Feng Shui for Felines

We asked Cynthia Chomos, feng shui expert, catio designer, and founder of Catio Spaces, for an easy to implement plan to make sure your home has good chi where your cats are concerned. Cynthia has been a feng shui consultant for over 20 years and is passionate about design, nature, and cats; she’s an expert in creating positive energy for the feline-inclusive home. Here, she tells us how to get that good energy flowing for harmony in the household and happy cats.

What is Feng Shui?  

Feng Shui is the Chinese art of placement and a design system to create harmonious living spaces based on “chi” energy, the life force that exists in all things, both animate and inanimate. Pets add positive energy to our homes and lives. Cats, in particular, are highly sensitive to their surroundings.

Feng Shui Tips to Create Positive Chi for Your Feline:

1. Find the Power Spot

Power spots for cats (and their humans) are located away from the entrance into a room and out of direct alignment with the door, near a wall that provides support from behind when seated or lounging, and with a commanding view of their territory. Choose and place cat furniture based on power spots in your home and your feline’s comfort zone—do they like to be up high in a cat tree or low to the ground in a dome shelter or box, or both? In the kitchen or feeding area, avoid placing the food bowl in the traffic flow of family members or other household pets as it can startle and upset your cat’s digestion when eating. Choose a serene feeding area for health and well-being.

2. Yin + Yang Energy

Chi energy is both yin (restful) and yang (stimulating). A cozy bed in a quiet room or Zen space supports a leisurely catnap and also provides a safety zone away from chi disturbances, including loud noises, remodeling, the vacuum cleaner, or unfamiliar people. To stimulate yang energy for your cat, offer daily playtime and a shelf or perch near a window with natural light, the warmth of the sun, and birdwatching. A catio, or “cat patio” enclosure, provides a safe and enriching space for your cat to enjoy both physical and mental stimulation while outdoors.

3. Litter Box Placement + Odours

Bathrooms can be a convenient place to locate the litter box, however, if the door is left open it can negatively impact household finances by creating a “chi leak” through the drains, toilet, and shower. Water relates to money energy so keep the bathroom door closed and add a stylish cat door for access. Other litter box locations include the laundry room or a room where the litter box is out of direct view, camouflaged with cat-safe plants or located inside furniture. Be sure to keep the air in your home fresh with an air purifier, aromatherapy, or open the windows enough to let air in (just be sure you have quality screens so your cat doesn’t escape!)

4. Water Fountains + Faucets

The flow and sound of a water fountain creates vitality and enhances the energy of a home. Consider adding a drinking water fountain for your cat in the career (north) or wealth (southeast) area of your home (avoid bedrooms), or in another room in the vicinity of, but not next to, your cat’s food bowl. Be sure to keep the water clean to avoid stagnant chi and adjust the water level to create a pleasant water sound. Avoid a dripping faucet for your cat to play with—leaking water drains remove vital energy from your home and can affect emotions, health, and finances. The Swan Fountain ($40, pioneerpet.com)

5. Balance is Key

A harmonious home for your cat is clean, clutter-free, feline-friendly and provides a consistent routine and sense of security while meeting basic needs, such as food, water, shelter and elimination. Daily playtime is essential for human and feline bonding and to keep your cat stimulated and happy while reducing unwanted behaviours that could cause stress for yourself and family members. Be mindful of guests visiting your home. Keep cat hair on the sofa under control with a blanket or throw that can be removed before guests arrive. Choose cat décor in colours and styles that complement your home for visually appealing and harmonious surroundings.

Lastly, don’t let your cat dominate your life and personal relationships. If you have four cats sleeping on your bed and no room for a romantic partner, your relationship energy is definitely blocked! And remember, your personal chi affects both your cat’s chi and the energy of your home. Keep your life in balance with good self-care and care for your beloved feline family members.

May positive energy flow as you create a feline-friendly and harmonious home.

+ Cynthia Chomos lives in Seattle with her adorable cat Serena (who has four catios). You can contact Cynthia at CatioSpaces.com.

Need some ideas for how to enrich your cat’s environment? Check out our 9 easy ways here!