What is a Cat's Playscape?
A cat’s playscape are the items that are always available to them in their space. Think of it as your cat’s playground!
These are staples that you don’t have to cycle out with the rest of their toys - although you absolutely can to keep your cat excited and curious to play! Think beds, cat trees, scratchers, tunnels, etc.
The playscape is where yours and your cat’s worlds intertwine, so you’re going to want items that are great for your cat, but also fit your personal style!
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The Playscape Checklist:
Ideally you’d have at least one permanent item to satisfy each of your cat’s needs:
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Vertical Space
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Hiding Spots
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Scratching/Grooming
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Comfort & Security
Examples:
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Vertical Space: A cat tree!
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Hiding Spots: A tunnel!
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Scratching/Grooming: A scratcher!
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Comfort & Security: A cat bed!
Their playscape items are pieces of your home exclusively reserved for your cat. They should have a sense of safety, comfort, and ownership. And don’t be afraid to involve them in playtime too!
Lucy’s tip: Incorporate their playscape into their Goosie Games!
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Crash Landing is a perfect game to utilize a cat tree.
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Tunnel Chase needs a tunnel to play.
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Corner can be played around a Scratcher if you don’t have another room to utilize!
Cat Trees!
A cat tree is a necessity for a cat to climb. A lot of them come with beds or a condo for additional kitty coziness! Cats like having the advantage of higher ground to see and survey their environment, so making sure they have plenty of high up vantage points is essential!
Don’t have the money for a cat tree? One of Lucy’s favorite vertical spaces in our last apartment was on top of the refrigerator!
Window perches are also great for a bit of height and they get to observe the outdoors!
If your cat loves to climb all day long or you want to save on space and it’s within your budget, look into some cat mounted wall stairs (not the best if you’re renting!)
Tunnels!
Tunnels are an easy item to have a variety of and Cycle. They’re easy to store because they collapse so they can be put away without needing a ton of extra storage.
A shorter tunnel is great for Goosie Games like Tunnel Chase or a multiway tunnel for more advanced playtime!
Tunnels offer a hiding space for your cat to
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Stalk their prey
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Feel safe & protected
Lucy will run to her tunnel sometimes if we’re walking towards her with our arms out because she knows that when she’s in her tunnel she won’t get picked up. This is a boundary we’ve set together over time, so even though she’s in the middle of an open room, she is safe in that spot and doesn’t have to jolt for a closet or under the bed. But if a part of her is sticking out, she’s giving us the OK to pet her there!
Lucy’s tip: if you’re walking past and see your cat in their tunnel, don’t acknowledge that they’ve given away their hiding spot, and let them “attack.” They’ll feel a sense of an accomplished hunt. If your cat is aggressive and will hurt you or others doing this, maybe opt-out of this style of play.
This cat bed doubles as an adjustable tunnel. Perfect for anyone who values multi-use items!
Scratchers!
Scratching is essential to help cats keep their nails healthy, and having lots of dedicated scratchers can help keep their nails off the couch!.
Cardboard scratchers are typically the most affordable type of cat scratcher and can often double as a bed. So even though they only last a few months, they come with a lower price tag for easier repurchasing – and you can try out new shapes and designs each time! So fun!
A downside to cardboard scratchers is the pieces of cardboard you’ll be cleaning up off the floor every day.
If your cat prefers cardboard but tears through scratchers quickly or makes a big mess, the brand Wildcat makes cardboard scratchers that are 2x as dense as a regular scratcher and can last up to a year!
Check out the Wildcat Waterfall Scratcher here!
Sisal is typically a more expensive material for a cat scratcher, but often the most durable & effective for scratching and great for climbing due to how their claws can grip it! Not to be confused with Jute. If you’re looking for a cat tree that has scratching posts on the way up, make sure they’re sisal rope!
Consider different textures and scratching materials to keep your cat from getting bored of what they have. Lucy has cardboard scratchers on the floor that double as a sleeping spot, and I have fun looking for a new cute one every few months. She also has sisal scratchers as posts and on her cat tree for climbing!
Cat Beds!
Lucy has a cat bed in every room. This is another spot for safety, coziness, warmth, and of course, sleep. Cats spend most of their day sleeping so they need some dedicated spots.
One weird thing Lucy does with her cat beds is once we move out of a home or apartment into a new one, she won’t use the bed she used at the last apartment anymore and needs a new one. Then she’ll love the new one, but when we move next, she won’t touch it at the next place.
Lucy’s tip: place their bed in a spot where the sunlight hits during the day so your cat doesn't end up like Lucy here lying on the hard floor!
Your cat can have their own separate cat beds, beds included on their cat trees, or other cozy spots set up just for them around the house with cushions, pillows, or blankets!