Living in a city apartment doesn’t mean your cat has to live a small, boring life.
On a recent episode of Cat Chat, I talked with cat behavior expert Steven Quandt about how to help indoor cats — especially apartment cats — thrive through smart environmental enrichment. Steven lives in New York City with multiple cats and works with Animal Care Centers of New York, helping cats who struggle in shelter environments find their footing and, ultimately, their homes.
This conversation was full of practical, doable ideas for anyone sharing a small space with a cat.
🎧 Listen to the full Cat Chat episode
Why Apartment Cats Get Bored
When cats live indoors, especially in apartments, their world becomes very small.
In nature, cats evolved to explore fields, forests, and open spaces filled with smells, motion, and opportunities to hunt. Inside an apartment, they have walls, doors, furniture — and not much else.
So when an apartment cat seems restless, destructive, vocal, or withdrawn, it’s often not a behavior problem. It’s an enrichment problem.
The goal isn’t to give cats more space — it’s to make better use of the space we have.
Vertical Space Is the Secret Weapon for Apartment Cats
One of the most important takeaways from this episode is how critical vertical territory is for cats.
Cats feel safer, more confident, and more engaged when they can climb and observe their surroundings from above. That doesn’t mean sacrificing your entire living room to a bulky cat tree.
Steven recommends ceiling-supported cat trees, which use pressure to brace between the floor and ceiling — no drilling, no damage, and no lost security deposit. These slim, modular systems create multiple levels for cats without taking up valuable floor space.
Cat shelving is another excellent option for renters who can do minimal drilling. Together, these solutions turn small apartments into vertically rich environments cats truly enjoy.
Window Views, Fresh Air & Sensory Enrichment
Windows are one of the most powerful forms of enrichment for indoor cats.
Window perches allow cats to safely watch birds, people, and city life. Many options install without tools, using suction cups or tension supports. Safety is essential, especially in high-rise apartments, so screens or window guards are a must.
Steven also recommends adding cat grass indoors. It provides fiber that can help digestion, but more importantly, it satisfies a natural instinct. Cats enjoy having their own “patch of outdoors,” even if it’s sitting on a windowsill.
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Why Water Fountains Matter for Indoor Cats
In the wild, cats seek out moving water. A still bowl doesn’t reflect how cats are wired.
Water fountains can encourage better hydration and add interest to a cat’s daily routine. We discussed several newer options, including:
- Glass fountains that avoid plastic and hidden buildup
- Dishwasher-safe designs
- Wireless, battery-powered fountains with motion sensors
These options allow flexibility for small apartments and help keep water fresh and appealing.
Let Cats Hunt Indoors with Puzzle Feeders
Cats aren’t meant to eat from a bowl without thinking.
Puzzle feeders allow cats to problem-solve and “hunt” for their food, engaging their brains and bodies. This kind of mental and physical activity mirrors natural feline behavior and helps prevent boredom, frustration, and excess energy.
When cats get to work for their food, they’re more satisfied — and that satisfaction carries through the rest of their day.
A Big Life for Cats in Small Spaces
Apartment living doesn’t have to limit a cat’s quality of life.
By focusing on vertical space, sensory enrichment, fresh water, and opportunities to hunt and explore indoors, urban cats can live lives that are rich, engaging, and deeply fulfilling.
Many behavior issues disappear when cats are finally able to be cats.
🎧 Hear the full conversation on Cat Chat.
🐾 Learn more about Steven Quandt