How to Create the Best Environment for Your Cat

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Almost five years ago, I was a lonely girl right out of college. My friends had scattered, my boyfriend was still two hours away, and I didn’t love my job. I spent most of my days going to work and coming home to watch television. My friend suggested I look into getting something living so I wouldn’t be the only being with a heart beat in my apartment.

I thought and thought about it, and finally decided to adopt a rescue kitten. On December 30, 2013 I met my Mimosa (also affectionately called Mimo, Mo Mo, Mo, Nugget or any other slew of names.) She was the runt of her litter and way too young to go home with me, but she needed to go home with someone and the moment I met her I knew we were meant for each other.

Fun little side story: My sister actually went with me to pick her out, and ended up rescuing her sister! So we are sisters and have sister cats who reunite on major holidays when we are all home!

Because she was so young when I adopted her, Mimosa has always been more than my pet. She is my companion. When we are home, she is never too far away. If I get up to go to the bathroom, she comes. If I get in the shower, she hangs out in between the curtain and the liner. She’s my girl and I want to give her the best life possible.

One thing that has always been really important to me is setting up her space. Cats are territorial and are very protective of their space. I wanted to give her an environment where she could thrive. So today I want to share with you how I set up the perfect environment for my cat.

1. Give your cat levels. Cats like to have places to climb when they feel unsafe (or want to pounce from high above lol!) So I purchase a “Kitty Cat Palace” very early after I adopted Mimosa. It has several levels, ladders and tunnels so she has a dynamic jungle gym. She also uses it to creep on our neighbors and the wildlife outside.

2. Exercise is important. My girl is petite. She is little in stature and height so it’s very easy for her to get overweight without proper exercise. I make sure that she has plenty of toys to boop around. Her actual favorite toy is ponytail holders. She loves them. It’s the craziest thing, she has even learned how to open the drawer where the holders are kept. She is also fond of something squeaky on the end of a string attached to a stick so you can wave it around in front of her face.

3. Feed them 9Lives® Cat Food. 9Lives is dedicated to the health and overall wellness of your kitty cat. I always feel like I’m making the responsible choice by feeding my Mimo girl 9Lives. Fun fact: this year, Morris the 9Lives Cat is celebrating his 50th Adopt-i-versary! So 9Lives has been helping cats live happy and healthy lives for 50 years! Little Morris went on to be a big star, but always remembers his humble beginnings of being adopted 50 years ago. You can follow Morris the cat on Twitter (@MorrisApproved) and Instagram (@morristhe9livescat).

Of course, I want to support a brand that supports pet rescue and adoption. Not to mention, my girl loves the taste!

Mimo particularly loves the wet food. Her favorite is the Meaty Paté with Chicken and Tuna. She goes a little bonkers over that one but I love how much she loves the taste. I love that I can also conveniently pick up 9Lives Cat Food in the pet food aisle at Dollar General. You can also get a coupon for the wet food here! So be sure to pick up some 9Lives wet food at Dollar General.

I love celebrating Morris and Mimosa’s adoption. You can check out Morris’s adoption story, 9Lives Facebook page, and Morris’s Cat Pack Article.

Did you adopt your cat? Tell me your adoption story in the comments because I love a good adoption story.