Being around cats since I have use of reason has been a blessing. If you are a cat parent, you know the feeling! However, living with cats isn’t easy peasy.
Despite their fame for being autonomous and tidier tan other pets, there are many small letter kind of details that are often left out of the conversation. Like the challenges of having cats in small apartments or tiny houses, how to get rid of litter box smell, and more.
If you are living with cats, you’ll recognize yourself in this.
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They Don´t Put Their Stuff Away
Unlike kids, you can´t expect your cat to clean up their mess and return thing to their original places.
Your systems will be ignored, so storage has to adapt to the cat, not you. Maybe by having toys on a weekly rotation; while the majority are stored away, some are put to their disposal to do whatever they want to.
Is one thing to gather 2-3 toys a day. But if that toy count rises, you can end up with a big mess all over your house.
For example, my cats lose their bouncy balls all the time, that´s why I keep most of them stored, and only play with one, on demand.
Bonus tip: Keep it tidy by assigning a shelve, box or drawer to store cat supplies. Things like food, treats, brushes, etc.
You Will Buy Things They Never Touch
What do you think a cat would enjoy the most: a fancy new toy, with lights and movement OR… a paper bag? Yeah, really.
My cats are all over me when I come home from grocery shopping, dying for a chance to get inside a bag and chill inside for a while, or maybe attack any moving object passing in front of them (my feet, for example).
Good thing is you learn to lower expectations. Haru and Aurelio tech me to stay humble, and be grateful for the small things. They don´t need those big, noisy toys; they just want a bag, or a bouncy ball!
Trial and error is the only way to find what things are interesting to your cat.
Litter Box Cleaning Feels Like a Full-Time Job
Especially if you live in a small apartment, and want to keep your house smelling nice and fresh.
We cat parents have to get creative if having a hard time getting rid of those pesky smells. Here are a few quick tips:
- Hide the litter box: Upcycled furniture, curtains and hidden nooks are some ways to do it, I have a full article showing hidden cat litter box ideas if you are struggling to picture it in your head!
- Use sodium bicarbonate to clean the box: Over time, and even if you wash it from time to time, litter boxes become smelly. A great way to deep clean them is by using sodium bicarbonate
- Use an Air Purifier: If you are lacking space and can´t move your litter box, nor hide it anywhere, a great way to improve odor management is by using an air purifier. Apart from helping collect pet dander and even lose hair in some cases, these devices are super efficient eliminating litter box odors.
Personal Space Quietly Disappears
Cats become your shadow when you are around, especially when going to the bathroom, you’ll never have bathroom privacy again since companionship is mandatory. (if anyone has more intel on why does this happen, please share)
So, does this mean cats are affectionate? well yes, but only on their schedule. See, if they want to be petted, hugged or snuggled, they’ll let you know.
My cats often make a fuss out of the blue, hopping on my lap and purring like crazy while giving me headbutts. This often happens once a day, and while it´s spontaneous, it is one of the best times of the day.
Your Phone Is suddenly Very Interesting
And not in the way that the will binge watch a series with you, but that they will bite that silly rectangle that sucks all of your attention.
This is especially true for affectionate cats. They get bored, want your attention and recur to biting the corners of your phone to get it. Sound familiar?
Maybe it’s a sign to play a little bit more with your feline friend. But if they do it even if you are not holding it, it could be anxiety. In my case, my cats love to chew on cardboard, and it’s mostly inoffensive.
If you are having issues, I suggest you try giving them a cardboard scratcher, or a plain cardboard box. It may look boring to you but for them it´s like a playground. The best part is that you can allow them to destroy it, you just have to sweep after they do.
You Start Designing Your Home Around Them
First, you cover your sofa with some thick blankets and rugs in order to preserve them from the claws of your evil furball. Then you have a scratching post, if not two. And when you realize, you have cat trees, hanged shelves and toy boxes, all distributed around your house…
Furniture placement changes, but the key here is to merge aesthetics with functionality. This is especially true if you can only spare a small room or spot. Some beautiful setups can be created if you recur to your creativity!
Cat-friendly is the name of the game when it comes to furniture and decor. This philosophy will keep you and you feline friend happy and safe.
You Wouldn’t Trade Any of It
In the end, we love our cats! We learn that chaos is a daily thing and sometimes becomes comfort.
Cats teach you to love and appreciate the small, tiny moments throughout the day. Our lives would be so different without them. They are more than pets; they are family members!
Here’s a quote that I love for the deep connection it represents: “A cat is a friend for whom you are the beginning and the end of their world.” – Unknown
Conclusion
Having a cat at home is not only about funny zoomies and night cuddles, and the things we talked about attest to it. This is just life with cats!
Are you a cat parent? Do you experience any of these things on the daily? Or are you just curious about the truths of living with cats?
I hope you enjoyed this post! Thank you for reading till the end. Is there anything that’s missing on the list? Let us and other cat parents know in the comments
Next recommended read: Heartwarming Cat Quotes
