Cats are the perfect pet to add to any family. They are cute, lovable, and their little jellybean paws make your heart melt. However, they have an independent, self-righteous attitude. Cats think they can do whatever they want. When it comes to owning a cat, whether you’re renting an apartment or owning a home, cat proofing is the number one step to take.

1. Get a couch cover if you have a couch.

Cats love to scratch things they aren’t allowed to. This is a must.

2. Get a scratch post for the cat to scratch on.

Let’s face it, buying new things can get expensive, so keep something around that the cat is allowed to scratch. If you are into DIY projects, you can look on Pinterest for cheap DIY cat scratch posts.

3. Discipline your cat when necessary.

If your cat is anything like ours, then you know that they have a serious cattitude. If your cat is misbehaving, consider ways to discipline your cat. Common things to use are spray bottles full of water or two-parts water, one-part vinegar.

4. If you have a cat then you most likely have a litter box.

Cats track litter everywhere. To help you keep the litter in one place, be sure to purchase a litter track pad to catch the extra litter.

5. Since cats in apartments are usually inside cats, make sure to trim their nails.

Cats' nails can grow incredibly fast, so keeping them short helps decrease the amount they scratch to wear them down.

6. Keep trash out of reach or use a trash can with a lid.

Cats love to get into things like trash. This can cause your home to become littered quickly.

7. Lock up your cleaning supplies in a cabinet.

Cats eat a slew of things, including trying the cleaning supplies in the house. Be sure to keep these out of reach for a cat.

8. Tie up your blinds.

The strings on the window blinds can entice cats to bat and play with the strings. If they accidentally get caught up in the strings, the cat can die of asphyxiation.

9. Keep anything you value away from the cat.

If you value anything in your apartment such as decorations, glass fixtures, etc., be sure to put them out of reach of your furry friend.

10. FINALLY, the last thing to cat proof your apartment is time.

Cats are a lot of work. You attract more bees with honey may be true in this instant. This is a new territory for the cat. Being understanding may help your cat adjust to the rules of the house.

-Xoxo the crazy cat lady

Special thanks to Rachel Keatley for always being there for my cat problems.