subject: Cats Crave Climbing Cat Towers [print this page] Having a cat is a lot of funHaving a cat is a lot of fun. Even though domesticated cats are friendly and tame, they still have their cat like instincts. Cats are usually the happiest, when they have a good domesticated balance. Suppressing these instincts may cause your cat to feel frustrated or angry and they may act out because of it. This is why cat towers and scratching posts are a wonderful way to nurture a few of those instincts that all cats have. Cat condos and poles provide a place for your cat to climb (simulating their instinct and desire to climb trees in the wild) so that he can survey his surroundings. Cats also like to climb so that they can look for prey, get some exercise, or just for fun.
Cat towers (depending on the type) can also provide a variety of other ways to help entertain and nurture your cats instincts. Hiding spots can help your cat take a break from a young child, another pet, or even you from time to time. Cats also love to hide when they are playing to spring out and attack their toys. Cat toys that are elevated on a tower will also provide a new world of hunting, stalking, balance, and strengthening.
These cat items are usually covered in a heavy-duty carpet or rope that will allow your cat to scratch and sharpen their claws to their hearts' content. Cats scratch their claws for a variety of different reasons. Stress can trigger this behavior and so can the need to stretch their muscles. Cats can also do it as a way of applying their scent (without spray or urine) to mark their territory. Scratching is a natural release for them that can serve many purposes so it is important to provide them with a specific cat item for that purpose.
Exercise is another outlet that indoor cats must have and one of their favorite ways to exercise is to climb. Cats are generally pretty good about rationing out their food intake and making sure that they get exercise when given the right tools at their disposal. Climbing gives cats exercise, sharpens their claws, and improves their balance all at the same time.
Being a cat owner is much more than making sure that a cat's basic needs are being met. You need to provide the appropriate items so your cat can satisfy his natural instincts and needs in places that you approve of. Many cat owners do not purchase these types of items for their cats and then get angry with them when the cats find things around the house to satisfy those needs. Being disciplined for doing something that they naturally feel compelled to do can lead to having an angry and depressed cat.
Make sure that you have a mentally and physically healthy cat by providing them things like cat towers. You will be pleased to have a healthy cat and non-scratched furniture and your cat will enjoy the new place to have fun and do what comes naturally to them.
