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How to get my cat to use a cat tree?

If your cat will not use the cat tree you paid for, this post will show you things you can do to get your cat to use the tree and the alternatives that you have available to you.
To get your cat to use the cat tree, you can try placing the tree where your cat regularly goes, putting catnip on the tree, putting toys on the tree, putting food on the tree or simply waiting for your cat to experiment with the tree.
There are a number of things you can do to get your cat to use the cat tree and there are some alternatives to cat trees that you may want to consider.

How to get my cat to use a cat tree?

There are a few things you can do to get your cat to use a cat tree.

Place the cat in an area your cat regularly goes

The first is to place the tree in an area where your cat spends a lot of time. If your cat likes to sleep in a certain spot, put the tree next to that spot.

Put catnip on the tree

Another thing you can do is to put some catnip on the tree. Most cats love catnip and will be attracted to the tree if they can smell it. You can also try spraying the tree with a catnip spray.

Put toys on the tree

If your cat still isn’t using the tree, you can try enticements such as dangling a toy from the top of the tree. Eventually, your cat will get curious and start to explore the tree.

Put food on the tree

It would also help to try putting food, that your cat likes, at the top of the tree so that your cat will be encouraged to climb the tree in order to get the food.

Reward your cat when it uses the tree

While cats do not respond to positive reinforcement training quite as well as dogs do, cats do still respond to training. Whenever your cat shows signs of scratching the tree, it would help to reward the cat.

Wait

it might just be the case that your cat has not had enough time to experiment with the tree. It could be the case that your cat will start trying the tree out if you wait for a week or so.

Why won’t my cat use a cat tree?

There are many reasons why cats may not use a cat tree. It may be the wrong size or style for your cat’s preferences. The tree may be too tall, have unstable perches, or lack features that would make it appealing to your cat. Additionally, your cat may not be accustomed to using vertical spaces and may not feel comfortable climbing the tree.
If your cat is not using its cat tree, it would help to try putting catnip on the tree, food that your cat likes at the top of the tree, and other toys that your cat likes on the tree.

What to do if your cat still won’t use the tree

If your cat still refuses to use the cat tree, there are a few things you can do to try and encourage them. You can try putting the cat tree in a different location in your home, or adding some toys or catnip to the tree to make it more appealing to your cat, you can try getting a different tree or you could just allow your cat to stay where it wants to stay.
While it may be annoying that your cat won’t use the cat tree you paid for, cats can be stubborn creatures. If your cat won’t use the tree, it might simply be the case that you have to accept it and hope that your cat changes its mind in the future or you could give the tree to someone else.

The benefits of using a cat tree

A cat tree is a great way for your cat to get some exercise and stretch their muscles. It also gives them a place to scratch their claws and climb up high. Cats love to climb and a cat tree gives them a safe place to do it.
Your cat will also enjoy the different levels on a cat tree. They can choose to sit on the top level and survey their kingdom or they can curl up on a lower level and take a nap. A cat tree is a great way to keep your cat entertained and exercised.
Another benefit of a cat tree is that it can save your furniture from being scratched. If your cat has a place to scratch their claws then they are less likely to scratch your furniture. A cat tree is a great investment for any cat owner.

Alternatives to cat trees

One option is to get a scratch post for your cat. The advantage of getting a scratch post is that it will make it less likely that your cat will scratch furniture. Another option is to purchase or build cat furniture that is designed to be wall-mounted, which can help save space in your home. Additionally, you can simply create a safe, designated space in your home for your cat to climb and play, using things like boxes, and cat beds.