From Trees To Walls: Why Do Cats Like to Climb?

Cats are natural climbers. They have strong, agile bodies and sharp claws, perfect for scaling vertical surfaces like walls and trees. But why do cats like to climb? The answer may surprise you!

In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons why cats are drawn to heights.

From finding a safe place to rest to getting closer to their humans, cats have plenty of good reasons for making the climb.

So if you’ve ever wondered why your feline friend loves heights so much, read on! You might just find out why cats are such avid climbers.

Why do cats like to climb

Cats love to explore and climb in a variety of places. From shelves, bookcases, and kitchen countertops to outdoor balcony rails, cats will make their way up almost any available vertical surface.

It’s all part of their curious nature and instinctive desire to get higher than the ground.  Here are seven reasons why cats love scaling heights:

1. Instinctive behavior:

Climbing is an instinctive behavior in cats that are passed down from their wild ancestors.

In the wild, cats use trees to negotiate terrain and escape predators, so it’s natural for them to want to climb in their own home environment as well.

2. It’s fun:

Cats just love the feeling of conquering their environment and getting to the top of a, bookshelf, or window.

They also enjoy exploring new spots they find by climbing and accessing nooks and crannies they couldn’t reach before.

3. Height gives cats a sense of security:

Cats are natural predators, so they like to be able to access higher points in their environment where they can survey the area and look out for potential prey or danger.

Climbing also allows them to get away from potential threats on the ground and stay safe.

4. Stimulation:

Cats have an innate desire to move around and explore their surroundings, so climbing gives them a way to do this and stay active.

5. Curbing boredom:

Climbing gives cats something to do when they’re feeling bored and restless. It’s also an excellent way for them to get mental stimulation and satisfaction out of tackling a physical challenge.

6. Showing off their agility:

Cats are known for their agility and climbing ability, so it’s no surprise that they love to show off their skills when given the chance.

7. Expressing excitement:

When cats are feeling excited about something, like playing with a favorite toy or seeing a beloved human, they may express this enthusiasm by running up a nearby wall or tree trunk.

Sometimes cats get stuck on up there. There are many ways to get a cat out of the tree but one must keep an eye on their cat so that they are safe.

This is more than just an adrenaline rush—it also expresses their happiness!

What to do with a climbing cat?

Indoor cats also love to climb, but unfortunately, their natural instincts can sometimes lead to dangerous falling situations. Here are five tips for keeping climbing cats safe:

1. Provide scratching posts and shelves:

Give your cat plenty of places throughout the home where it can climb that are safer than furniture or window ledges.

Providing them with tall scratching posts, cat trees with multiple levels, and even wall-mounted shelves will give them access to higher points in the environment that are much more secure.

2. Provide plenty of toys:

In order to keep your climbing cat occupied, provide them with a variety of toys they can play with while away from their favorite places.

You could give them a scratching post toy, a ball pit, or even some interactive laser pointers! This will help distract the cat and encourage positive behaviors instead of destructive ones.

3. Play with them frequently:

Regularly playing with your cat is a great way to keep it mentally and physically stimulated.

This also helps promote healthy exercise habits and can help curb your cat’s desire to climb on furniture or window sills when it’s looking for something to do.

4. Block off exits and entrances:

Shutting doors to rooms that you’d rather not have Kitty explore can be helpful, as cats generally prefer wide open spaces.

You can also use furniture and other objects to prevent cats from entering certain areas or climbing onto shelves or counters.

5. Use deterrents and double-sided tapes:

If your cat is particularly fond of a certain spot, you can use double-sided tape or scented deterrents to discourage it from climbing up.

This will help keep the pet safe and prevent any damage to furniture or other items in the home.

These tips will help keep cats safe while also protecting your furniture or other items that may have been damaged by Kitty’s antics.

With consistent training and care, you can ensure that kitty climbs safely without destroying anything or getting themselves into trouble!

What materials can cats climb?

Although cats love to climb, not all materials are suitable for them to do so. Here are five materials that cats can easily climb:

1. Carpet:

Carpets provide a soft and grippy surface for cats’ claws, making it easy for them to maintain their balance while climbing. It also offers extra cushioning if they accidentally slip or fall.

2. Fabric-wrapped furniture:

Furniture with fabric-covered surfaces allows cats to grip more firmly and securely as they make their way up the structure, reducing their chances of falling off unexpectedly.

3. Rope ladders:

Rope ladders give cats an easy way to climb from one area to another without having to rely on their claws as much.

The strong, durable material can also be used to create cat-safe hammocks or lounging spots for them to relax in.

4. Wooden logs:

Cats love climbing on rough wooden surfaces that provide plenty of traction for their claws. This makes it an ideal option for cats who prefer more natural surfaces instead of carpeted ones.

5. Wallpaper:

Certain types of wallpaper are designed specifically with cats in mind and provide a secure yet comfortable grip while they climb around the house.

This is great if you want to give your kitty something new and interesting to explore without having to worry about it falling or slipping off!

What do cats not like to climb on?

While cats can be quite agile climbers, there are some materials that they just don’t find appealing for scaling.

To make sure your cat is safe and comfortable, here’s a list of 5 materials that cats have trouble climbing:

1. Shiny surfaces like glass or plastic:

Cats aren’t fans of slick textures because their claws could easily slip off. It’s not impossible for them to ascend these materials, but it definitely isn’t as easy as climbing up a carpeted wall or stairs.

2. Loose objects:

Loose clothing and bedding can be hazardous for cats if they try to climb on them; this material can sometimes give way beneath the cat’s weight, leading to possible injuries.

3. Metal:

Metal is material cats don’t like climbing because it can be too cold or uncomfortable. They may try but they won’t succeed if the metal has no grip at all.

4. Fruit trees:

Although cats love nature and exploring outdoors, fruit trees are not ideal for climbing as their branches are often very thin and could break off easily under a cat’s weight.

5. Unstable surfaces:

Cats also tend to avoid unstable or shaky materials like cardboard boxes because they prefer something more secure when ascending heights.

Conclusion

Cats are natural climbers and love to explore their surroundings by scaling surfaces like furniture, walls, or trees.

To make sure your pet stays safe while enjoying its favorite activity, it’s important to use cat-friendly materials that offer effective traction and grip.

With these tips in mind, you can help ensure that your kitty gets the most out of their climbing adventures!