Have you ever spent a lot of money on a fancy cat tower? Then, you see your cat ignore it for an empty box? If you're nodding in resigned agreement, welcome to the club of bewildered cat parents everywhere.
The ignored cat tree is a common and frustrating issue. However, there is more to this strange behavior than it seems.
Why Your Cat Rejecting That Fancy Cat Tower
I've spent countless hours observing my own cat's bizarre relationship with her cat tree. One week she's all over it; the next, you'd think it was invisible. This inconsistency isn't just my cat being difficult (though that's certainly part of her charm). There are several legitimate reasons behind this seemingly ungrateful behavior:
- Location matters enormously. Cat trees in quiet or low-traffic areas often get ignored. Cats like to be where the action is, even if they act like they don’t.
- The scent profile isn't right. New cat trees smell like factories and chemicals, not like your home or your cat.
- The stability factor. A wobbly cat tree feels unsafe, and cats won't use something that doesn't feel secure.
- Height inadequacy. Many commercial cat trees simply aren't tall enough to satisfy a cat's desire for true elevation and surveillance.
- Texture preferences vary wildly. Some cats hate carpet but love sisal, while others have completely opposite preferences.
The Psychology Behind Cat Tree
Cats and elevated spaces have a complex relationship that dates back to their evolutionary history. In the wild, height equals safety—a principle that remains hardwired in your apartment-dwelling predator's brain.
When a cat rejects a climbing structure, they're not being difficult for the sake of it. They are carefully checking if this specific space meets their strict needs for security, comfort, and strategic benefit.
Cats sleep or rest for about 16 hours each day. Their favorite spots for lounging are not random. These choices help them survive while they nap.
Turning Rejection into Acceptance
After trying three times to find a cat tree my picky cat would use, I found some methods that worked:
1. Make it smell like home. Rub a soft cloth on your cat's face and then transfer that scent to the cat tree. You can also place worn clothing items on or near the structure.
2. Strategic placement is crucial. Position the cat tree near a window with interesting views or in a room where your family spends significant time. My cat ignored her tree until I moved it by the living room window. Now, she loves to watch the bird feeder from there.
3. Start low and go slow. Some cats need time to adjust to new structures. Encourage exploration of the lower platforms first with treats or favorite toys.
4. Consider the construction. Cat Trees with many platforms, hiding spots, and different textures attract more cats.
5. DIY modifications can work wonders. That store-bought tower may need some personal touches. Adding shelves, hanging toys, or changing scratching materials can turn a disliked tree into a favorite space.
When to Cut Your Losses
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, that expensive cat tree will remain nothing more than an elaborate dust collector. It happens.
During the pandemic, I spent too much on a designer cat tower. My cat only went near it once. She sniffed it suspiciously and then walked away for good.
If you've tried everything and your cat still ignores their climbing structure, it may be time to give up and use that space differently. The good news?
Cats are very adaptable. They will find their favorite spots to sit. This could be the top of your fridge, your bookshelf, or even a messy stack of papers you wanted to keep organized.
Understanding Your Cat's Preferences
The bond between cats and their climbing structures goes beyond just scratching or climbing. It’s important to know your cat's unique likes and needs for space. What works for one cat might be completely ignored by another.
In my experience, the best cat parents watch closely, adapt easily, and admit when something isn't working. Sometimes the best cat tree isn't a regular tree. It can be a smart setup of shelves, perches, and hideouts that fit your cat's personality.
After all, isn't that what cat ownership is really about? We should not force our expectations on these independent creatures. Instead, we can adapt our homes and habits. This will help create an environment where they can show their natural behaviors.
Further Reading: Where in Your House Did You Place Your Cat Tower?
