Enclosed shelving or a cat tree?

lookingglass

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For the longest time we've been trying to stop 8-Bit from jumping on a set of shelves that we have. Yesterday, we found out he's doing it when we aren't home so it's time to change the way we are doing things. I think the problem can be solved by getting another cat tree. Because 8-Bit simply needs his own high spot away from Scratch.

DH thinks that we need enclosed shelving. The following is a quote from an e-mail he sent me yesterday:


I state my point again. Another cat tree won't solve the problem. Cats
(namely 8-bit) will always want to go where they are not allowed. We could
have 15 cat trees and 8-bit would still meow at our bookcase in fascination
much as boys prefer condemned houses to "constructed" playgrounds. The
real answer is we need enclosed shelving.


So can I get some TCS help? What do you guys think we need?
 

gingersmom

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I think you need a new cat tree AND some enclosed shelving. (8-Bit sent my two an email and said what he'd REALLY like is a cat tree connected by a ramp to the shelves that he loves to jump up on, but he'll take what he can get.)
 
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lookingglass

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Originally Posted by GingersMom

I think you need a new cat tree AND some enclosed shelving. (8-Bit sent my two an email and said what he'd REALLY like is a cat tree connected by a ramp to the shelves that he loves to jump up on, but he'll take what he can get.)
Ah... he's sending e-mails again. I'll have to change my password.

In all honesty I think we will end up with both, but I'm wondering what to go to first.
 

salemwitchchild

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I'd go with the extra cat tree and if it doesn't solve your problem then go with the enclosed shelving.
 

sarahp

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We haven't been able to stop naughty behaviour with distractions - we have to also protect whatever they're destroying. ie. Put ugly mats and chair covers on the leather dining chairs to protect them from Stumpy's claws as well as buying a cat tree for them to play on instead. Cover the flat screen tv with double sided tape with smelly Vicks vaporub to stop Stumpy jumping up. Cover ALL electrical cords with ugly tubing so Stump can't chew through them. Unless we take protective measures, she'll keep doing it.

So I say protective shelving first before he does any damage.

You know I would never want Stumpy and Bit to meet....
 

jcat

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I think you'll end up with both, but I would get him his own high cat tree in any case. It might keep him off the shelves, but he's already in the habit of getting up there, so don't be surprised if just decides to use both.
Jamie has a high cat tree, but he still likes to get on top of cabinets, the freezer, etc..
8-Bit will settle down over time, I think (like in about six years), so enclosed shelves wouldn't be a bad idea.
 

crittermom

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I say you need both also.I'd try the cat tree first and then go for the shelving.
 

natalie_ca

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I would go for the enclosed shelving first actually. For 2 reasons.

1. You already have a cat tree

2. Enclosed shelving makes things look neater and less cluttered.

If the cats already have a cat tree and they are still climbing into the bookcase another cat tree isn't going to deater that behaviour. It will just give him a 3rd high place to climb.
 

trouts mom

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Originally Posted by Natalie_ca

I would go for the enclosed shelving first actually. For 2 reasons.

1. You already have a cat tree

2. Enclosed shelving makes things look neater and less cluttered.

If the cats already have a cat tree and they are still climbing into the bookcase another cat tree isn't going to deater that behaviour. It will just give him a 3rd high place to climb.
good idea Linda!
 

emily_325

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Enclosed shelving is a good idea, but I'm sure it will require buying a brand new shelving unit for it to look good. Could be rather costly. Did you ever use that Ikea gift card you had?

As far as cat trees go, I just bought one from a seller on eBay that Karen (Abbys Mom) recommended. The eBay store is called Armarkat. The shipping costs are inflated I think, but the auctions always end at really cheap amounts, so I guess they have to make a profit somehow. Either way, I got an almost 7' cat tree for about $130 total. I saw one that wasn't as nice yesterday at the adoption event for $599!!! Karen vouched for the quality. I haven't gotten mine yet, but I can't wait!

If you get another cat tree, I think it wll need to be a BIG one. Right now the one you have isn't as high as your highest shelves, so to 8-Bit it's not the "cool" place to be. If he's anything like my Anya, the highest place is where he wants to be.
 
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lookingglass

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Originally Posted by emily_325

Enclosed shelving is a good idea, but I'm sure it will require buying a brand new shelving unit for it to look good. Could be rather costly. Did you ever use that Ikea gift card you had?

As far as cat trees go, I just bought one from a seller on eBay that Karen (Abbys Mom) recommended. The eBay store is called Armarkat. The shipping costs are inflated I think, but the auctions always end at really cheap amounts, so I guess they have to make a profit somehow. Either way, I got an almost 7' cat tree for about $130 total. I saw one that wasn't as nice yesterday at the adoption event for $599!!! Karen vouched for the quality. I haven't gotten mine yet, but I can't wait!

If you get another cat tree, I think it wll need to be a BIG one. Right now the one you have isn't as high as your highest shelves, so to 8-Bit it's not the "cool" place to be. If he's anything like my Anya, the highest place is where he wants to be.
We haven't used the Ikea gift card yet so I'm thinking it may go towards some enclosed shelving.

I think everyone is right; I'll most likely end up with both.

Do you think it'll be a bit much if we get a third cat tree with our new addition? He's coming at the end of next month!
 

fwan

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i have placed one of the cat trees next to the bookshelf, so the kitties can go up there when ever they want. and then i have a 7 foot tall cat tree in the bedroom.
When the waldrobe is set up, i am going to put the cat tree next to it so they can jump onto the waldrobe and have a high quiet place
 

jcat

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Originally Posted by fwan

i have placed one of the cat trees next to the bookshelf, so the kitties can go up there when ever they want. and then i have a 7 foot tall cat tree in the bedroom.
When the wardrobe is set up, i am going to put the cat tree next to it so they can jump onto the wardrobe and have a high quiet place
You might not have to go to the trouble, Fran! The bookcase in our spare bedroom is 7' high, and Teufel and Kaylee thought that the perfect place to sleep was on top of it. They had no trouble at all jumping up there from the top of the piano (roughly 3' high). Teufel also got on top of our 6'5" wardrobe, using the bed (about 2' high) as a launching place!
 

epona

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We've given up on the exact same question! The bookcases belong to Radar. If he allows books to stay on them we view it as evidence of the benevolent nature of his dictatorship!
 
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