To encourage your cat to use a new tree, make it an inviting and positive experience by strategically placing it, enticing them with treats and toys, and gradually building their familiarity and comfort with the new structure.
Make the Cat Tree Irresistible
The key to successfully introducing a new cat tree is to make it a highly desirable place for your feline friend. This involves stimulating their senses and creating positive associations.
Entice with Treats and Food
Food is a powerful motivator for most cats. Use this to your advantage to draw them to the new tree.
- Create a Treat Trail: Leave a trail of your cat's favorite treats leading up to and onto various levels of the cat tree. This piques their interest and encourages exploration.
- Feed Them on the Tree: Place a small portion of their regular meal or a special treat on one of the tree's platforms. This ensures they have a positive experience in this new environment and associate the tree with good things.
- Scatter Kibble: Sprinkle a few pieces of kibble on different perches or in cubbies to encourage sniffing and investigation.
Engage Through Play
Playtime can transform the cat tree into an exciting playground, making it more welcoming and ensuring your cat has fun interacting with it.
- Interactive Play Sessions: Use a wand toy or a laser pointer to guide your cat's attention towards and onto the tree. Encourage them to bat at toys while standing or sitting on the tree.
- Place Favorite Toys: Leave some of their most-loved toys on the tree's platforms or hanging from branches. This can make the tree feel more familiar and appealing.
- Incorporate Dangling Toys: Many cat trees come with built-in dangling toys. If not, consider attaching some of your cat's preferred toys to encourage playful interaction.
Leverage Catnip and Pheromones
Certain scents can be incredibly enticing for cats, making the tree more appealing for exploration.
- Catnip Application: Sprinkle a small amount of fresh catnip on the tree's scratching posts, platforms, or in cubbies. For many cats, catnip makes the tree more enticing and encourages them to rub against it, play, and explore. (Note: Not all cats respond to catnip, typically around 50-70% do).
- Pheromone Sprays: Consider using a feline calming pheromone spray on the tree. These sprays mimic natural feline pheromones, which can help create a sense of security and comfort, making the new object less intimidating. For more information on catnip and cat behavior, you can consult resources like the ASPCA or other reputable pet health sites.
Strategic Placement is Key
The location of your cat tree significantly impacts whether your cat will use it. Cats prefer high vantage points and areas where they feel secure and can observe their surroundings.
- Window View: Place the tree near a window. Cats love to watch birds, squirrels, and outdoor activity, making the tree a perfect perch for observation.
- Social Hub: Position the tree in a room where you spend a lot of time. Cats enjoy being near their humans and observing household activities from a safe, elevated spot.
- Quiet Corner: While cats enjoy being social, ensure the tree isn't in a high-traffic area where they might feel vulnerable or startled. A corner that offers a good view but also a sense of security is ideal.
- Avoid Hidden Spots: Don't tuck the tree away in an unused room. Your cat is less likely to seek it out if it's out of sight and out of mind.
Build Familiarity and Security
Making the tree feel like a natural part of their environment can speed up acceptance.
- Scent Transfer: Rub a blanket, towel, or a favorite toy that already carries your cat's scent on various parts of the new cat tree. This transfers familiar odors, making the tree feel safer and more inviting.
- Ensure Stability: A wobbly or unstable cat tree can deter your cat. Ensure the tree is securely assembled and doesn't rock or tip when your cat jumps on it. Cats need to feel safe and secure, especially when climbing to higher levels.
- Introduce Gradually: Don't force your cat onto the tree. Allow them to approach and explore at their own pace. A gentle introduction is always best.
Patience and Positive Reinforcement
Getting a cat to use a new item often requires patience and consistent positive reinforcement.
- Never Force It: Forcing your cat onto the tree will only create negative associations and make them avoid it.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Praise your cat and offer a treat when they even sniff the tree, touch it, or step onto a lower platform.
- Consistency: Regularly use the methods above (treats, play, catnip) to consistently reinforce the idea that the cat tree is a fun and safe place.
- Give It Time: Some cats are naturally curious and will take to a new tree quickly, while others are more cautious and may need days or even weeks to warm up to it. Be patient and continue with positive encouragement.
Quick Encouragement Checklist
| Action | How it Helps |
|---|---|
| Treat Trail | Piques curiosity, positive food association |
| Play Sessions | Makes tree fun, active engagement |
| Catnip | Heightens interest, encourages exploration |
| Strategic Placement | Natural attraction, part of their environment |
| Scent Transfer | Familiarity, comfort, reduced anxiety |
| Ensure Stability | Builds confidence, promotes safety |
| Positive Reinforcement | Reinforces good behavior, builds trust |
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly increase the chances of your cat happily adopting their new cat tree as a favorite spot for play, rest, and observation.
