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Having a cat means wanting to see it flourish and be happy in its environment. The cat tree plays a key role in your pet’s well-being, meeting its essential needs.
But how do you choose the best cat tree for your feline friend, and how do you make it truly attractive to him? In this article, we’ll tell you all you need to know about cat trees: their advantages, selection criteria and tips for making them absolutely captivating for your little companion.
Designed to meet the instinctive needs of cats, cat trees give them a private space to scratch, climb, hide, relax and play. Models vary considerably in size, shape, color and material, from simple structures with a post and platform to more elaborate versions with niches, hammocks, hanging toys and tunnels. To save space, wall-mounted cat trees are also an advantageous option, freeing up the floor while providing a pristine playground for your cat.
Why is it so important to have a cat tree in your home? What are the specific benefits for your feline? And above all, how can you make sure your cat enjoys it? Follow us to find out.
4 reasons why your cat needs a cat tree
Far from being mere entertainment, a cat tree is quite simply essential to your pet’s well-being. It contributes to :
- Clawing: essential for marking its territory, stretching, relaxing and maintaining its claws, it also helps avoid damaging your furniture or curtains;
- Climbing: height gives cats a sense of security and control over their environment, providing ideal vantage points for surveying surroundings and potential prey from platforms;
- Hiding: kennels, tunnels and hammocks offer your cat private spaces in which to relax and feel safe, satisfying its need for privacy and tranquillity;
- Fun: cats are curious and mischievous animals, who benefit from a variety of accessories such as balls, pom-poms or fake mice to keep them entertained and expend their energy.
This equipment reduces your cat’s stress, boredom and aggression, while stimulating its immune system, preventing obesity and muscular disorders, and contributing to its general well-being.
How to choose the best cat tree?
To find the ideal cat tree for your companion, several criteria need to be taken into account:
- Size: adapt the size of the tree to your cat’s height and weight, taking into account the space available in your home. It should be high enough for your cat to climb without crowding your living space;
- Shape: make sure the tree offers a variety of activities (scratching, climbing, hiding, playing), with at least a scratching post, platform and kennel. Depending on your cat’s preferences, choose a simple model or a more complex one with additional features such as hammocks or tunnels;
- Material: the tree should be solid, stable and comfortable. Choose materials that are resistant to scratches and bites, and easy to maintain. Sisal is ideal for posts, and plush fabric for platforms and niches because of its softness;
- Design: choose a tree that harmonizes with your interior. Models range from the most classic to the most original, offering a wide range of colors, patterns and shapes.
The market offers a wide range of cat trees, at a variety of prices. Don’t hesitate to consult specialized sites and read the opinions of other buyers to make your choice. Online buying guides can also help.
How to get your cat to use the cat tree?
Using pheromones and catnip
To attract your cat to his cat tree, simply use specific olfactory stimulants. There are two excellent options: pheromones and catnip.
Pheromones, chemical substances naturally produced by cats, are used to communicate and mark their territory. Available in spray or diffuser form, such as the well-known Feliway product, they can be applied to the cat tree to make this space more reassuring and welcoming for your pet.
As for catnip, this plant exerts an irresistible, even euphoric, attraction on cats. Sprinkling it on the tree encourages your companion to explore further in search of the scent. Whether relaxing or stimulating, this plant can contribute to your cat’s well-being.
Where to place the cat tree in the house?
Choosing the right location for your cat tree is essential to making it attractive. Consider the following points:
- Brightness: cats like well-lit areas. So place the tree near a window, where your cat can enjoy the sunshine and observe the outside world;
- Safety: cats need to feel protected. Avoid nooks and crannies that might worry them, and opt for a spot with an unobstructed view;
- Sociability: as cats like company, avoid isolated areas. Prefer a communal area like the living room, where he can observe the familiar bustle.
For households with several cats, consider several cat trees to avoid conflicts, by placing them in different areas or creating a circuit of activities.
How to get your cat used to a cat tree?
Reward exploration and use of the tree with petting, words of encouragement or treats. This will reinforce his interest in the tree.
You can also play around the tree with interactive toys to make it even more attractive.
Finally, you can add comfortable accessories to the cat tree, such as cushions or plush toys, to invite your cat to relax there.
By applying these tips, your cat tree will become a special place for your companion, catering to his needs and preferences.
How to get your cat to love a cat tree?
Creating cat tree routines and habits
To encourage your cat to adopt his cat tree regularly, you need to establish a routine and certain habits. Here are a few ideas:
Serve meals on or near the cat tree. This allows your cat to associate this space with pleasant, nourishing moments. Sprinkle the tree with kibbles or treats at random to arouse his interest.
Take advantage of this space for brushing or massage sessions, so that he associates the cat tree with sensations of well-being. Gentle interaction, through talking or petting, will strengthen your bond.
Introduce learning exercises around and on the cat tree to awaken his curiosity and confidence. Teach it to climb, jump or sit with specific commands and rewards.
By making the cat tree a central landmark in his daily routine, he’ll see it as a privileged, clean space.
Making the cat tree attractive
To maintain your cat’s interest in his cat tree, you need to diversify and energize the toys on offer.
Regularly renew the types of toys attached to the tree (feather dusters, mice, balls, bells…) to stimulate your cat with new discoveries.
Include interactive or electronic toys to surprise and captivate your cat. Choose toys that can be triggered intuitively or remotely, to arouse your cat’s curiosity.
Create your own toys from everyday objects. Toilet paper rolls, corks, boxes and pom-poms can be transformed into unique toys with just a few modifications.
By providing a playful and enriching environment, the cat tree will become a permanent space of adventure for your cat.
Adapt to your cat’s preferences and move the tree if necessary
To guarantee your cat’s satisfaction, careful observation and adaptation of the cat tree are essential. Here’s how:
Observe your cat’s use of the cat tree to detect its preferences. Then personalize the tree to suit his tastes by modifying certain elements, adjusting the height or the general structure.
If his interest in the tree wanes, or if you notice a preference for another location, don’t hesitate to move it. Test different locations, taking into account the criteria of light, calm and warmth, to determine the ideal spot.
Consider replacing the cat tree with a more suitable model if you notice a marked lack of interest. Choose a new tree better suited to your cat’s needs, taking into account its age and personality, and introduce it gradually.
By being attentive to your cat’s reactions and preferences, you’ll be able to offer him a perfectly adapted cat tree that will keep him entertained for longer.
It goes without saying that a cat tree plays a key role in the well-being of your four-legged friend. Not only does it satisfy his natural instincts, but it also contributes to his personal development and the strengthening of your relationship.
When buying a cat tree, consider its size, shape, materials and design, as well as your pet’s tastes.
To make the cat tree even more attractive, don’t hesitate to decorate it with pleasant scents, captivating toys, cozy accessories and establish an attractive routine around it. Don’t wait any longer: give your cat a cat tree that reflects his personality and contributes to his happiness.