All of our pet-friendly apartments at 17th Place in Webb City and 20th Place in Joplin have extraordinary amenities designed for upscale family living or luxury living. From modern appliances to great neighborhoods, we want you to have the best living experience possible.
We recognize that having a family pet can make a huge difference in your quality of life. That’s why we have pet policies that allow for one cat or dog at our properties. Our guide will talk about how to help your cat live their best life in an apartment.
Choose the Best Food Based on Your Vet’s Recommendations
Nutrition plays a vital role in your cat’s well-being. That’s why choosing the right cat food represents an important aspect of your cat’s life.
In general, look for nutritious, well-balanced food that caters to a cat’s needs. They are natural carnivores, and their diet generally consists of high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and low carbs.
Factors That Can Change Your Cat’s Nutritional Needs
Life Stage
A kitten requires a diet rich in protein and energy to support rapid growth and development.
An adult cat needs a maintenance diet that provides balanced nutrition to support daily activity and health.
A senior cat may benefit from diets tailored to their aging bodies. This might include adjusting their protein levels and adding supplements like glucosamine for joint health.
Health Status
An overweight cat may require a calorie-controlled diet to achieve a healthy weight.
Certain health issues, such as kidney disease or diabetes, necessitate specialized diets to manage the condition effectively.
An active cat may need more calories, while a less active or indoor cat might require fewer to prevent weight gain.
Some cats develop allergies or intolerances to specific ingredients, necessitating elimination diets or hypoallergenic formulas.
General Recommendations
Again, consult with your veterinarian for your cat’s exact nutritional requirements.
Opt for premium cat foods recommended by your vet. Wet (canned) foods can help maintain hydration and often have higher protein content, while dry foods are convenient and can aid in dental health. A combination of both can offer benefits.
Regularly assess your cat’s body condition and adjust feeding portions as needed to maintain a healthy weight.
Cleaning and Grooming
Cats naturally and instinctively groom themselves every day. That’s because, when in the wild, they need to reduce their scent profile to ensure predators can’t locate them.
Brushing
Still, your cat may need occasional grooming. Short-haired cats benefit from brushing once or twice a week, while long-haired cats require daily grooming to prevent tangles and mats. Using the right brush, such as a rubber or bristle brush for short-haired cats and a wide-toothed comb or de-shedding tool for long-haired breeds, makes grooming more effective. Consider a reputable and professional groomer for long-haired cats.
Baths
Cats may need a bath once a month or once a season. Because you have an indoor cat, consider a seasonal bath. Regular bathing can cause dry skin. Clean with cat-safe shampoo and lukewarm water. Avoid getting water in their ears and eyes, and afterward, dry with a towel and allow your cat to air dry in a warm space.
Ears
Your cat’s ears are sensitive, and they have very good hearing. Wax buildup and dirt can lead to ear infections, so check their ears weekly. If needed, use a vet-approved ear-cleaning solution with a soft cotton pad that can help maintain ear health.
Claws
In general, your cat keeps their claws short by scratching on things. However, you might trim your cat’s claws every two to three weeks to prevent overgrowth and scratching issues. Use cat-specific nail clippers and be careful not to cut too close to the pink “quick” to be safe.
Eyes
Look for any discharge or debris around your cat’s eyes. Wipe it away using a damp cotton pad or soft cloth, using separate pads for each eye to prevent infections.
Again, your cat, in general, keeps themselves very clean naturally with daily grooming. But sometimes, they need extra help.
Litter Box
Humans need privacy when they go to the bathroom. Cats are the same way. Place the litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area. Your cat can use it without stress or distractions. A laundry room, bathroom, or a designated corner in the living room can work well so long as your cat can access it freely. Avoid high-noise areas, such as next to a washing machine or near a front door. This helps prevent your cat from feeling startled or anxious while using the box.
Cats dislike navigating obstacles or squeezing into tight spaces to reach their bathroom. Keeping the box in an open, unobstructed location allows the cat to enter and exit without hesitation.
Consider placing the box near a window or air vent, or use a small fan nearby to help keep the space comfortable. Enclosed, poorly ventilated areas, such as closets, trap odors and create unpleasant odors. Cats instinctively separate their eating and bathroom areas, so keep the litter box far from food bowls.
Prevent Scratching on Floors, Walls, and Furniture
Cats naturally and instinctively scratch to mark territory, stretch muscles, and maintain their claws. However, declawing cats is considered inhumane. It’s akin to cutting off a human’s fingers to the first knuckle. Offering scratching posts, mats, or cardboard scratchers gives your cat a suitable outlet for this natural scratching behavior. Placing these items near areas they frequently scratch encourages them to shift their focus away from furniture and walls.
Choose the right scratching post for the best results. Some cats prefer vertical posts, while others enjoy horizontal scratchers. Observe their behavior to determine the best option. Sisal, carpet, and corrugated cardboard are alternatives to professionally made and commercially available scratching posts. Look for high-quality scratching posts for the best results.
Cover furniture and walls with double-sided tape, aluminum foil, or plastic shields to make these surfaces less appealing for scratching. Applying pet-safe sprays with citrus or herbal scents further discourages scratching, as cats dislike these smells. If they start scratching an inappropriate spot, redirecting them to a nearby scratching post reinforces positive behavior. Rewarding them with treats or praise when they use the correct scratching surfaces reinforces their training (yes, cats can be trained).
Cat Furniture for Perching
As natural ambush hunters, cats love to perch above the ground to view their surroundings. Perching also keeps them away from predators (although there won’t be any predators in your apartment).
Choose the right cat furniture to provide safe, engaging spots for climbing and lounging.
1. Cat Trees
A sturdy cat tree with multiple levels allows climbing, jumping, and perching at different heights. Look for models with wide, cushioned platforms, sisal-covered scratching posts, and enclosed hideaways. Tall cat trees provide great vantage points while keeping your cat entertained.
2. Window Perch
A window perch gives your cats a front-row seat to outdoor activity, satisfying their natural curiosity as they watch birds, dogs, people, and the scenery. Look for designs with soft padding and sturdy supports to keep your cat relaxed and safe.
3. Hammocks & Elevated Beds
A cat hammock, whether freestanding or wall-mounted, provides a cozy and slightly swaying perch. Elevated beds give cats a raised place to relax while maintaining stability.
4. Multi-Level Cat Condos
For a mix of perching, hiding, and scratching, a cat condo with various levels works well. Look for one with enclosed cubbies, perches, and sisal-wrapped posts, making them great all-in-one furniture pieces.
Controlling Fur
Having a well-balanced diet and regular grooming can help control fur and shedding. However, cat hair in your apartment (and on your clothes) is inevitable.
Invest in a high-quality, pet-friendly vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce pet dander and remove fur from floors, carpets, and furniture. A handheld vacuum or lint roller provides a quick solution for couches, beds, and clothing. Regularly washing pet bedding, blankets, and cushion covers further prevents fur buildup.
Strategically place washable covers on furniture to protect upholstery from accumulating hair. Use fabric sprays with anti-static properties to repel fur, making it easier to clean. For hard surfaces, a microfiber mop or electrostatic dry sweeper efficiently collects loose hairs without scattering them.
Maintaining air quality with an air purifier and a HEPA filter for your HVAC system reduces airborne fur and dander. These items can help trap fine pet hairs and allergens, improving indoor air circulation and air quality. Keeping humidity levels balanced with a humidifier prevents fur from clinging to surfaces.
Prevent Your Cat From Escaping
Cats love to explore, so it’s important to try to keep them from escaping your apartment when you open the front door. Keeping them isolated in certain rooms is one way to do this. However, you have to make sure your cat is entertained and has access to food, water, and the litter box.
The easiest way to prevent your cat from escaping is to slowly open the door when you get home. Look around it to make sure your cat isn’t nearby. If you need to open the door for long periods, isolate your cat in a room after you get home but before you bring groceries in.
You can train a cat to stay away from the door. Use treat-based training to teach them to sit and stay away from the entrance when someone enters or exits.
Keeping your cat entertained with perches and other cat-friendly items is another way to prevent them from going to the door. However, you should still be wary. Consider a pet monitor, using a small camera that shows your front door. Look on your smartphone to see if your cat is near the door.
Think about using deterrents to discourage your cat from approaching the entrance. Placing motion-activated air sprays near the door startles them without causing harm. Applying scents cats dislike, such as citrus sprays or double-sided tape, makes the area less appealing.
Provide Quiet Resting Places Away From People
Domestic cats sleep anywhere from 12 to 16 hours a day, depending on their stage of life and activity level. Therefore, it’s important to provide your cat with quiet resting places away from people so they can naturally rest and rejuvenate. The reason cats sleep so much is because hunting and exploring expend a lot of energy (even though your cat doesn’t need to do that anymore). Cats with health or mobility issues might spend more time sleeping so they can heal.
A spare room, closet nook, or elevated perch offers security. Use a covered cat bed, enclosed condo, or igloo-style hideout to mimic a den-like environment. Position the resting spot away from TVs, speakers, and household appliances that create unpredictable noise.
Cats prefer high vantage points, so placing a cat tree with a cozy top platform keeps them above disturbances. If floor space works better, a partially enclosed cardboard box or tent bed provides a private retreat.
Soundproofing helps because cats have very good hearing (much like dogs). Use thick rugs, curtains, or white noise machines to buffer loud sounds. Avoid placing their bed near doorways, vents, or windows facing busy streets to minimize sudden disruptions. If guests visit often, set up a “do not disturb” zone with barriers like a pet gate or room divider.
Indoor Plants and Cat Grass
Having indoor plants can add greenery and create a fresh-looking space. Consider cat-friendly, non-toxic plants that enhance their environment. Good options include catnip, cat grass (wheatgrass, barley, or oat grass), valerian, silver vine, and lemongrass. Avoid toxic plants like lilies, aloe, or pothos. A mix of textures and scents keeps your cat engaged.
Growing cat grass indoors offers a safe, easy-to-maintain option. Small trays of cat grass sprout quickly and provide fresh nibbling material. Cats nibble on grass as a natural laxative for their belly (and it helps expel hairballs).
Positioning the grass in an accessible but stable location, like a windowsill or cat tree shelf, prevents tipping. Rotating fresh batches every few weeks ensures a consistent supply.
We Welcome Your Family, Including a Cat
We pride ourselves on having pet-friendly places to live. Contact us to schedule a tour of our apartments in Webb City or Joplin. We look forward to meeting you!
