Not only do cheap cat trees break down quickly and create a worn-down eyesore in your home, they may also contain toxic materials that damage your cat's health.
Another reason to avoid used cat trees and similar items is that they may cause adverse reactions in your cats and other pets. “I wouldn't use cat trees secondhand as they'll have the odor of the other cat, and the cat now using it could start urine marking it,” Dr. Truitt says.
A cat tree provides your cat with a place for playing, resting and for watching over their territory. Ideally, it should be installed in a spacious room and in a spot from which they can have as broad a view as possible.
Large Cat Trees
A kitten might be brave enough to get to the top of a 5-foot-tall tree, but they may find it a lot more difficult to descend. To avoid painful falls, wait until a kitten is at least 4 months old before introducing them to your tallest jungle gym.
Cat trees also act as a safe space and provides your cat with overall happiness. They are comfortable and hold a lot of functions. Not only are they beds for your cat to nap on, but these trees also help your cat groom themselves and live an active and playful lifestyle.
The Verdict. Ultimately, no, your cat doesn't need a cat tree to live their best life. What they do require, however, are opportunities to act on their feline instincts, such as scratching, climbing, and hiding. And a cat tree gives them a safe space to do just that.
Put simply, felines love cat trees because they're a lot of fun to climb. Kittens and adults like using their bodies to balance and reach high places, and it's a great form of exercise.
Cats who find themselves out on a limb can survive in trees for a while, up to two weeks, Sears says. Your cats might come down on their own, but don't wait too long to take action.
Consider a fake one.
Real trees can be great, but pine needles can be dangerous for cats who love to chew on foreign objects. If ingested, they can pose a serious health risk. You can easily find a fake tree that still looks realistic, and you can use it year after year.
While all of the plants listed above are toxic to cats, perhaps the most dangerous is the lily. Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats who come in contact with the flower's pollen, then ingest the pollen during grooming.
Cats also like to scratch different textures—some prefer corrugated cardboard, while others like jute, seagrass, or sisal (rope). Before you buy a cat tree, try to find out which texture your cat prefers—many pet stores sell small scratchers you can buy to let your kitty try out before selecting a larger one.
Cat trees are great for you and your pet. You can redirect clawing and climbing to your cat's special toys, keeping them from destroying your home. Also, your cat feels fulfilled in having a place to claw and climb while staying safe. Keep in mind that your cat may still scratch furniture and climb around other places.
Apply Disinfectant
Disinfect the cat tree. There are several options to do this: You can use a store-bought disinfectant spray (just make sure it's pet-safe) Make your own simple disinfectant with a 1:1 ratio of vinegar to water.
Territorial marking, also sometimes called spraying, is very common in cats, especially those who live in the wild. Pooping or peeing in certain places is a normal way to send messages to other cats or creatures in the area. Usually the message is to avoid an unexpected meeting such as, “Hi.
Is a Flocked Tree Safe for Pets? If you have pets in the home, you should not have a flocked tree. The materials used to flock the tree are not safe for pets to consume, and we know just how curious our furry friends can be. Real Christmas trees can also be unsafe to some pets, like cats.
The true part is that cats sometimes get stuck in trees because they are built for climbing up, but not so much for climbing down. Their retractable claws are curved and their hind legs are stronger than their front, which makes them agile climbers going up, but that same physiology makes it difficult to maneuver down.
Cats' claws are shaped like fish hooks, and trees are nature's escape routes for them. They will often climb until they feel safe, then stop and realize they're stuck. The only safe way for them to get down unaided is to go down backward, which, unsurprisingly, they're often not willing to do.
If your cat gets stuck in a tree, you should always try to call a certified professional first, before contacting emergency services. Thankfully there is an online international directory of tree servicers you can call for your area called Cat In A Tree Emergency Rescue.
A cat tree provides an escape route; instead of hiding underneath furniture, which places them in a vulnerable position for an ambush, a cat tree gives them the advantage. Being able to get up high makes your cat inaccessible to their perceived threats and keeps them safe until the danger has passed.
Help your cat get comfy.
Make the cat structure inviting for rest by putting cushy or soft bedding on certain areas where your cat likes to rest, which will encourage her to settle in for a nap. Make sure the cat tree has been securely built, as wobbly structures can feel unsafe and cats may be less likely to use them.
Use treats, toys or catnip to entice your cat onto the tree. If your cat responds to catnip, sprinkle it generously on the cat tree. Hide your cat's favorite treats on various levels of the tree, or dangle a favorite toy just high enough that your cat needs to climb the tree to reach the toy.