Do you think having one cat in a room bedroom apartment is a good idea?

Question

Well I have a cat( I currently live in a big house) but I am going to be moving into my own one bedroom apartment soon. I really want to bring my cat with me, but is it okay to have a cat in a little place like that? does anyone out there own a cat in a little apartment? how does the cat do? have you come along any negatives? did he spray in the move? (this apartment allows animals)

Answer 1

I have lived in small spaces with my cat and she took it just fine. As long as she had a place to look out and a sunbeam to lie in she was happy :-)
One option when moving with cats, is to introduce them to the apartment slowly. First, he started in the bathroom (with his litterbox) for a day and got comfortable to the smell there. Then it is the next room, and so on.
Pay special attention to the litter boxes at this time, keep them clean, don't switch litters, and possibly add an additional one if you can.
Also, make sure kitty has lots of attention love at this time as this is hard on them. One cat we had would hide for two days after we moved because it was so hard for her.
Good luck with the move you guys!

Answer 2

I think he will be just fine, and you should absolutely take him with you if he is "your" kitty - or, more aptly, if you're his human! If you've not had problems with him spraying in the past, I don't think he will after you move. The advice someone else posted about litter boxes is very good; I've always heard that you should have one box per cat, plus one - so that would be two for a single cat (although I think one litter box for one cat is plenty; there's no competition and no other kitty's odors to upset him). But remember spraying really has nothing to do with elimination; it's about territory and dominance.

I've lived in pretty tiny places with more cats than that (OK, so only two in a small place, but my hubby and I had four in a two-bedroom for a while), and they were just fine - and my kitties are always 100% indoor cats. Make sure he has plenty to entertain himself with during the day - including a scratching post or pad, especially if he's not declawed - and give him plenty of love and attention/affection, and he'll be a very happy boy.

You might even consider - and I know, this seems counter-intuitive if you think a one-bedroom's too small for one kitty - - getting a playmate for him. If he's an older cat, be sure to get an adult cat, but if he's still a youngster (or young at heart), a kitten would be great. Contrary to popular belief, cats are not solitary creatures; they like company, and they'll be less likely to get into trouble (i.e., tear stuff up out of boredom) if they have another soul around to play with, etc. I lived in a tiny "railroad" apartment for a very long time with two cats, and they were very happy, and they had each other to play, fight, consult, and snuggle with when I was at work.

Good luck - and if you decide to get a second kitty, come back here for advice on how to introduce them to each other! ;-)

Answer 3

I've only had female cats so I can't be of any help with the spraying issue. But I moved several times with 2 cats. From a large house to a 1 bedroom apartment to another house. They did fine, just took a little adjusting for them but so long as your cat gets the same attention as before I don't think it would be a problem.

Answer 4

Take your buddy with you!!
Alot of good answers, one incorrect one (do not let your cat out to roam unless you are prepared to never see him again!!!!)
Keep the litter box as clean as possible. Scoop it out daily and change the litter a bit more often Both of your noses will thank you and you have less chance of kitty wanting to find other areas to potty. Do not try out different brands/types of litter at this point. Kitty is going to need familiar litter for at least a month.
Scratching issues: Get a scratching post that has sisal rope. Rub a bit of catnip on it and encourage him to use it. If he starts on your furniture just pick him up and set him on the post. Most like the kind that let them stretch up on their hind legs.
Try a thorough cleaning of the new place before bringing him in. Just in case the previous tenant had an ill mannered pet that used the entire apartment for potty breaks. You may not smell it-but you cat can and may be tempted to do the same!
Don't get him a companion right off the bat, new cats are stress and he's got enough stress with just the move. Spend extra time w him.
When you move in- set his litter and bowls in bathroom or bedroom where he can get accustomed to the new place slowly. If this is a one trip move he can stay in the bathroom or bedroom while the truck is unloaded. Less chance of him getting out the door during the comings and goings of people carrying in things.
If this is a multi trip move (across town or a closeby town with several trips)... have him be the last thing you move. Safer for him-less chance of sneaking out the door at the new place, and he may be less stressed to come to a new home already set up with familiar furniture.

Answer 5

Cat will be fine. I've had small apartments as well. I've even had to confine my cats to a room for 1/2 the day because my dog hates them. Then at night, cats got the run of the house and dog went into his kennel. Cats are one of the few animals that really don't require a lot of room. They don't run around like a dog, and can find most anything around to entertain themselves.

I'd give the place a real good cleaning before moving in(don't use ammonia), just in case there were previous animals there. Also be sure to document any damage before hand as well, so you don't get blamed for it.

Answer 6

You and the cat will be fine in a one-bedroom flat. Afterall, there's the living room, the kitchen and the bathroom for the cat to check out and roam around in during the day. If you don't let the cat out (not even once), he/she will settle and be content in about a week. JUst give him/her lots of toys, attention - maybe a cat condo or gym or tree - food, water and a clean kitty litter all the time.

If your cat is more of a "people" cat than a "territorial" cat, you'll find that he/she will be content wherever it is you are. MY cats are like that - doesn't matter where, as long as I'm there with them - that's "home."

Good luck. Meooww... prrr

Answer 7

You would need to give more indication as to your cat's personality but if he has a kind of laid-back attitude, then absolutely it's possible. I lived with my cat in a tiny little unit and we managed fine. I ensured he always had some cat crunchies during the day with water whilst I was at work and plenty of toys and a clean litter tray. We now live in a 3 bedroom house and have an eleven month old kitten. Digger is as happy in our house as he was in our cramped little unit so don't worry about it at all! Your cat would be more stressed separated from you!

Answer 8

I had 2 cats in my one bedroom apartments. There were no problems at all. I had a cardboard scatcher for them and they have never scratched my furniture. When you come to the new place, open the carrier and let the kitty explore at their own place. Dont force them at all. Make sure the litter box isnt in a high traffic area too.

Also, someone recommended letting that cat outside when you move. BAD MOVE!! The cat not only will have to establish "territory" with existing cats (possible big vet bills), but also will be disoriented and may get lost. (ensure your cat is tattooed/microchipped or has a tag with currect contact info on him in case he does get out)

Answer 9

When I had an apartment , I had 2 cats, and it was fine, the only negative I can think of is there was no good place for the litter box to go.

When we first moved in, I mopped and whipped the doors and cupboards down with Nature's miracle, just in case the previous owners had a cat, and my cats never sprayed (both are male)

Cats do fine in apartments, just be prepard for your cat to hide for a bit after moving in, it can be stressful adjusting to a new place.

Answer 10

I have two cats in a one bedroom apt. and they are perfectly fine. I do have a patio that they can go out and sit on and get some fresh air. They are both female and have never sprayed. They do just fine indoors, they have lots of toys and I do have a some cat "furniture" they they really like to climb and sleep in.