New Research Published in Current Biology This May Not Be True Dr. Kristyn Vitale

Conventional wisdom has held that cats are incredibly independent and perhaps even
indifferent or ambivalent to the presence of their human owners, often preferring to be left alone
to their own devices. It may seem, then, that it is better for cats to live in larger spaces, allowing
them to indulge their propensity to explore the space, hide, and emerge only to be fed or receive
treats. New research published in Current Biology, however, indicates that this may not be true.
Dr. Kristyn Vitale, an animal behavior scientist at Oregon State University, asserts that many
cats are actually highly social animals that bond with their humans just as much as dogs and
small children do: “A key aspect of what has been said to make dogs unique is their proclivity for
forming attachment bonds, including secure attachments to humans, which could provide
scaffolding for the development of human-like socio-cognitive abilities and contribute to success
in human environments. [...] Here we report evidence, using behavioral criteria established in
the human infant literature, that cats display distinct attachment styles toward human
caregivers.” And since many cats spend most of their time indoors, they end up viewing their
human owners as a safe home base and their indoor environment, no matter how small, as
familiar and secure.
This is music to the ears of many cat lovers, particularly to those who may be wondering if it is
harmful to cats to live in smaller urban spaces like a studio apartment. Drs. Meghan E. Herron
and A. Tony Buffington highlight that “[t]he AVMA advises cat owners in urban and suburban
areas of the United States to house their cats indoors. With the decision to do so comes the
responsibility to provide conditions that sustain good health and welfare for these cats. Cats
appear quite capable of living indoors, occasionally even in high population densities, especially
when food resources are abundant.” According to the veterinarians at Animal Kind Veterinary
Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, cats may actually be ideally suited to living in apartments,
although you will need to cultivate a healthy environment that meets the needs of active cats or
those who may meow at your door, requesting incessantly to be let out. It may not be safe for
you to let your cat outdoors, however, so it is essential to consider the risks of the streets
around your apartment before you decide to open the door for your feline friend. Most
apartment-dwelling cats spend all of their time indoors, which can actually help them to lead
longer lives due to less exposure to disease and other potential dangers such as injury from
cars and possible conflict with feral animals. How, then, can you keep things interesting and
exciting for your cat while reducing the risk of obesity and the health issues associated with it?
Consider dedicating at least 20-30 minutes per day to play with your kitty companion with his or
her favorite toys to chase, pounce on, and bite. Many cats even enjoy games with light beams
or battery-operated toys. During the time that you are not home, it may be helpful to provide
your cat with plenty of interactive toys such as a cat tree, a scratching post, a set of tunnels, a
cat hammock, or a cat climbing and activity center to keep him or her entertained. Another
option is leash training your cat with a harness that has adjustable straps. This allows your cat
to get outdoor exercise and fresh air that they may not be able to get otherwise. Leash training
is ideal for younger, more adventurous cats, but it may not be the best option for an older cat.
Keep in mind that you and your cat will have a stronger bond if you set aside special time each
day for playing, cuddling, and one-on-one attention.
Your cat will need constant access to at least one litter box throughout the day, although it is a
good rule of thumb to maintain an extra litter box for your apartment-dwelling cat. So you may
be wondering what to do in order to contain and control those litter box odors, which can be
quite overpowering at times. A litter box that is kept clean each time your kitty uses it (or as
often as you possibly can each day) will not produce those overwhelming odors that can be
difficult to eliminate. Litter boxes can be kept in your bathroom, and you may consider taking
advantage of a bathroom fan or small window (as long as it has a screen) to provide extra
ventilation. There are also enclosures, cabinets, and hutches that can be used to conceal your
cat’s litter box, but make sure that he or she knows where to find the litter box at all times. Cat
foods that contain fewer grain fillers will also help to reduce unpleasant and stinky odors. Your
cat may also like the stimulation, variety, and nutrition that an indoor garden can provide. Some
plants are toxic to cats, so it is important to avoid plants such as lilies and related plants. There
are many plants that are completely safe and appetizing to cats. These include many greens,
catnip, thyme, and mint. The ASPCA provides a more complete list that can serve as a guide as
you are preparing your cat’s first indoor garden.
Improving your apartment’s indoor environment and creating a healthy, clean, safe, and
stimulating space for your apartment-dwelling cat will help him or her to express natural habits
and instincts while also reducing any frustration that either of you may feel. Drs. Meghan E.
Herron and A. Tony Buffington encourage cat owners to provide “appropriate outlets for play
behaviors” and chewing in order to foster a happy cat-friendly home. It is perfectly safe and
healthy for your cat to live in a small apartment, as long as you create an environment that
responds to your cat’s needs and natural behaviors!

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Conventional wisdom has held that cats are incredibly independent and perhaps even

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