Cats love to climb trees. Some are able to scamper back down safely, others get stuck require human assistance, and others spend a night in a tree then return to ground the next day.

Even indoor cats have the ability to climb up their cat tree in a flash. Our feline friends just can’t help themselves. But have you ever wondered why do cats climb trees? The reasons are more more complex and interesting than you think. Let’s get into it.

Reasons Cat Like to Climb

Any person who has owned a cat for any length of time will probably tell you that their pet loves climbing. Some owners are surprised to find their cats on countertops or hanging from curtains. Here are a few reasons why cats like to climb.

Evolutionary Instinct

Cats’ evolutionary lineage can be traced back to arboreal (tree-dwelling) ancestors. The ability to climb trees provided early cat species with advantages such as access to food, escape from predators, and safe resting places.

Over time, this behavior has been retained in their genetic makeup. Big cats like jaguars and leopards are also accomplished climbers!

In the case of Maine Coons, their environment was the heavily forested Northeastern United States, and developed an affinity for climbing trees. Even centuries later, they still have the ability and instinct to climb.

Safety and Security

Climbing trees offers cats a means of escape and protection from predators on the ground. In the wild, cats faced threats from larger predators, and climbing trees allowed them to find safety in the heights, out of the reach of their pursuers.

Even domesticated cats can be territorial creatures. Climbing provides them a way to feel safe and secure in their home.

This is especially true if they share their home with other cats or dogs. They can feel more comfortable sharing their space if they can look down at it from a secure position above. Dogs can’t climb trees!

Find Personal Space

Trees provide a comfortable and elevated spot for cats to bask in the sunlight and enjoy a peaceful nap. The branches offer a secure and cozy perch where they can relax while still being aware of their surroundings.

Although your domestic cat might be very outgoing and personable, they might need time away from social activity. Some cats will climb somewhere high to get their personal space.

You might notice your cat doing this in response to overstimulation from loud noises or too many people.

Good Exercise

Climbing trees provides an excellent form of exercise for cats. It helps them develop and maintain their agility, balance, and coordination. Jumping from branch to branch and maneuvering through the tree’s structure helps keep their muscles toned and their minds stimulated.

Cats naturally have a lot of energy. Burning off this energy through exercise, like climbing trees, is important. Restless cats with too much energy often get a case of the “night zoomies” where of and runs back and forth around the house, up and down furniture or curtains.

Watch for Predators

Part of the evolutionary basis for why cats climb trees is linked to predators. When cats lived outside, they had to worry about animals that were bigger than them.

Climbing trees allowed them to find a safe position to look out for predators. Plus, their ability to climb made it easier for them to get away from perceived threats.

Even if you keep your cat indoors, you might notice that they use high-up places as a spot to get away from loud noises or other nuisances.

Hunting and Prey Observation

Another reason why cats climb trees? Climbing allows cats to have a better vantage point from which they can spot potential prey, such as birds or small rodents. Being higher up gives them a strategic advantage and allows them to plan their approach.

Physically Built For Climbing

Cats possess physical traits that make them well-suited for climbing. They have sharp claws that can grip tree bark effectively, muscular bodies that provide them with the strength to jump and climb, and flexible spines that aid in navigating through branches.

It’s simply satisfying to climb!

Nail Health

Finding out that your cat has scratched up the furniture can be frustrating. So why do they do it? Many cats do it instinctively to mark territory and maintain nail health. Cats climb for the same reasons. They are better able to keep their nails healthy with frequent climbing.

Mental Stimulation

Cats are naturally curious, and climbing trees, like your Christmas Tree, allows them to explore their surroundings from a different perspective. It gives them a chance to investigate new sights, sounds, and scents, satisfying their inquisitive nature.

Climbing a cat tree is often a way that indoor cats can stay occupied and stimulated day after day. If you live in a small space, like an apartment, consider providing more vertical spaces to explore for your kitties to satisfy their curiosity.

If not stimulated mentally, your cat just might destroy furniture or carpets.

How to Stop Your Cat From Climbing Trees

Preventing cats from climbing trees entirely can be challenging because it goes against their natural instincts and behaviors. I think you should let your cat climb trees, but also understand why the risks outweigh the benefits sometimes.

Here are some measures you can take to minimize their tree-climbing activities:

Provide alternative vertical spaces indoors, like cat trees or shelving units.
Create enclosed outdoor spaces like “catios” to allow outdoor access without tree climbing.
Prune low-hanging branches to make tree access more difficult.
Engage cats with enrichment activities and regular playtime to reduce boredom.
Train and reinforce desired behaviors, redirecting attention from tree climbing.
Supervise outdoor time and intervene to prevent climbing when necessary.