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Why cats climb
After scratching, climbing
is the second nature to cats and even the youngest kittens
will want to test their skills on the nearest tree. In
the wild some cats climb trees in order to pounce on their
prey from above. The leopard have been known to store
food on trees, away from hungry animals on the ground.
According to a legend, a cat’s
only trick is to climb a tree when she is in trouble. This
is based on European fable in which the fox tells the cat it
has 100 tricks in order to survive. The cat replies that she
has only one trick. Suddenly a pack of hounds approaches. The
cat climbs the tree while the fox goes through each of its
tricks but is eventually caught and killed.
Many domestic cats claw at tree
trunk in order to leave their marks. See Why
cats scratch. Others will go as far as climbing to
the tree in order to mark their territory. In both cases
cats want to climb instinctively and the urge to ascend a tree
will be strong. Both domestic and wild cats climb trees usually
as a hunting strategy or to escape being chased.
With strong backs and powerful
hind legs cats are good climbers. Their muscular strength
and sense of balance make them truly athletic climbers. Cats
are also an excellent jumpers. They are generally able to jump
four or five times their own height from a crouching,
stationary position. They tense their hindquarters before propelling
themselves forwards and upwards. The forelegs are used to correct
the balance and to gain a safe foothold when necessary.
Climbing upwards is very easy
for a cat and it seems to climb for pure enjoyment. Cats often
start a climb with a jump in order to gain height. They establish
a good grip using their sharp, extendable claws rather like
crampons, and use their hindquarters to power themselves up
wards. However the cats are more adept at ascending than descending.
They are better at climbing up trees than coming down. When
they start coming down their weight must be supported by their
front legs.
The
claws curve
in
the wrong
direction and they have to rely on their weaker, front legs
to hold their weight.
Cats have innate landing reflex
so they can survive fall from as high as four floors. Even
if your cat falls from a low height, she can flip herself in
mid-air and land safely on her feet.
Some great cat trees with lots of clawing surfaces
and places to relax. They will keep your cats from
scratching your home furniture.
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Our precious pets often like
to perch where they don't belong, such as on the tops of bookcases
and dressers, where fragile objects are easily broken. See 13
ways to save your furniture from cat scratching. That is
why itis so important for every cat to have a place where she
can scratch, climb, perch, play and even sleep.
Cat trees as well as cat
scratching posts are the most common cat furniture that every
cat owner
should have. Cat trees are taller than cat scratching
posts, and they give cats not only scratching surface
but real amusement and spaces where they can climb up and
come down all day.
You can save hair from being
deposited on your furniture and keep your cat from clawing
it at the same time by making or buying a multi-level cat tree
on which your cat can sleep and scratch. Trees that have wood
and sisal may be just the ticket for her comfort.
What cat tree to choose
for your cats?
1.The cat tree must be well balanced,
so your cats cannot tip it over.
2.The cat tree should supply
your cat with both carpet area for comfortable lounging and
sisal scratching surface for scratching. Carpet may be an acceptable
covering, but it should be checked first to make certain that
there are no tight loops. Some cats prefer sisal, a piece
of material from an old chair, or even bare wood for scratching.
Sisal rope is durable, inexpensive, attractive to cats,
and
lasts longer than carpet. Be certain to use a material that
appeals to your cat.
3.Be sure that the base of the
cat tree is heavy and large enough and maintains stability.
4.Take a cat tree that will provide
your cat not only with height and scratching surface, but
with comfortable places like shelves, trays and cat houses.
5.Be sure the components of the
cat tree are sturdy and spaced, so that cats can climb up and
come down without slipping or falling.
6.Make sure the entrance holes
of cat tunnels, cat houses or some kind of cube are large enough
to accommodate your cat.
7.If you choose a cat tree with
shelves or trays, be sure that they can hold the weight of
your cat.
Cat trees came in a variety
of styles, heights and colours, so let your pocketbook, house
size and cat's needs be your guide. Place the cat tree near
a sunny window or a draft-free corner where your cat likes
to spend time, or in front of a frequently scratched piece
of
furniture.
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Other useful articles:
Why
the cats scratch
How
to make your cat to scratch her scratching post
13
ways to save your furniture from cat scratching.
How
to play with your cat
Why cats
climb
What
every cat owner should know about the cat litter box
About
some Cat Disease
The
Cats and the Cold Weather
Heartworm
disease in cats
Plants
that will poison your cats
Cat
Neutering
How
to Avoid Cat Urine Spraying
How
to remove cat urine
Cat’s
Nutrition
What
you should know about Cat’s Shedding
Care
of Older Cats
Siamese
Cats
Putting
Your Cat out to Pasture
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