Why Do Cats Need to Climb?

15th September 2023

Cats have an innate instinct to climb, and for a good reason. Whether it's scaling furniture or perching on high shelves, their penchant for elevation is a very natural cat behaviour that is a crucial part of their everyday life. Understanding why cats need to climb helps us provide them with a fulfilling environment that meets their natural needs.

Why Do Cats Climb?

Cats instinctively seek out higher ground

Instinctual Behaviour:
In the wild, cats are both predators and prey. As hunters, they instinctively seek out higher levels to view their surroundings and to assess their territorial environments. In order to execute the famous 'cat pounce' they have to identify what they’re pouncing on, and what better way to get that viewpoint than from higher ground?

Escape and Safety:
In the wild, climbing elevated their safety from being hunted by something larger and although domestic cats may not face the same threats today, this instinctual urge to climb remains deeply ingrained. Cats are masters of quick escape, and climbing offers them a fast route to safety when faced with threats or uncomfortable situations. Being up high provides them with a sense of security, allows them to retreat from perceived danger, or simply observe their surroundings from a safe distance. In multi-cat households, climbing also serves as a way for cats to create personal space and avoid conflicts with other pets.

Exercise and Stimulation:
Climbing is an excellent form of exercise. As natural hunters, cats enjoy the physical challenge of climbing, which engages their muscles and keeps them agile. Navigating vertical spaces also provides them mental stimulation, keeping their minds sharp and curious.

Territory:
Climbing allows cats to establish and maintain their territory. By perching in elevated spots, they can survey their surroundings and mark their presence through scent glands located in their paws, cheeks, and tail. Territorial behavior helps cats feel secure in their environment and to assert their dominance when needed.

Environmental Enrichment:
Providing opportunities for climbing indoors enriches their environment and plays to their natural instincts. Climbing helps to prevent boredom, reduce stress and promotes overall well-being. The Freestyle Indoor Cat Tree allows them to take advantage of both height and space to climb, hide, sleep and explore.

Freestyle Cat Trees are customisable to suit your cats age and agility

Do All Cats Climb?

The short answer is yes... However, while all cats CAN climb, not all cats LIKE to climb.
While the urge to hunt, seek, explore and hide is prevalent in every cat breed, some cats are more prone to loving that urge from higher places than others. Persian and Ragdoll breeds, for example, are equipped with shorter bodies and shorter legs and prefer to keep their active play on the ground, which is easier on their smaller frames. However Abyssian and Siamese breeds prefer to satisfy their need to play and explore by climbing and jumping as much as possible!

Regardless of breed or age, if you have a cat, you should have a cat tree to go along with them. The Freestyle Indoor Cat Tree is a great option as it is completely customizable to your cat’s specific age, agility, needs and desires. Have more than one cat in your family? Add territorial space with accessories like hammocks, platforms and scratching posts.

You will not only engage their senses more, but you’ll also help save your furniture in the process!

How to Encourage Your Cat to Use a Cat Tree

If you’re a first-time cat tree owner, congratulations! You have given your cat the gift of adventure and delight. While it’s a given that all cats love a good cat tree, some cats may require a touch more encouragement than others to embrace it straight away. Here are some tips on how you can help your cat love their cat tree:

Slow and steady:
Cats are curious by nature and it’s our job as pet parents to help them be cautious as well. So if you’re introducing your cat to a cat tree for the first time, try using treats and cat toys as tools to help encourage them. Anything with Catnip is almost guaranteed to get them going!
Start low:
One of the best features of the Indoor Freestyle Cat Tree is the ability to truly customize the setup and adjust accordingly. For cats that are just learning the cat tree ropes, start by placing the platforms and hammocks down low so they can ease into it. As they get more comfortable with the accessories, you can move them higher up so they can explore from different angles.
Expand with ease:
Your indoor cat will soon love the freedom they experience on their cat tree. So continue to expand their ability to lounge, scratch, nap and play by adding new accessories or poles. Feeling like your cat needs even more space? Try an Outdoor Freestyle Cat Tree on for size and watch your kitten get smitten by all they can see. Just be sure you enclose the cat tree securely with an Outdoor Cat Enclosure so they can safely enjoy their new outdoor playground!