Every indoor cat has a need to play. Outside, cats do this by, among other things, scrambling trees or climbing other obstacles. Once they are at the top, they also like to keep a close eye on the environment from this height. A cat furniture that simulates this experience is the cat tower.
A cat tower that imitates the tree climbing experience / Source: Marjoleiny, Pixabay
What is a cat tower?
A cat tower is a cat furniture of a certain height that gives the cat the opportunity to climb up. Often different platforms or hiding places are provided in the cat tower, allowing the cat to rest on different levels or to observe the environment. Most cat towers consist mainly of wood, possibly covered with sisal rope, so that this cat tower can also serve as a scratching place for the cat. The platforms and shelters are often covered with a soft fabric, so that the cat can sit comfortably. Some cat towers also have some play options; for example toy mice on a rubber band. Cat towers come in different shapes and sizes. The smallest are about half a meter in size and wide, while the very largest cat towers can take up as much space as a large closet, with a large number of hiding places and climbing possibilities.
Benefits
Cat towers have the advantage that they can make a small footprint (for example of an apartment) a lot more interesting for a cat. Where otherwise they only have the surface of the ground and some furniture at their disposal, the different levels of a cat tower offer a considerable expansion for the movement space for the cat. Moreover, cat towers offer more variety than furniture, on which cats are only allowed / able to jump. In a cat tower they can clamber, play, hang, jump, look down from a height, … This ensures that the cat will be less bored in a house or apartment and will remain in better health, both physically and mentally. In addition, some cat towers also allow cats to scratch their nails, making the cat tower a versatile cat furniture. For this reason, the cat tower can sometimes be used as a replacement for a scratching barrel or scratching post. However, it must always be ensured that the scratching option at the cat tower is sufficiently accessible for the cat itself. If not, one must buy an extra scratching facility for the cat in addition to the cat tower.
Cons
Cat towers have few drawbacks. One of the disadvantages is that they are often very large and will take up an important place in your interior. Especially the largest towers can be very prominent. Another disadvantage is that the cat tower will often become a collection place for cat hair and dirt due to the many games and use. Therefore, this area will often have to be vacuumed to keep it somewhat clean.
Conclusion
Cat towers are ideal play areas for the indoor cat. They simulate the experience of a tree / bush and stimulate the cat to exercise and play. With this, the cat tower prevents the indoor cat from getting bored. For this reason, the cat tower is a useful cat furniture that will benefit both the physical and mental health of your indoor cat.
