How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Climbing Tower

Have you ever watched your cat eyeing up your bookshelf, a mischievous glint in their eyes? Or perhaps they’ve taken to scaling your curtains in a daring bid for a higher vantage point? Cats have a natural instinct to climb, it’s in their DNA! Providing them with a dedicated climbing space, like a cat climbing tower, can not only satisfy this instinct but also enrich their environment and keep them happy and healthy.

Why Cats Need Climbing Spaces

Before diving into tower selection, let’s understand why cats are such avid climbers:

• Natural Instincts: In the wild, cats climb trees to survey their territory, escape predators, and hunt prey. Your domestic cat maintains these same instincts.
• Exercise Benefits: Climbing provides excellent full-body exercise, helping maintain muscle strength and flexibility.
• Mental Stimulation: Vertical spaces offer environmental enrichment and help prevent boredom.
• Stress Relief: Having their own dedicated high spaces helps cats feel secure and reduces anxiety.
• Territory Marking: Vertical spaces allow cats to establish their territory in a healthy way, especially in multi-cat households.

Key Points for Success

When introducing a cat climbing tower to your home, keep these essential factors in mind:

• Choose a tower suited to your cat’s size, age, and personality
• Gradually introduce your cat to the tower using positive reinforcement
• Make the tower enticing with treats and toys
• Ensure proper placement in a socially significant area
• Regular maintenance keeps the tower safe and appealing

Choosing the Perfect Tower

The first step is selecting a tower that fits your cat’s needs. Consider their size and activity level. A small, timid cat might be overwhelmed by a towering skyscraper of scratching posts, whereas a playful, energetic cat will relish the challenge. PawsNug offers a wide range of towers to suit all personalities, from the compact 72cm Multi-Level Cat Tree with Scratching Posts to the grand Adjustable Floor-to-Ceiling Cat Tower.

Features to Consider

When selecting your tower, evaluate these important features:

1. Height: Ensure it’s tall enough to satisfy your cat’s climbing instincts but not so tall that it becomes unstable
2. Base Stability: Look for a wide, sturdy base that won’t wobble
3. Material Quality: Choose durable materials that can withstand regular use
4. Surface Variety: Multiple textures (sisal, carpet, plush) provide different sensory experiences
5. Platform Sizes: Platforms should be large enough for your cat to lie comfortably
6. Additional Features: Consider options like built-in toys, hideaways, or hammocks

Strategic Placement

The location of your cat tower can significantly impact its success:

• Place it near a window for entertainment value
• Keep it away from high-traffic areas that might make your cat nervous
• Ensure it’s visible from your cat’s favorite spots
• Position it where your cat already likes to climb or perch
• Consider multiple towers for different rooms in larger homes

Encouraging Exploration

Don’t expect your cat to instantly embrace their new climbing kingdom. Cats are creatures of habit, and they like to explore on their own terms. Start by placing the tower in a familiar area where your cat spends a lot of time. You can entice them with treats sprinkled on the platforms or dangle a favourite toy from one of the perches. Let them sniff and investigate at their pace.

If your cat is hesitant, try placing a blanket or bed on the bottom level to make it feel more inviting. Let them get used to the scent and texture before encouraging them to climb higher.

Making it Rewarding

Positive reinforcement goes a long way with cats. Whenever your cat shows interest in the tower, praise them with gentle words and offer a tasty treat. You could even hide treats in the scratching posts or dangle feathered toys from the platforms to make climbing even more rewarding.

Training Tips

• Start with lower levels and gradually encourage higher climbing
• Use your cat’s favorite toys to create engaging play sessions around the tower
• Consider catnip or catnip spray to make the tower more attractive
• Reward any interaction with the tower, even just sniffing or rubbing against it
• Be patient and consistent with positive reinforcement

Safety First

Remember, safety is paramount. Ensure the tower is stable and securely placed on a level surface. If you have a multi-level tower, make sure your cat has easy access to all the platforms and that there are no sharp edges or exposed hardware. Regularly inspect the tower for wear and tear and replace any worn-out components.

Regular Maintenance

To keep the tower safe and appealing:

• Check stability weekly and tighten any loose parts
• Clean surfaces regularly to remove fur and debris
• Replace worn scratching materials when they become frayed
• Wash removable covers according to manufacturer instructions
• Inspect for any damage that could harm your cat

Long-Term Success

Training a cat to use a climbing tower takes time and patience, but the rewards are well worth the effort. A happy cat is a healthy cat, and providing them with a dedicated climbing space will not only keep them entertained but will also strengthen your bond and bring joy to both of you.

Remember that each cat is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Pay attention to your cat’s preferences and adjust your approach accordingly. With time and patience, your cat will come to view their climbing tower as their personal paradise.