How to Encourage Your Furry Baby to Use Cat Wall Shelves?

Cat wall shelves are a fantastic way to add vertical space for your cat to explore, lounge, and play. Not only do they keep your furry baby entertained, but they also offer a stylish and functional way to enrich your cat’s life while saving floor space in your home. However, some cats might need a little encouragement before they fully embrace these new vertical spaces. If your kitty isn’t sure about using their new wall shelves just yet, don’t worry! With a little patience and the right approach, you can get your feline friend climbing and lounging like a pro.

Here are 6 tips to help encourage your cat to use wall-mounted shelves:

1. Start Slowly with Placement

When you first install cat shelves, your cat might be hesitant to jump right onto them. Place the shelves at different heights, starting with some at lower levels so your cat can easily explore and get used to climbing. Gradually, as your cat becomes more confident, you can add or adjust shelves higher up the wall.

Ensure that the shelves are within easy reach of one another. Cats like to feel safe while climbing, so the jumps between shelves shouldn’t be too far apart.

2. Use Treats and Toys as Motivation

One of the easiest ways to entice your furry friend to explore their new wall shelves is by using treats or toys. Place some of your cat’s favorite treats on the shelves or hide them in small spaces like the cubbies. This way, your cat will associate the shelves with positive experiences.

If your kitty is more play-oriented, use interactive toys like a feather wand or laser pointer to guide them up onto the shelves. Once they’ve successfully climbed up, reward them with a treat or extra praise!

3. Make It Comfortable

Cats love cozy spots, so make the shelves more inviting by adding some of their favorite soft blankets or cushions. You can also add plush pads or hammocks that will make the shelves feel like a relaxing hideaway. If the shelves are positioned near a sunny window, even better—cats love basking in the warmth of the sun.

 

4. Place Shelves in High-Traffic Areas

Cats are naturally curious creatures, and they like to be where the action is. If possible, place some of the wall shelves in areas where you and your family spend time, such as the living room or near a window where your cat can watch the world outside. This will encourage your cat to climb up and observe their surroundings, which is a natural instinct for them.

You can also place the shelves near a favorite resting or feeding spot to help your cat transition smoothly between floor space and vertical space.

5. Incorporate Catnip or Pheromone Spray

Catnip can be a powerful motivator for some cats! Sprinkle a bit of catnip onto the shelves to create a fun and exciting space for your feline friend. Alternatively, using a calming pheromone spray can help reduce anxiety or stress your cat might feel about using a new space.

Pheromone sprays, such as Feliway, mimic the natural calming scents cats use to mark safe and familiar places. Spritz a little on the shelves, and this might encourage your kitty to feel at ease when exploring their new climbing area.

6. Give Them Time to Explore

It’s important to remember that every cat is different. Some cats might take to the shelves immediately, while others may need more time to warm up to the idea. Allow your cat to explore the shelves at their own pace and avoid forcing them to use them if they’re not ready. Patience is key.

Cats are independent animals, and sometimes they just need a little time to understand and feel comfortable with a new space. With the right motivation and setup, they’ll soon be enjoying their vertical kingdom in no time!

Encouraging your cat to use wall shelves has numerous benefits beyond just keeping them entertained. Here’s why you should introduce vertical spaces in your home:

• Exercise: Climbing up and down the shelves provides excellent physical exercise, helping to maintain a healthy weight and improve muscle tone.
• Mental Stimulation: Shelves offer mental stimulation by giving your cat new areas to explore and different vantage points to observe their surroundings.
• Stress Relief: Many cats enjoy being higher up because it makes them feel safe and secure. Shelves allow them to perch and watch the world go by, which can reduce anxiety and stress.
• Multi-Cat Households: In homes with multiple cats, wall shelves create extra space, allowing each cat to have their own territory. This helps reduce territorial tension between cats.

Cat wall shelves are an amazing addition to any feline-friendly home. By slowly introducing your cat to the shelves, using positive reinforcement, and making the spaces as comfortable as possible, your cat will soon be climbing, exploring, and relaxing on their new favorite perch. Just be patient and make the experience fun and rewarding for them.

Have you tried installing cat wall shelves? Let us know how your furry baby took to them in the comments below!