If you have a cat or are looking to gain a furry feline but unsure of how practical it is in a high rise flat or apartment, there are a number of things you can do to minimise the risk of your cat falling and keep them happy without access to the wider outside world.
- Cats can get bored pretty easily and their curious minds need stimulating frequently. Providing your cat with ample toys to discover what ticks their 'fun' box is a great idea. Some cats love to play fetch, others prefer to go crazy on catnip and laser pointer toys can tire out energetic cats quite quickly! A happy and stimulated cat often results in a tired cat, so you will reap the rewards if you give your cat plenty of one of one time each day.
- Contrary to popular belief your cat doesn't need it's own room, which will come as good news to apartment dwellers who don't have a spare room. Instead seek out a nook in your house that your cat can retreat to that feels like theirs. This area should have your cats food, water, scratch post, a comfy bed, and toys.
- Place your cats litterbox away from this area. Your cat doesn't want to associate the toilet with food and comfortability. Placing your cat litter in the right place for your feline can help to avoid behavioral problems. It must be in a well lit area and totally accessible.
- iCatCare suggests making open windows safe with limiters that allow the window to only open a certain amount (designed to keep children safe) – but remember cats, and particularly kittens, can squeeze through very small spaces or get stuck trying.
The biggest concern for cat owners living in a high rise apartment is how to prevent their cat falling from a balcony or window. Despite common conceptions of cats always landing on their feet, it is important to realise this concern is legitimate and your can can sustain serious injuries and of course death. It happens more frequently than you might think, and it even has its own term among veterinary professionals.
Wiki says, "High-rise syndrome is a veterinary term for injuries sustained by a cat falling from a building, typically higher than two stories."
Cat balconies have been challenging for cat owning apartment dwellers in the past because they are often prevented from drilling into masonry. Luckily, there is now a ‘no-drill’ cat balcony solution which can be cut down to measure and then tensioned to fit the balcony area.