Cat towers and trees provide your feline friends with a place to climb, scratch, play, and relax in the comfort of your home. These vertical structures allow cats to satisfy their natural instinct to climb high and survey their surroundings. A cat tower gives your pet safe access to elevated spaces, while protecting your furniture and wall surfaces. Cat towers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and colors to match any home décor. They can range from simple to elaborate, with features like hiding spots, scratching posts, dangling toys, and perches.
Many cat owners wonder if their cats can comfortably sleep in one of these towers, especially given how much time cats spend napping each day. The answer is yes – cat towers can absolutely double as cozy beds for your feline to get some shut-eye if you choose the right design. With some training and encouragement, your cat may come to prefer lounging in their tower over any other spot. This guide covers everything you need to know about helping your cat sleep soundly in their tower.
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Benefits of Cat Towers
Cat towers provide several important benefits for cats and their owners, by providing necessary exercise, enrichment, and scratching opportunities. As Zoetis Petcare notes, cat towers give cats a place to climb, jump, hide, and scratch – all important natural behaviors for cats. Cat towers allow cats to satisfy their instinct to perch up high and survey their territory. The multiple levels and platforms also provide mental stimulation as cats explore.
Scratching posts on cat towers are essential outlets for cats to scratch and keep their claws trimmed. According to Carey Animal Hospital, cat trees allow cats to scratch appropriately and avoid damaging furniture. The posts help cats remove the outer sheaths from their claws to expose new, sharper nails underneath. Trimming their claws provides physical and mental benefits for cats.
In summary, cat towers satisfy cats’ basic needs in an enriched indoor environment by providing exercise, mental stimulation, places to perch, and scratching outlets. These benefits lead to happier, healthier cats and prevent destructive scratching behaviors.
Ideal Cat Tower Features for Sleeping
When selecting or building a cat tower optimized for sleeping, there are some key features to look for that can help create the ideal napping spot for your feline friend:
Cozy Beds: Look for cat towers with built-in cubby holes or enclosed spaces with super soft, plush beds or pads inside. These cozy hideaways allow cats to nestle in and get comfortable. Models like the Stylish Cat Tree Wooden with Large Sleeping Perch have memory foam cushion beds perfect for sleeping.
High Vantage Points: Cats love to perch up high when sleeping, as it allows them to survey their territory. Multi-level cat towers with perches, hammocks or baskets near the top make ideal sleepy spots. The Premier Cat Scratch & Sleep Furniture has multiple tiers for sleeping at different heights.
Temperature Control: Look for cat towers made of wood, which doesn’t get too cold in the winter or hot in the summer. Plush beds or enclosed hideaways also help cats regulate their temperature while sleeping. You can add a heating pad or cooling mat inside as well.
Consider Your Cat’s Preferences
Every cat has unique preferences when it comes to sleeping positions and locations. Some cats prefer to sleep stretched out, while others like curling up in a ball. Some cats always sleep on your bed, while others prefer a cat tower or hidden nook. Pay attention to where and how your cat likes to sleep normally.
Look at factors like the texture of the cat tower bed – is it plush and soft or flat and firm? What temperature does your cat prefer – warm and cozy or cool and breezy? How exposed or enclosed does your cat like to be when sleeping? Understanding these preferences can help you choose or modify a cat tower to best suit your cat’s needs.
You may need to experiment with different cat tower styles before finding one your cat takes to. But observing their normal sleep behaviors will give you a good starting point. With some adjustments over time, you can create the purr-fect cat tower sleeping space.
According to Purina, most cats prefer enclosed spaces when sleeping, as it helps them feel secure and protected. But individual preferences vary, so pay close attention to your own cat’s needs.
Training Your Cat to Use the Tower
With a little training and positive reinforcement, you can get your cat comfortable using their new cat tower.
Start by placing treats and catnip on different levels of the tower to entice your cat to explore it. Praise or give additional treats when your cat climbs on or sits on the tower. You can also initiate play sessions on and around the tower with feather toys or laser pointers. Your cat will start to associate the tower with fun activities and rewards.
Make the tower a hub of attention and affection. Pet, brush, and talk sweetly to your cat when they are on the tower. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to return.
Be patient as your cat gets accustomed to the new tower. It may take a few days or weeks for them to fully warm up to it. With consistent training methods and rewards, you can make the tower a beloved spot for your cat.
According to vetstreet.com, “Build your cat’s positive association with the cat tree right away by situating her play around and on the structure. Feather toys, ropes and treats will get her scrambling up and down the tree in no time.”
Maximizing Daytime Use
The key to getting your cat to make good use of her tower during the day is strategic placement combined with enticing toys and access to windows for entertainment. Place the tower in a high-traffic area of your home, like a family room or living room, so your cat has opportunities to hop on and explore it throughout her normal daily activities (Source). Make sure it is not tucked away in an unused corner or room. Having the tower near windows allows your cat to observe outdoor activity like birds, squirrels, and people passing by, which cats find mentally stimulating.
In addition, incorporate interactive toys on the tower like balls, mice, and feather wands. Rotate the toys weekly to keep them novel and exciting. Placing toys on different levels encourages your cat to climb up and play. You can also rub catnip on the base and sides periodically so your cat associates the tower with happy playtime. Feeding your cat meals on the tower or placing treats on it for her to discover will further motivate usage. With strategic placement and enticements, you’ll soon find your cat eagerly climbing her tower throughout the day.
Optimizing the Tower for Nighttime
Cats are naturally most active at dawn and dusk, so it’s important to optimize their cat tower for restful sleep at night. Here are some tips for making the cat tower a cozy nighttime retreat:
Add plush, soft beds in enclosed nooks and platforms. Cats like to feel secure when sleeping, so small beds with high walls or partial roofs allow them to burrow in. Use soft, washable materials like faux fur or microsuede that cats can sink into.
Create secluded sleeping spaces up high. Cats like to perch above their territory when resting, so incorporate partially enclosed platforms and hammocks on upper levels of the tower. These hideaways give cats privacy and security at night.
Install a night light nearby. Cats have excellent night vision but still appreciate low lighting when active after dark. Place a dim LED night light near the tower so they can navigate at night without disruption.
Troubleshooting Issues
Some common issues that may prevent a cat from sleeping in their cat tower include:
Territorial Marking: Cats may mark or spray a cat tower if they feel it’s an invasion of their territory. Make sure to thoroughly clean the tower with an enzymatic cleaner before introducing it. Place catnip or treats on it to build positive associations. If marking persists, restrict access until they feel more secure.
Fear of Heights: Some cats may avoid tall cat towers if they are uncomfortable with heights. Gradually introduce them to the tower by starting with low platforms and working your way up. Placing steps or ramps can also help ease the transition. Play games and reward bravery to make it a more positive experience. According to a Reddit thread, adding weight to stabilize a wobbly tower can help cats feel more secure.
Patience and positive reinforcement are key to overcoming these common issues. Make the tower appealing by adding toys, treats, catnip and pheromones. With time, most cats will learn to love their tower as a place to perch, play and sleep.
DIY vs Store-Bought Towers
When deciding whether to build your own cat tower or buy one pre-made, there are tradeoffs to consider in terms of customization versus convenience.
The main advantage of DIY towers is you can fully customize them to your cat’s preferences. Using plans like those from The Spruce Pets, you can choose colors, materials, dimensions, and accessories. This allows you to cater the tower exactly to your cat’s personality and behaviors. However, building your own requires more effort, skills, tools, and time. There is also a risk of structural or safety issues if not built properly.
Pre-made cat towers from pet stores offer convenience, saving you the work of construction. They are also engineered for safety and stability. However, you are limited to whatever designs and features the manufacturer offers. Sizes, materials, colors, accessories, and layouts are fixed. So you may not find one that perfectly matches your cat’s unique needs and preferences.
Overall, DIY towers are best for crafty owners who want full customization for their cat. Pre-made towers are ideal for those who value convenience over tailoring the design.
Conclusion
In summary, cat towers can absolutely be an ideal place for cats to sleep, providing they have the right features to encourage comfort and security. Look for towers that are sturdy, allow for hiding, and are covered in soft, washable material. Place the tower in an area of the home with minimal noise and foot traffic. Introduce your cat gradually and use treats to reward tower use. Cats often prefer high vantage points for sleeping, so towers that have different levels and perches can allow them to find the perfect spot. With some patience and training, you can make the cat tower a beloved napping nook.
A few key tips to remember:
- Get input from your cat when selecting a tower style and material.
- Gradually acclimate an unsure cat through play, treats, and praise.
- Make sure the tower is steady and unable to tip.
- Add beds, perches, hideaways and scratching posts for versatility.
- Place in a quiet location away from household noise and activity.
- Wash covers frequently for maximum cleanliness and comfort.
With the proper set-up and training, a cat tower can become a beloved sleeping spot for your feline friend.
