Cat trees are a great way to keep cats engaged and mentally stimulated, helping to alleviate boredom and destructive behaviors like scratching. They also provide a spot for cats to stretch, sleep, play, and mark their territory. Look for a sturdy tree with multiple levels, toys, and climbing surfaces that mimic your cat’s natural environment. Consider placing the cat tree near napping areas and food bowls.
Physical Stimulation
In the wild, cats climb trees to hunt prey, escape predators, and survey their surroundings. Even domesticated cats retain this instinct; a cat tree from Chewy.com can give them an outlet for this behavior while protecting your furniture. In addition to satisfying a feline’s desire for height, a good cat tree can also serve as a scratching surface. The key to a successful scratching post is using one that matches the texture of tree bark—cats prefer rough, durable materials such as sisal or jute. Adding a little catnip can also help. If your cat doesn’t like either of these, try experimenting with different textures until you find what they enjoy. A cat tree is also a great place for interactive play. Many models have hanging toys and platforms for cats to perch on and pounce on. This kind of play is essential for a cat’s mental stimulation, which can prevent boredom and other behavioral issues.
Mental Stimulation
Cat trees let your kitty fulfill their instinctual need to climb and scratch. Climbing is built into their DNA as highly skilled predators and competitors while scratching keeps their claws sharp for hunting and combat. Plus, a cat tree lets them mark their territory with characteristic shred marks, showing other cats that this is their area. Kittens can get bored quickly and turn to destructive behaviors like chewing and scratching furniture if not exercised mentally. A tree provides a place to play, stretch, and explore that’s their own and doesn’t require you to entertain them with food or toys. Most cat trees include multiple scratching surfaces in varying shapes, heights, and textures. The most common are pillars wrapped in sisal, which can be re-wrapped for freshness. Other options include flat and angle scratchers that mimic softer bark or roots, giving your kitten a different workout. Some models feature perches where your kitty can comfortably lounge or even sleep. Many also offer a place to hang toys for playful engagement. This helps your kitty feel at home and can be especially beneficial for felines who are less social or live with other cats. These structures can also be placed near windows, where your kitty can look outside and satisfy their natural curiosity.
Stress Reduction
Cat trees and pads tap into a feline’s innate desire to climb. These structures allow them to fulfill that instinct by providing a safe place for them to perch, scratch, and relax. Many also include enrichment toys for cats to exercise their bodies and minds. When a cat scratches a surface, they groom and shed their outer layers. This shedding helps keep their claws healthy and sharp, essential for hunting and self-defense. Inappropriate scratching can also mark a cat’s territory, which can be a significant stressor for owners who worry about their cats marking up their furniture. Scratching on surfaces that mimic tree bark or roots is preferred by most cats since these materials closely match the texture of their claws. These surfaces are typically covered in a thick layer of sisal, which is very durable and doesn’t tear easily. Other scratching surfaces include horizontal and angled shapes that provide more varied workouts for shoulders, back, and leg muscles. Having scratching posts on every level of your home is essential, particularly near where your cat tends to scratch their furniture. Having multiple options will prevent your cat from going down two flights of stairs or across the house before they can satisfy their urges. You can also place them near windows, where your cat likes to look out to see what’s happening outside, or in rooms where they tend to nap and eat.
Bonding
Whether they play on them, use them to sleep in, or perch and watch the birds outside, cat trees give your kitten a place of their own. They provide the same sense of security and dominance they would get in nature – a space that’s all theirs and a way to satisfy their instinct to climb, explore, and hunt. Cats need to scratch to stretch and exercise their muscles, ligaments, and tendons, mark their territory, and keep their claws healthy. Scratching also helps cats relax and let off steam. When choosing a cat tree, look for one with multiple scratching surfaces. Different cats prefer different textures, so try to mimic nature by offering them various options. For example, some cats like to scratch on jute, abaca, or sisal rope-wound pillars, while others enjoy the feel of corrugated cardboard, natural wood, or natural hemp. Many of the scratchers we recommend feature a combination of textures, and they may have platforms or perches that can be replaced. You can also find small scratchers at pet stores to test your cat’s preferences before committing to a bigger one. For example, if your cat is a vertical scratcher, consider a tree with a tall, sturdy base that can be sturdily attached to your wall.
