Why Cats Love Climbing and How to Keep Them Safe
Cats are naturally drawn to climbing high places. Many cat owners prepare climbing platforms at home to let their feline friends climb freely and stretch their muscles.
However, did you know that if the material or condition of the cat climbing platform is not good enough, it could cause your cat to slip, fall, and get injured?
Ensuring the climbing structure is stable and made of safe materials is essential to keep your cat safe while they enjoy their favorite activity.
Here are four common reasons why cats slip on jumping platforms, along with tips to prevent accidents.
1. Choosing Safe Cat Jumping Platforms
Cat jumping platforms mainly come in two types: wooden and fabric. Although wooden platforms are sturdy and easy to clean, their smooth surfaces make it difficult for cats to get a good grip with their claws, which can cause slipping.
In such cases, it is recommended to apply non-slip mats or anti-slip stickers on the wooden platforms to significantly improve safety.
As for fabric platforms, they may appear safe at first. However, after prolonged use, the surface fleece can become flattened, making it more slippery.
When this happens, it's best to replace the worn parts individually to extend the platform's lifespan.
2. Keeping Cat Trees Clean and Safe
Stains or moisture residue: If there are vomit, urine, or water stains on the cat tree platforms, cats can easily slip when they step on them. Dirt on high platforms is often hard to spot, so don't forget to thoroughly check the top layer during cleaning!
If the wooden platform gets dirty, you can wipe it with a well-wrung damp cloth. For fabric-covered platforms, it's best if the cover can be removed and washed. Otherwise, odors may linger, causing cats to urinate in the same spot again.
3. Cat Paw Hair Care Tips: Managing Long Fur on Your Cat's Paws
The hair on the bottom of a cat's paws can sometimes grow too long, which may affect their traction and ability to grip surfaces properly. This issue is more common with long-haired cats, while short-haired cats usually have fewer problems in this regard.
It is recommended to trim the hair around your cat's paw pads regularly to maintain good paw health and improve their grip. If your cat does not like having its hair clipped, try to choose a time when your cat is relaxed and calm.
Instead of using scissors, it is safer to use a small electric clipper designed for pets. When using the clipper for the first time, let your cat get accustomed to the sound and sensation beforehand to avoid frightening them.
4. Managing Your Cats' Playtime Safely
When cats sprint too intensely, especially in multi-cat households, they often get overly excited while chasing each other. This can sometimes lead to slips and falls, particularly for the cat being chased, who is more likely to misstep.
Even if you only have one cat, excessive excitement can cause them to jump up and down vigorously, increasing the risk of slipping.
To prevent accidents during such high-energy play, it is helpful to redirect their attention using toys. Encouraging your cats to play closer to the ground can help them calm down and reduce the chances of injury.
Keeping Your Cat Safe on the Jumping Platform
Cats can sometimes slip and fall off jumping platforms, which may result in injuries such as bruises, fractures, or even lasting fear that makes them avoid the platform altogether. To prevent accidents, it is recommended to clean the cat's jumping platform regularly and place non-slip mats on slippery surfaces.
When you see your beloved cat happily and comfortably enjoying the jumping platform, you can be sure your happiness will soar as well!
