Mom's Trick for Keeping Cats Happy & Included Is Such a True Game-Changer

Diana Logan

December 13, 2024 at 8:08 PM

Before I got my cats, I was clueless as to what would make them happiest. My pet knowledge was limited to canines, only, and I knew little more about how cats liked to live their lives other than that I needed to purchase a litter box. Thankfully, I got a book on feline behavior, and learned why scratching posts were non-negotiable, what kind of water dish would be least likely to bother my kitty's sensitive whiskers and why, when it comes to cat-friendly spaces, it pays to think vertically.

View the original article to see embedded media.

In this videos busy mom to both cats and babies explains how she makes sure there are cat-dedicated spaces where her pets can feel both safe and included in family activities in every room in her house. And it starts with understanding that cats like to get up high.

Related: How to Make Homemade Cat Trees and Cat Houses

Cats Love to Climb

Today's modern house cat is descended from an ancient forest cat of the Middle East and Northern Africa. This species was much like our domesticated version -- it was small, it hunted tiny rodents and birds, it marked its territory by scratching bark and wood with its sharp claws, and it loved to climb trees and make its home in hollows among the branches and roots.

Nowadays, our modern house cats share similar desires, which is why there is a brisk business for selling "cat trees" -- artificial structures with platforms, shelters, and scratching posts that you can put in your house and let your cat treat as a place to both mark territory via their claws and make their main hangout spot. These days, you can buy a cat tree to fit just about any home aesthetic, from cutesy boho baskets to ultra-modern boxy constructions. Some are even affixed to your wall like shelving units.

For this mom, the key to making her cats feel safe and secure around rambunctious kids in a busy household is to give them elevated spaces like these in every room. They aren't always the same, either. In one room it may be a cat tree. In another, a shelf on a windowsill. In a third, it may be a high pedestal. These spaces are far enough away from the grasping paws of toddlers as well as anyone who might step on them.

How to Encourage Confidence in Your Cat

Animals like cats are ideal pets for small living spaces like apartments because square footage matters less to them as long as there are various levels they can exist at. A cat will see a a narrow tall cat tree that you can shove in a corner as four or five entirely distinct habitats and may even pick a different spot every hour to nap in.

(My cats have particular napping spots that correspond to different times of the day.)

Picking a Cat Tree

When it comes to choosing amongst the myriad sizes, styles, and configurations of your cat tree, it pays to think about what your house looks like, and what kind of places your cat prefers to frequent. If you're low on floor space, try to get a cat tree with a small footprint that goes tall. Consider dedicating a wall to one that doesn't need floor space at all. If your cat likes to scratch, are sure there are several places to do so. If they like to sleep onto backs of couches, maybe the platform style will appeal to them, but if they hide under couches or tables, maybe they would prefer a cat tree with a little house to hide away in.

Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos.

Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.