Does your cat insist on sleeping on a piece of furniture rather than in their basket? Do they still prefer the back of your couch to their scratching post? This doesn’t necessarily mean that your cat is temperamental; in fact, it may be because you haven't installed their objects in the right place. Cats organise their territory around clearly-defined areas. Each one is dedicated to a specific activity: feeding, doing their business, resting or hunting and playing. Taking into account their natural needs, we will explain how to create the ideal space for your cat.
Where to put your cat’s bowl
For meal times, your cat needs a clean, quiet spot. It’s therefore very important not to place their bowl beside their litter box – like us, your cat does not relish the idea of eating beside their loo! Their meal corner can be in your kitchen, which is usually the most practical place. However, if the kitchen is subject to a lot of coming and going, your cat will rarely be able to eat alone and in peace, so it’s best to choose a quieter spot for their meals.
Where to put your cat’s litter box
In addition to being placed away from their food, your cat's litter box should be placed in a quiet and discreet place. It's not so much a question of modesty, as a question of feeling secure: when cats do their business, they can feel vulnerable and at the mercy of potential predators. They will be comfortable in a place that is not too narrow and where there is not too much movement, such as your bathroom (provided there is no noisy washing machine), a room where you store things or an easily accessible balcony.
Where to put your cat’s bed
Sleeping is an essential part of a cat's life and they devote a lot of time to it. Cats usually choose their favourite napping spot(s) themselves and it is difficult to make them adopt a new one. To increase the chances of your cat using the bed you have chosen, however, you can make sure that it is placed in a quiet place, away from any draughts. A warm place, next to a radiator or in the sun, is usually ideal. Some cats also prefer to sleep high up; don’t hesitate to place their bed on a piece of furniture where they will feel safe.
Where to put your cat’s cat tree
A cat tree provides your cat with a place for playing, resting and for watching over their territory. Ideally, it should be installed in a spacious room and in a spot from which they can have as broad a view as possible. It’s best to place it close to a window; that way your cat can watch the birds or passers-by in the street, and will be able to see what’s happening in the rest of your home (for example in the hallway, kitchen, etc.).
Where to put your cat’s scratching post
Your cat sharpens their claws to keep them in tip-top shape, to stretch and, most importantly, to mark their territory. It helps them to leave a visual and olfactory trace of their presence by depositing their smell thanks to glands located between their pads. Your cat’s scratching post should therefore be installed in a place they pass frequently and where they are used to spending time. Avoid putting it on the back of a door or in the far corner of a room; instead place it where your cat spends the most time and where they may already be in the habit of sharpening their claws.
