Thinking of adopting a cat into your apartment? Some cats are perfect for small spaces, others aren’t. Here’s how to choose the right fit and keep them happy.
Not all cats are low-maintenance roommates. If you live in an apartment and are thinking about adopting, choosing the right cat for your space is key to making both of you happy.
At Moricat, we know that good matches create good outcomes—and when it comes to small living spaces, compatibility is everything. Let’s look at what traits make cats successful apartment dwellers, and how to set up an enriching home.
Cats with low-to-moderate energy, independent play styles, and calm temperaments tend to do well in apartments. That doesn’t always mean older cats—but age can help.
Research shows that personality traits like boldness and sociability play a big role in post-adoption success (Gourkow et al.). In small spaces, a high-energy, easily frustrated cat may develop destructive behaviors if they lack outlets for stimulation.
Tip: Ask the shelter about the cat’s activity level and noise sensitivity. Calm, confident cats often adjust best.
The issue isn’t how small your apartment is—it’s what’s in it. Cats need vertical territory, hiding spots, scent enrichment, and interactive play.
A study on stress in confined environments found that environmental enrichment—like scratching posts, window access, and toys—significantly reduced anxiety and improved welfare (Severin et al.).
Tip: Think vertically. Use cat trees, shelves, or window hammocks to expand usable territory without needing more square footage.
Some cats are more tolerant of noise and strangers than others. If you live near a busy street, share walls, or have frequent visitors, those factors can influence how well a cat adjusts.
Research on temperament assessments (Vitale Shreve et al.) suggests that cats with higher resilience to environmental stimuli are less likely to develop stress-related behaviors in new homes.
Tip: Choose cats who show curiosity instead of startle responses in noisy shelter environments.
Cats recovering from trauma, hoarding, or undersocialization often need more time and quiet than apartments provide. Constant noise, foot traffic, and limited hiding places can slow recovery and increase stress.
That doesn’t mean they can’t adjust—but adopters need to be proactive and realistic.
Tip: Consider a more experienced foster or home environment for high-needs cats, or use apartment modifications like room dividers and soundproofing to ease their transition.
Cats thrive on predictable routines, not open floor plans. If you feed, clean, and play on schedule, most cats will adapt to your space.
Set expectations upfront. A mellow cat won’t need a ton of stimulation. But if you adopt a curious climber or vocal breed mix, make sure your apartment is enriched enough to meet their needs.
Tip: Keep a regular feeding and play schedule. Behavioral consistency helps cats feel secure—regardless of square footage.
Apartment living doesn’t mean you can’t adopt—it just means you need to adopt smart.
Match your environment to your future cat’s personality, and you’ll set both of you up for success. Whether your home has 800 square feet or 200, it can still be a place where a cat feels confident, enriched, and completely at home.
At Moricat, our calming beds, interactive toys, and vertical scratchers are designed for cats of every personality—and every square footage.
Gourkow, Nadine, et al. “Individual differences, behavioural assays, behavioural syndromes, companion animal, Felis silvestris catus, shelter cats, human-cat relation.” Journal of Veterinary Behavior.
Severin, Molly, et al. “Cat stress, behavioral changes, environmental enrichment, feline welfare, stress management.” Veterinary Behavior Journal.
Vitale Shreve, Kristyn, et al. “Cat temperament, human-nonhuman animal relations, animal shelter, Autism, cat adoption.” Animals.
Writen by: Moodra
Designed by Lexin Yuan
