Many of us have looked up and spotted a cat perched in the tree limbs. But why? What is it about climbing a tree – and climbing in general – that appeals to our feline friends?
Cats may be predators, but they’re also prey animals, says Pam Johnson-Bennett, a cat behavior expert based in Nashville, Tennessee. A birds-eye view provides them with a sense of safety.
“Being in an elevated spot provides cats with more of a visual advantage to see if a predator or enemy is approaching,” says Johnson-Bennett. “When in an elevated location, cats also make it more difficult for a predator to gain access to them.”
There’s more to the allure of trees than just self-preservation, however. “They are also naturally inquisitive and love to explore, and what could be more tempting than going up into a tree?” says Dr. Cathy Lund, owner of City Kitty Veterinary Care for Cats in Providence, Rhode Island.
What Goes Up Must Come Down
Climbing up is the easy (and fun) part for cats—but getting back down is much trickier. This is primarily due to the way cat nails are positioned.
“The way the claws face make it easy to climb up, but difficult to descend because the cat typically tries to go down front-first,” explains Johnson-Bennett. “Even some cats who try to back down the tree may have trouble coordinating their movements.”
Additionally, claws cannot typically support a cat’s body weight when descending a tree, says Lund. “Which is why many cats end up jumping or doing a jump or skid down the tree trunk,” she adds.
What to Do If Your Cat Gets Stuck in a Tree
Getting stuck in a tree can be a frightening experience for your cat (and for you), so the last thing you want to do is aggravate the situation. “First, stay calm,” says Johnson-Bennett. “You'll only frighten your cat more if you stand at the bottom of the tree and scream or cry.”
Instead, try to calmly lure the cat down with a calm voice, suggests Johnson-Bennett. “I don't recommend leaving food at the base of the tree, because your cat won't be able to smell it from that high up and it could attract other animals,” she adds. “Wait a few hours, because the cat may eventually figure out how to get down without assistance.”
If you do decide to climb up the tree yourself, Johnson-Bennett advises enlisting the help of another person, especially if you will be using a ladder.
You’ll also need to climb with some gear. “Ideally, you’d put the cat in a carrier or into something to transport them back down the ladder,” says Lund.
If the cat is too high up, is too frightened or it's not safe to attempt a rescue yourself, contact your local animal control or shelter for help and advice. Some fire departments may be able to assist, but ultimately, you may have to contact a tree service company.
The best way to prevent tree climbing is to supervise your cat when she’s outdoors, or to keep her indoors with plenty of climbing opportunities. “Indoor trees may not be quite as much fun as going outdoors, but ultimately they are a safer choice for your cat,” says Lund.