Cat trees provide cats with premium personal real estate. An added advantage of a cat tree is that it provides a scratching post. Large trees offer a place to hide, a place to eat, a place to sleep and a place to watch the world go by. “We’re used to insecure cats diving under the bed to hide or to sleep,” says Rannie Vernon, president of Cat House International Inc./Angelical Cat Co., in Oxford, Pennsylvania. “Actually, they prefer height.” Cat trees can range in price from about $20 to extremely elaborate productions costing in excess of $500.
No matter what the price, a tree must be sturdy for the cat to climb. Of course, the three magic words in real estate are location, location, location. A cat tree hidden in the laundry room isn’t likely to be used. However, a cat with a tree that reaches up to a sunny window ledge in the living room will value her property.
Cats love to sun themselves in front of windows and to watch activity outdoors. Bird feeders are a great way to do your part for feathered friends while simultaneously entertaining your cat. Or you may consider getting a pet for your cat. A real living parakeet, a goldfish or a pocket pet, such as a gerbil or hamster will amuse kitty. But be absolutely certain to prevent clever cat-burglars from breaking into the bird cage, aquarium or fish bowl—otherwise, your kitty’s pet may become an hors d’oeuvre.