at Bay

An enriched home keeps your cat mentally and physically active. Think of it as building a little indoor jungle.

• Toys: Rotate toys weekly to keep things interesting. Include wand toys, kicker toys, feather teasers, and puzzle toys.
• Scratching Posts: Cats scratch to mark territory, stretch, and shed old claw layers. Offer scratching posts of different textures (sisal, cardboard, carpet) and angles (vertical and horizontal).
• Window Access: Give them access to windows with safe screens or perches. A “cat TV” setup with a bird feeder outside the window is always a hit.

Safety First: A Wild World with Boundaries

Even while channeling their inner leopard, cats rely on us to keep their environment safe.

• Secure windows: Make sure all screens are secure—cats can (and will) test them.
• Toxic plants: Many common houseplants like lilies, aloe, and pothos are dangerous to cats. Stick to cat-safe greenery.
• Lock it up: Cleaning supplies, string, hair ties, rubber bands, and even dental floss can pose a danger. Keep them out of paw’s reach.

Routine and Socialization: Stability Is Everything

Cats are creatures of habit. Regular feeding, playtime, and cuddles help build trust and reduce anxiety. Schedule at least one or two interactive play sessions daily—it strengthens your bond and burns off excess energy in a positive way.

Final Thoughts from Cincinnati Animal CARE

Bringing a cat into your home is more than just adoption—it’s a lifelong commitment to understanding and supporting who they are at their core. Cats may be domesticated, but their wild instincts are alive and well. When we create a home that embraces those instincts—one that provides vertical space, enrichment, safety, and stability—we’re not only reducing behavior problems, we’re honoring who they are.

And if you’re still in the adoption phase, here’s one last tip: consider adopting kittens in pairs. They grow up with a buddy to wrestle, learn from, and cuddle—making your life easier and their lives richer.

From all of us at Cincinnati Animal CARE, happy homemaking—and happy purring. Looking to adopt? Visit us at 4210 Dane Avenue or check out our adoptable cats and kittens online. Your home might just be the perfect jungle for a cat in need!