3 Reasons to Get Your Cat Stuck in a Tree

Chances are, if your cat climbs up a tree and won’t come down, the fire department will be of no help to you. They have life-threatening fires to attend to. You can beg and plead, but they will calmly tell you that your cat will come down when he’s ready; if he climbed up he can climb down. They may even try to assure you by telling you they have never heard of a cat dying in a tree and have never seen a cat skeleton hanging from a tree limb.

But that doesn’t change the fact that cats love to climb things! Luckily, today a stylish and sturdy cat tree allows your cat to get maximum vertical exercise while staying safely indoors. So why should you get a cat tree for your fluff ball?

1. Cat Trees Keep Cats Out of Trouble

Cats love to explore high, low, and everywhere in between. If you need to keep your cat off the kitchen counter, book shelves, or china cabinet, getting her her own cat tree can be a big help. Some cat owners have the extra space to build an entire cat habitat in a room or basement, complete with cat trees, catwalks, cat-friendly shelving, tunnels and plenty of toys all in one area. But anyone can create a mini-habitat for cats in a corner of a room, starting with a cat tree tall enough for your cat to jump or climb on. Keeping this area well-stocked with sprinklings of catnip, hidden treat treasures, dangling toys, and cat beds will keep kitty coming back to this area and away from your precious valuables.

Cat trees are usually equipped with scratching posts of carpet, sisal rope, wood, or cardboard. Scratching these surfaces will be very tempting to your cat, which will take the temptation away from her scratching your furniture and walls. This scratching will also keep their claws trim and healthy by helping to shed the outer layer.

 2. Cat Trees Keep Cats Exercised and Healthy

A lazy cat can become overweight if not fed healthy foods higher in protein than in carbohydrates. And an overweight cat can be susceptible to illnesses like diabetes and arthritis. This can raise your vet bills and shorten the life span of your best feline friend. A tall cat tree with different levels for kitties to climb, explore, and rest on while window gazing will burn fat, build muscle, keep joints lubricated, and keep claws healthy. Many cat owners serve meals up at the top of the cat tree, so that the kitty burns calories simply by climbing up to get food: a wonderful incentive to get some daily exercise!

 3. Cat Trees Offer Cats Security and Comfort

In the outside world cats may climb trees to chase birds or squirrels, but they also climb them to feel safe and escape from danger. They feel more comfortable, confident, and less vulnerable when they can look down on the world below them. If there is sibling rivalry between the cat and the dog, or an alpha cat and a more submissive one, cat trees offer a wonderful escape route. Kitty can even escape from the evil vacuum cleaner by climbing her tree!

Durable, stylish cat trees are easy for cats to maneuver. They may spend so much time there, you might worry that they are stuck. But don’t worry – if they climbed up, they can climb down. They’ll come down when they’re ready.

Why Every Cat Should have a Scratching Post

As unfortunate as it is, some people believe that having a cat declawed is as routine as getting it vaccinated. In the States, the procedure is commonly done on the same day cats are spayed or neutered. Declawing is only banned in a few cities in California. Everywhere else, it is considered normal to have a cat declawed by the  average American cat owner.

This terrible procedure was born from a human desire to have perfect furniture and curb a natural cat behavior. In the wild, cats scratch on tree trunks to mark their scent with the pheromones in their paw pads. Scratching also keeps their claws groomed and assists in shedding the outer layer of their nails. Imagine how distressing it must be for a cat to have to use whatever object it can find to see out this natural behavior, only to be scolded for doing so.

Luckily, the cat scratching post was invented so that cats may have a sturdy tool on which to scratch their hearts out. Whether the posts are stand alone pieces made solely for scratching, attached to the corner of two walls, or built into a cat tree or other activity center, cats can learn to love their scratching posts. They will often run to their post when playing, climbing and scratching on it while letting off energy and exercising.

A good cat scratching post will be tall enough for a cat to get a nice stretch while gripping the post with its claws. Some cat trees are so tall, the adjoining scratching post serves as both a scratcher and a way to climb up to a platform. This is an excellent workout and stress reliever for indoor cats. Other vertical scratching posts are flat and hung from door handles. Some cats also enjoy scratching horizontally; especially older cats with a little less pep in their step. For these cats, there are scratching mats that lay on the ground and are equally tempting.

Of course, some kitties might still try to sneak in a scratch on a rug, sofa, or even the wallpaper. Experts suggest offering a cat scratching post in every room of the house. There are also tricks that will deter your cat from scratching in undesirable areas.

The two most common tools used are double sided tape or tin foil. Cats hate them both and will usually not put their paws anywhere near them on purpose. You can cover any area the cat prefers with these materials, and this will usually do the trick.

Some people spray bitter apple or cat deterrent spray, but you might find that the smell deters yourself, as well. Some people swear by squirting a cat with water from a squirt gun, while other cat owners claim it either gets their cat more excited, or is no use because they own the odd cat that loves water. Other cat owners will shake a jar or can of coins in hopes of startling kitty. Again, this just excites some cats, but works for others.

Whenever you catch a cat in the act of scratching something inappropriate, it is best not to scold her. You’ll only confuse her, and possibly teach her that she CAN scratch there, just not while you are home. Instead, lift her up gently and carry her to the cat scratching post in a calm manner. You may even take her paw and scratch it on the post yourself in the beginning. Praise her whenever she comes in contact with the post. Sprinkle a little catnip on it before you leave for work, and hide treats near it. She’ll soon learn the post is her very own territory to treat as she pleases.

Why Does My Cat Need a Cat Tree?

A happy cat is a balanced cat: one whose playtime is proportionate to relaxation time, with a healthy amount of both curiosity and laziness. A bored, unhappy, or stressed cat will tempt you with naughtiness, scratching in all the worst places seemingly just to get your attention, and climbing the curtains so you’ll look away from the computer screen for a while. There are many easy, affordable tools to help keep kitty entertained, but one of the best is the cat tree.

A cat tree offers maximum exercise in minimal space. Cats love climbing and peering down stoically at the world below them. It may as well have been built into their DNA, right next to the prey drive gene. Letting a cat perch up high is telling the cat, “you are safe here. You are the biggest one here, and the most important.” A happy kitty will respect this gift. Not only will she use the tree for climbing, jumping, and romping, but also to rest in a spot that feels safe.

A well-built cat tree will have multiple levels on which to jump and rest. It will be heavy enough to keep stable as kitty rough houses it. It will have posts wrapped in sisal rope–a hard, natural fiber with little stretch, perfect for scratching–or possibly carpeted posts. It may have hammocks, hiding spots, perches, hanging toys, bridges, tunnels, stairs…the possibilities are endless. Some are built like a true jungle gym for your little lion and look so fun you’ll wish you could be a cat for a day!

Your cat will work every muscles as he climbs onto the different levels, which will help keep his muscles and heart toned and his joints limber. In the process, he’ll also keep his nails healthy and off of your furniture. He might work off enough energy climbing to the top that he’ll plop right down for a nap, saving your furniture from cat fur. Hiding toys and catnip in different spots of the cat tree will ensure kitty will keep coming back for new adventures and fun. Placing the tree by a window will offer the perfect spot for bird gazing and world watching.

Another perk of multi-level cat trees is giving cats their own space in a home with multiple pets. If one kitty is feeling less playful than another, she can climb to the top perch to give herself some distance from her rambunctious sibling. If the dog is feeling playful and the cat doesn’t wish to become trampled, climbing up her cat tree will help keep her safe and feel more relaxed.

Having cat trees in separate rooms of the house is great, but even just one tree in a designated area is a gift for your cat that will pay itself off in so many ways. Giving the cat his own play area will keep him intrigued and engaged in a proper manner, saving the delicate items and dishes you’ve placed on shelves throughout the home. This also means he’ll be less likely to get bored and start looking for trouble to get into, and will keep himself occupied when you can’t. And the vertical exercise will help keep his weight down, your veterinary bills low, and your number of years together high.

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Essential Cat Supplies

Whether you are adopting an adult cat, or bringing home a new kitten, there are a few essential cat supplies that you will need to welcome your new kitty into your home.

Cat Litter and Tray
One of the key essentials,  a cat litter tray provides a defined and sanitary place for your cat to relieve themselves.  It is important to have the litter tray set up before introducing your cat into your home, and make sure that they can find is easily, in order for them to learn that this is the place that you want them to go.  

Cat litters vary a great deal in cost and quality, and some cats can be picky about the type of litter that they will use so you may need to experiment with a few brands before finding one that both you and your cat are happy with.

Cat Collar
Your cat’s collar can be as basic or as flamboyant as you want, but above all it should be comfortable.  If you are bringing home a kitten you will probably need to buy a smaller collar now and a full sized one in a few months.

Cat Bed
Although most cats will decide for themselves on the comfiest spot in your home and quickly take up residence there it is important that they have a space that is exclusively theirs, where they can feel comfortable and safe.  Cat beds are sold in a wide variety of sizes and styles,  so you can choose one that fits in with the decor of your home and the space available.

Food and Water Bowls
Your cat will need his own food and water dishes.  These should be kept at a comfortable height for your cat to reach easily.  Bowls with non-slip feet are great if you will be feeding your cat on a hard surface to stop the bowl from sliding around the floor.  Auto-feeders are also available which will make sure your cat always has the right amount of food when he wants it.  

Food and Treats
There is a wide variety of specialty cat food on the market, so choose the highest quality that you can afford and look for any varieties that are designed for your cat´s specific needs, for example if he is elderly, overweight or an exotic breed.

Grooming Supplies
Cats are great at keeping themselves clean, but it doesn´t hurt to give them a helping hand.  Brushing you cat regularly can help to decrease hairballs as well as reduce the amount of shed hair in your home.  You may also want to buy some basic healthcare items such as ear drops, claw clippers and flea and tick treatments.

Scratching Post and Toys
Cats need to scratch to keep their claws in good condition.  If you want to avoid them tearing up your furniture or even walls make sure there is somewhere for your cat to relieve this natural urge.  There are some amazing, elaborate scratching posts available that offer your cat places to play and rest as well as trim his claws, however there are also more cost and space saving options.  It is advisable to start small and work your way up, as with all things, cats can be particular about where they like to scratch.

Cat Carrier
You will need a secure way to transport your cat to and from vet visits.  Choose between soft and foldable carriers to more robust crates.  A great trick to stop your cat from becoming nervous while in his carrier is to keep it out in your home at all times, as an alternative bed.  Place a snuggly blanket inside and occasionally encourage your cat to get in by putting a treat or two inside.

Cat Scratching Post Options

Purchasing a cat scratching post is a must if you want to save your furniture, flooring, walls, curtains and patience from being tattered and snagged beyond salvation.  Cats scratch surfaces in order to keep their claws clean, sharp and in good condition.  The act of scratching also stretches and exercises certain muscle groups in the legs and shoulders.  Because it is a natural and healthy activity,  cats should not be stopped from scratching, but rather encouraged to scratch in a specific place.

Teaching your cat to use a scratching post is fairly simple, although we all know how stubborn cats can be! Luckily, most cat scratching posts are designed to be great places for cats to scratch,  made out of sisal, carpet or other materials which are ideal for cats to use to keep their claws trimmed.  Once in your home, you will probably find that your cat is naturally drawn to exploring and then scratching the post.  If you do find your cat scratching anywhere other than on his post, tell him “No” and clap once loudly to startle him into stopping.

Because scratching also stretches and tones a cat´s legs,  many cats like to have a few scratching areas where they can stand in different positions.  This is where a larger, more elaborate cat scratching post comes in useful, as it allows your cat to explore various positions. From basic sisal mats to place on the floor or mount on the wall,  to a standard scratching post on a base, to multi-level trees and activity centres, cat scratching posts come in a huge range of sizes and shapes, and can incorporate several scratching areas, toys, hiding places and places to chill out and relax.  

Think about where your cat currently scratches, and try to replicate the surface, position and angle of his favourite scratching place as closely as possible to make the transition to a new scratching post as trouble free as possible.  Take some time to browse through all of your options to find the perfect fit for your cat.

Getting Your Cat To Use Their Cat Scratching Post

Cats instinctively tend to scratch on things and many owners find this out the hard way when they come home to furniture that has been torn to shreds. Of course simply going out and buying a cat scratching post will safe your furniture from the claws of your cat if you cannot get them to use it.

Cats scratch with their front claws for several reasons and this is not necessarily the behavior of a bad cat. Of course the most obvious reason why a cat scratches is to sharpen their claws but science is finding out that this is not the primary reason. Cats also scratch to leave messages to other cats as well as to leave scent behind which explains why cats that have been de-clawed will scratch despite no longer having claws.

Cats generally do not scratch everything in site up but only one or two places. This makes getting them to use a scratching post a much easier task. When most cat owners buy a scratching tree or post they tend to place it where it will fit into their home. This may not necessarily be the best place to put it if you actually want the cat to scratch the post instead of furniture. The scratching post should be placed where the cat spends the majority of their time. Next to food dishes is one likely spot or wherever their cat toys tend to end up is another. These are areas that your cat has found to their liking and wants to be.

By placing the scratching post where your cat spends their time you can encourage them to scratch this instead of furniture that you preferred stayed in one piece. Scratching posts that incorporate toys, caves, and perches also encourage use simply because they encourage the cat to spend their time at the post.

Choosing Which Scratching Post To Buy Your Cat

If you choose not to have your cat de-clawed getting them a cat scratching post will be essential to keeping them from scratching up your furniture and carpet. Of course scratching posts come in just small simple designs that will work for their purpose but they also come in large cat activity centers that can give your cat not only somewhere to scratch but a place of their own.

A large cat activity center or even a ceiling model that goes from the floor to the ceiling can give your cat or even several cats a fun place to play, excellent places to take a nap, as well as those essential scratching posts to follow their natural instincts. These trees for your cat to have in the home are perfect for climbers as well since they can get high above it all and observe the whole room. Cats love climbing, napping and enjoying these centers so many cat owners feel they are the best purchase they every made for their feline companion.

Of course if you live in an apartment building or small house a cat activity center that goes to the ceiling may be just way too big to fit into your place. There are some small to medium size trees that include more than just a scratching post, and gives a cat places to nap and play as well. These are ideal for those who want to spoil their cat but have less area to keep them or a smaller budget for buying their cat an activity center.

No matter which size of scratching post you choose make sure you place it in the area of your home that your cat spends the most time. This will they will want to spend their time on the activity center and enjoy all that it has to offer.

How to Stop a Cat Scratching Your Furniture?

I just found this really cool video and i wanted to share it with you. Take a look it is packed full of great tips and ideas.

Here is a Summery of the tips in this Video:

1) This is Natural Behaviour, you are not going to eleminate it. Cats simply have to Scratch.

2) Try to Start Early, you can teach young cats what to scratch and what not to scratch.

3) If you cat is scratching already. Let them help you solve the problem! Put a cat scratching pole or mat where they already scratch. Also try to match the type of material they like.

4) Put your cat scratchers in a prominent position.

5) But my cat is already Damaging our furniture what should i do?

• Give them an alternative
• Use cat nip to make this attrative to them
• Deter them from scratching your furniture, double sided tape, tin foil, Citrus Air fresheners.

6) Praise them if they scartch the right thing!!

7) The longer you leave it the harder it will get to fix the problem

8.) Do not De-Claw your Cat

9) Trim cats Claws Regularly

10) If all else fails talk to your vet about Rubber Claw Caps

I would love to here about your storys. Things that worked and things that did not.

Getting The Scratching Post That Is Right For Your Cat

Cats are notorious for their scratching and it is rare for an owner to have a cat that does not have this habit at least a little bit. Contrary to popular belief cats do not scratch so much because they want to be bad it is only in their instincts to do so. While for a long time it what primarily considered to be an activity to sharpen their claws research is showing that it is also a means of communication.

By providing your cat with an adequate scratching post that they enjoy you will save your furniture from being on the receiving end of this behavior. Of course as with most cat supplies there are lots of different styles and designs and no one cat scratching post is ideal for all cats since each has their own preferred texture.

Of course there are some key features that must be included in all scratching posts for them to be useful to cats. The post or tree that you are providing for your cat must be sturdy. Cats can scratch pretty vigorously and will be timid to do so on a post that wobbles and shakes. Many cat scratching trees come in very large sizes that are sturdy simply do to the very large size. Others may be smaller in size but robust enough that the post will not move around when the cat uses it.

The cat scratching post should also be plenty long enough for your cat to stretch out to their full body length. If you have ever watched a cat scratch they often stretch as tall as they can on a post or tree and scratch from this extended position. So a short post is not going to get the job done especially when your cat can extend to fairly long lengths.