Does your cat think he’s Spidercat? Does he spend all his time on furniture, appliances, cupboards, tables and counters? Indeed, a cat that doesn’t climb isn’t a cat! A cat that jumps on furniture is a very normal cat, and you have to be prepared to live with this aspect, which is an integral part of a cat’s personality.
Why does the cat climb?
Why does a cat climb? Because being up high makes them feel safe, allowing them to observe everything that’s going on around them. In situations such as the presence of children, a dog or visitors, for example, it’s a safe bet that your cat will appreciate having access to retreat areas. Providing high spaces is therefore necessary to satisfy the cat’s essential need to climb, while offering places to rest and observe. A climbing cat whose needs are met is a happy cat! It’s quite normal for there to be places in the house where you’d rather not see your cat climbing.
You should know that there are ways of training your cat not to climb these predefined places. For example, if you want to teach your cat not to climb on the table or furniture, it’s very important to understand that punishment is ineffective and that you need to teach your cat what you want him to do, rather than punishing him for something you don’t want him to do. So it’s perfectly possible to stop your cat climbing curtains or screens, but it will take a little time and patience on your part. What are your cat’s climbing limits? Wondering how high your cat can climb? Well, if you give him access to the ceiling, chances are he’ll be happy to climb up there.
Provide climbing areas for cats to escape stressful situations
Contrary to what you might think, it’s quite easy to satisfy a cat’s need to climb without turning your home into a cat condo. As mentioned above, providing high access points is often the solution to many cohabitation problems, whether with a dog, children or another cat.
In the presence of a dog or child, for example, it’s imperative to provide facilities for the cat where only he can go if he wishes to withdraw from a situation or simply rest undisturbed. Even if the dog or child is the cat’s best friend, there will be times when said friend may be too boisterous and the cat will want to be left alone. This will also ensure that when the cat wants to interact, it will make its own decision to go and see the dog or child, and won’t have to “put up” with forced interactions.
In a multi-cat household, it’s just as important to multiply the heights to enlarge the living space and, among other things, avoid conflicts linked to a lack of resources. Each cat should have its own space, and cats should be able to avoid crossing paths if they wish.
High space solutions for your cat or kitten
A cattree is the simplest solution. It’s also possible to exploit your current environment and allow your cat to climb onto your furniture. Some stores even sell cat furniture. In general, it’s very easy to modify your current furnishings to meet the needs of a climbing cat. Sometimes it’s just a matter of making a few simple modifications to create a piece of cat furniture.
How to choose the right cat tree and where to place it?
First of all, you can buy a cat tree in a number of ways; pet shops, the web, or even do it yourself if you’re a do-it-yourselfer. You’d be surprised how easy it can be to make a cat tree. Of course, you’ll need a plan for your cat tree. Otherwise, know that it’s possible to find a cheap cat tree, you just need to know where to look. The web is full of companies selling cat trees, and there are plenty of models available to please even the most reluctant among us. When it comes to choosing, you need to consider the following criteria:
- height;
- stability;
- sturdiness;
- materials.
The higher the cat tree, the better. Its base should be wide to support it so that it doesn’t swing from left to right when the cat jumps in. The posts should be wide for maximum strength and stability. Finally, the materials used must appeal to the cat. Generally speaking, sisal, carpet, wood and rope are very popular.
Next, you need to decide where to place the cat tree in the house. The best place is in front of a window. Cats love to be able to sit inside, sunbathe and watch what’s going on outside. Opt for a window in a room the cat visits regularly. Another alternative to the classic cat tree is now available. The BeOne Breed company has produced a unique and highly original cat tree called the Katt3, suitable not only for any décor, but also for any cat. It can be arranged in a number of different ways, you can add as many units and accessories as you like, and what’s more, it’s completely washable!
Finally, many people ask: “How can I get my cat to love his tree?” Generally speaking, a good cat tree in a good location will automatically be adopted. If this isn’t the case, you can put catnip and/or treats in the tree to attract your cat. You can also play with him close by to help him get used to it. If you need help choosing the right cat tree, we can help.
Climbing structures, wall shelves and cat bridges
There are also many other options if a cat tree isn’t an option for you. Catclimbing structures are available on the market, allowing you to use your walls to offer your cat high spaces. Also available are cat shelves, tunnels and bridges.
have been created by certain companies. So, if you’re short of space because you live in a small dwelling, these are very interesting alternatives. Aesthetically speaking, this type of installation is often much appreciated by the “humans” in the house.
These other options can also be very useful when, for example, we don’t want two cats who don’t particularly like each other to have to pass each other in a cramped area. A cat-friendly shelf or bridge can be installed on the wall to solve the problem. There must be an entrance and an exit to each of these installations to prevent a cat from getting stuck. Some of these units will also offer a place for the cat to claw, as will most cat trees. This doesn’t necessarily mean that additional scratching posts won’t be required.
In practical terms, there’s always a way to satisfy your cat’s need to climb without turning your home into a giant cat tree, and it can be done aesthetically. Let your imagination run wild, and don’t forget that it can save you a lot of trouble with your cat, and even solve certain behavioral problems.
Written by Kym Lecault
Animal health educator and technician
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