If you splurged on a cat tree only to watch your cat ignore it, and you are now wondering “how do I get my cat to use a cat tree,” relax: with the right placement, a few inviting scents, and some reward-based encouragement, almost any cat can learn to love it. Cats are naturally drawn to height and vertical territory, so the instinct is already there; your job is simply to make the tree feel safe, interesting, and worth claiming. The approach is gentle and positive, luring and rewarding rather than ever forcing your cat up.
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A well-used cat tree pays off in many ways. It gives your cat a high perch to survey her domain, a place to scratch, a spot to nap in the sun, and an outlet for climbing and jumping that keeps her fit. For multi-cat homes, it adds precious vertical space that reduces tension. So it is well worth the effort to win her over.
Why Cats Ignore a New Cat Tree
When a cat snubs her tree, the reason is usually one of a few practical things rather than dislike of the tree itself:
- Bad location. A tree shoved into a quiet corner or a busy hallway may feel boring or unsafe.
- Unfamiliar scent. A brand-new tree smells like the store, not like home or your cat.
- Wobble. An unstable tree that sways frightens cats, and one scary climb can put her off for good.
- Wrong style. Some cats love enclosed cubbies; others prefer open platforms. Senior or large cats may need lower, sturdier perches.
- No positive associations. She simply has no reason yet to choose the tree over the couch.
Once you address these, most cats come around quickly. The tree just needs to feel like the best seat in the house.
Think of it from your cat’s point of view. A piece of furniture appears overnight, smelling of cardboard and a faraway warehouse, parked somewhere with no view and nothing fun nearby. There is no reason for her to choose it over the sunny windowsill or the back of the sofa she already trusts. Your task is simply to flip that math, making the tree the most appealing, familiar, and rewarding spot available. When you do, instinct takes over and she happily claims her new vertical territory.
Put the Tree in the Right Spot
Placement is the most important factor by far. Cats want perches that let them watch their world from safety, so position the tree thoughtfully.
- Near a window. A view of birds, the yard, or the street is irresistible and turns the tree into a daily entertainment hub.
- In a room you use. Cats like to be near their people. A tree in the living room or your home office gets far more use than one banished to a spare room.
- In a sunny patch. Cats gravitate to warm, sunlit spots for napping.
- Against a wall and on stable flooring. Make sure the base is rock-solid so it never wobbles when she jumps.
If your space is tight, our roundup of cat indoor enrichment ideas shows how to fit vertical territory into small homes without clutter.
Make the Tree Smell and Feel Like Home
Cats trust the familiar, so transferring friendly scents onto the tree makes it instantly more appealing. Rub a soft cloth on your cat’s cheeks, where she has scent glands, and wipe it on the perches and posts. You can also place a worn t-shirt or her favorite blanket on the top platform so it smells like you and her.
Catnip and silvervine are powerful lures for cats who respond to them. Sprinkle a little dried catnip on the platforms or rub a catnip toy along the scratching posts. Reapply every few days at first. These familiar, exciting smells tell your cat the tree belongs to her, not the store. Keep in mind that not all cats react to catnip, since the response is genetic and absent in a sizable minority of cats. If yours is unmoved by catnip, try silvervine, valerian, or a sprinkle of dried honeysuckle instead, as many catnip-immune cats respond enthusiastically to one of these alternatives.
A Step-by-Step Plan to Win Her Over
Use rewards and play to draw your cat onto the tree, always letting her choose to climb rather than lifting her up.
- Reward any interest. The moment she sniffs or touches the tree, offer a treat and warm praise.
- Lure with treats. Place a treat on the lowest level, then the next, building a trail upward. Let her go at her own pace.
- Play on the tree. Drag a wand toy across the platforms and up the posts so she chases it onto the tree. Ending the hunt with a catch on a perch links the tree to victory.
- Feed near or on it. Set her food bowl or a puzzle feeder on a low platform so the tree becomes part of her positive daily routine.
- Add naps. Place her bed or a cozy blanket on a perch. Once she sleeps there, the tree is officially hers.
- Never force it. Do not pick her up and set her on the top; that can scare her and create a bad association.
Pairing the tree with active play multiplies its appeal, and our guide to cat enrichment activities offers more ways to keep your climber engaged and burning energy.
Match the Tree to Your Cat’s Style
Not every cat wants the same kind of tree, and choosing one that fits your cat’s personality and life stage makes acceptance far more likely. Paying attention to how your cat already behaves gives you strong clues about what she will love.
- Climbers and jumpers who love height appreciate tall trees with multiple high platforms.
- Shy or nervous cats often prefer enclosed cubbies and hideaways where they can watch the room while feeling protected.
- Senior or large cats need lower, sturdier perches with easy steps and wide, well-padded platforms.
- Avid scratchers get extra value from trees wrapped in sisal posts, which double as a scratching outlet.
A tree that doubles as a scratching station can solve two problems at once, drawing your cat in while protecting your furniture. The more the tree suits her natural preferences, the faster she claims it. Keeping her active on the tree also supports her overall fitness, and our tips on how to exercise an indoor cat show how climbing and jumping help keep an indoor cat lean and healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forcing her onto the top perch. A frightening height too soon teaches avoidance.
- Choosing a wobbly tree. Instability is a top reason cats refuse to climb. Stabilize or replace it.
- Hiding it in an unused room. Out of sight means out of mind. Put it where life happens.
- Giving up after a few days. Some cats need a couple of weeks of gentle encouragement.
- Skipping the scent step. A tree that does not smell like home stays foreign and uninviting.
A Realistic Timeline and When to Adjust
Many cats start exploring within a few days of good placement, scent, and treats, and most adopt the tree as a favorite spot within two to three weeks. Confident, playful cats may claim it almost immediately, while shy or older cats take longer and may prefer lower levels. Try not to be discouraged if your cat ignores the tree at first; many cats need to observe a new object for several days before they feel safe enough to investigate it. Patience and steady, low-key encouragement almost always win out over time.
If after several weeks your cat still avoids the tree entirely, reassess. Move it to a better window, lower the entry perches for an older or arthritic cat, swap to a more stable model, or try a different style with enclosed hideaways. A cat who suddenly stops climbing when she used to enjoy it may be in pain, so mention any sudden change in jumping or activity to your veterinarian. With the right setup and steady rewards, the cat tree usually becomes one of her most treasured perches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to put a cat tree?
Beside a window in a room your family uses often, on stable flooring, ideally in a sunny spot. A good view and your company make the tree far more appealing.
How do I get my cat to climb to the top?
Lure her up gradually with a treat trail and wand play, rewarding each level. Never lift her to the top yourself; let her build confidence at her own pace.
My cat prefers cardboard boxes over the tree. Why?
Boxes feel safe and enclosed. Add a cozy bed or hideaway to the tree, place it near a window, and scent it with catnip and your cat’s smell to compete.
Should I use catnip on the cat tree?
Yes, if your cat responds to it. Catnip or silvervine on the posts and platforms is a great lure. Reapply every few days while she is learning to use it.
What if my cat is too old to climb a tall tree?
Choose a shorter, sturdy tree with low, easy-step perches and soft padding. If an older cat suddenly stops climbing, have your vet check for arthritis or pain.
