Last updated on: August 14, 2023 by Crystal Uys
If you are considering adopting a cat, you may be wondering how much space it needs. However, there is no definitive answer to this question. Many spaces are multipurpose, meaning we use them alongside our cat. We don’t need to dedicate these spaces to our feline.
Most cats don’t need a lot of space: 20 square feet might be considered the absolute minimum. This provides plenty of space for a litter box, play area and food. You don’t necessarily have to devote however, so much space for your feline. Although food and the litter box need their own dedicated space, cats can play just about anywhere.
Many cats are very adaptable and will do well in a smaller space. You can even design more vertical spaces (think cat trees and climbing structures) for more active cats in small spaces.
How much space does a cat need to move around?
Cats have different space needs. In the wild, cats would have a territory large enough to feed on. They don’t go out and explore the countryside. They stay in their home range and spend their days hunting. Homelessness is not something that comes naturally to cats.
In our homes, cats obviously don’t have to worry about feeding themselves. They can therefore survive in a much smaller area.
In fact, very large spaces can cause more stress than comfort. A cat living in a large enough home may feel like they have a larger “territory” to protect. In very large homes, cats usually only stay in a few rooms; they don’t regularly roam the whole house. Therefore, the average American home is large enough for a cat, even a smaller house or apartment. Many studios would even be big enough for a feline.
Of course, cats have different exercise needs. Some breeds are more energetic than others. However, even the most energetic breeds can meet their exercise needs in smaller spaces if you provide them with climbing opportunities and toys.
Is a one bedroom apartment big enough for a cat?
The average one bedroom apartment would be big enough for a cat. As long as you have enough room for the cat’s litter box and food, you probably have enough room for a cat.
Even the most energetic cats can meet their exercise needs in a smaller apartment. Cats exercise by playing and climbing. A cat can hide under a bed and jump a dozen times to expend its energy. A few toys and a few feet of space are enough for most felines. And don’t forget that this includes shared spaces.
If a house is big enough for one person, it probably is for a cat. If you’re concerned about the size of your home, you can build up to give your cat some extra space. A few “cat shelves” on a wall that your feline can play on is enough climbing and playing space for most cats.
Is it okay to keep a cat in one room?
Cats are extremely adaptable. You can keep them in one room if they have everything they need. A studio or dedicated room in your home is a lot in most cases for a cat. You may need to get a little creative with the design, building up to ensure your cat can meet their exercise needs. However, this is often quite achievable, even in smaller spaces.
Of course, you shouldn’t keep a cat in one room. alone. If you live in a studio apartment, you’ll spend a lot of time in that room with your cat. Their social needs will thus be met. However, if you spend a lot of your time in other rooms, keeping your cat locked in one room alone most of the time is not healthy.
The moment when you First of all however, buying a cat is an exception to this rule. During this period, it is recommended to keep the cat only in one room. This gives the cat the opportunity to establish a “home base” where they feel safe and cared for. This space should have everything they need and be free of other pets.
If you have other pets, isolating your new cat in a room helps everyone get used to the distance. It also gives each animal their own space so they don’t feel like they’re competing for anything.
Do cats prefer large or small spaces?
It may seem a bit counterintuitive, but cats generally prefer smaller spaces. In fact, cats will spend much of their time in “closed” spaces. like under beds and in boxes. These smaller spaces help cats feel safe and avoid stress.
The same can be said of their living spaces as a whole. Even when allowed to roam around a fairly large house, most cats spend most of their time in a smaller area of that house. Preferably, a cat’s food and litter should be in this area so that they don’t feel the need to step out of their comfort zone to reach them.
Cats generally have no problem adapting to smaller spaces. This is one of the reasons why they they make such good pets– they perfectly adapt to small apartments, provided that their needs are met.
Final Thoughts
Cats don’t need a lot of space to thrive. If your house is big enough for one person and you have extra space for a litter box and food bowls, your house is big enough for a cat.
You may need to get a little creative with build vertically or take advantage of unused spaces, but cats can easily get all the enrichment they need in smaller spaces. This is one of the reasons they are great options for apartment dwellers.
Featured Image Credit: evrymmnt, Shutterstock
About the Author
Ivy’s mom cat – a feisty little rescue kitten who is her one and only child. For the moment! Throughout her life, she was introduced to the special love found in bonding with a cat. Having owned several felines, she is more than certain that their love is unmatched, unconditional and unlike any other. Passionate about educating the public about all there is to know about felines, their behavior and their unique personalities, Crystal is dedicated to ensuring that all cats and their owners know the importance of mindful living. – and to love!