Cat Trees - How They Benefit Your Cat

In their natural outdoor environment, cats are free to roam at will, as far as they please. Housecats live in an artificial environment. Limited space to roam and lack of mental stimulation led to boredom. This, along with the frustration of repressed instinct, led to behavior problems. Cat trees can benefit your cat by providing mental and physical stimulation.

In their natural outdoor environment, cats are free to roam at will, as far as they please. They are driven by instincts, and can respond to these urges spontaneously. The physical act of hunting for their food keeps them fit; you will never see a fat cat in the wild.

Housecats live in an artificial environment. When we brought felines indoors to keep as pets, we severely curtailed their ability to do what comes naturally. Required to expend only enough energy to walk from the bed to the food bowl, cats began to suffer from obesity and, as a result, from diabetes. Limited space to roam and lack of mental stimulation led to boredom. This, along with the frustration of repressed instinct, led to behavior problems. These are not happy, healthy cats.

Cat trees can benefit your cat by providing mental and physical stimulation. Exercise alone can alleviate many health and behavioral problems. A climbing tree vertically expands the area available for your cat to roam in and invites physical activity. What cat can resist lounging high above its surroundings? Climbing the tree, jumping down, and scratching on the tree legs help to control the cat's weight by exercising and toning all its muscles.

Instinct affects every day of a cat's life. While some cats seem to have lost any urges beyond eating, many are still driven by these innate needs. They need to climb up high to survey the surroundings. They need enclosed spaces in which to feel safe while they hide and sleep. They need nooks and crannies to satisfy their curiosity. A cat tree supplies the opportunity to safely express these needs.

Cat trees are available in hundreds of configurations. The best are tall with several platform levels, allowing the cat to choose how high to climb. Enclosed cubbies at the base or within the tree itself provide a safe place for hiding and sleeping. Tunnels encourage curious investigation and make good props for pretend stalking and hunting. Some cat trees include dangling toys to entice play.

It's doubtful that cats care what the climbing tree looks like as long as they can freely climb and scratch on it. However, it is a large piece that will be prominent in your home, so you, the cat owner, may have an aesthetic preference. You may be happy with an ordinary blocky-looking piece of cat furniture, or you may prefer to express yourself with a unique cat tree. Choosing just the right cat tree will help keep your cat healthy and both of you happy.