KittyNook is a huge believer in providing cats with high-quality vertical space. Stimulating and safe vertical spaces can work wonders in keeping cats from being bored and helping them get along better with each other (and you). Along with adequate food and shelter, we’d rank vertical space as one of the most basic needs a cat owner should seek to fulfill.
The Importance Of Being Up High
Think about it—you’ll rarely find a healthy cat resting on the ground in the wild. Whenever they can, they seek higher ground (or a hidey-hole).
Being up high allows cats to survey their surroundings from a comfortable distance without the fear of ambush by enemy forces and other rogue cats. (If you’re a cat owner, you know how neurotic cats can be. I think Their skittish paranoia is part of their weird charm.)
Vertical space also dramatically increases your home’s cat-friendly real estate, expanding your cat’s domain and cutting down on the possibility of turf wars between stressed-out kitties. It also provides them with a passive source of exercise (and the motivation to do more of it) since fat kitties don’t get prime perches.
That said, I’ve heard all the usual excuses: cat trees are an eyesore, expensive, and make me look crazy. My cats don’t need furniture; they’re perfectly content destroying all of mine.
To try to change your mind, KittyNook has the best (and coolest) cat vertical space solutions for every budget and aesthetic. From stylish and streamlined to innovative DIYs, creating a cat-happy home is much easier (and prettier) than you think. Check out our selection of cat trees here.
The Benefits of Cat Trees for Your Cat
Cat trees offer more than just enjoyable, decorative cat furniture for your home. They deliver numerous physical and mental advantages for your cat, making them overall healthy and content. Here are more reasons why your cat will appreciate having a cat tree:
Exercise and Energy Outlet
Similar to humans, cats require daily physical activity and mental stimulation to maintain their health. If they do not have a suitable way to release their built-up energy, they may become uninterested, inactive, and potentially destructive.
Regular exercise also aids in preventing obesity, which can cause additional health issues as your cat ages.
Comfort and Security
Stressed, shy, or cautious cats find comfort in cat trees, where they can climb, relax, and observe the world from a safe distance at their own pace. For cats that prefer more security, there are cat trees with covered condos or cubbies to help them feel safe and confident.
Safety and Stress Management for Multi-Pet Households
If there’s a dog or more than one cat in your home, tense situations can arise quickly, particularly if your cat doesn’t have a way to escape. Even if your pets get along well, it’s unlikely that they’ll want to be in each other’s company all the time.
A cat tree offers vertical space for your pets to distance themselves from each other while still sharing the same space. This helps ensure all pets stay safe and calm.
Mental Enrichment
Your cat can enjoy the physical advantages of climbing and leaping on the cat tree and reaping mental health benefits.
While perched on its cat tree, your cat can observe birds outside the window, stimulating its natural hunting instincts and giving it hours of entertainment.
Furthermore, cat trees serve as scratching posts, with many featuring attached enrichment toys to provide additional opportunities for play and engagement.
Space-Saving Furniture
Cats perceive space more vertically. Small apartments can seem cramped and not spacious enough for a cat to be content. Fortunately, cat trees offer increased vertical space for cats to wander and play on, transforming a compact apartment into an exciting jungle for them to explore.
Somewhere to Sleep
Cats spend most of their time sleeping, and although they can sleep almost anywhere, it’s beneficial to offer them various sleeping options, such as a cozy cat blanket on the windowsill or a comfortable cat bed.
As mentioned earlier, cats prefer to be up high, so if possible, it’s a good idea to provide them with a sleeping place above the ground. The Multi-Level Cat Condo for Large Cats has an extremely comfortable hammock and a private felt shelter where they can snuggle up.
Natural Urge to Climb
It’s common for cats to have a natural inclination to seek higher ground. The journey upward is just as significant as reaching the top. Cats have an innate desire to climb, so providing a safe environment for them to do so is crucial.
You can pick a cat tree to suit your cat’s age and physical capabilities. For older or less adventurous cats, you can begin with low steps and gradually increase the height. For more energetic and daring cats, you can create a system that meets their climbing needs.
Entertainment
A climbing tree isn’t only a spot for your cat to perch and observe the surroundings; it can also provide ample entertainment. When selecting a cat tree, ensure that it has features that will engage your pet, whether scratching posts, cat toys, or intriguing climbing options.
Bird Watching
We previously mentioned that cats are prey animals, but as you likely know, they are also natural hunters. If you have an outdoor cat, you may frequently receive presents in the form of deceased birds and rodents at your door. However, the hunt is often the most enjoyable aspect for a cat. Cats, even those with no intention or possibility of catching prey, thoroughly relish spying on and attempting to sneak up on smaller animals.
If your cat spends time outdoors, whether freely wandering or in a personalized catio, it will appreciate having a secure, high vantage point from which to observe birds in the yard. An outdoor free-form cat tree can be an ideal way to provide this opportunity.
Different Cat Trees for Your Cats (and Homes!)
The Classical Cat Tree
Everyone knows the carpeted cat tree with sisal legs. It’s the workhorse in cat vertical space: comfy and functional but hardly pleasing to the eye. But still, there’s something cozy and homey about these, no? And cats sure dig them.
Modern Cat Trees
Here’s where it gets a little more fun. These pieces add a lot of style to a cat tree’s functionality and should elicit more than an “Oh..I see you have cats” from your guests. (Expect something more like, “Is that a cat thing? It’s kind of… awesome.”)
Wall Mounted Cat Cities
Perhaps my favorite vertical kitty space solution is cat shelves. They’re just so incredibly versatile, not to mention super epic-looking. Plus, they don’t take up any floor space and can double as modern art. (That statement is hardly a satire—have you seen some of the stuff that passes for art these days?)
It’s like having a giant cat aquarium in your living room. Or a cutaway ant farm, except cuddlier. It’s a cat lover’s dream to design the most badass cat wall jungle gym ever (and post constant pictures of its progress). And it’s for a reason.
Individual Shelves
For something a little less intense, there are smaller, standalone pieces your cat can still enjoy perching at!
DIY
As many cat owners know, spending a lot of money to make your cats happy is unnecessary. Despite being dignified creatures, cats are quite low maintenance. You can find DIY solutions for creating vertical space for your cats, ranging from easy to creative.
Factors to Consider When You Buy a Cat Tree
Not all cat trees are created equal, and there is a range of sizes and designs to select from. Your choice of tree will depend on what is most suitable for your cat, your household, and your budget.
Here are three factors you should consider when selecting your cat tree.
Your Cat’s Age
Your cat’s age and physical condition will significantly influence the type of cat tree you select.
Younger, more active cats may prefer a taller cat tree with space for climbing and jumping, while an older cat might struggle with multiple platforms. If you have an older cat, consider choosing a shorter cat tree with only one or two platforms.
Your Cat’s Size
The larger your feline, the more space it will require for climbing, resting, or stretching on its cat tower.
If you own a bigger breed, such as a Maine Coon, a larger cat tower with broader compartments will be the more suitable choice to ensure they feel as content as possible. Similarly, a smaller cat may prefer a smaller, more snug cat tower.
Your Cat’s Personality
Certain cats enjoy climbing and like to observe their surroundings from high vantage points, while others prefer to relax in enclosed spaces closer to the ground.
If your cat enjoys observing from lower levels, shorter cat trees or ones with more enclosed spaces would be the ideal choice. A tall, intricate cat tree will provide more excitement if you have a daring cat that loves to climb.
How to Choose the Right Cat Tree
Take your cat’s age and capabilities into account. Do you have a young cat or an older one? A basic tree might suit your older cat, who prefers to lounge around. A curious young cat will need a more complex setup, possibly multiple trees around your home.
Evaluate the available space. Cat trees can vary in size and complexity. If you have room for a larger tree, it will be a worthwhile investment for your pet. Young cats will establish habits early on, and as they grow into larger cats, they will need more space.
Consider your cat’s preferences. Have you observed your cat being attracted to specific materials, such as rope or cardboard? Does your pet like to scratch or climb? Choose a cat tree that meets their individual needs. Cat tree materials include carpet, fabric, cardboard, and rope. Offering a variety of surfaces will keep them engaged since not all cats have the same preferences.
Safety is crucial. Ensure that your cat tree is not easily tipped. The force from jumping, climbing, and scratching during playtime can cause an unstable cat tree to wobble.
How Cat Trees Work
Cat trees, whether simple or complex, all function in the same basic way. Typically, they consist of a sturdy stand with extended arms and a broad base. Some may include hiding holes or climbing tunnels.
Owning a cat tree can benefit both you and your feline friend. It allows you to redirect your cat’s clawing and climbing to designated toys, preventing damage to your home. Additionally, it provides a safe outlet for your cat to fulfill their instincts for clawing and climbing.
Remember that despite having a cat tree, your cat may still scratch furniture and climb on other surfaces. Instead of punishing your pet, it’s best to focus on redirecting these behaviors.
Encouraging Your Cat to Enjoy Their Cat Tree
When making your home cat-friendly, try to think from a cat’s perspective. Where can your cat enjoy the best views in your home? Where is the sunshine the most beautiful? You will probably have the most success by positioning your cat tree against a wall, close to a window, or in a corner. Cats enjoy corners because they feel secure if their backs are against a wall.
Promote their enjoyment of it. If your cat seems hesitant initially, get some catnip and sprinkle it on. Many cats can’t resist catnip, and being near the scent will help your pet relax and feel more comfortable exploring their new cat tree. Offer plenty of love and praise to help them settle into their new space.
Direct their attention elsewhere. When they begin scratching other furniture, pick them up and place them near the tree without making them stay there. Once again, give them plenty of praise and affection on the cat tree so that they associate it with positive experiences. It might take some time, but soon, your cat will be drawn to their new tree and away from your furniture.
Introduce some variety. As time passes, the cat tree may become less enticing to your cat. Consider moving it to make a different side accessible or relocating the tree to another room. You might even want to buy a few cat trees for your pet in different rooms around the house.
Cats have an instinct to climb high. In the wild, the natural choice would be a tree. But do domestic felines use cat trees that lack bark and branches?
If your cat is still reluctant to use their new climbing area, try sprinkling catnip or placing a few delicious treats on its shelves. You can also encourage your cat with a wand toy close to the area, encouraging them to hop onto the tree.
Give your cat a couple of days. Cats are known to be cautious around new items, and chances are high that they’ll find themselves relaxing on them within a week. Just remember that it’s not difficult to make your cats content.
Even if you don’t invest in a modern cat highway system, just positioning a bookshelf or armchair strategically can make a big difference in making your cats feel more secure, relaxed, and involved in their environment. This is particularly crucial if your cats are indoor pets since ensuring that their surroundings are sufficiently stimulating and enriching is vital. I highly recommend it.
Where to Put a Cat Climbing Tree
A standard cat tree is usually placed indoors, often in a living room or spare room where your cat enjoys spending time. Even if you own an outdoor cat, it likely spends a substantial amount of time indoors, so it’s essential to plant it with a space to play and unwind.
Indoor cats, who may not receive the same level of activity and mental stimulation, almost require a cat climber for their overall well-being. Of course, there are smaller and less intricate trees for pets not fond of climbing. However, it’s always important to ensure that the tree enables your cat to fulfill as many of their instincts as possible, whether through scratching opportunities or secluded resting spots.
For cats that enjoy the great outdoors in a balcony catio, adding a climbing frame to the enclosure can provide them with more stimulation and physical activity.
This is particularly beneficial if your cat prefers to stay within the confines of the garden but still enjoys climbing and playing above ground.
Does Your Cat Need a Cat Tree for Health and Happiness? The Verdict
Indeed, most cats would be delighted to have a cat tree in their environment. A suitable tree will permit cats to satisfy many of their innate behaviors – such as climbing, scratching, hiding, and resting. It can be a fantastic enhancement for your feline companion and offer limitless enjoyment, provided you select the appropriate cat tree.
Your feline doesn’t necessarily need a cat tree to thrive. However, providing them with outlets to express their natural behaviors, like scratching, climbing, and hiding, is vital. A cat tree offers a secure and designated space for these activities.
If the cost or size of cat trees doesn’t work for you, alternative ways exist to enrich your cat’s environment. Purchasing a cat tree isn’t a must; instead, you can incorporate other items in your home to meet their needs. For instance, installing simple wall shelves to create vertical space, and staggering the shelves to allow your cat to climb from one to the next. Additionally, window perches provide a favored vantage point for your cat to observe the outside world without taking up much space.
Providing an appropriate surface for scratching is also crucial. A small but sturdy scratching post is a great alternative without a cat tree.
