Cats are wonderful flatmates, right up until they've shredded your sofa, knocked your favourite plant off the shelf, and claimed your office chair as their own. If you're a cat owner in New Zealand trying to keep your home looking good while keeping your cat happy, you're not alone. Creating a cat-friendly home furniture setup doesn't mean choosing between your pet and your décor. With the right approach, you can have both.
This guide covers practical, proven ways to make your home work for you and your cat, from choosing the right furniture and accessories to setting up spaces your cat will actually use instead of destroying yours.
Cats aren't being destructive out of spite. Scratching is instinctive. It keeps their claws healthy, marks territory, and stretches their muscles. Climbing and perching are equally hardwired. When cats don't have appropriate outlets for these behaviours, they improvise with whatever's available: your couch, your curtains, your dining chairs.
A cat-friendly home furniture setup gives your cat what it needs behaviourally, which in turn protects your belongings. It's not about restricting your cat. It's about redirecting natural instincts to the right places.
Not all furniture is equally vulnerable to cat damage. If you're buying new pieces or replacing worn ones, fabric choice makes a significant difference.
If you already own furniture you love, furniture covers and throws are a practical short-term fix while you work on redirecting your cat's scratching habits.
One of the most effective strategies for protecting your furniture is simple: give your cat better alternatives. Cats are territorial and comfort-driven. If they have a cosy, elevated, well-positioned space of their own, they're far less likely to colonise yours.
Cats sleep up to 16 hours a day, so a comfortable, dedicated sleeping spot is essential. Place a quality cat bed in a warm, quiet spot near a sunny window or in a low-traffic corner of the room. Cats often prefer beds that feel enclosed or slightly raised, as this mimics the security of a high perch.
EasyMart's pet bedding range includes options suited to different sleeping styles, from bolster-style beds for cats that like to curl up against something, to flat mats for sprawlers. With free shipping to the NZ mainland, it's easy to try a few and see what your cat prefers.
A good cat tree does double duty: it gives your cat a place to climb and perch, satisfying their instinct to be up high, and a surface to scratch, protecting your sofa. Position it near a window if possible, as cats love to watch the world outside.
Look for a cat tree that's tall enough for your cat to fully stretch when scratching, with a stable base so it doesn't wobble. Browse EasyMart's cat trees and scratching posts for options that suit different room sizes and cat personalities.
Working from home with a cat presents its own challenges. Cats are drawn to warm laptops, keyboard-walking opportunities, and the general chaos of video calls. A few simple adjustments make your home office work better for both of you.
A bored cat is a destructive cat. Enrichment, which includes mental and physical stimulation, is one of the most underrated tools for protecting your home. Cats that are well-stimulated during the day are calmer, less anxious, and far less likely to take their energy out on your belongings.
Dedicate 10 to 15 minutes twice a day to active play with your cat. Wand toys, laser pointers, and feather teasers tap into hunting instincts and burn off energy. After a good play session, most cats are ready to sleep, not scratch.
A window perch with a view is free enrichment. If you can position a bird feeder outside a window your cat can see, you've essentially given them their own nature documentary to watch. This keeps indoor cats mentally engaged for hours.
Feeding your cat from a puzzle feeder or slow bowl makes mealtime mentally stimulating. It slows eating, reduces boredom, and mimics the foraging behaviour cats would naturally engage in.
If you're renting in New Zealand, protecting your landlord's property is an added layer of responsibility. Here's how to keep your bond intact:
Creating a cat-friendly home furniture setup in New Zealand doesn't require a complete renovation or a wardrobe of slipcovers. It comes down to understanding what your cat needs, including scratching surfaces, climbing spots, cosy beds, and stimulation, and providing those things intentionally so your furniture stops being the default option.
EasyMart stocks everything you need to set up a home that works for both of you: from comfortable cat beds to cat trees and scratching posts, with nationwide NZ delivery and Afterpay available. Shop cat-friendly accessories at EasyMart NZ
What is the best furniture for a cat-friendly home in NZ?|||The most durable options for cat households are microfibre, canvas, leather, and outdoor-grade fabrics. These resist claw damage better than velvet, bouclé, or loose weaves. Pairing durable furniture with dedicated cat furniture such as beds, trees, and scratching posts gives your cat appropriate outlets and reduces the temptation to use your sofa instead.@@@What kind of cat bed do cats actually use?|||Cats are particular about sleeping spots. They tend to prefer beds that feel secure, such as bolster beds with raised sides, enclosed cave-style beds, or beds placed in elevated positions. Warmth matters too. A bed near a sunny window or a heat source is more likely to be used. It sometimes takes a few tries to find the right style for your cat's personality.@@@How do I stop my cat from scratching my furniture?|||The most effective approach is redirection rather than punishment. Place a scratching post directly next to the furniture your cat targets, use a deterrent spray on the furniture itself, and reward your cat when they use the post. Over time, the post becomes the preferred option. Keeping claws trimmed also reduces the damage done during the transition period.@@@Are cat trees worth buying?|||Yes. A good cat tree is one of the best investments you can make for a cat-friendly home. It satisfies climbing, scratching, and perching instincts all in one piece of furniture, which means your cat is less likely to use your bookshelf, curtains, or sofa for the same purposes. Look for a stable base, sisal-wrapped posts, and a height that lets your cat fully stretch.@@@Does EasyMart deliver cat supplies to all of New Zealand?|||Yes. EasyMart offers free shipping on all orders to the NZ mainland. Whether you're in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, or a regional town, your cat beds, trees, and accessories will be delivered nationwide. Afterpay is also available if you'd like to spread the cost across four interest-free payments.@@@
