Kitty Doesn't Like New Cat Tree

Ok, so I thought I'd be a good mum and buy kitty a cat tree for Chrissy. I set it all up and proudly display it for her. Leia sniffs at it a couple of times and then walks away. So much for that!

She has used the scratching post bit a couple of times but refuses to climb up onto the platforms. I've put treats on them, her favourite toys, rubbed catnip into it, have actually placed her on them (she just jumps off immediately) but she's just not interested in it at all.

It's very sturdy and not wobbly at all so that's not it. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can get her to enjoy the tree (she's an indoor kitty)?

Thanks.

Leia's mum, Shaz

Leia's journal is at http://shaz032.bravejournal.com/ where you can find a pic of the cat tree.

Hmm...sounds like you did all you can. Sometimes cats just aren't interested in everything you give them. I bought my cat a scratching post that had a little platform and an opening that she could hide in thinking she get a kick outta it. Only time she went near it was to get her toys from it or when she heard someone coming and hid in it to pop out and surprise you...that was about it. My cat gets more of a kick running around and bouncing off walls,furniture and people then actual trees that are made specifically for them. I guess all you can really do is either just leave it there and maybe she'll start using it or when you play with her, encourage her to get onto it, pick her up and set her on the platform, toss toys around it, stuff like that =o)

Try this, when you brush your cat take the fur that is collected and rub it into the platforms. This will get kitty's smell on it and then she should feel better about it.

Originally Posted by Naz-Drala

Try this, when you brush your cat take the fur that is collected and rub it into the platforms. This will get kitty's smell on it and then she should feel better about it.

Click to expand...

I'll have to try that. It's summer here right now and she's shedding by the bucketful so fur isn't hard to come by at the moment. I got four brushfuls out of her the other day within 1 hour lol.

have you tried placing treats on it? or rubbing it with catnip? When i built my tree i sprayed it with catnip and they couldn't resist.

Originally Posted by Naz-Drala

Try this, when you brush your cat take the fur that is collected and rub it into the platforms. This will get kitty's smell on it and then she should feel better about it.

Click to expand...

That's exactly what I do with new things for Oliver... I know with my boy, it takes him quite awhile to warm up to new toys and such that I bring home for him - so dont give up hope or toss the tree, you may turn around one day and see your baby up in the tree... Oliver's still getting used to his snuggle ball and I bought that in the summer! But every once in awhile I'll catch him in it - I also will gently set him down in it if I've been holding him so he knows he's allowed on it and that it's his... I also found (by accident) one day that Oliver is highly attracted to fish food! (my automatic feeder fell over one day when i was cleaning the tank and food fell all over his snuggle ball... he jumped right in!) So I occasionally use a little fish food sparingly like I would cat nip (he's not a HUGE cat nip fan).... just my experiences, good luck and be patient!