Some cats leap onto a new tree the first day; others need a nudge. This guide keeps things positive and low-stress so your cat chooses the tree on their own. No forcing and no frustration.
Table of Contents
Place It Where Your Cat Already Hangs Out
Cats are routine-driven. If your cat loves window watching or being near you, put the tree in that zone.
Do this now (2 minutes):
- Move the tree to a window or people zone (living room, home office).
- Give it a clear runway to the lowest perch—no baskets or clutter blocking access.
- If possible, corner placement reduces wobble and feels safer.
Rewards That Actually Work
Make the tree the source of good things.
- Food-motivated cats: tiny treats, lickable tubes, or a few kibbles of their regular food.
- Play-motivated cats: short wand-toy sessions and end the game on the tree.
- Affection-motivated cats: calm praise and cheek scratches on or near the lowest perch.
Timing: Reward any interaction such as a sniff, a paw on the base, a jump to the first perch. Small wins stack up.
Lures & Target Training (Gentle Guidance)
No picking up and placing. Let your cat choose.
- Lure: Hold a treat or toy just above the next perch so stepping up is the easy option.
- Target: Tap the perch or use a target stick; reward when a paw touches it.
- One step at a time: If your cat pauses, reward the pause, then ask for the next step later.
If your cat walks away, that’s okay. End on a success (even a sniff) and try again later.
Redirect Scratching From Furniture To The Tree
Give the “okay to scratch here” signal.
- Prime the post: Rub a tiny bit of catnip or silvervine on the sisal post; lightly scratch it with your nails to make the sound.
- Block the old target: Double-sided tape or a throw on the couch arm for a week.
- Reward the new habit: The moment they scratch the tree, praise + treat.
Surface match tip: If your cat loves horizontal scratching, add a low scratcher next to the tree, then gradually shift attention to the vertical sisal post.
Confidence Routes For Kittens & Seniors
Kittens: Keep early victories easy—lower perches, 3–5 minute play bursts, soft landing mats around the base.
Seniors or mobility limits: Prefer wide, low steps and ramps. Avoid big jumps; create a smooth step-up route (base → mid perch → favorite perch).
Helpful picks:
- Kittens →
/index.php/by-cat-type/kittens/ - Seniors →
/index.php/by-cat-type/seniors/ - Stability (for safer climbs) →
Click Here
Should You Use Catnip or Silvervine?
- Catnip: Great for many cats, overly stimulating for a few. Use sparingly.
- Silvervine: Often effective for cats indifferent to catnip.
- Calm first: If your cat gets zoomy, save herbs for after they’ve learned the route.
A Simple 5-day Plan
Day 1–2: Explore
- Place in a favorite area; reward any approach.
- 3 short sessions/day (1–3 minutes). End with a treat on the lowest perch.
Day 3: First climb
- Lure to the first and second perch.
- End play on the perch (toy “dies” there). Reward.
Day 4: Build confidence
- Add one more step up. If hesitant, return to the last easy step and reward.
Day 5: Make it a habit
- Put one daily reward (treat, toy session, or morning chin scratch) on the tree.
- Remove tape/throws from old scratch spots once the tree is the new favorite.
Progress isn’t linear. If your cat stalls, roll back one step and repeat the easy win.
Troubleshooting: Scared, Stubborn, or Overexcited
“My cat ignores it.”
Move the tree to a favorite zone, schedule play before meals, and end play on the tree. Try a new texture (sisal vs carpet).
“My cat seems nervous on it.”
Lower the goal to the base or first perch and reward tiny steps. Improve stability (grip pads, corner placement, shims) → Click Here
“Overexcited—zoomy.”
Shorter sessions, calmer rewards. Skip catnip for now. Use gentle target taps instead of fast toy motions.
“Multi-cat tension.”
Give two routes up/down and two perches at similar heights to reduce guarding. Add a second scratcher nearby.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forcing the cat onto the tree (breaks trust)
- Hiding the tree in a low-traffic room your cat avoids
- Long, exhausting sessions (keep them short & sweet)
- Ignoring wobble (fix the base and placement first)
- Expecting instant results—habits need repetition
How long does training usually take?
Anywhere from a single session to a couple weeks. Most cats build a habit in 5–10 short sessions when the tree is placed well and rewards are consistent.
Is catnip helpful or distracting?
Both—it depends on the cat. If it causes zoomies, skip it during training and use silvervine or food rewards instead.
What if my cat prefers the couch for scratching?
Make the couch less fun for a week (double-sided tape) and prime the sisal post with scent + sound. Reward the first scratch on the tree like it’s a jackpot.
Do seniors still enjoy cat trees?
Yes—choose low-jump designs with wide steps and place them in social zones. Add rugs at landing zones and check stability weekly. If you’re looking for cat trees for senior or older cats, checkout our recommendations here → Click Here
Keep Going
- Make your tree sturdier (less wobble) →
Click Here! - Best trees for small apartments →
/index.php/by-space/small-apartments/ - Best trees for Maine Coons & heavy cats →
/index.php/by-cat-type/maine-coon/ - Compare specs side-by-side →
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