NATIONWIDE — Looking forward to adding a new feline family member? 

With a little planning, you can make sure your cat will feel right at home, and you’ll enjoy sharing the space together for years to come. Fortunately, it doesn’t cost a lot to make your home ideal for any cat or kitten—all you need is a little know-how about what cats enjoy and what they need to thrive. 

Even if you already have a cat or two at home, you can use these tips to help revamp your cat’s environment.

1. Think vertical 

Cats love to climb and jump, so providing a cat tower or other kind of climbing furniture is a good idea. Otherwise, they’re likely to climb up on things you’d rather they didn’t. (The china cabinet. The fridge. The wall.) 

It also gives your cat somewhere they will always feel safe, especially if you have other animals or young children in the house. 

While you’re at it, make sure they have at least a couple of good hiding places throughout your home to help them feel safe and secure.

2. A room with a view 

Looking out the window is “cat TV” for them, so make sure that you have at least one good spot by a window where your kitty can enjoy looking out at the birds or squirrels for entertainment. 

If you don’t have an appropriate windowsill area built in, you could consider buying (or making) a perch specially designed for cats.

3. Let them scratch 

Rather than declawing your cats, which can be painful and dangerous, and could cause future complications and behavioral problems, make sure that they have plenty of options for safely scratching. Regularly trim their claws. Placing cat scratching alternatives in front of or next to the furniture you especially don’t want them to scratch can act as an effective distraction or deterrent.

4. Eliminate potential hazards 

For the safety and well-being of your feline friends as well as that of your prized possessions, you might want to do a bit of “cat-proofing.” It’s similar to toddler-proofing. For example, use wire wraps and/or tuck cords well out of sight; some cats like to chew on them. 

Have any breakable collectibles? Store them so your cats can’t get at them. 

Also, don’t keep flowers or plants that could be dangerous to cats in your home—such as any form of lily—and keep toxic household cleaners out of reach.

5. Give them multiple hangouts 

Just because you think one spot’s perfect for a cozy cat bed or kitty condo, you can’t know what they will find appealing until you try it out. Providing a few different options is your best bet—they’ll soon let you know what their preferences are. 

If they don’t like your setup, try moving things to a different location and see what happens. 

Keep in mind that you don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your cat happy. Your cat’s favorite hangout might be not a pricey cat bed, but a cardboard box with a towel inside. 

It’s also best to offer them more than one litter box option—preferably at least one box per cat, and in more than one location if possible.

Making a comfortable home for your cat will reap plenty of rewards for you, in the form of cuddles and purrs. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating your cat’s ideal fur-ever home.