Where To Place Your Cat Tree

The best place to put a cat tree is socially significant yet low traffic, with a great view of the surroundings and away from draughts.

Even the most expensive premium tree might be unappealing to your pet if located in a noisy, chilly, or dark place.

The best spots for a cat tree are usually the living room, bedroom, or office, and the worst is the laundry room or garage, but it depends.

The View

Cats like to get a good view of their surroundings, observing their owners while resting on an elevation.

Cats in the wild rest in tree branches to watch for prey and hide from predators, typically choosing spots with a 360-degree view.

To meet your cat’s needs, pick a spot where your cat can see in every direction. There’s no need to put the cat tree in the middle of the room, but your cat should be able to see what’s happening in the house.

Consider amusing spots – for example, near the window or in the living room where a lot is happening. This way, your cat will never get bored.

You likely wouldn’t be happy with a room with a single window facing a brick wall, right?

Cats are intelligent creatures that need plenty of mental stimulation and environmental enrichment. A cat tree positioned near the window is the easiest way to entertain your cat without any effort.

Plus, if the cat tree is near the window, your cat can enjoy some sunshine while taking its afternoon nap.

Social Significance

Although tucking your cat’s tree in a dark corner may be tempting because it’s bulky, felines like to feel their social significance. Cats like to be around humans, even if they seem introverted and anti-social sometimes.

One may argue that their cat never sits in their lap and appears to be Grumpy Cat’s missing twin. Still, even such cats tend to follow their owners around the house, even if they don’t get too close.

One of the reasons is curiosity, and another is that the owner is the cat’s entire world. While you go on about your social life, your cat sits at home, patiently waiting for its favorite human to return.

Choose a place where you usually hang out for your cat’s tree. It could be your living room, kitchen, bedroom, or office, but not the attic or spare guest room you only visit once in a few weeks.

This way, your cat will feel a part of the family. A calm and happy cat is less likely to develop anxiety and health conditions.

Low-Traffic Area

Although cats prefer socially significant areas, they don’t like loud, high-traffic spots. A children’s room isn’t the best place for a cat’s tree, even if your pet and kids get along.

Cats love quietness when they are tired and want to rest. Felines sleep about 20 hours a day, so they need a place they won’t be distracted. If you constantly walk past your cat’s tree, your pet might become anxious and irritated.

Let’s take your living room as an example. A corner near the window is a perfect location because it’s entertaining and has low traffic. On the flip side, the middle of the room or near the door are bad options.

That doesn’t mean that you can never walk past your cat’s tree or that the area should be completely silent, but avoid areas where you wouldn’t take a nap.

Away from Furniture

Consider the surroundings when choosing your cat’s tree location. Ensure that the cat tree isn’t too close to furniture your pet can use to jump higher, such as a bookshelf or fireplace.

For some cats, jumping too high isn’t a concern. However, if an old cat or kitten that doesn’t yet know how to land safely accidentally falls from an elevation, it can get an injury.

Plus, many owners don’t want their cats to jump on particular shelves because felines are notorious for knocking things down and chewing important documents.

You might also want to move your cat’s tree farther from the curtains to avoid scratch marks. Even the best-behaved cats can’t resist climbing curtains occasionally.

Consider also furniture below your cat’s tree, such as a coffee table or sofa. If your cat falls from the tree, it should land on the carpet or floor but not on a piece of furniture because it increases the risk of injury.

Consider Your Cat’s Habits

There is no one-size-fits-all spot for a cat tree because each cat’s preferences and personality are unique. Consider your pet’s current habits to determine the best spot for a cat tree.

Think of where your cat likes to hang out the most and which areas it avoids. Consider also how well your cat gets along with each member of the family. Pay attention to where your cat rubs its cheeks or trims claws the most.

When cats rub their cheeks or forehead against surfaces, they release pheromones, marking the territory. Your cat will feel safer in a place already marked with its scent, so it’s an excellent spot for a cat tree.

For example, if your cat usually sleeps in the living room and rubs against the couch, place the cat tree near the sofa. Or, if your cat prefers to sleep on your desk, put the tree in your office.

Some cats prefer privacy and might spend most of their time in a less obvious place, such as the laundry room. In that case, you might put your cat’s tree in its favorite spot even if it contradicts the above-mentioned tips.

Treat your cat as an individual to find a place that appeals to it. It’s the easiest way to find the right spot for a cat tree.

Consider the Weather

Some points to consider when choosing a cat tree location aren’t obvious – for example, the weather. More specifically, the cat tree should be away from cold draughts because felines prefer warm spots.

Your cat won’t freeze since it has fuzzy fur, but it might not find a chilly area comfortable and refuse to use the tree. So, ensure your cat’s tree isn’t near the entrance door or window gap.

The window is a perfect spot because your cat can enjoy the sun, but only if your windows are properly sealed. Many owners place their cat trees near radiators, which keeps their pets safe in colder months.

Of course, the climate in your area also plays a role. If you live in a tropical climate that’s too hot even for warmth-loving felines, you might want to find a colder place where your pet won’t get a heat stroke.

Fixing Poor Habits

Often, cat owners buy trees to fix their pet’s poor habits, such as clawing at furniture or jumping on shelves. In that case, you should consider your cat’s current preferences to provide it with an appealing substitute.

Suppose your cat loves clawing the couch. If you place the cat tree in another room, it likely won’t be interested because it has already chosen the couch as its favorite clawing spot.

So, place the cat tree as close to the couch as possible. Now, assume your cat likes jumping on a bookshelf in your office because it offers a great window view.

If you place the cat tree in the opposite corner, your cat won’t perceive it as a substitute because it doesn’t provide a view.

In that case, place the cat tree close to the window – perhaps, even move the bookshelf and put the tree in its place.

The goal is to redirect your cat’s behavior to more appropriate habits. Cats don’t respond well to traditional training methods like verbal cues or punishment.

Avoid Conflict with Other Pets

If you only have one cat, you can skip this section. However, finding the perfect cat tree location in a multi-pet household is often tricky if the pets don’t get along.

Most cats prefer to rest in socially significant areas. A territorial conflict may arise if your dog also likes the spot. Thus, consider whether your pets have any spots they fight over or claim as theirs.

You must also ensure the cat tree isn’t too close to valuable resources like food or water. Even if your pets generally get along, conflicts may arise if one gets too close to essential resources.

Things get even more complex when you consider that you’re, in a way, also a resource. Your pets might fight for your attention if you provide one of them with a better spot near you.

Lastly, ensure that your cat doesn’t have to walk past your other pet’s resources to get to the tree. For instance, if your cat needs to step on your dog’s bed to jump on the tree, that’s a poor spot choice.

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