Because of their small size and low-maintenance nature, cats are allowed in many apartment buildings, whereas dogs are not. Since cats are generally believed to pose less of a risk than their canine contemporaries, landlords are often willing to take a chance on them. However, this isn’t to say that an unassuming feline can’t create havoc within an apartment. In fact, in the absence of proper precautions, even a well-behaved kitty can cause considerable damage. Cat owners who want to keep their apartments in prime condition and ensure the return of their pet deposits should utilize the following tips.

Set Up Scratching Posts

Since cats feel a consistent need to sharpen their claws, it’s in every owner’s best interest to provide them with acceptable outlets for this task. This is where scratching posts enter the equation. These resilient posts are affordable on any budget and should be placed in key areas throughout your apartment. If scratching posts are unavailable, your cat won’t hesitate to sharpen its claws on furniture, carpeting, doors, walls and cabinetry. Needless to say, if your landlord sees that your apartment is covered in scratch marks, he or she is unlikely to return your pet deposit.

When searching for Omaha, NE apartments, take care to familiarize yourself with each building’s cat policies. This will provide you with a solid understanding of what local property owners expect from cat owners, thereby ensuring that there are no misunderstandings when it’s time to move in.

Take Measures against Odors

In addition to protecting your apartment from cosmetic damage, you’ll also need to get rid of any unpleasant smells posthaste. As any seasoned cat owner can attest, litter boxes are cornucopias of pungent aromas. That being the case, there’s little wonder as to why many people opt to keep them in basements, mud rooms and other out-of-the-way areas. However, since this option isn’t open to apartment dwellers, you’ll need to be extra vigilant when it comes to litter disposal. This means scooping your cat’s litter multiple times per day and depositing the scooped contents in an onsite dumpster at least once per day. Placing a dependable air freshener in the vicinity of your cat’s litter box can also help curb the spread of odors, but this should never be regarded as a substitute for scooping.

Have Plenty of Toys on Hand

Boredom is one of the primary reasons cats cause damage to apartments. If your kitty has nothing to occupy its time with, it’s likely to take out its bottled-up energy on your carpeting, doors and furniture. With this in mind, make sure your cat has plenty of toys to play with, especially when it’s left alone for long periods.

A bored, restless or rambunctious kitty can be the worst enemy of a well-kept apartment. Fortunately, protecting your apartment from the machinations of a feisty feline doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. Arming yourself with the pointers discussed above and staying on top of your kitty’s needs can go a long way in keeping your apartment free of cat damage.