Why is a cat tree essential to your cat's well-being?

A cat tree is important for your cat's well-being. This structure is essential in any home, especially if several pets live there. Cat trees are used as a solution for many behavioural problems, such as cat-on-cat aggression, urine marking and general anxiety. How can a simple cat tree be so beneficial?

Cats are climbers

You've probably noticed that your cat always tries to climb everywhere. Whether it's climbing onto the kitchen table, the armchair, the bookcase, the top of the cupboards or the fridge, they love to be high up. And why is that?

Cats are predators as well as prey

Height is one of the defining aspects of a cat's life. In nature, cats are at the centre of the food pyramid, meaning they are both predator and prey. Perched high above the ground, they can monitor their surroundings to identify potential prey and dangerous predators. As many of their predators cannot climb trees, cats feel safe when they are high up.

Although your cat doesn't have to worry about chasing prey or protecting themselves from predators in your home, their instincts tell them to position themselves high up to look for potential dangers better. If they have to share the house with a dog, install a cat tree in one of the main rooms of the house to keep them safe. That way, they'll know they can take refuge there if they're scared or need some peace, knowing full well that the dog won't be able to reach them. As a result, you'll have a less anxious cat who enjoys wandering around the house.

What's more, if you have a more nervous or fearful pet, a cat tree is a safe place, allowing them to see what they perceive as danger coming.

Also read: Understanding fear and anxiety in cats: causes and solutions

A better sharing of space

It's not just because they are predators and prey that cats like to perch in high places. In multi-cat households, cats compete for the highest spot in the room (provided their physical condition and age allow it). If there aren't enough high places to go around, they may get aggressive with each other.

A cat tree is therefore essential when several cats live together, especially if they have to share a small space such as an apartment, as it considerably increases the height of the environment. It gives each cat their climbing level and reduces conflicts and fights between them.

How to choose the right cat tree?

Now that you understand the importance of a cat tree for your felines, choosing the right one to meet their needs is vital. How do you go about it?

Height

The most important quality of a cat tree is its height. The higher it is, the better your cat can monitor its environment. Moreover, as tall cat trees have several levels, they can accommodate multiple cats simultaneously, depending on their rank on the dominance scale.

Structure

The best cat trees offer different options or paths to reach the highest landing. A good design will enable a cat to reach the top landing without having to dislodge or disturb the cat occupying a lower landing, thus avoiding unnecessary confrontations.

Stability

The cat tree's stability is also a sought-after quality. A cat needs to feel secure and to escape quickly without the cat tree falling on him. So, look for a large base to support the tree's structure.

Multifonction

Many cat trees also have rope-covered posts for your cat to claw on. By opting for this type of structure, you'll also have a scratching post that your cat will love. Your cat tree will fulfil two essential functions for your kitty's well-being!

Also read: What to do when your cat is scratching your furniture

Where to put the cat tree?

Once you've purchased a cat tree, you must place it in the right spot to play its role effectively. You'll need to install it in such a way as to offer your cats the best overall view of the room and its entrance. Windows and patio doors are always popular locations, allowing cats to observe what's happening outside.

By placing your cat tree in front of a window or patio door, you may even be able to solve problems of urine marking or redirected aggression caused by your cat's frustration at seeing a cat outside. Being up high, your pet will feel in control of the situation.

What to do if your cat doesn't use their cat tree?

Get your cat used to their new cat tree by putting a little catnip on the various landings. You can also place their food at the foot of the tree or on one of the landings. If a cat tree remains unused for more than 5 days, you haven't found the right place for your cat to adopt it. Move it to another location until it's used.

In short, if you have several pets in the house, if your cat is always looking for height or is anxious, give them a cat tree to satisfy their instincts!

Choose the right cat tree: