How to Get Your Kitten to Use a Cat Tree

You have just brought home a new kitten. Everything has been lovingly picked out and put into place; food, bed, toys and litter box. The kitten is everything that you had hoped for and more, except for the fact that his fur is all over your furniture. You love your kitten, but not his fur on your sofa. So what do you do?

You quickly realize you forgot to get a cat tree. If you are not familiar with this necessity, it is a piece of cat furniture that comes in many shapes. The most common is anywhere from 3 feet to 6 feet. It will have several perches for your cat to sit on and is often covered with carpet and sisal. Sisal is a rope like material that the cat can scratch. This is very important to have for you kitten. It gives him a place of his own where he can play and sleep.

You don't want to buy an inferior cat tree. It needs to be strong and stable. When your cat gets a little older this will be to your benefit as it will be able to accommodate the weight and size of your cat. It will also resist tipping over. You might have to secure the cat tree to the wall if you cat is really plump or you have multiple active cats.

When you decide which type of tree is right for you and your kitty, its time to teach him that this tree is the only thing that he is allowed to sleep on. There are a couple of ways to accomplish this. Just remember to be kind and consistent in the suggestions that follow.

One of the methods to teach your kitten would be to take him to the new tree. Make this an enjoyable time, play with him on the tree. It is always good to leave a little cat nip somewhere on the tree. Get a toy and play with him there. Another trick is to leave a recently worn article of clothing. This will give him the feeling of being close to you. Praise him whenever he is on the cat tree, he will want to go back again and again.

When you see the kitten starting to use something other than the tree, tell him no in a firm voice and redirect him to his spot. Please do not use physical punishment, it really has no place in training. Using catnip and toys to entice the kitten to the tree is a very good way to reinforce that this is where you want him to be.

These steps will need to be consistently re-enforced with the kitten until he learns the rules. It will be work, but will be worth it. The results of a kitten that uses a cat tree are many, including fur-free furniture and a loving relationship with your pet.