Do cats use cat trees?
by Admin
Posted on 17-10-2023 04:54 PM
The typical cat
tree
is placed indoors, normally in a living room or spare room where your cat likes spending time. Even if you have an outdoor cat, they probably spend quite a lot of time indoors, and it's a good idea to give them somewhere to play and relax. For indoor cats, who don't get the same amount of exercise and stimulation, a cat climber is almost a must for their well-being and mental health.
Omlet's freestyle indoor cat tree is the ideal solution. These completely customizable cat trees provide hours of fun and gives cat owners the possibility to create a space that truly fits their pet.
Consider your cat’s age and ability. Do you have a kitten or a senior cat? a simple tree may be more appropriate for your senior cat who spends more time lounging. A kitten who has more curiosity needs a more elaborate setup or even multiple trees around your house. Assess your space. Cat trees may be small or elaborate. If you have space for a larger tree, the investment will be worth it for your pet. Kittens will build habits early and grow up to become larger cats who seek more space. Think about your cat’s likes. Do you notice any particular materials that your cat is drawn to, like rope or cardboard? is your pet more apt to claw or climb? choose a cat tree designed to fulfill their specific needs.
A cat tree (also referred to as a cat tree house, cat condo, kitty condo, cat stand, cat post "catbox" or cat tower) is an artificial structure for a cat to play , exercise, relax and sleep on. Cat trees vary in height and complexity, with most cats preferring features offering height over comfort, particularly if tall enough to allow a clear survey of their territory. Some cats prefer options which offer shelter or a secluded escape, which may be at any height of the structure. Conventional cat tree designs are of a floor-based solid structure, composed of square-shaped sheets of particle board (as platforms, boxes and enclosed structures) combined with wooden studs and planks (used as elevators or stairs), with exteriors and interiors typically covered with carpet.
Should I get my cat a tree?
Condos or scratchers? hammocks or ramps? cat trees come in about as many varieties as, well, actual trees. So how do you pick the best cat tree? does your kitty really need one?
yes, says irith bloom, cat and dog trainer and certified behavior consultant with the sophisticated dog in los angeles, california.
Cats instinctively gravitate to high perches “to see more, because they predators,” she says. “however, they are also prey animals who feel vulnerable on the ground, and may be more comfortable up high, even if there isn’t an immediate threat. ”cat trees also give your cat a space that is completely their own.
“all cats need access to important environmental resources, including food, water, litter boxes, rest and sleep areas, and elevated areas or perches,” like those cat trees provide, says michelle meyer, dvm, a veterinarian and president of the american association of feline practitioners. “these are known as the five pillars of a healthy feline environment. Meeting your cat’s environmental needs can help to avoid stressors that could initiate unwanted behavioral or medical consequences. ”while experts say it’s possible to create an environment that will provide all of a cat’s needs without buying a cat tree, they are a convenient way to check a lot of boxes with a single product.
Cat trees, scratchers, towers, perches — they go by many names (and they serve many functions). Admittedly, cat trees aren’t always the prettiest cat accessory. They can be costly and take up a lot of room. Are they worth the expense and space? in most cases, the answer is a resounding “yes!”.
Why cats love trees
Indoor cats benefit from having a perch to climb and play on. If you can, place the cat tree in front of a window (aka. Cat tv). This will allow kitty to watch the great out doors. Cat trees can also double as large scratching posts and sometimes come with attached dangle toys and other fun stuff your cat will love. A cat tree can be another fun toy to incorporate into your cat’s routine.
If your cat loves to lounge, you may want to consider a cat tree with a few different platforms and boxes for them to catnap in. When choosing a cat tree, be sure to consider the size of the boxes/platforms relative to the size of your cat. If your cat is a little pudgy, he may not feel comfortable squeezing into tiny spaces. The vesper v-double cat tree might be a good purchase for your box-loving cat. Trees for your senior cats if you've got a senior cat, you might not need as much room for them to roam. For your senior, focus on comfort.
Cat lovers with small homes often doubt whether cats can be happy in a small space. The good news is that the pure number of square metres isn't crucial to keeping a cat in a species-appropriate manner, but rather the use of the space available. Large cat trees can offer cats a so-called “third dimension”: many platforms give cats the opportunity to make the most of the full height of a space. Beyond scratching, cats can play, snooze or observe the surrounding area. Large cat trees are perfect for feline families and more active cats! smaller scratching apparatuses give cats less opportunities to let off steam.
Now that we’ve narrowed down our options to exclude carpet cat trees, we can look at some specific design considerations for your cat. In general, cats like to be up high. Being up high gives them a sense of security and allows them to keep an eye on everything that’s going on. Choosing an appropriate height for your cat tree is a very important consideration. But with height comes instability. In order for your cat to feel safe climbing their cat tree, it must be reasonably stable. And lastly, you’ll want to make sure the cat tree is appropriately sized for your cat or cats.
Turns out, that sweet purring fluffball who has stolen your heart is really a wild animal at her core. "it's only been about 10,000 years since cats were domesticated (compared to about 30,000 years for dogs), so it makes sense that some behaviors are still innate," says novack, who is also a member of the daily paws advisory board. "cat habitats should include places to climb, scratch, perch, and hide," she says. "cats need to climb and perch, so it's our job to provide them with the ability to do that. "for indoor kitties, that safe, high perch is often at the top of a cat tree or cat shelves—or on the top shelf of your bookcase or other not-designed-for-cat-climbing piece of furniture.
How mobile is your cat? did you just get a new kitten? kittens are high energy and will climb just about everything. Maya used to climb the curtains when she first came to our family. With a kitten, the sky’s the limit for your cat tree. If your cat is older or has decreased mobility they could have difficulty climbing the cat tree. Shorter cat trees work well here. If you do get a tall cat tree, be sure to have plenty of ramps to allow for easy access. Where are you putting your cat tree? be sure you have enough space to place your cat tree.