How to Get Your Cat to Use a Cat Tree (Even a Shy One)
Getting a cat to use a cat tree rarely comes down to training. It comes down to patience, the right spot, and a few well-timed rewards. Most cats come around once the tower starts to feel like theirs.
1. How to Get Your Cat to Use a Cat Tree: Why Cats Resist It
Cats aren’t being difficult, they’re being cats. A new tower is unfamiliar, smells like a factory, and sits in a spot they didn’t choose. A shy cat may read the height as exposure rather than safety until it feels in control of the approach.
The fix is rarely the tree itself. It’s about making the tree feel like part of the cat’s territory, which comes down to placement, scent, and time.
2. Place It Where Your Cat Already Hangs Out
Don’t tuck the tree in a spare room. Put it in the living room or bedroom, wherever your cat already naps and watches you. Near a window is ideal, since the view is built-in entertainment.
A storage cat tree works especially well in shared spaces because it looks like furniture, so you can keep it in the room your cat loves without it clashing with the decor.
3. Make the First Step Easy
3.1 Start Low
Most cats won’t leap to the top on day one. Make the lowest platform the obvious next step from the floor. Clear the clutter around the base so the cat can step on without squeezing.
3.2 Reward the First Touch
The moment a paw lands on the base or first platform, that’s the win. A small treat or calm praise builds the association that the tree is a good place.
4. Use Scent and Reward
- Catnip or silvervine – a light sprinkle on a platform invites investigation.
- A familiar blanket – lay your cat’s own bed scrap on the lower level so it smells like home.
- Praise, not pressure – reward interest; never hold the cat on the tree, which can create a negative memory.
5. For Shy or New Cats: Go Slow
A shy or newly adopted cat needs control. Keep the room quiet, let the tree sit untouched for a day so the cat can map it, and reward any glance or sniff from a distance.
Some shy cats prefer the enclosed feeling of the storage cabinet base before they trust the open height. Leave the cabinet door ajar with a toy inside so curiosity draws them in, and the climb tends to follow.
The patience pays off. Our guide to vertical space explains why height reduces stress once a cat claims it as its own.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Lifting the cat onto the tree – it feels like a loss of control to the cat; let them choose.
- Hiding it in a quiet room – out of sight means out of mind for a cat.
- Expecting instant use – some cats take days; consistency matters more than speed.
- Blocking the view – a tower facing a wall is less appealing than one by a window.
Frequently Asked Questions
My cat won’t go near the tree. Why?
It’s usually newness or placement, not the tree. Move it to a room your cat already uses, add a familiar scent, and let the cat approach freely. Most cats warm up within days.
How long until a cat uses a new tree?
Confident cats may climb the same day. Shy or senior cats can take a week or more. Steady rewards and a good location shorten the wait.
Should I put catnip on it?
Yes, a light sprinkle on a low platform works well for many cats. If your cat ignores catnip, use a favorite treat or a familiar-smelling blanket instead.
My cat only sits on the floor near it. Is that ok?
It’s a start. The cat is claiming the territory. Keep rewarding nearby interest and the climb usually follows once the scent feels like theirs.
Can I train an older cat to use a tree?
Yes. Choose a tree with easy, low steps and a stable base, and make the first platform reachable without a big jump. Go slow and reward often.
Trusted Cat Care Resources
Recommended: OmniHaven Cat Tree Storage Cabinet
- Low first platform makes the climb easy to start
- Stable High-Quality Wood base with a reinforced metal frame
- Concealed storage cabinet doubles as a cozy, familiar nook
- Dimensions: 23.6″ W × 18.9″ D × 48.4″ H; about 42.7 lbs assembled