Pet-Friendly Apartment Tips for Keeping Your Cat Content

A 2021 survey found that more than 42 million people in the United States are cat owners. The pandemic played a big part in this: According to Rover.com, “93% of people who got a ‘pandemic pet’ felt improved mental and/or physical wellbeing improve.”

Our feline friends can provide us with years of happiness, so it’s important we do the same for them. We here at Sherwood Apartments in Bellflower, California, understand the value pets bring to our lives, which is why we collected these ideas of things you can do in one of our pet-friendly apartments* to keep your cat healthy and happy.

Typically, cats are relatively low-maintenance pets, though—just like us—they do require some entertainment or activity to keep from getting bored. If your cat isn’t stimulated, they may act out with aggressive or destructive behavior. The easiest way to address this is to provide them with plenty of toys to play with throughout the day. This can include toys that get you in on the fun—such as a feather on a string—as well as toys they can play with on their own. Some popular options include a fluffy toy mouse they can bat around—with or without a catnip center—or interactive toys that reward them with treats.

It’s also wise to invest in a good scratching post for your cat. Not only does it provide them with an outlet for their natural urge to scratch without destroying your furniture, curtains, or person, but it also helps them maintain good claw health, stretch, stay active, and relieve stress.

Just like their natural urge to scratch, cats have an affinity for being up high . Experts say this is because doing so helps them observe their territory and escape from perceived dangers. Setting this up in a pet-friendly apartment in Bellflower, California, doesn’t require too much effort on your part; in fact, your cat will be naturally drawn to areas with even a little extra height, like a shelf or a bookcase. Providing them with some vertical areas to hang out gives them the option to spend some time in different parts of the apartment, either to observe or take a nap in a space where they feel safe.

Even when your cat has exhausted all other options, the outside world can provide them with hours of entertainment. Cats enjoy windows for a few reasons —not just as a means of finding a patch of sunlight to take a cozy nap in. From the vantage point of a window, cats can observe the world around them safely. Depending on the type of cat you have and where the windows in your pet-friendly apartment are located, you may even consider occasionally opening it a little to give them not only the sights but also the smells from outside, as long as you can do so in a way that keeps them safe.

Now that you have some ideas on how to keep your cat both happy and healthy in your apartment, Sherwood Apartments in Bellflower, California, wants to welcome you and your furry friend to our pet-friendly community. Contact us today to learn more about our rental options and other pet amenities.

*Sherwood’s pet policy does include a 50-pound weight limit and breed restrictions based on size and behavioral traits for dogs. We do not have any restrictions on cat breeds. Smaller animals—including hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, and reptiles—must be caged and kept in sanitary conditions. Please contact our leasing office for more information on animals not listed here.