New cat owners often complain that their animal is destroying their nice furnishing, carpeting, and draperies. This is because they have not provided the proper atmosphere in their home to cohabitate with a cat. Cats prefer their own furniture and will use it when given the choice.

Consider a cat’s natural behaviors and habitat. It spends much of its time outdoors climbing from one level to another, moving from rock to rock or climbing trees. Exploration satisfies it curious nature. It loves to hunt and leap from one object to another. This is the reason it often uses human furniture to recreate its natural environment.

Indoor cats do need lots of exercise and instinctively know it. They get it wherever its available, which sometimes means from couch to chair, from mantle to china cabinet, or from floor to cabinet. This problem can be lessened with the provision of a cat tree.

Cat trees come in many varieties and are designed for a cat’s instinctive habits. Most are built with posts made of sisal or rough carpeting. This allows the cat to keep its claws trimmed and also a territory where its scent is always established. This may keep it from marking its territory in other ways. Most cat trees also have toys attached to encourage swatting and hunting. If these don’t come with the tree, they can often be added. Some cat trees also provide hidden areas to challenge the cat’s nature to hunt.

An indoor cat should not be disciplined for doing something that is natural and important for their well being. Owners should provide an environment which keeps his pet socially and physically fit. This will keep the cat from developing unwanted destructive behaviors so both the owner and the cat will be happier.