Vets say this is the biggest cat tree mistake owners make

Although your floofiest family member may seem content to simply catnip and chill, even the most pampered cats are still both predator and prey at heart. That means they need to run, jump, and climb to feel like, well, cats. One of the best ways to encourage a cat’s natural instincts is with a cat tree. It’s basically the feline equivalent of a Ninja warrior course.

“Cat trees mimic the activities their wild ancestors would take part in in nature,” says Bruce Kornreich, D.V.M., director of the Cornell Feline Health Center. For example, getting up high would allow a wildcat to gain a bird’s-eye view to spot prey while also protecting itself from predators on the ground.

Climbing also helps with muscular strength, flexibility, weight management, and mental stimulation. Cats that can’t engage their wild instincts through enrichment opportunities, like playing on a cat tree, can become stressed and engage in bad behavior such as destructive scratching, marking, and spraying.

If you already have a cat tree and your cats don’t seem to be a fan of it, you may be making a few simple mistakes that make them less enriching and effective for your pets.

Here are the most common cat tree mistakes and how to ensure yours provides the purrfect playground to make the most of the benefits for your cat.

Choosing cheap materials

Some cat trees may look cute, but they aren’t sturdy enough for serious playing or are made with toxic chemicals. “Unstable cat trees are a falling danger both for the cat and other household occupants,” says Hazel C. Carney, D.V.M., president of the Feline Veterinary Medical Association. Make sure the base is constructed from a hearty wood that provides a solid base to prevent toppling—especially if your cats lean, ahem, a little on the chunky side. When purchasing, make sure the cat tree is free of contaminants like arsenic, lead, mercury, or phthalates, which can be highly toxic, Carney says.

Offering too much challenge

While nobody wants to think about their cat’s mortality (because they have nine lives, of course), the reality is that as cats age, their activity levels decrease, and climbing becomes harder. Make sure your cat tree offers enough enrichment but isn’t too difficult, either. If your aging cat has lost interest in their tree, they may need one that’s more accessible with a gentler challenge.

“If your cat is older, or suffering from osteoarthritis, consider cat trees with a gentle increase in height and a ramp that leads to upper platforms, so your cat doesn’t have to climb straight up or jump and has an easy way down,” Kornreich advises.

Placing it in an undesirable location

Admittedly, this may take some trial and error. The ideal location is an area where a cat likes to scratch, Carney says. But if your feline hasn’t set their claws on a chosen spot, putting the tree near areas of social importance is best. These include places where cats congregate, eat, or feel vulnerable to potential threats from other animals.

“Many cats tend to scratch when they wake from a nap, so putting the tree where they sleep can be helpful,” Dr. Carney says. What’s more, many cats prefer trees to be in low-traffic areas—so not near entry doors, washing machines, or other popular spots.

Skimping on size

Make sure your tree can comfortably accommodate everybody at the same time. “If you have multiple cats, consider having multiple levels and cubbies or little caves for them to hang out in,” Kornreich says. This thwarts the potential for a catfight over one shared platform. Be sure to also provide multiple areas for scratching, climbing, and hiding with ample space for all of your cats to engage in these activities.

Ignoring wear and tear

Your well-loved cat tree is also well-worn. While you may not want to mess with a good thing—especially since cats can be notoriously picky—wear and tear can be hazardous for your cat. Inspect the tree regularly to ensure that it’s safe, comfortable, and stable. Replace surface sections if the carpet strings or rope pieces no longer provide traction or have dangling fibers. These can cause nail damage if your cat’s claws get caught or become a choking risk if your cat ingests them, Carney says.