If “If I fits, I sits” is the universal slogan of all cats, then a large, comfy bed will not be their first choice. Even if you reside in a mansion and have the softest bed for your feline, they will likely gravitate towards that Amazon box in which the bed arrived, peering out with their judgment-laden, shiny eyes.

Their fondness for small spaces raises several questions.

Does their love for compact quarters correlate with their living spaces? How much room do cats genuinely require? If cats are comfortable in small spaces, is a studio apartment sufficiently spacious for two or more cats?

Are there any pros or cons to having multiple cats share a small apartment? If it is feasible, what can you do to ensure that multiple cats thrive happily in a small studio apartment?

Let me address these concerns.

Is a Studio Apartment Big Enough for Two Cats?

It’s not the size of the apartment that matters, but the availability of activity space. Cats need exercise and engagement. If you can supply the necessary stimulation for your feline companions with items like cat trees, perches, toys, and ample playtime, then a studio apartment will be more than enough for two cats.

The best part? Having two cats can actually relieve you of some engagement responsibilities.

All you need is to get creative with your limited space and establish a cat-friendly environment.

In the following sections, I will guide you on how to achieve this.

How Much Space Do Cats Need?

Just recently, I was watching a video on the Iberian Lynx, which can travel up to 1000 km to find its territory.

Cats have evolved remarkably. It’s a wonder that creatures, once cunning predators of the wild, are now sprawled out with their tongues hanging out on our sofas, or should I say, boxes.

Pet cats don’t require a vast amount of space to thrive.

However, they do need adequate room to express their natural instincts.

The estimated space required for a cat is approximately 18-20 square feet. This figure is subjective and can vary depending on multiple factors.

It’s fascinating that irrespective of the many cat breeds, they all seem to share that ‘mysterious cat factor’ that connects them universally.

Just like that, different cat breeds have varying requirements.

For instance, larger breeds like Maine Coons will need more space compared to smaller breeds.

Kittens are bundles of energy and will require more room to romp and play. As they grow, they typically need less space as their activity levels decrease.

Then there are more laid-back breeds like Ragdolls, contrasting sharply with high-energy breeds like Bengals and Siamese.

Energetic breeds like Siamese typically require more hiding, climbing, and chasing space, while breeds like Persians or Ragdolls are more relaxed.

While watching a video by Jackson Galaxy, he advised cat owners to create pathways leading to high-up shelves, providing cats with safe spaces to navigate.

Ultimately, the quality of space matters more than the quantity.

Focus on transforming your living area into a more feline-friendly environment, rather than worrying about the square footage you lack.

How to Care for Two or More Cats in a Studio Apartment?

The key here is the quality of space rather than the quantity of space.

Ensure the available space is conducive to a cat’s needs without obstructing your lifestyle.

This isn’t difficult if approached smartly.

Get the Basics Right

To start, it’s essential to understand and respect a cat’s instincts. Cats are inherently territorial and prefer their boundaries to be respected.

In a home setting, this means providing each cat with its own litter box, food, and water stations.

While it can be challenging in a small space, it’s necessary—especially if introducing multiple cats to a compact apartment.

While some experts suggest having separate toys, scratching posts, and water fountains, in a studio, you don’t need to go to that extreme. Just ensure their fundamental needs (food, water, litter) are adequately met, and you will be just fine.

Use Perches in Strategic Places

This advice is golden. Cats are natural stalkers. Their predatory instincts drive them to seek out vantage points for an unobstructed view while feeling safe.

Elevated perches are perfect for this instinct.

I’m leaving it to your imagination for the placement of perches, but optimal locations are often near windows for basking in the sun and watching the birds.

Inside, be strategic. The best spot for perches is often near an overhead shelf extending across the room.

Install these perches so that your cats can access the shelves for resting, supervising, and playing freely.

Use Cat Trees

A well-placed cat tree can further enhance the arrangement of perches.

Your cats will thrive with such a setup.

Even in a studio apartment, you can accommodate a tall cat tree; just be mindful of the size of its base.

Position the tree in a corner and arrange perches atop it for a functional layout.

A good quality cat tree alongside several perches (they can be custom-made too) will create an ideal feline-friendly ecosystem.

Rethink Occupied Spaces

Evaluate which elements in your apartment occupy the most space. Is it your bed? A cupboard?

You can utilize bed risers to make the area underneath accessible for your cats.

Remember, cats love snug, compact spaces to rest and stalk, and the cave-like areas under furniture provide the perfect refuge.

Common Spaces are Important

Even though cats are often seen as independent, they thrive on engagement and companionship—whether from humans or other cat-friendly pets.

This is beneficial for those in small apartments since with a companion, cats have a playmate to interact and grow with.

Moreover, cats enjoy curling up together. So, don’t fret about needing separate accessories for each feline. It’s perfectly fine for them to share toys and props that can enhance their bond.

Recommended Products

Now that you understand how to modify your space to create a welcoming environment for your cats, let’s explore some recommendations.

• Floor-to-Ceiling Cat Tower: This allows for efficient use of vertical space in smaller apartments.
• Floor-to-Ceiling Cat Pole: A great alternative for limited space.

Some Final Tips for Cat Owners in Small Apartments

Here are a few additional pointers to help you along your journey:

• Create a Playtime Regimen: Cats require routine and engagement. Have a schedule for interactive play to combat boredom.
• Use Scents to Your Advantage: The sense of smell is powerful for cats. Cat-friendly scents can help acclimate them to new spaces.
• Don’t Get Trained by Your Cats: It’s vital to create a healthy boundary between your needs and those of your cats.

All the best with your modifications for a cat-friendly small apartment!