Choosing a Cat Tree
- It should be taller than the cat can reach or stretch - as you want the cat to stretch out and use all his muscles
- Have a combination of vertical and horizontal surfaces
- Have a few different types of resting places – i.e. open or partly enclosed
- The tree should incorporate different textures, not all cats like sisal, cardboard or shag pile carpet
- Place the tree somewhere with a view, either of your living room, or out a window on the neighborhood
Introducing Vertical Space
- Most cats need to be gradually introduced to the vertical space, remember not to force the cat onto each surface, but rather create a positive atmosphere for the cats to explore on their own
- Do this by giving them things to ‘hunt’ in the first few weeks
- Place small pieces of food (use their favourite) on each level and let them ‘find it’
- Get them to follow a favourite toy from one level to the next
- Place other favourite items like bedding on the resting spaces
- Feathers and leaf cuttings, even herbs and spices add interest to vertical spaces for indoor cats
- Small containers of water can also be placed around the vertical space for added interest
Have fun creating vertical space for your cats!