Don’t worry about your cat wanting to climb; it’s a natural instinct and a very normal behavior in cats. Their bodies are built to jump and climb high places to explore or hunt. Read on for more information about why cats like to climb.
The higher the better
Cats want a high vantage point such as a shelf, counter or sofa back to be able to see their territory. A cat’s strong hindquarters give them the ability to jump and climb up bookshelves or shinny up the drapes in case they are scared of something. Perhaps your cat wants to escape another household pet or visitor to your home that they aren’t used to. Whatever the reason, cats instinctively seek out high places for protection and safety.
Fun and exercise
While your cat’s climbing behavior may not always be appropriate, giving them a safe place to climb is beneficial not only for their safety. Climbing gives your cat an opportunity to exercise. Climbing is one way kittens learn their skills and abilities. Young kittens need to try their climbing skills to perfect their balance, flexibility and to encourage muscle growth. Adult cats need to climb to have fun and exercise.
Vertical territory
Climbing enables your cat to increase the amount of territory they have to explore. This is very important if you are a multi-cat household, as it will reduce conflicts between your cats. More timid cats can benefit from being able to climb away to a more peaceful place. Older cats should be given easier places to climb in case they are experiencing age-related muscle and joint issues.
Make it safe
Since climbing is normal for your cat, provide an acceptable place for him or her to do so and keep them away from your furniture and drapes. Cat trees are available from your local pet shop and can be placed in any room as a safe haven for your cat. You can also find cat shelves to mount on the wall if you do not have extra floor space for a cat tree. No matter the size of your home, it is easy to provide a climbing space for your cat.
Discourage climbing
It is best not to try to discourage your cat from climbing, as it is instinctive behavior. If your cat is climbing inappropriate places, try providing them with acceptable places such as shelving or tree systems, as we mentioned above. If they still insist on climbing your countertops, furniture or drapes, there are methods you can try to redirect their climbing behavior.
Do not leave human food out on countertops where it becomes an enticement or reward for climbing. To discourage jumping on the kitchen counter, place something on the counter that will scare or discourage them. Lightweight baking sheets, for example, will make a racket that will discourage your cat from jumping up. Avoid scaring your cat by waving your hands at them or spraying them with a squirt bottle. These discouragements just make your cat afraid of you instead of discouraging them from jumping on the counters.
We hope this explanation gives you some idea of why your cat likes to climb and how you can encourage appropriate climbing. Climbing is good exercise and should be safe for your cat and for your home.
