December 27, 2025
How To Refresh Your Cat’s Space
We shake things up in our homes all the time, swapping out throw pillows, moving furniture, and replacing sheets, to say nothing of seasonal and holiday décor. But what about our cats? While routine is helpful and calming to cats, their furniture, toys, and comfort zones still deserve a thoughtful refresh to maintain quality and provide continued stimulation. Whether your cat’s setup is looking a little tired or she’s just stopped using it the way she used to, a few small updates can breathe new life into her space. Here’s how to do it with minimal effort and maximum benefit.
1. Start simple with a toy rotation
Cats love novelty. That toy he was obsessed with three months ago, but hasn’t touched since? He might love it again... if it disappeared for a while. Create a toy library by keeping only a few items out at a time and storing the rest. Every couple of weeks, swap in a few from the vault. Repetition gets boring, but cycling toys keeps things fresh without constantly buying new ones. If his toys are beyond saving, replace them with high-quality options that allow refilling or part replacement.
2. Clean or replace their soft spots
Cat beds, cat caves, and cushions get grungy, just like our own bedding if left unwashed. Fur, drool, dander, and mystery crumbs build up fast, and many budget pet items aren’t designed to handle regular cleaning. Washable fabrics should be cleaned frequently, and if your cat’s favorite nap zone doesn’t have removable parts, it may be time to upgrade. Look for quality furniture built to last, like Mau’s Lua cat tree with faux-fur cushions that are machine-washable. It’s not just easy to clean; you can adapt the look by swapping out the replaceable cushions for different colors seasonally, or whenever you’re refreshing the room around it. Even the scratching post trunk of this tree is replaceable, so your cats can keep filing those nails (and sparing your furniture) furever.
3. Refresh the view
Cats are observers. They love a good window and a new vantage point. If your cat tree has been stuck in the same corner for a year, try moving it in front of a different window or into a room where you spend more time. New placement means new things to watch, and renewed interest in furniture your furball might have started ignoring. Modern cat trees like Castillo blend seamlessly into many room styles, helping you easily switch up your cat’s vantage points without disturbing your own chic aesthetic. This trick works with beds and shelves too. Move a floor cushion to a brighter spot or shift a discreet cat shelf to a space with more foot traffic. Even the same item in a new place can bring the excitement of something totally new.
4. Address the scratch factor
Is your cat still using her designated scratch zone, or is the corner of your sofa being attacked? If her scratcher is worn down, it might not be doing the job anymore, and many cats lose interest when the texture is too frayed or smooth to provide resistance. If it’s not replaceable or restorable, it’s time for a new one. In addition to choosing cat trees with replaceable rope scratch zones, human furniture with built-in cat scratching zones, like the Kona Scratcher table, provides added spots for appropriate feline antics. Mobile scratch pads also help you keep things refreshed with a simple rearrangement rather than constant replacement.
5. Give his stuff back to him
After cleaning, rearranging, or replacing something, your cat might give you the side-eye. He relies heavily on scent to feel secure in his territory, and when something no longer smells like him, it can feel unfamiliar even if it’s technically the same. To help him reclaim his refreshed furniture or bed, rub a favorite toy or blanket on the surface to transfer his scent. You can also sprinkle catnip or offer a treat reward when he investigates, or to convince him to revisit it.
Cats might resist change at first, but they thrive in environments that evolve with their needs. A simple refresh can improve your cat’s comfort, happiness, and behavior. And let’s be honest: It’ll probably look better in your home, too.