Domestic cats are descended from wild ones. In the wild, cats love to climb trees and other natural structures. From the top, they can survey their kingdom and keep an eye out for would-be prey as well as intruders.
In a domestic setting, however, these climbing instincts can become a problem if they don’t have an outlet for them. An answer comes in the form of a cat tree. This is a miniature climbing structure designed to provide all of the stimulation that comes from a real tree.
Why Cat Trees Are Essential for Every Life Stage
Cat trees provide physical exercise, as well as mental stimulation. They’ll allow your cat to indulge in natural behaviours, like scratching, without damaging your furniture. They also tend to be slightly safer than real trees – which can provide additional security for older cats and for very young ones.
Of course, there’s a considerable variety of cat trees available. You’ll want to pick one that’s appropriate for your cat. That, for the most part, means bearing their age and weight in mind.
Choosing the Best Cat Tree for Kittens
It’s natural for kittens to want to explore. But climbing too high can put them at risk of injury – and there’s every chance that they might not take full advantage of a larger cat tree (at least in the short term).
Pick out something with low, padded platforms and built-in toys that can provide stimulation. According to the Blue Cross, kittens will quickly outgrow a scratching post that’s too small – so, if in doubt, go for something slightly larger than you think you need.
Adult Cats: Balancing Play and Relaxation
Adult cats are reasonably energetic, too – but they also like to relax in a place they perceive to be safe. This might mean selecting a tree that offers high platforms, from which the entire room can be seen – or safe little hideaways to which your cat can retreat when they’re feeling overwhelmed. Scratching posts should be durable – the cheap ones will tend to disintegrate quickly, which means you’ll end up spending more in the long term.
Cat Trees for Senior Cats: Accessibility and Comfort
Older cats tend to have the most particular requirements when it comes to trees. They might suffer from mobility issues, which can make it more difficult for them to climb a tree. On the other hand, you might still want to encourage climbing behaviour, in order to keep them active as they age. Pick out a tree that’s easy to climb, and stable enough that the whole thing isn’t at risk of toppling – since this could cause a significant injury.
Space-Saving Options for Small Homes and Flats
If you don’t have the room to accommodate a full-size tree, then you might instead consider one of the smaller options. Compact designs can fill a small space. Look, ideally, to make best use of the available space, and to invest in trees that serve multiple purposes. If the tree is a gym for your cat and a bed as well, it might not need to be as big.
How to Train Your Cat to Use the Cat Tree
In many cases, you might present your cat with the tree only to be ignored. Be patient. Encourage your cat to climb by placing treats on the upper levels of the tree. Make sure that it’s located somewhere visually stimulating, too – ideally with a good view, and plenty of natural light. Tall windows are an ideal location.
Leave a Reply