What is a cat tree?
Do you own an indoor cat? Do they like to climb on the counters and furniture? Do they scratch up your couch, bed posts, or other furniture? Cats are natural hunters and like to climb to high places. Have you ever noticed your cat laying on the back of your couch or laying on the counter top? This is similar to cats climbing trees or another higher areas. They climb trees to watch for their prey and to escape to a safe place. Cats have claws that help them climb with precision. Cats also climb trees or object just for fun or exercise.
Cat owners can purchase what is called a cat tree. A cat tree is an artificial structure that provides a cat somewhere to play, exercise, and sleep. Cat trees vary in sizes and amenities. Cat trees can feature a house, a hammock, a scratching post, ramps, and toys.
How to Clean a Cat Tree?
Cat trees require routine maintenance that is essential in keeping your cat happy and healthy. Cats that have fur coats will be behind a surprisingly large amount of cat hair on their cat tree. There are many products on the market that remove pet hair. A lint roller, vacuum with detachable arm, comb, or scrub brush. Beginning at the top of the cat tree, take the comb or scrub brush and scrub the carpeted areas of the cat tree. Be sure to thoroughly scrub the areas that your cat frequents most often. Next, use the vacuum to remove the pet hair that was just pulled up with the comb or scrub brush. Make sure that you remember to vacuum corners and places the scrub brush could not reach. Lastly, the lint roller is an excellent tool to remove the remainder of loose cat hair.
If your cat tree needs a deeper clean, you can use a spot cleaner which will clean the carpets using water. Be sure the solution for the spot cleaner is pet friendly. Pay special attention to areas your cat frequents. Once your clean cat tree is completely dry, your cat can now enjoy it again.
How to Build Your Own Cat Tree?
Before you can begin building your own cat tree, you must consider what materials you would like to use, what height you want the cat tree to be, and what features would best fit your cat’s needs. Also, consider how many platforms you would like you cat tree to have. Some material you may need are wood, piping, plastic wooden rods, nails, screws, and rope. Now, consider how high you want your cat tree. Some cat trees act more as “scrubs” where other cat trees act more as “trees” that nearly reach the ceiling. Height can depend on your personal preference, your cat’s preferences, or your skill level in constructing a cat tree. Once you have the cat tree constructed, you want to cover any rough or sharp edges. You can do this with carpet, rope, or any fabric that is safe for your cat and that they would enjoy. If you decide to build an attached house for your cat, you can add a cushion inside for your cat to relax on. An additional option you can use for your cat tree is adding artificial branches or shrubbery. This will give your beloved feline the simulation that they are out in the wild. Another options is a hammock for your cat to take their most cherished afternoon cat nap in. Rope is used to wrap around one or more of your supporting pole to create a scratching post that will deter your cat from destroying your furniture. You can even attach a piece of rope throughout the cat tree to hang down. Your cat will love pawing and gnawing on the rope. To add the final touches to your homemade cat tree, you can attach store bought toys that your cat can enjoy. These toys add enrichment for your cat to prevent boredom. Now, your beloved cat can enjoy the cat tree you constructed to fit their needs!