Tag: enrichment

Cat Care

How to Choose the Right Cat Tree

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Store full of cat trees
Photo by Petrebels on Unsplash

The holidays have arrived. If you buy holiday gifts for your pets, and you have a cat, well, you already know they can be hard to shop for. A nice cat tree would make a good gift, surely, but there are so many to choose from! They can be expensive, too. No one wants to break the bank for a fancy cat tree only for their cat to ignore it in favor of the box it came in. How can you know you’re getting a cat tree that your cat will love? There are few guarantees in life, but a few simple tips can help you make sure the cat tree you’re buying is a castle worthy of your home’s furry royalty–as soon as they finish checking out the box.

Step One: Observe and Measure

Cat trees do a few things for cats. They satisfy their natural instincts to climb, hide, and scratch [1, 3-5]. These are all necessary behaviors for cats, and cat trees provide a safe and non-destructive outlet for them. Every cat has their individual preferences, however. Some careful observation now can save you a lot of wasted time and expense on a cat tree they won’t use later.

Climbing

Most cats love to go up high, but there are some that don’t care for it or aren’t able to do so easily. My family once had a cat that hated to be in high places and refused to use any cat furniture except a low pedestal. Older or disabled cats may struggle to climb even if they want to [1, 4]. Smaller, simpler trees or ones with ramps may suit cats such as these [1, 4]. A small cat tree may be best for a small kitten with rudimentary climbing skills, too [4].

Hiding

Does your cat spend a lot of time sequestered in enclosed spaces? Are they a shy kitty? If so, they would probably prefer a cat tree that includes a cubbyhole for them to hide in [1]. Whether your cat would prefer an enclosed place to sleep or an open platform, think about the kind of materials they like to sleep on. Most cat trees are carpeted, but some have faux-fur platforms or are just solid wood [4].

Scratching

Finally, what kind of scratcher is your cat? Do they prefer to scratch horizontal surfaces like the carpet or vertical ones like the sofa? Which materials appeal to them–fabrics, cardboard, wood? Most cat trees have scratching posts wrapped in sisal rope, a rough plant material that nearly every cat loves to dig their claws into. It’s important that your tree has surfaces your cat will want to scratch [3]. Moreover, those surfaces need to be long enough for your cat to stretch out on [4, 5]. This is more difficult to accomplish than you might think, especially for cats that like to scratch vertically. A lot of cat trees do not have a post tall enough. Look at your cat when they stretch out, measure them if you can, and then look for a cat tree that will accommodate that stretch.

Don’t forget to take the measurements of your home into account, too! Where are you going to put the cat tree? If you plan to get a large one, make sure it will fit somewhere.

Step Two: What Makes a Quality Cat Tree

Ginger tabby kitten on cat tree
Photo by Petrebels on Unsplash

Once you have an idea what your cat needs from their cat tree, it’s time to start shopping. There are some characteristics any good cat tree needs to have.

  1. Enough perches for all the cats in your home to have their space. A good rule of thumb is twice as many perches as cats. Of course, if you have ten cats, one tree isn’t going to provide that. [1, 4]
  2. Stability. If the tree wobbles, leans, or even falls oven when your cat uses it, they’ll learn not to use it anymore. Cats won’t go easy on their furniture, so make sure it’ll hold up to a flying leap. A good cat tree should have a wide, solid base and be heavy enough to withstand all kinds of cat antics without falling. Top-heavy cat trees are no-go unless you have a plan to affix them to the walls for support. [3-5]
  3. Durability. If it feels like it’s made of cardboard, you won’t really be saving money with that cheaper price tag because you will have to replace it in no time. [4]

Many cat trees also include hanging toys. These are great additions, as they encourage your cat to explore a new tree and can keep them entertained for a long time after [1, 4]. They do get pulled off eventually, but you can always staple a new toy on in the same place [4].

Step Three: Introducing the Cat Tree

Some cats will take to a new cat tree immediately, probably “helping” you assemble it as well. Others will be more cautious of this new item in their territory and may need you to convince them that it’s safe to interact with. If that turns out to be the case with your cat, there are several things you can do. First, make sure the cat tree is in a place where your cat feels comfortable. Good locations for cat furniture include social centers of the home like the family room or near a window your cat likes to look out [1, 5].

If your cat seems to be wary of the tree no matter where you put it, all is not lost. For cats that like catnip, the herb can serve as a great way to entice your furry friend to check out the cat tree. Just sprinkle some catnip around the base and on the tree and let kitty go wild [3]!

For kittens or cats that don’t care for catnip, play or treats may do the trick better. Try using a wand toy to draw them up onto the cat tree, or at least get their paws onto it at first [3, 5]. Maybe leave a trail of treats up the tree. Of course, make sure to praise your cat for showing interest in it [3, 5]. If you did your homework well and got them the perfect tree, they’ll realize they love it in no time.

Fun Fact: The First Cat Tree

It used to be very unusual for people to keep cats indoors, but as that become more common, the problems of cats scratching furniture and climbing where they shouldn’t became apparent. Frank L. Crow set out to solve the woes of indoor cats and their humans alike, and in 1968 he patented the first cat tree. It consisted of a series of flat perches mounted on a floor-to-ceiling tension pole with a base. Removable carpeted covers were wrapped around the perches. It was simple, but quite customizable, and worn-out perches and carpeting were easy to replace. It had a very small footprint, too. As someone living in a one-bedroom apartment, I wish this was still on the market. [2]

Works Cited

  1. Benjamin, K. (2020, May 21). Everything you need to know about cat trees. Catster. https://www.catster.com/home-design/everything-you-need-to-know-about-cat-trees
  2. Crow, F. L. (1968). Cat tree (U.S. Patent No. 3,479,990). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patents.google.com/patent/US3479990A/
  3. Galaxy, J. & Hofve, J. (n.d.). How to stop your cats from scratching furniture. Jackson Galaxy. https://www.jacksongalaxy.com/blog/how-to-stop-your-cats-from-scratching-furniture/
  4. Jason C. (n.d.). How to choose a cat tree. Purrfect Kitty Cat. https://www.purrfectkittycat.com/articles/how-to-choose-a-cat-tree
  5. Moore, A. (2001). Kitten owner’s manual. Storey Publishing: North Adams, MA.

Published December 20, 2021

Updated August 14, 2022

Cat Care

Leash Training for Cats

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

White cat on leash
Photo by Dids from Pexels

Though still unusual, it has become more common these days to see someone walking their cat on a leash. Some may think the entire concept is absurd, but the evidence that it can be done is there for all to see. The question is, how? Just getting most cats into their crates is a feat not for the faint of heart. What kind of sorcery is required to wrestle one into a harness? No sorcery, but it does involve some patience and a willingness to meet your cat where they’re at.

Not all cats will want to be walked. Knowing your cat’s personality will give you a good idea how they will feel about the subject. A cat that is always hanging around outside-facing doors, looking out windows, and trying to escape when you open the door is a cat that’s interested in the outdoors. There’s a good chance that they’ll enjoy a chance to explore. Cats that are afraid of outside doors, are very stressed by change, or are very timid in general may not want to be walked. You could still try it. You might be surprised and find out that going on a walk gives your cat the confidence boost they needed. But just don’t get your hopes up.

That being said, most cats are not thrilled about the prospect of being walked when it is first presented. Cats generally do not like unfamiliar experiences, and this certainly qualifies. However, if they are eased into it slowly, some cats come to be very enthusiastic about being walked.

Proper Preparation

Before attempting to walk your cat, make sure that they are up to date on their vaccinations, including Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). Indoor cats are usually not at risk for FeLV, but a cat on a walk might catch it from contact with another cat. Also make sure that your cat stays current on flea, tick, heartworm, and intestinal worm preventatives, as these parasites are much more likely to be encountered outdoors.

Make sure that your cat has a collar with ID tags to wear on walks in case the two of you become separated. It’s a good idea to have your cat microchipped, too. If your cat was microchipped a while ago, make sure that the information is up to date. Cat collars are typically break-away, meaning that the latch will come undone if the cat gets the collar caught on something. This is a good thing, given the kinds of places cats can get into. Break-away collars prevent entrapment or suffocation. But if the only way your cat can be traced back to you is the ID tag on their collar, these collars may not be much help in reuniting you.

Ginger tabby wearing harness with bowtie
Some harnesses can be very stylish – Photo by Amber Kipp on Unsplash

With all that accomplished, it’s time to buy a harness and leash for your cat. There are a variety of products made specifically for cats, as well as some small dog harnesses that can work well. It is important to use a harness and not just a leash that clips to your cat’s collar, partially because of the break-away collar issue mentioned above. Also, cats can sometimes slip out of their collars, and a harness distributes pressure more comfortably across a cat’s chest instead of in one place against their throat.

There are different types of harnesses available. Some use adjustable straps and others are like a fabric vest. Both types have their merits and pitfalls. The vest type can be easier to put on, but may not fit well on chubby or long-haired cats. The strap kind allows for more adjustment but may slip off of svelte or short-haired cats. Your cat may also have their own preference.

Leashes can also vary. A very long leash can put you too far away from your cat should any threat arise, like someone walking a dog. Retractable leashes tend to present the same problem, allowing you to put too much distance between you and your cat. There are leashes for cats which are somewhat flexible. They have a section of coiled fabric which allows your cat to jump without the leash jerking them back. Those are my personal favorite, but I have seen no expert mandate requiring such a product. As long as you allow your cat enough slack on the leash, the flexible lead probably isn’t a necessity.

Getting Ready to Walk

The best time to start training a cat to walk is when they’re a kitten, but it’s never too late. The process is likely to take longer with adult cats, but it will be a gradual matter regardless. Let your cat set the pace and never force them to walk. If you have clicker trained your cat, that will come in very much in handy during this process.

The first step is getting your cat used to the harness. Begin by placing the harness out in the open where your cat can investigate it. Reward your cat with a treat for sniffing or otherwise showing interest in the harness to build a positive association. If your cat is clicker trained, then click and treat when your cat shows interest. Do this over the course of as many days as it takes for your cat to become used to the harness being in their space, then try draping the harness over your cat. Reward your cat for tolerating the harness. When your cat isn’t bothered by having the harness laid on top of them, you can try putting them into the harness.

You want to make it the most positive experience possible, although your cat probably won’t like it the first time or even the first several times. Give your cat their favorite treats after the harness is on, and be gentle and soothing while getting your cat into the contraption. Then, let your kitty walk around in the harness for a while. Some cats will just freeze up when put into a harness, but eventually they will get used to the feeling. You can try playing with your cat while they wear it if they’re willing. Once they’ve relaxed, you can remove the harness and repeat tomorrow, and the next day, and the next, until your cat is comfortable with putting on and wearing the harness.

How to Put a Strap-Style Harness on a Cat

Next, start attaching the leash when you put your cat in the harness, but don’t hold the leash. Just let your cat walk around with the leash dragging behind them. Do watch to make sure they don’t get the leash caught on anything. The goal is to accustom your cat to the feeling of something else on their body. Once they’re comfortable with this stage, start walking your cat around the house. Hold the leash and let your cat lead you. Treat them often to keep building that positive association. If your cat seems comfortable, you can practice directing them. Only ever use gentle corrections on the leash to direct your cat. Hard tugs on the leash to tell them where to go can make cats averse to the entire activity of walking.

Into the Wild

When your cat is okay with being walked inside, you are finally ready to venture outside. The first few times, you may just want to open the door and sit on the stoop with your cat. It depends on their personality, but for many cats those first forays into the outdoors can be scary. Even if your cat wants to explore outside, they may need a little time to build up their courage. It’s a good idea to walk your cat inside a safe, enclosed yard at first, if at all possible.

However quickly your cat takes to the great outdoors, never forget that a cat is not a dog. Therefore walking a cat is not like walking a dog. Cats tend to go a much more leisurely pace and stop to investigate objects or change course much more often. Walking a cat is really more like being walked by a cat, except you are responsible for correcting your cat if they start to go somewhere unsafe. Always look out for other animals as well as any plants that might be toxic for your cat to consume. Flower beds can be deadly, especially if they have lilies of any kind. Even the pollen of lilies can cause fatal kidney failure in cats if it gets on their fur and they lick it off.

White and orange cat on a leash on sofa
Train your cat to walk indoors before venturing outside – Photo by Taylor Deas-Melesh on Unsplash

As long as you are there to keep your cat safe, the stimulation offered by the outdoors can be delightful for many cats. It engages their brains and bodies, providing them with new problems to solve, things to see and smell, and more exercise than can typically be afforded indoors. We should always strive to provide the best enrichment inside that we can. Unfortunately, we can never perfectly emulate the dynamic and complex natural environment. Taking cats on walks provides them with a safe way to enjoy the perks of the outdoors.

Since cats thrive on routine, it’s best to establish a daily walking plan for your cat. Part of this is having a signal to let your cat know that it’s walk time. It’s also a good idea to put the harness and leash on in the same place every day. It’s best not to do this near the door, or your cat might start to associate the door with the fun of going outside and try to dart out every time you open it.

What if you try this entire process, and your cat never takes to it? Maybe they never get used to the harness, or no matter how carefully you introduce them to the outdoors they are always afraid. There are a lot of points where your cat might say “no.” You need to respect their decision if they do. Not every cat will want to be walked. If you think your cat might still benefit from going outside, then there are alternatives.

Cat strollers and backpacks allow you to walk your cat without a leash, and catios can be built in any outdoor space your home might have. Catios allow your cat access to the outside without straying from their home. For a more timid cat, a catio may be the better option. It’s all a matter of finding out what your cat wants. I will say that the least expensive of these options is the harness and leash, and it helps both you and your cat form an exercise routine, so it’s a good place to start.

Published May 3, 2020

Updated January 8, 2021

Behavior

Why Do Cats Love Boxes?

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

You finish opening that new package from Amazon and plop the box on the floor. Immediately, your cat appears as if summoned by the presence of cardboard in its domain. She delicately sniffs the box, prowls all around it to examine every inch, and then springs over the edge and lands inside. An hour later you walk by and can just see her eyes and ears peeking over the top at you. Claw marks on the outside edges indicate that she’s been hard at work showing that box who’s boss. You chuckle and wonder for the millionth time why your silly cat is so enamored of the simple cardboard box.

Sound familiar? Who has a giant cat that insists on squeezing into shoeboxes or has bought their cat a super-deluxe-mega-awesome cat tree only for kitty to spend the next week in the box it came in? Most humans lose interest in playing with cardboard boxes after about the age of eight, but cats seem to have an undying fascination with the things–sleeping in them, jumping in and out of them, ripping them to pieces. Why is that? Why do cats love boxes?

No One Will Find Me Here…

Tabby cat in cardboard box
“If I fits, I sits.” Photo by Brent Jones on Unsplash

As is often the case with cats, there isn’t a simple answer, but it largely has to do with boxes being a confined space. Cats are both ambush predators and prey for larger animals, so they are very keen on hiding places from which to pounce on their prey and avoid being hunted themselves. Anyone who has been swatted at or pounced upon by a cat hiding in a box knows that boxes serve the purpose well. Cats may also want to hide from their problems. Cats are only somewhat social and as such don’t have instinctive conflict-resolution skills. They mostly just hide and hope the conflict goes away. #Relatable

Some cats like to hide more than others, but as a rule cats need hiding places to make them feel safe and relieve anxiety. Studies with shelter cats have found that providing hiding boxes decreases their stress levels [1, 2]. Even in a low-stress environment, everybody needs somewhere to decompress now and again. For a cat, that might be a good box.

The Wonders of Cardboard

There are other reasons cats love boxes, particularly of the cardboard variety. One you may have noticed yourself is that cardboard has a texture many cats enjoy sinking their claws into. Some enjoy chewing and generally mauling it as well. My cat Joon is quite fond of eating it. She’s not allowed to play in cardboard boxes anymore. For most cats it’s a very safe pastime, however. Just make sure there aren’t any staples or other things on the box they shouldn’t get in their mouths!

Tabby cat in cauldron
Joon in a “box” she’s allowed to play with.

Cardboard is also a great insulator, and small spaces are great places for cats to curl up and be warm and cozy. A National Research Council study from 2006 found that the thermoneutral zone for cats, the range of temperatures in which they are comfortable and don’t need to expend energy to warm or cool themselves, is 86 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit (30 to 36 degrees Celsius) [3]. Most of us don’t keep our houses that warm, so housecats seek out warmth wherever they can. Cardboard boxes hold in their body heat when they snuggle down in them, so they make great places to play and sleep. You know, the things cats do best.

If you’re frustrated that your cat doesn’t like all the fancy toys you’ve bought them as much as they like shoving their entire body in an empty tissue box, keep in mind that it’s really the fault of the boxes for making such a perfect kitty cave. And you might be able to save a lot of money on cat accessories if you embrace your cat’s love of boxes.

Works Cited

  1. Kry, K & Casey, R. (2007). The effect of hiding enrichment on stress levels and behaviour of domestic cats (Felis sylvestris catus) in a shelter setting and the implications for adoption potential. Animal Welfare, 16(3), 375-383.
  2. Vinke, CM, Godijn, LM, & van der Leij, WJR. (2014). Will a hiding box provide stress reduction for shelter cats? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 160, 86-93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2014.09.002
  3. National Research Council. (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academy Press.

Published December 23, 2019

Updated June 20, 2022