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How to Create a Cat-Friendly Home Environment
Your feline friend has probably made a few household decisions without consulting you. That’s because even in the most loving, comfortable, cat-friendly home environment, cats still have their own ideas about where they like to spend their time and what they enjoy doing. Domestic cats retain many of the same natural instincts as wild cats when it comes to territory, safety, hunting and control over their surroundings, even when they spend their entire lives indoors.
At Cat Specialist Services, we provide high-quality veterinary care exclusively for cats in our feline-only hospital in Brisbane. Every member of our team is cat-crazy, so we have plenty of professional and personal experience in keeping them happy and healthy.
We’re often asked what cats need to thrive, and the good news is that it doesn’t require major renovations or expensive equipment. A few thoughtful adjustments to everyday spaces can make a big difference.
Give your cat somewhere to feel safe
Cats need somewhere they can retreat without being disturbed. Hiding is a normal feline behaviour that gives them some control over their exposure to unfamiliar people, noises and activity. Providing a suitable spot doesn’t have to be complicated. Many are more than happy resting under a bed or other furniture, in a cardboard box or an enclosed cat cave (aka a plastic box). Ideally, these places should be in quieter parts of the house, particularly when you’re expecting visitors, children are playing loudly or something out of the ordinary is happening. Make sure everyone respects these retreats and doesn’t pull the cat out or disturb them while they’re using one. This needs to be their super safe space.
Height is another important part of how cats use their territory and exercise their natural instincts! They’re natural climbers, and elevated positions provide the best view for surveying what’s going on below while keeping some distance. Cat trees, securely mounted shelves, sturdy furniture and window perches are all suitable options. For indoor cats, a spot near a window also offers something interesting to watch, like birds outside. Just make sure any climbing furniture is stable and securely positioned.
As cats age, it’s even more important to ensure their favourite spots remain accessible. Arthritis, stiffness and other mobility issues can make jumping onto furniture or climbing to previously loved locations uncomfortable or difficult. If you notice them spending a little less time on the windowsill or hesitating to jump up to their usual chair, that’s not uncommon. While any decrease in mobility should be assessed by your vet for potential causes, pet steps, ramps or strategically positioned furniture may also help them get where they want to go.
Think carefully about where you put the essentials
Cats are known to be fussy, and they can be very particular about where they eat, drink and go to the bathroom. It’s usually best to keep these essentials in separate locations. After all, you wouldn’t want your glass of water next to your toilet either. Keep in mind that each spot should be quiet, easily accessible and free from unnecessary distractions.
If you have more than one cat in your household, it’s also important to have enough resources for everyone. Keep in mind that this means one litter tray per cat, plus one extra, spread across different locations rather than grouped together. Having multiple feeding and drinking stations can also help reduce competition, especially if one cat has a tendency to block the others from accessing certain areas.
Don’t forget the small details! A lot of cats are happier with spacious litter trays and unscented litter, while wide, shallow bowls may be more comfortable for those who dislike their whiskers touching the sides. Every cat has their own preferences here, so pay attention to their behaviour rather than making assumptions based on popular products and marketing.
Make room for natural feline behaviour
Natural hunters with strong instincts, cats like to stalk, chase, pounce and capture prey. And even if yours spends all their time inside, there are still plenty of ways to encourage these behaviours through play. Interactive wand toys and moving toys are great alternatives to hunting actual living things. Just make sure your cat gets to ‘catch’ their ‘prey’ occasionally, rather than leaving them frustrated with something that’s always out of reach.
Mealtimes can also be a chance to keep your cat mentally stimulated. Puzzle feeders, treat balls or small portions of food hidden around the house give them something to investigate and work for. Start with something simple if your cat hasn’t used these before, and remember to include any treats or extra food in their daily allowance.
Scratching is another completely normal feline behaviour. It serves several purposes, including claw maintenance, stretching and scent marking. While our natural instinct as humans might be to try to stop it altogether, it’s better to provide designated scratching areas with sturdy posts, cardboard scratchers or horizontal mats in spots your cat already frequents.
Other ways to help your cat cope with daily household life
There are a few other things to consider when it comes to keeping your cat content and comfortable, and not all of them involve making physical changes to their surroundings:
- Stick to familiar routines where possible. Cats generally appreciate consistency in feeding times and daily activities. Changes such as renovations, rearranging furniture or having visitors stay can be unsettling, so try to introduce anything new gradually.
- Let your cat decide when they want attention. Some love affection, while others are more independent. Make sure children and visitors understand that if a cat walks away or isn’t interested in interacting, they should be left alone.
- Pay attention to changes in behaviour. Differences in appetite, toileting, grooming or activity levels may indicate stress, but they can also be signs of an underlying medical condition. If you notice anything sudden or persistent, it’s best to have your cat assessed by a vet to rule out potential health issues.
Creating a space that suits your cat
Every cat is different, and what works for one may not work for another. And just when you think you’ve got everything right for your feline family member (or members!), their needs may change with age, health or other circumstances. There’s no need to rush out and buy a million things or make every suggested adjustment at once. Let your cat be the guide. It’s pretty common for owners to spend a fortune on a cat tree, only to find their cat likes the box it came in much more!
At Cat Specialist Services, we understand how important it is for cats to feel safe and secure in their surroundings. If you have concerns about your cat’s health or need specialist care, please contact us.
Vets can refer patients here.
"Every cat is different, and what works for one may not work for another."
Are you worried about your cat’s health?
If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.
Meet The Author
Dr Rachel Korman
Specialist in Feline Internal Medicine
BVSc MANZCVS (Internal Medicine) FANZCVS (Feline Medicine)
Dr. Korman’s childhood love for cats led her to veterinary medicine, and early on, it was clear that feline care was her calling. After graduating from the University of Queensland in 2000, she worked in small animal and feline-only practices across Australia and the UK.
She received a Senior Clinical Training Scholarship from the Feline Advisory Bureau (now International Cat Care) at the University of Bristol, where she researched feline infectious and haematological diseases, and in 2018, became a Fellow of the Feline Medicine Chapter of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and a registered Feline Medicine specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my home more cat-friendly?
Provide quiet places to hide, elevated resting spots, separate areas for food, water and litter trays, and opportunities for play and scratching. You don’t need expensive equipment or major renovations to create a cat-friendly home.
Where should I put my cat's food, water and litter tray?
Cats generally prefer these essentials in separate locations. Choose quiet, easily accessible spots where they won’t be interrupted by household activity, noisy appliances or other pets.
How many litter trays should I have for multiple cats?
A commonly recommended starting point is one litter tray per cat, plus one extra. Place them in different areas of the house so each cat has access without competition from others.
How can I keep an indoor cat mentally stimulated?
Interactive wand toys, moving toys, puzzle feeders and food puzzles can help indoor cats exercise their natural hunting and problem-solving instincts. Scratching posts and elevated perches also provide opportunities for normal feline behaviour.
How can I make my home more accessible for an older cat?
Pet steps, ramps and strategically positioned furniture can help older cats reach their usual resting places. If your cat starts hesitating before jumping or shows reduced mobility, arrange a veterinary assessment to investigate possible health issues.
Patient Stories
Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.
Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.
Marley, and a very rare encounter with Listeria
Marley overcame a rare Listeria infection, hepatic lipidosis and diabetic ketoacidosis with intensive treatment and careful ongoing management.
Kitty, a lymphoma survivor
We first met Kitty after she was referred to CSS for the evaluation of a large intestinal mass
Poppi finds her feet again
Following surgery to remove a hairball obstruction, Poppi was referred to us at CSS as she had not bounced back as expected
Rusty and his ongoing chronic rhinitis journey
Lifelong nasal issues, including persistent discharge and breathing noise, have been a bit of a thorn in Rusty’s side.
Lando’s long game with cryptococcus
Lando was referred to CSS because he had a swelling under his jaw that wouldn’t go away.
Key Takeaways
A cat-friendly home should accommodate natural feline instincts, with places to hide, elevated spaces, opportunities to hunt through play and designated scratching areas.
The location and availability of essential resources are important. Keep food, water and litter trays separate, and provide enough for every cat in a multi-cat household.
Every cat has individual needs that can change over time. Respect their preferences, maintain familiar routines and adapt their surroundings as they age or experience health changes.
Cat Specialist Services Reviews 
on 
Tanya Bell
6 months ago
We transported our cat here from another animal hospital, as his condition was too complex for them. Our pet was given the highest quality of care, multiple investigations/procedures being able to be done at the one place a godsend. We were kept up to date frequently throughout his stay. All questions & options explained thoroughly. Being able to have private visits certainly helped us and our cat too. I would highly recommend Cat Specialist Services at Underwood. Amazing staff from reception, vet nurses, vets & specialists. Oh, and yes he is recovering wonderfully at home.
Melinda Cox
A month ago
So very happy we were asked to come here for advice for our NORBIT. He has had 2 x UTI blockages within weeks of each other since turning 6. Surgery seemed to be his only option and he didn’t feel it was very fair on him if we didn’t at least exhaust all other avenues first.
Dr Allison was very thorough in her tests and has let us know she would like to treat the cause of the problem. Great news.
It may lead to removal of crystals in his bladder if his diet doesn’t let him pass them naturally.
At least this surgery won’t be as severe at taking his penis off him – so as his fur parents – we are very happy with this.
We await further tests to see what’s in store for him.
NORBIT will now be a patient of the clinic as we are so far very happy with his treatment thus far.
Lesley Rosekrans
A month ago
Hi has only been a week since losing my beautiful Peaches but can’t thank Dr Cindy, Maree and Jackie enough for the tender care they gave her and they after care they gave me. I sincerely thank them and can’t recommend the Clinic highly enough they are such caring people. Peaches I’m happier times.
Madison McEwan
A month ago
I cannot thank the entire CSS team enough and especially Dr Cindy for the care they provided for our boy with a urinary blockage, and we will be taking both our cats here from now on. The clinic is exceptionally clean and calming compared to all other clinics we’ve been too, and all staff from the reception to the nurses/vets were so supportive during a stressful time. I knew from the first minute that I got to see him after he was transferred that he was in the best place, and that the staff genuinely care about their well-being and positive long term outcomes. We were given regular updates and full transparency, so much information including QR video codes on how to administer medications, along with print outs and emails about how to best help avoid future issues or recurrence. Our boy got to smooch on everyone and was beyond well looked after. Thank you again, you all made an incredibly stressful situation actually manageable and calming.
Astrid El Gamal
6 months ago
Dr Wan-Ju has been treating my baby since her first seizure in November 2025 and she has been fantastic.
Everybody at the clinic is so friendly and caring and I know my baby is in good hands.
Thank you team!
Deeba M
3 months ago
Dr Alison Jukes from CSS Underwood is an AMAZING feline physician. She is kind, professional, thorough and our cat is blessed to have her on his side. She even was able to save us money and invasiveness by being skilled to the level of doing ultrasound on two separate occasions without our cat needing to go under full sedation. Our other cat was recently seen by Dr Jukes as well, and she made sure our cat’s heart was ok. I also want to thank the lovely Jacqueline and Mairead from customer care. They are very kind each time I see them and call up. Sending thanks from our family, including Smokey and Floozy!
Judith Dionysius
A month ago
My whole experience with CSS was positive – from the first email I received giving lots of information regarding the process of radioactive iodine treatment to the expected costs, to checking my cat in for the treatment, boarding for 2 weeks after the treatment and picking her up to come home. They didn’t push for any tests that were not necessary.
Janelle Wieden
5 months ago
We never knew this service existed but we are very grateful we were referred to them. Our vet Cindy was really great, she made us feel at ease during a very stressful time. We got the sense straight away the Leo was in good hands. This service made us feel better knowing that they specialise is cats only. Would highly recommend their services
Georgia Carter
5 months ago
My Lani finished her I-131 treatment today and I am beyond impressed with the way she was looked after. I am by definition a neurotic pet owner and sending my fur child away for a week was seriously daunting.
I was given daily updates about how kitty was eating, toileting and behaving. This really put my mind at ease. Vets and vet nurses were so accomodating and allowed Lani to have her favourite foods from home prepared her favourite way.
Her vet was so thorough when explaining her treatment and condition to me.
The ladies at reception were so friendly and understanding.
I honestly cannot recommend this clinic enough and I am so thankful for the positive experience Lani and I have had.
Lauren Woodward
A year ago
My sweet ginger boy Louis was hospitalised at CSS for a Urinary Obstruction. Dr Cindy and all the reception staff were amazing and empathetic. I would often ring up with questions post procedure and Dr Cindy would make time to talk and explain things to me
Service Locations
Cat Specialists accepts referrals for cats across Brisbane and surrounding regions, working closely with local veterinary clinics to provide specialist diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
Contacting Us
Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.
Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pmSaturday/Sunday - Closed