---
title: "Home Renovations and Your Cat: Keeping Your Sanity"
description: "Minimize stress and protect your cat's safety during home remodeling and construction with designated safe zones and calming routines."
date: "2019-01-28T05:53:52Z"
author: "Just Cats Clinic"
image: "/img/aaeba1e0"
canonical: "/home-renovations-and-your-cat-keeping-your-sanity/"
---

# Home Renovations and Your Cat: Keeping Your Sanity


It's no secret that home renovations and projects can be stressful for everyone involved, but there is a way to keep
your pets safe and keep your own sanity during the process.

## Determine the Scope of the Project in Terms of Length to Completion and Space Needed

Knowing this upfront—and it is probably best to add a few days at least onto the estimated timeframe—will help you
adjust things for your cat and hopefully avoid stress behaviors. Space is important because it will determine if your
cat can stay at home while renovations are ongoing. Is it just in the kitchen? Can that area be blocked off? Is it a
bathroom upstairs only? Is it the whole house? In cases where it is only part of the house, attempt to block off that
area to your cat. This way they still have the illusion of the run of the house, but without the risk of being let out
or getting hurt. In cases where most of the house will be under construction, it might be best to arrange for daycare or
boarding depending on the timeframe.

![Autumn and Django staying in cat boarding accommodations](/img/491f0372)

## Recognize What Your Cat's Stress Factors Are

Does your cat enjoy meeting new people, or do they hide? Do they spook at loud noises? No matter the project, it is
likely to be loud and involve several people that your cat is not used to. If possible, set up an area as far away in
your home as possible from the project—think a bedroom, large bathroom, etc.—to help minimize how much they hear or
see. However, some cats become more stressed when they are isolated in the house or stuck in a bedroom, so make sure you
determine what will benefit your cat the most.

![Safe room setup prepared with comfortable cat amenities and bedding](/img/1a1abd49)

## Set Your Cat Up for Success and Keep Them Safe

If you opt to set your cat up in a bedroom or bathroom, make sure to make it a safe and comfortable space that meets
their needs. Include a litter box, comfy bedding, a toy, a hiding place, a place that is high up and not the floor, a
Feliway diffuser, water, and food (if at mealtime). It is important to include a hiding place so if they are scared by a
noise, they have space to feel secure. Some cats prefer to go high up when they get nervous, so offering them a piece of
furniture or a shelf—even a cleaned-off sink countertop in a bathroom—can help.

To create a hiding place, you can nook bedding behind furniture, get a covered cat bed, or create your own. My favorite
is to take a kitchen or four-legged desk chair and place bedding underneath it. Then drape a lightweight blanket over
the top to create a tent. Another option that is easy and effective is a cardboard box! We all know kitties love boxes,
but they can actually help reduce stress. Whatever method you use, make sure to spray bedding with Feliway spray and put
a treat or two down for a surprise.

![Cat resting comfortably inside a cardboard box hiding space](/img/d4e73a93)

## Know the Risks

The scariest part of having your cat at home while a project is going on is the risk of them escaping. If you have an
indoor-only cat, they may dart out an open door and be too scared to come back because of the strangers and noise.

Always opt for the safest solution, even if it will not make your cat the happiest. For example, if you are having
hardwood floors put in your whole house, daycare may be the safest and best option for your cat even if they are a
little stressed at the boarding facility.

![Cat relaxing safely on a high wall shelf away from household commotion](/img/944d8c52)

For cats that are going to stay at home, watch out for signs of stress including gastrointestinal upset, inappropriate
urination or bowel movements, hiding even after the workers have gone, not eating, and even aggression. If you suspect
any of these symptoms, contact your vet.

If you have an upcoming project and want to learn more about safe and de-stressing options for your cat, contact Just
Cats Clinic.