Would it surprise anyone if we also considered the cat’s needs throughout? Not if they know me.
Because in addition to creating a room we can live in, we want to live there with our cats. We can make informed decisions that will help all of us cope with decor changes, and all of us enjoying our new room.
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Preparing the cats. If we are going to be moving things with boxes, introduce the boxes with enough lead time for the cats to enjoy them, too. Of course, some cats become interested again once we starting putting things in the boxes. If we are assembling file boxes for storage in front of the cats, they will find that process one they want to join.
Which is great for all concerned, as long as we are not in a hurry. So we made several boxes with the cats’ enthused help, and left a few sitting around at any given time, so they could have a box, too. The bits of cardboard cutout that fell off during the construction offer more fun; and more opportunities to keep the cats distracted and helpful.
Olwyn liked to sit in the boxes and spy through the handholds at the other cats, while RJ wanted a toy tossed in there so he could play Gladiator. Mr Bond wanted reassurance that we weren’t putting any cats in storage.
Isolate trouble areas. We might not be aware that as soon as we deconstruct the room we are working in, we have removed all the rules. But yes; most cats will think that’s exactly what we are doing.
No one said lamps should be left alone, when they are on the floor. They weren’t told they can’t jump from the top of the bookcase to the couch, or vice versa; now that the couch has been moved. And they never bothered that thing before because the thing is more interesting where it is now.
So take away all breakables, box up things that need to be out of the way, and enforce some New Rules. But these rules should also include where the scratching post is now, and where the toybox will wind up.
I put Olwyn’s toybox on a bookshelf, and she tipped it over getting a toy out. That was okay, because I knew the toybox got turned over on the floor, and it would be treated the same way on the bookshelf.
I put my cellphone, iPod touch, notepad, and other items into a small basket. This was something I could declare off limits to the cats, and I knew where everything was, as long as I found the basket.
Protect the cats. We had two helpers come in and get boxes and unwanted furniture out of the apartment. Then came everyone’s favorite part, which was assembling the new little couch.
The cats didn’t have a favorite part, because I knew they would be hiding in the bedroom all afternoon. But if we have cats who are friendly to strangers who show up and start going in and out of the doors, make sure we shut them into a separate room. It’s hard enough moving furniture. It could be disastrous if a cat decides to play Underfoot.
However, when are moving small items or testing the new furniture, we should make sure our cats become a part of it. They need to learn the ways our new furniture works for them, so be ready with a blanket or a cushion to mark off places for them.
Work with the cats. I got a microfiber fabric, since I’ve had good luck with that. It’s easy to clean, won’t cling to pet hair the way more textured fabrics might, and occasional pulls vanish.
We need to remember that as much as we might like chenille, those little tufts are just asking to be pulled out, ruining the appearance. Likewise, leather can be a poor choice, since even the smallest nicks will show up on shiny leather. Choosing a “distressed” appearance in such tricky upholstery can be a good way of indulging our leather liking, while not setting up the cats to get in trouble.
Because cats are going to use our furniture. So do we. Getting furniture that is willing to shrug off imperfect behavior, including our own, will look better, longer.
I want the cats to sit on the furniture with me. So we got a couch that will fit in our small room, and still allows the cats to be with us. Unless they are arm sitters, cats have trouble cozying up to recliners. Ours would get comfortable on the leg rest; until we had to get up.
We can take this opportunity to increase our cat’s satisfaction with their scratching post, and keep them away from the furniture for that purpose. If we don’t have it fastened or weighted down in some way, sturdy furniture will be more appealing. Fasten it to a heavy chair or bookcase, or, as I did, put a handweight in the bottom. Cats will feel they have gotten a whole new toy.
Give the cats their favorite bookcase top, and they will cooperate in leaving the others alone. Park a chair or tall piece of cat furniture to allow easy access, and they won’t be missing the jumps or having to dig their claws in. This keeps everything looking good.
If our cat’s hiding place is disappearing, make an effort to create another one. Set up a corner out of the traffic areas, or get them a play tunnel or cat condo. Cats will be with us more often when we have their things mixed with ours.
Our living room is still a work in progress. But I am enjoying the heck out of our new couch. RJ and Mr Bond curled up together on one cushion. Olwyn loves to nestle on the padded arm. They are all more likely to settle down with me, the way they like, when there are spaces for them that don’t leave when I do.
So we all feel our new room is off to a great start.
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There’s more ways to understand our cat with The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See all of my posts on WHY CATS DO THAT.
