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Updated 9 October 2026 · Cat Tree UK editorial team
Many cats use trees for resting, scratching, climbing or watching the room, but not every cat wants every feature. If yours ignores a new tree, check the fit and location before assuming the purchase has failed. The aim is a comfortable choice, not forcing a particular performance.
Check the tree itself first
Follow the assembly instructions and fit any required restraint. The base should stand level and the structure should not move unexpectedly. Check that beds have enough usable space and that your cat can reach the next platform and get down comfortably.
A platform that looks close in a photograph may require an awkward turn in the actual room. Stand back and trace the route from the floor to each resting area. Keep the landing space clear of hard furniture edges and clutter.
Choose a useful position
A tree hidden in an unused room may offer little reason to visit. Try a place where your cat already spends time, without blocking household routes. A view can be useful, but only if the window and surrounding area are safe. See our window-placement guide for that specific decision.
In a multi-cat household, watch whether one cat controls the approach. Separate resting and scratching options may be needed even when the tower has several beds.
Introduce it gradually
- Leave the tree available alongside familiar resting and scratching places.
- Allow sniffing and investigation without lifting the cat onto the top.
- Try a short supervised game near an easy lower level while the cat is interested.
- Reward voluntary use with something your cat enjoys, then let them settle.
- Keep the arrangement consistent long enough to observe it before changing another variable.
Do not lure a cat higher than they can confidently descend. Catnip is optional and responses vary; it is not a requirement or a guarantee. Keep loose string and wand toys out of reach after play.
Match the function to the preference
If your cat sleeps on the base but never climbs, they are still using part of the furniture. A cat that ignores the scratching post may prefer a different texture or a horizontal surface. Cats Protection's scratching guidance explains why providing an appropriate outlet matters.
Do not keep buying taller models to solve an access problem. A lower resting platform or a separate pad may fill the actual gap.
Notice a sudden change
Stopping use of a previously favourite perch is different from being cautious about a new tree. Check for loose parts and household changes, but also contact your vet if jumping, walking, grooming or other normal behaviour has changed. Physical discomfort can affect which furniture a cat uses.