Why Cats Need Cat Trees: Part 1

Here you see Cole…proud in his space on the top of the cat tree, by KatAnnette

People live in a horizontal world but cats aren’t limited to the horizontal side of life. Cats like to control the horizontal and vertical aspects of their environment. In fact, they rely on vertical areas for safety, comfort and certainly for fun. Providing your cat with vertical options in his territory isn’t just a luxury, it’s a crucial part of feline life. In a multi-cat home, vertical territory can make the difference between a happy household and a feline battleground. One of the easiest ways to increase vertical territory is with a cat tree.

When you have more than one cat in your home, the addition of a cat tree increases the chances of living in harmony because cats of higher status can claim the highest perch. If the relationship between a couple of cats in your home is very tense, the ability for the higher-ranking cat to move to the high perch on a tree can be enough to let the other cat know who is in charge here. The ability to claim vertical territory may reduce the number of physical confrontations and tense stand-offs.

Help for Timid Cats

If there’s a timid kitty living in your home, the addition of a cat tree can provide a safe place for him to stay out in the open while still feeling secure. On an elevated perch, the cat has a visual advantage because he can see more of his environment and as a result, he’ll have more visual warning time of any advancing opponent. The elevated location also provides security because the cat knows he won’t be ambushed from behind.

If you have a cat who tends to run under the bed and hide, place a cat tree in the room that has an A-frame bed on it so he has the benefit of being elevated as well as being hidden. This may be enough to entice him to stay in the room near family or guests instead of running for cover in the bedroom.

Increased Territory

A cat tree is a great way to increase vertical territory because it provides the opportunity for more than one cat to share a close space while maintaining any sort of pecking order. Cats who wouldn’t share close quarters on a windowsill or table, may be at ease enough to share a cat tree. The different levels of the perches allow cats to be close together but not right next to each other.

Initially, a cat tree may seem to be an extravagant purchase but a good quality one will last many, many years. Additionally, a cat tree can serve more than one function for your cat as well. In addition to being a great place to perch, the support posts can be used as scratching posts. Depending on your cat’s scratching preferences, you can order cat trees with bare wood, sisal covered, or even bark covered.

Which Cat Tree is Best?

When shopping for a cat tree, keep your cat’s size and personality in mind. If you have a large cat, don’t choose a tree with small, flat perches. The cat has to feel comfortable on the perch and not be worried about a leg hanging over the side. Choose a tree with perches that are an appropriate size for your cat. Large cats need large perches. As for the type of perches to look for, my recommendation is “U” shaped ones because they allow the cat to feel the perch against his back. Cats like to back up against things when resting because it helps them feel more secure and lest vulnerable to a rear ambush.

Cat trees are easy to find at your local pet product store and online. Prices vary, depending upon whether you want a basic tree or an elaborate one. What matters most to your cat though will be the sturdiness, height and comfort of the tree. Wobbly trees will not get used by the cat and will be a huge waste of money. The taller the tree, the wider the base should be. When shopping, be certain the tree can withstand your cat leaping from the ground to one of the high perches without so much as a tiny wobble.