Why do cats climb trees? How can I stop my cat climbing trees?

One of our cats, Misty, will climb trees every now and then. She’s never got stuck – as yet. She climbs the tree so nimble and sprightly but watching her navigate her way down is a little worrying. Cats are excellent climbers; their sharp, extendable claws are perfect for gripping onto the tree while their back legs push forwards. To prevent themselves from falling they hold their bodies, the centre of their weight, close to the tree.

So why do cats climb trees?

There are a few reasons why cats climb trees:

Cats climb trees to keep safe

When cats feel threatened, or feels their life is in danger their instinct is to find somewhere high. A nearby tree will very often be this safe sanctuary. Domesticated cats find higher places more relaxing and will seek these higher spots to chill out.

Cats climb trees to hunt for prey

An outside cat spends a great deal of her time hunting. Even though cats were domesticated nearly 10,000 years ago the natural hunting instinct remain a strong urge in cats. And even if your cat is provided with plenty of food they will still hunt as it keeps them agile and mentally stimulated. Small birds are sometimes just too tempting for some cats – seeing them perching on a tree, making small sudden movements and their chirping noises – all this makes them the perfect prey.

Cats climb trees for fun

Some cats climb trees just because they can, and because they find it fun. Cats are curious, playful and inquisitive by nature, so it only seems natural to go on an adventure and see what lurks amongst the branches.

Why do cats get stuck in trees?

Given their ancestral desires for climbing trees and their agile bodies to do this, why then do cats get stuck in trees? It seems they can get up trees so easily, why do some have so much trouble descending?

Most of the time a cat will jump down from wherever they’ve climbed to, be it a couch, a shed roof or a low branch. Very often when climbing trees, they have simply got too high to jump down and then the issue of how on earth to get down from here sets in. Cats claws curve towards the back and this is perfect when climbing up the tree, but when climbing down their claws which are pointing upwards provide no grip at all. Some cats have learnt to climb down a tree backwards which works perfectly well but for many, this important skill, simply hasn’t been an instinct. With the lack of grip going down head first, their reaction can be to panic and to stay where they are or retreat to the safety of higher branches. Cats may also find it difficult to coordinate their back and front feet whilst climbing down a tree as it’s not a position they have to navigate often.

What to do if your cat gets stuck in a tree?

The most important thing is to remain calm. Cats sense anxiety and panic and this will only give more reason for your cat to stay where she is. Your cat may not actually be stuck, it may be a conscious decision to stay there. Maybe a chasing dog caused your cat to seek the safety of a tree, your cat is unlikely to come down voluntarily if she doesn’t feel its safe to do so. A calm, reassuring owner may be enough to tempt them down from the tree.

If it transpires that your cat is indeed stuck, try the following:

Tempt her down with food or treats

A shaking of her favourite treat bag or a bowlful of food may encourage your cat to come down. Be patient and allow time for your cat to see and smell the food.

Get a ladder and climb up after your cat.

This is ONLY recommended if you are able to do so carefully and ensure someone is with you to hold the ladder steady.

Provide a long wooden board as a ramp

Provided your cat is not too high up in the tree, a long wooden board, set on an angle can help get your cat down safely by themselves. (We’ve actually used this method successfully when Misty was unable to come down from the shed roof.)

If all else fails, call for help.

If none of the above options are working, then it really is time to call for help. The longer your cat is stuck up the tree, the more tired and hungry she will become. Animal rescue centres or shelters should be able to help or advise on the best course of action.

How can I stop my cat from climbing trees?

Knowing the difficulties a cat may have in coming down a tree, are there any way to discourage cats from climbing trees?

Keep your cat indoors

The debate regarding indoor or outdoor cats is a contentious one. There is no doubt that there are higher risks associated with outdoor cats and statistics show that outdoor cats have a shorter life than indoor cats. But to suddenly stop an outdoor cat from going outside is not easy and it can cause stress and anxiety for your cat. If you decide that an indoor cat is the best decision it is much easier if implemented from the very beginning.

Suitable places to climb in the garden

Ensure there are alternative, easy to access higher places for your cat to access in case she feels threatened or needs a safe outside area to have a nap or to relax.

Stimulating play

Even an outdoor cat needs to be mentally stimulated. Ensure plenty of play time with you. These easy hunting games may potentially mean she is less likely to seek prey at the top of trees! Check out our article ’18 games to play with your cat’ for ideas.

Deterrents around the tree

There are special tree guards that can be purchased to prevent cats to climb. Alternatively place some chicken wire around the tree in a way that prevents the cat from climbing.

Satisfying the climbing needs for an indoor cat

Having learnt the various reasons that cats enjoy climbing it is important that cats have the ability to climb indoors too.

Purchasing or making cat shelves or a cat tree is great for easy, safe climbing. Cats thrive on being able to climb to higher levels for comfort, safety, exercise and playtime. Their own familiar smells on the cat tree will be comforting and it will be your cat’s own personal space. Cat trees can help maintain harmony in a multi-cat household too. The availability of a higher perch to display highest ranking position is a much more harmonious way to display ranking rather than fighting!

Ensure your cat has good view from a window. A cosy window ledge with a clear, large enough view of the outside world can be a cat’s live tv dream! Watching birds, squirrels and wildlife come and go can keep them amused for hours. Set up a bird feeding station near the window and you will have no concerns about nothing to watch! And in the right spot the warm sun can penetrate the window making it the perfect place for an afternoon nap too.

Why do cats climb Christmas trees?

Now that we have learnt why cats feel the need to climb trees, it may explain why some cats feel the desire to climb up the Christmas tree! We have a whole article dedicated to cats at Christmas including how to keep your Christmas tree – and your cats – safe!

Other articles which you may find interesting:

How to keep your cat happy – 10 key factors

Should I let my cat outside at night? Indoor or outdoor cat?

Do cats like rain? Where do cats go when it’s raining?

What is a catio / cat enclosure?