Why Do Cats Climb Trees?

Cats are extremely athletic animals. Their muscle composition and body structure make it possible for them to quickly get out of reach in a tall tree. They are able to jump from three to seven feet in a single bound. Within seconds your cat could go from the ground to twenty feet in the air. Cats love to climb and explore their environment, but why?

  1. Built for Climbing

    • The body structure of a cat is built for climbing. The back legs of a cat are very powerful and can propel them into very high places. Cats also have very muscular backs that assist in climbing. This same body structure works against the cat when they attempt to climb back down.

    Instincts

    • Outdoor cats are easy targets for a lot of larger animals. Climbing a tree is the fastest and safest way to avoid becoming food for another predator. Cats climb trees to catch their own food or prey. Birds inhabit trees and will attract almost any cat. The cat may venture into the tree if it sees a bird.

    Curiousity

    • Curiosity drives a lot of cat behavior and climbing a tree is no different. The cat may hear noises or see small things moving in the leaves of a tree and will be driven to inspect further. Cats naturally love to sit in high places and sleep or view their surroundings. By climbing a tree, the cat can gain a better viewpoint.

    Satisfy the Urge

    • Indoor cats will mimic this behavior by climbing furniture and perching on refrigerators or high bookshelves. Buy a cat tree to satisfy their desire to climb and jump high. Indoor cat trees range in size and design. The most basic cat tree will have a small scratching post with a little square ledge mounted on top. More elaborate cat trees will stand as high as six or seven feet tall with many holes and ledges along the way.

    Warning

    • If a cat is stuck in the tree, do not attempt to climb after the cat. Trees may appear sturdy but you can find yourself seriously injured from falling. Never shake a branch in an attempt to get the cat out of a tree; it may climb higher in the tree. Buy a breakaway collar for your cat so it will not catch its collar on a branch and strangle itself. Use a ladder and a spotter to retrieve your cat or call the fire department.