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Animal Behavior College

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Home » Lifestyle » Fun » Going Up

Going Up

Why Cats Climb
Modern house cats will climb up for safety and observation, just like their larger wild relatives.
foaloce/Adobe Stock

Cats are famous for their love of climbing. Outdoor cats are known for their penchant of climbing trees, while indoor cats enjoy scaling “cat trees” provided by their owners. But why is climbing such a favorite pastime of our feline friends?

To understand cats’ proclivity for climbing, you have to look at their natural history.

As with all domestic animals, the house cat had wild ancestors who had to work hard to survive in nature. Although we think of cats as predators, they can also fall prey to larger hunters. During the time of our cats’ ancestors, climbing trees was a way of staying safe from ground-dwelling predators. Climbing also gave early cats a way keep the larger prey they had caught hidden from other animals who might try to steal it. These cats could stash their catch in trees, much like modern leopards do today.

Cat Climbing
Given limited climbing options, many cats will choose whatever is accessible, such as the top of a closet door.
Mi.Ti/Adobe Stock

Fast forward to today, and Felis catus—the domestic cat—still loves to climb. While escaping from predators and hiding their food is less of an issue for well-cared-for pet cats, the desire to climb is still strong. Cats feel more secure when they are high up, and are more comfortable sharing their territory with other cats when they can retreat to elevated places. They are also built for climbing, with their extremely flexible bodies and retractable claws.

It’s important to give your cat opportunities to appropriately express her innate desire to climb. This is especially true if she’s an indoor cat. Without access to trees, she might be inclined to climb up your drapes or up the side of your couch. A well-made cat tree can help her channel her urges to climb—and will give you hours of entertainment as you watch her scramble up it when she’s feeling energetic.

Cat Tree
Cat trees vary in design and price; from a basic carpet-and-sisal composition by Trixie Pet Products (left) to an oak-veneer-and Berber-carpet style by The Refined Feline (right).

When choosing a cat tree, pick the tallest one you can afford. The higher up your cat can go, the better. Commercial cat trees feature platforms and cubbyholes of various styles and shapes. Select the one you think your cat would most enjoy. Or, try making your own. Just be sure it’s sturdy and doesn’t wobble when your cat jumps on it.

It’s important to keep your cat’s age and health in mind when providing a safe climbing place. Young kittens may be intimidated by a larger cat tree, so you might want to start with a smaller one if your cat is just a baby.

Older cats particularly enjoy sleeping in high places but might have some trouble climbing like they did when they were young. Consider putting your cat tree near a table or dresser so your senior cat can get to that higher elevation more easily.


About the Author: Audrey Pavia is an award-winning freelance writer and author of “The Labrador Retriever Handbook.” She is a former staff editor of Dog Fancy, Dog World and The AKC Gazette magazines. To learn more about her work, visit www.audreypavia.com and hollywoodhoofbeats.net/

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STATE LICENSURE AND APPROVAL
Animal Behavior College is a private vocational school approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (www.bppe.ca.gov) under the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 and Title 5. California Code of Regulations Division 7.5. Private Postsecondary Education. The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education approval means that this institution and its operation comply with the standards established under the law for occupational instruction by private postsecondary educational institutions. Institutional approval is subject to continual review and the institution must reapply for approval every five years.
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Please be advised that Animal Behavior College ("ABC") is the exclusive entity authorized to provide certifications and/or degrees from Animal Behavior College. Moreover, such certifications and/or degrees are only conferred by ABC following a student's completion of an ABC-administered program. No other entity or individual has authority to confer certifications and/or degrees on ABC's behalf. Any other entity or individual who attempts to do so is acting without express or implied authority from ABC.
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GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
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