Do you find yourself questioning as to why your feline companion enjoys sitting on their cat towers and trees for hours as they view the outside world or even sleep on top of the said furniture? Cat trees are not only an odd piece set in the house but serve several of our furry friend’s’s natural instincts making them appealing to most cats. Knowing the reasons behind their appreciation of these structures can enable you in selecting the ideal cat tree and enhance the quality of your pet. Let us unravel the perspective of the cat trees and the necessity they possess in a house with pets.
1. To Climb and To Sit Up High
Cats are an innate climbing species; leopards and cougars, which are their larger cousins, do so in order to observe their prey, avoid threats, or even just find a spot to lie down in trees. This activity is retained by house cats and can be easily provided with cat trees alleviating the need to climb.
“Climbing a tree” so to say, doling a sense of security to your cat by supervising its top to help control their instinct of being up highly due to the safety that comes with it as well as the advantage to observe their territory while surveilling anything that happens.
Benefits of Climbing Cat Trees
- Safety: Cats in Elevated Positions feel more relaxed and less stressed .
- Exercise: Muscle development for a feline is best done by most when they climb a cat tower .
- Mental Stimulation: Cats are curious creatures. Towers keep them occupied as high places serve as the best view stands .
Consider this: a cat that sits on the top level, wrapping its tail around its body as it overlooks the house. This is not just a casual sight; in fact, when cats have their ancestors who were predators in mind, this behavior makes so much more sense. The cat trees assist with these behaviors, allowing for the pet to exercise in the confined area since the outdoors is not safe for it.
Tip: With the cat tree positioned next to a window, your feline friend can be further entertained by watching birds, squirrels or even cars driving by. Its like “cat television” for them.
2. Territory and Personal Space of a Feline Friend
Cats have a habit of fighting for their own territory hence they require areas which can give them a sense of ownership. Its one’s own sense of security and self-sufficiency therefore a cat tree has many layers and places where it can play or rest or even hide. It’s More than just a sleeping spot, with a sshaped-back or a snuggling corner or a parallel snuggling cat back, it’s a personal space for security purposes.
In families with multiple cats, it becomes easy for them to fight each other over territory when there’s a lack of space; however, a cat tree allows these fights to be avoided, as this provides each cat with sections that they can own which relieves any tension between them. Cat trees also allow one to efficiently use the space available as it is built vertically meaning it does not take up too much area.
Pro Tip: For families with multiple cats, it is recommended to buy a multi-level cat tree so that every cat can get their own platform. Models with different shaped platforms and hideaways are optimal as some cats do not prefer being on open platforms.
Key Features to Look for in Cat Trees Based on Cat Behavior
| Cat Behavior | Cat Tree Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Loves climbing | Tall, multi-level platforms | Satisfies climbing instincts |
| Territorial | Multiple perches | Allows each cat their own space |
| Likes to hide | Enclosed cubbies | Creates a safe, private space |
| Energetic/playful | Hanging toys, ropes | Encourages play and exercise |
3. Scratching: A Must for Claw Maintenance
A cat tree also comes with the useful equipment of a scratching post which every cat is guaranteed to enjoy. Cats have a natural instinct to mark their territory with their paws and by using a scratching post, they are able to keep their claws sharp and healthy while at the same time enjoying their chores. By having a cat tree, the need to scratch furniture is eliminated, while at the same time giving the cat a place to scratch whenever they feel like it.
Benefits of Scratching Posts:
- Health: Regularly scratching strengthens a cat’s claws, which is crucial for the health of each cat.
- Exercise: Scratching helps a cats muscles in their back and shoulders.
- Mental Well-being: Helps a cat feel at ease by satisfying the urge to assert her dominance thus reducing associated stress and anxiety.
A cat has fixation over its territory and scratching is one of the means for a cat to claim that territory. When a cat scratches a post, cats make visual or scent marks on the post; this is innate behavior passed down from their wild ancestors. Installing a specially designed cat tree with sufficient number of posts and boards are ideal for addressing this behavior in a more active manner.
Tip: Choose Specific Cat Trees With Scratchers Designed From Sisal Rope Or Carpeting Itself Concludes Effective Scratching.
4. To Add More Stimulation and Active Engagement
As simple as it may sound, Southeastern Lions are typical cats, which means they can get bored pretty quickly unless they spend their mental and physical energies in an active engagement. Cats can also be easily entertained with cat trees that have attached toys, hanging ropes and tunnel that cats love. Not to mention, its also fun for them to climb, jump, and maneuver around. The vertical structure also enables the manufacturing of the essential mental and physical development of a cat in the process.
Furniture and other decorative items around the house may not be safe from a cat’s scratching instinct when it does get bored. Without indulging too much, its safe to say that a well built strong cat tree can mask the potential ddestructive behavior a cat has by allowing the tapping of a dangling toy or the chasing of a tunnel.
Cat Tree – Selection Criteria
- Tunnels and Hideouts: Hiding is a natural instinct for cats – they may hide to seek solace or even launch a sneak attack on it’s to toys.
- Active Play Sessions: Attached toys or loose ropes can also serve their purpose in arousing interest and making the climber more active.
- Different Levels: More platforms allow for more climbing and thus, more exercise is an additional bonus.
- Robust Structure: An adequately heavy and well constructed cat tree makes it possible for the cat to play and sleep peacefully without the worries of getting toppled over.
How Cat Trees Promote Mental and Physical Health
| Feature | Mental Benefits | Physical Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Climbing platforms | Stimulates hunting instincts | Improves agility and balance |
| Scratching posts | Reduces stress and anxiety | Strengthens muscles |
| Toys and ropes | Engages curiosity | Encourages active play |
| Hideaways and cubbies | Provides mental comfort | Offers a safe retreat |
5. Comfort and Relaxation
Having their needs of climbing and scratching fulfilled wouldn’t be all as they’d also seek for a cat tree for getting restful naps. For an average adult cat, sleep lasts around 12 to 16 hours a day, thus having raised sleeping places would mean allowing them to doze off whilst feeling secure as well. While the cat tree is sure to contain places where the pets will want to lay and snooze, such areas may be lower on the structure allowing them to gain a vantage point and providing a slightly quieter place for them to rest.
When they are lifting either throughout the day or through their routines, cats tend to do so in locations they find safe and take pleasure in doing so. Installing a cat tree to any particular location more so at sunny areas can guarantee that spot is a point of reference for the cats. Most cat tree platforms are covered with soft padding or very soft fabric. These fabrics add to the levels of comfort, while the enclosed spaces around them are a parody of a den and act to serve the purpose of giving the cat security.
Comfort Features to Consider:
- Soft Padding: The layers that are soft enough aids with sound sleep which most cats infringe.
- Enclosed Spaces: Dens are at times too boring for cats. Some will prefer leaping into dimes and cocooning on soft furry fabric placed on the structure.
- Sturdy Design: The structure must possess the quality of being strong and absorbing any shock to achieve stability as the cat moves on top of it.
6. Building Confidence for Shy Cats
For a shy or anxious cat, this type of ass which is a cat tree can get tremendously useful. It has height and multiple notches on which the cats can sit back and rest which doesn’t expose them to overwhelming stimuli. Gradually, with the aid of the security through the cat tree, as they start feeling safe, they eventually begin expanding their territory around the house.
Offering a high hiding place to a shy cat that feels safe enables them to observe from a distance while building their confidence. This is especially useful when introducing other cats into a family as the newcomer would prefer a position where they can see without being exposed to danger.
Tip: For shy cats, try to position the cat tree away from the noise in the house while giving them a view of the frequently used living rooms.
Final Thoughts:
Cat trees are much more than furniture; they are one of the important accessories that address the majority of a cat’s needs. From a feeling of security and ownership as well as the need for physical and mental activity, cat trees can contribute a lot to the cat’s well-being. When selecting a cat tree, focus on your cat’s needs – are they eager to climb, scratch, or conceal themselves? These clues will aid in choosing the specific cat tree which they will appreciate the most.
Ready to make your cat’s day? Check out our curated list of the best cat trees for every type of feline, from the adventurous climber to the laid-back lounger. Click here to explore now!
