It's a well-known fact that cats love to explore, and that includes your dresser with its knickknacks that seem like fun toys for your kitty.
A cat tree provides great exercise and hopefully will distract your cat from your shorter dresser. Climbing also gives her a good workout and the opportunity to do a full body stretch!
Why Get a Cat Tree?
- Cats' natural instincts, they love to climb.
- They love to scratch.
You've probably heard the phrase "curiosity killed the cat. Cats want to explore everything, even places they shouldn't. As a result, you may be worried about your pet getting hurt climbing in cabinets and on shelves. A scratching post helps solve this problem by giving your cat her own space to explore.
Scratching furniture is a way for cats to sharpen their claws. You may find this annoying or even unacceptable, but it's a necessary part of their existence. Instead of punishing your cat for her natural instincts, try redirecting her clawing with a special cat tree designed just for her.
Cat trees, commonly known as cat condos or towers, play a pivotal role in the lives of our feline companions. These multi-level cat tree, complete with platforms, dens, scratching posts, and sometimes toys, are designed to enrich a cat's environment. They serve as an ideal space for cats to engage in natural behaviors such as climbing, scratching, and observing their surroundings from a safe, elevated position.
Cat trees combine several important elements that make cats healthier and happier. They can also help protect your furniture from scratching!
How Cat Trees Work？
Cat trees can be simple or elaborate, but they all work in essentially the same way. Typically, cat trees have a wide base and a sturdy stand with outstretched arms. They may also have holes for hiding or tunnels for climbing.
Cats are natural climbers and love to explore. A scratching post gives them a safe and dedicated place to satisfy their climbing instincts. This not only keeps them physically active, but also mentally engaged. A cat tree also serves as a scratching post, protecting your furniture from their sharp claws and reducing the likelihood of damage to your home furnishings.
In addition, a cat tree provides multiple platforms and hiding places where your cat can rest and observe her surroundings, giving her a sense of security and ownership. Cats often crave vertical space, and a well-designed cat tree fulfills this need by allowing them to perch high and watch over their territory. This elevated vantage point not only satisfies their curiosity, but also provides exercise as they jump from level to level.
What’s Your Cat’s Style?
There are many different types of cat trees to consider: some have condos (or small compartments) where cats can hide, some have toys built in, and some are very tall while others are lower to the ground. Don't be overwhelmed! Ask yourself these questions first to narrow down your options:
- Does your cat like heights? Climbing high is an instinct many cats have-but no two cats are exactly alike. So consider your cat's natural tendency to climb furniture and shelves. A cat who likes to hide under the bed might have more fun with a small scratching post that's low to the ground, while a cat who always perches on the highest surface in the room would thrive in a tall scratching post.
- Is Your Cat a Scratcher? Most cats really enjoy scratching, but it's not a "one size fits all" situation! Some cats like their scratching posts horizontal, while others prefer vertical. Before you invest in a scratching post. Present it to your cat on the floor, at belly level, and at an angle that requires her to stand on her hind legs to scratch. See how your cat interacts with it. Most cats have a preference, and you'll get the best results from your scratching post if it matches your cat's optimal scratching angle.
- How active is your cat? "There are three main factors to consider when making a smart purchase for your cat: health, age and athleticism," says Bloom. Simply put, senior cats are less likely to jump around than kittens and younger adults. A taller scratching post with more space between the levels may be exciting for a younger cat, but intimidating for an older cat. If your older cat suddenly seems disinterested in the scratching post he used to love, it may be time to replace it with a scratching post that better suits his lifestyle, such as a shorter model or one with more ramps or ladders.
- How playful is your cat? Some cats really prefer to be with their humans, but a cat that's good at playing independently will thrive on a scratching post with toys. You can even attach your own toys to a scratching post to make it an ideal play area for your cat.
- How many cats do you have? All roommates fight, and that includes our pets. When animals are fighting, they can block or guard an opening in a scratching post, trapping a cat inside. "So if you have multiple cats or a mix of cats and dogs, make sure your cat tree has both an entrance and an exit," says Bloom. That way, cats have multiple ways to get in and out.
But there are a few things to look for, no matter what type of cat tree you choose. The first is a claw-friendly surface for your cat to grab onto, whether it's sisal, faux fur, faux fleece, or carpet. If your cat tree material doesn't provide good traction, your kitty could slip or fall-and even if she doesn't get hurt, she probably won't feel safe on the tree and is unlikely to use it again.
Factors to consider when choosing a cat tree
Not all cat trees are created equal, and your cat may not like every single cat tree you bring home. The location of a cat tree is very important, but even if you put a not-so-great cat tree in a great location, it won't appeal to your feline friend. So what should you look for in a quality cat tree?
- Safety first.
- Your cat's size and weight.
- Your cat’s age and ability.
- Assess your space.
- Your cat's personality and preferences.
What is the most important feature to look for in a cat tree? Safety. You don't want a tree that's poorly constructed or can't withstand the force of a cat jumping on it. One that's too light on the bottom can tip over easily. Before you bring home a new scratching post (or assemble one if you ordered it online), look for broken parts or parts that could injure your cat. It's worth the price to get a quality cat tree rather than one that's not completely safe or flimsy.
A sturdy and stable cat tree is essential for your cat's safety. Cats come in a variety of sizes, from small to large breeds, so choosing a cat tree that can comfortably accommodate your feline friend is crucial for their enjoyment and safety.
Do you have a kitten or an older cat? A simple scratching post may be more appropriate for your senior cat, who spends more time lounging. A kitten who is more curious may need a more elaborate setup or even multiple trees in your home.
Measure the height and width of the area where you plan to place the cat tree to ensure that it will fit comfortably. Cat trees come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so finding one that fits your space is important for both aesthetic and functional reasons.
Does your cat like to climb, scratch or lounge? Understanding your cat's needs will help you choose the right cat tree with the right features. For example, if your cat loves to scratch, look for a cat tree with multiple scratching posts. If your feline friend enjoys lounging, choose a cat tree with comfortable hammocks or perches.
Which cat tree is the right one for you and your cats?
As you might guess, it depends on a lot of things. Your budget, your space, your cat's preferences, and your aesthetic preferences (yes, there are nice looking cat towers out there) are all important considerations. Also, there are often some exceptions to what I have outlined above. For example, some cats may prefer to hang out on a mid-height perch, or may sometimes go up high but prefer to hang out in a hideaway lower on the tower. Each cat is an individual, so you really need to know your cat.
Conclusion
More than just a source of entertainment for cats, scratching trees offer a number of physical and mental benefits. The different levels and platforms in cat trees encourage cats to jump and climb, promoting physical activity that is essential for their fitness and health. Scratching, an essential behavior for cats, is facilitated by the built-in scratching posts, often made of sisal. Cat trees are an essential addition to any cat-friendly home. They address multiple aspects of a cat's life, from satisfying instinctual needs to providing a space for exercise and mental stimulation. For cat owners, these structures offer practical solutions for protecting their furniture and maintaining a harmonious living space. Ultimately, cat trees are a testament to the understanding and care that cat owners provide for their pets, reflecting a deep awareness of the importance of a stimulating and fulfilling living environment for cats.
