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Springbrook Flats
Springbrook Flats

How to Care for a Kitten in an Apartment

Are you interested in bringing a cat home to an apartment? We love all-things cats, so if you are interested in learning about how to have a cat in a small apartment, we are right there with you! Cats are adorable, always willing to cuddle (when they're in the mood), and, of course, they're our best friends. If you want to learn more about how to have a kitten in apartment and how to raise a kitten, you've come to the right place. We are going to talk more about how to introduce a cat in an apartment, here. You'll be ready to welcome your furry friend home by the end!
a kitten sitting on top of a bed

The Basics: What to Buy for Your Apartment Cat

There are a lot of supplies that you'll need if you want to bring a new furry friend into your home. To make things easier for you, we're going to provide you with a comprehensive checklist that lets you know all the things that you'll need for your cat. Before you adopt a cat, have these items on hand:

Basic Care Necessities

  • Dry and Wet Food
  • Water and Food Bowls
  • A Litter Box
  • Pellets/Litter for the Litter Box
  • Brush for Kittens

The Fun Stuff

  • Toys, Toys, and More Toys
  • A Scratching Post
  • Cat Bed and Cat Carrier
  • Cat Tree

Keeping Your Cat Contained

  • An Empty Spray Bottle (for disciplining your cat)
  • Window Screens (if your apartment doesn't already have these)
  • Baby Gates (if you're not going to let your cats roam)
  • Tarps and Sheets (to make cleaning up an accident easier)

It's always better to have more than you'll need, as opposed to not enough. So, before you buy a cat, you've got to go shopping! Your cat will be happier if they have toys to keep them occupied, and you'll be happier if your apartment has the proper supplies for cat-proofing your home.

a gray and white cat sleeping on a

What to Do Before You Bring Your Cat Home

You've got to prepare your apartment for your new cat! It can be exciting if you're about to adopt a cat, and you need to make sure that your apartment is prepped for the big day! Here are some things you should do before your cat comes home with you:

Get Your Litter Box and Food/Water Bowls Set up

When you have a kitten, you need to put down small, kitten-sized water and food bowls. If you're adopting a full-grown cat, then you're going to need to put down larger bowls. In terms of the litter box, make sure you put it in a place that is easily accessible for your cat. Put litter or pellets (pellets are cleaner) into your litter box, and make sure that you're cleaning the litter box frequently once your cat arrives.

Decide Where Your Cat Is Living

Depending on where you live, your apartment complex might have rules as to where your cat can roam. In some apartment complexes, cats cannot be in rooms with new carpet, for example. Be sure to talk to your landlord about any possible rules and regulations regarding your cat. Even if there aren't rules at your apartment complex, you might want to confine your cat to one or two rooms, depending on your lifestyle.

Remember to check your apartment pet policy before you bring any cats home! Tell your property manager if you're thinking about getting a cat—know that some fees may apply depending on the rules and regulations at your apartment complex.

Ensure All Your Precious Belongings Are Secured

Cats can make a mess. We love them, but they can make a mess! If you have fabrics, clothing items, couches, or expensive belongings that you don't want scratched up, then you should probably put them away until you learn your cat's habits. Cats have a tendency to scratch things up, so if you don't want some things getting damaged, cover it with a tarp or put it away.

Put Some Cat-Friendly Plants in Your Home

Most every cat is curious, and most every cat loves to explore houseplants. To help stimulate your cat, add some cat-safe houseplants into your home. It's important that you only choose plants that are safe for your cat. Some houseplants are toxic, so avoid species like Aloe Vera, Lilies, Pothos, and other plants from this list. Some safe houseplants include Chinese Money Plants, Hoyas, Spider Plants, and other plants from this list. To be safe, always research the plants you're buying for your cats before you bring them into your home. You want to keep your cats safe!

a black and white cat sitting on top of a plant

Enjoy Your Cat at the Springbrook Flats Apartments in Grand Rapids

You're in the know about how to raise an apartment cat, now. We know that you're going to be an incredible cat owner because you've taken the time to read up on how to care for a cat in a small apartment. If you're ready to move into an apartment that is cat-friendly, then the Springbrook Flats Apartments in Grand Rapids might be the spot for you. So many of our residents have happy and healthy apartment cats, so if you're ready to join our community, go ahead and contact us to learn more!

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