Incredible Cat Trees These Kitties Love to Climb

Cats have a natural instinct to climb and scratch. They also love to lounge on elevated surfaces where they can stretch to their heart’s fill and stare out a window, or hide in a comfy cave and snooze for hours. Luckily for outdoor cats, these instincts get fully satisfied because they have no owners to tame their actions. There are boundless opportunities and objects for climbing, scratching, and hiding for them out in real trees. The same cannot be said for indoor cats, however, who do not get a chance to satisfy their natural instincts because of the human habitat that they live in. 

For this reason, it important to give your indoor cats a semblance to the outside world and a means to act like wild cats, and this is exactly what a cat tree does. A cat tree, also known as a cat tower, is a piece of necessary furniture for indoor cats to give them the space for climbing, scratching, lounging, and hiding that they need. Cat trees are more necessary in smaller houses and apartments because there isn’t a lot of space to run around, unlike in big apartments where there is a lot of space for them to hide in and elevated positions to soak up some sunlight.

Why Do Cats Need Cat Trees?

Cat trees are a place that cats can call home, especially in houses where there are other pets. Here are a few reasons why they are more important to cats than you may think:

Satisfaction

Cats need to climb. They need to scratch and stretch and feel good. These are natural instincts for them, and giving them an avenue to act as they wish brings them an immense amount of satisfaction. It makes them happy, and a happy cat is less prone to snarling and being generally unpleasant. 

Territory

Cats are largely territorial animals. They like to feel like kings and giving them a tower to climb and rule over just perfects the act. Especially in homes where there are other pets, cats need a place where they can rest in peace and watch over the activities going on below and this is exactly what a cat tree provides them with. 

Exercise/entertainment

Exercise is an important part of the day-to-day life of man and animals alike, cats not excluded. Cats are naturally energetic animals and they love to curl, squeeze and stretch in various positions. Cats that are indoors most of the time might not get a lot of opportunities to do this, especially if they have busy owners. With a cat tree, they get the opportunity to exercise their limbs through all of the climbing and hanging. These activities could also prove to be a means of entertainment for cats.

Rest

Cats are social animals but could get reclusive at times. Sometimes they want to curl up next to you and play, and other times they just want to be left alone. Also, they are big on sleeping and are known to sleep an average of about 15 hours a day. At this rate, they definitely need a place to feel comfortable, relax and sleep, and where better than on their favorite cat tree. 

What Features Should A Cat Tree Possess?

Just like any product for pets, there are certain essential features that an average cat tree is meant to have. These features facilitate the tower experience for cats, make it more fun and more exciting. I’ll list out some of the most important features below so you can be on the lookout for them the next time you go cat house shopping. 

Size

The size of a cat tree is its first most important feature. If you have a big cat, you would definitely need to get a cat tree that has a lot of space so your cat could roll around as easily as possible. The same goes for small cats. 

Stable base

A cat tree needs to have a strong sturdy base that remains in position as the cats climb and jump along on their tower. The last thing you want is your cat’s tree tumbling down to the ground as this could not only injure your cat but destroy a few valuables in the house and cost additional expenses. 

Height

It is called a tree or a tower because it is meant to reach high off the ground. Cats love elevated surfaces and so the purpose of a cat tree is defeated if it does not offer enough height. However, if your cat is old and moves slower, you should purchase a shorter tree for it to promote ease of climbing. 

Lounging slabs

A cat tree should have platforms for perching at different height levels to afford your cat different views while sitting. This is more important if you have more than one cat in the house. The more the slabs, the more spaces cats have on the tree and this greatly reduces scuffles occurring between your cats. 

Scratching Surface

This is a must for cat trees. Cats love to scratch and they have ready claws to this effect. A cat tree should have a post where your cat can scratch all it wants. This also helps to preserve your furniture from its sharp claws. 

Caves

There are times when a cat wants to be left alone in a solitary place. When this happens, a cave in the cat tree offers perfect shelter from prying eyes. Also, some cats tend to be shy when visitors come over, while some are scared of objects since as vacuum cleaners, blenders, etc. Trees with caves will provide cats with these tendencies with safe hiding spots. 

Toys

A cat tower would not be complete without toys that can engage the attention of your cat. Toys such as ladders and balls engage your cats in activities that would be beneficial to their growth and happiness. 

In conclusion, you should strive to do everything to make your feline partner happy and comfortable in the house. This puts them in the right state of mind and helps the owner and pet to bond perfectly.