
Unlike dogs, which have become the most domesticated of all animals living in proximity to humans, and whose behavior has radically transformed from fierce aggressiveness to lovingness and loveableness, from unpredictable and threatening to reliable and easily trained companions, cats remain largely wild.
Yes, cats have certainly adapted to us and our environments and they live with us well, yet behind those beautiful eyes, those plaintive meows and often docile behavior lives unaltered a host of ineradicable instincts millions of years old.
This is why they still crave moving water, still stalk and hunt, mark their territory and will always need and want to climb, jump and claw.
And this is why a cat tree is so beneficial for them. Because they will do all that and you don’t want them climbing your curtains or clawing your furniture or getting stressed because they can’t express their catness.

Better For Them, Better For You
Most cat trees invite scratching, often with sisal wrapped posts cats love to do their nails on. This not only grooms their nails, removing older nail material and facilitating new, healthy growth, it also is a way for them to mark territory. Glands in the cats paws take care of that.
This is a great stress reducer generally, and if there is any sort of competition in the environment, this helps them cope. They are making a statement about who and where they are that other cats will read and respond to. Even if another cat is dominant, this helps. It is similar to the idea; “It is better to strike one match than curse the darkness” sort of thing. They feel better for doing it.

What Else Are Cat Trees Good For?
Everyone knows how cats love boxes and hiding places and many cat trees come equipped with these. They also love high spaces and a good sturdy cat tree with elevated perches is a cat’s paradise. There they can survey their precincts, assess their environment and feel safe and, well frankly, above it all. And just getting up there is all part of the fun, satisfying ancient basic needs as well as providing the sort of excellent exercise they crave.
Many come with toys dangling (or you can hang your own), from the elevated platforms most cats will enjoy playing with (hunting, stalking).
They are great spaces for two or more cats to share without overly encroaching on one another yet they also permit cats to play together, chasing one another up and down the tree, or just hanging out together.
One of the great things about cat trees is that the emphasis is on verticality so they don’t take up much of your living space. They can be tucked comfortably into a corner. Two walls behind them adds to the sense of security and reduces possible surprise elements. (They can’t be snuck up on.)
Placing The Cat Tree
Placement matters; for you and your cats. Many ads show cat trees out in the middle of some living space which is great for showing off the cat tree but is probably not great for you unless your cats are the center of your life, and is not ideal for your cats either. A more reasonable place is against a wall or even, as mentioned above, in a corner.
If you have a cat scratching furniture problem, near where the scratching occurs might be a good place, at least initially, until your cat(s) begin to use, love and rely on the tree for their various purposes.
As with cat fountains, though to a lesser extent, there are places you definetly want to avoid, such as near loud or frequently used utilities, near the litter box, high traffic areas or where it is in the way or impedes other functions, both theirs and yours.
Somewhere they like to be and can easily access, even if it is where you won’t often see it, is good. It should not be in a closet or where access is only from one entryway. Some sources suggest the bedroom but as cats don’t have our sleeping schedules, that may not be a good idea. Many people put the cat tree a bit out of the way in the living room where cats can observe what’s going on around them and we can enjoy watching them. If there is a wall with a window, next to that is ideal. They can enjoy the cat tree and leasurily watch the action inside and out.
Purchasing A Cat Tree
Quality cat trees can be had from around sixty dollars to many hundreds depending on the features it has and how and of what it is made. Pawz has a variety of them as does Frisco, On2 pets and Whiskers, all sold from a variety of outlets such as Catit, Waifair and Amazon as well as many others. A cat tree might seem like an extravagance but really, it can be a great addition to your cats’ happiness and health and to your enjoyment, of your cat and your home.