Helping Your Cat Adjust to a New Cat Tree
Bringing home a new cat tree is exciting, but some cats immediately climb and explore while others take days or even weeks to warm up to it. This is completely normal. Cats are creatures of habit, and new furniture, textures, scents, and heights can take time to trust.
The good news is that there are simple ways to encourage your cat to feel comfortable, safe, and excited about their new climbing space.
Why Some Cats Hesitate Around a New Cat Tree
Even confident cats may initially avoid a new cat tree because:
- It smells unfamiliar
- It is placed in a new location
- The height or layout feels intimidating
- The surfaces have not yet collected their scent
- They already have favorite resting spots elsewhere
Patience and positive reinforcement are usually all that is needed.
Best Ways to Encourage Your Cat to Use Their New Cat Tree
Place the Cat Tree in a Social Area
Cats naturally want to be near their people. Placing the cat tree in a commonly used room such as a living room, office, or bedroom often leads to much faster acceptance.
Many cats especially enjoy:
- Window views
- Sunny locations
- Areas near couches or family gathering spaces
Avoid isolating the cat tree in a low-traffic corner or unused room if possible.
Use Treats or Toys to Create Positive Associations
One of the easiest ways to encourage exploration is with rewards.
Try:
- Placing treats on different platforms
- Using wand toys around the tree
- Tossing favorite toys onto lower perches
- Rewarding your cat when they climb or scratch
This helps your cat associate the tree with positive experiences.
Add Familiar Scents
Cats rely heavily on scent for comfort and territory recognition.
Helpful methods include:
- Rubbing a blanket your cat already uses onto the platforms
- Placing their favorite bed on a perch temporarily
The more familiar the tree smells, the faster many cats adapt.
Try Catnip or Silvervine
Many cats respond strongly to catnip or silvervine.
You can:
- Sprinkle catnip lightly on scratching posts or perches
- Use catnip spray
- Introduce silvervine sticks for interactive play
Not every cat reacts to catnip, but for those that do, it can dramatically speed up acceptance.
Start With Lower Levels First
Some cats feel unsure about climbing high immediately.
Encourage use gradually by:
- Introducing lower platforms first
- Playing near the base
- Allowing your cat to explore at their own pace
Once confidence builds, most cats naturally begin climbing higher.
Make the Tree Feel Stable and Secure
Cats are far more likely to trust a sturdy, wobble-free cat tree.
Ensure:
- All bolts and hardware are tightened properly
- The tree sits level on the floor
- It is positioned against a wall for added security
Large cats especially appreciate stability before fully relaxing on elevated platforms.
Multi-Cat Household Tips
If you have multiple cats:
- Avoid forcing interactions
- Let each cat explore independently
- Use multiple sleeping or perch areas when possible
- Reward calm behavior around the tree
Cats often establish their own favorite levels naturally over time.
What NOT to Do
Avoid:
- Forcing your cat onto the tree
- Scolding them for ignoring it
- Moving them repeatedly onto perches
- Overwhelming them with too much stimulation
Confidence develops faster when the experience feels voluntary and stress-free.
How Long Does It Take?
Every cat is different.
Some begin using a new cat tree immediately, while others may take:
- Several days
- One to two weeks
- Occasionally longer for shy or older cats
Once the tree starts collecting familiar scents and becomes part of the environment, most cats become increasingly comfortable.
Final Thoughts
A quality cat tree provides more than just climbing space — it gives cats a place to scratch, perch, observe, play, and relax safely indoors.
With patience, positive reinforcement, and the right placement, most cats grow to love their new cat furniture and quickly make it part of their daily routine.
Understanding New Cat Tree Smells
Some customers are more sensitive to smells than others, and it is normal for certain new materials to have a mild “new product” scent when first unpacked.
This scent is usually temporary and gradually fades after setting up and normal airflow exposure.
At New Cat Condos, our cat furniture is built using wood, carpet, sisal rope, and packaging materials that may carry a mild scent immediately after shipping — especially after being sealed during transit.
Fortunately, there are several easy ways to help reduce and neutralize these temporary odors more quickly.
Most New Cat Tree Smells Fade Naturally
In most cases:
- The scent noticeably decreases within a few days
- Continued airflow helps speed the process
- Cats are often less bothered by the smell than humans
The smell is typically strongest:
- Immediately after unpacking
- In smaller enclosed rooms
- During hot weather or after long shipping periods
Best Ways to Reduce New Cat Tree Smells
Allow Fresh Air Circulation
One of the simplest and most effective methods is airflow.
Helpful options include:
- Opening windows
- Running ceiling fans
- Using a room fan nearby
- Allowing the cat tree to air out before heavy use
Good ventilation can significantly reduce temporary odors.
Place the Cat Tree Near a Window Initially
Natural airflow and sunlight can help speed up odor dissipation.
Many customers find that:
- A few days near an open window helps dramatically
- Bright, ventilated rooms reduce scent retention faster
Avoid damp or enclosed areas during the first few days if possible.
Vacuum the Carpeted Surfaces
Vacuuming can help remove:
- Loose carpet fibers
- Packaging particles
- Dust from shipping and handling
This often helps freshen the overall scent quickly.
Use Baking Soda for Odor Absorption
Baking soda is a popular household odor neutralizer.
You can:
- Lightly sprinkle baking soda onto carpeted areas
- Let it sit for several hours
- Vacuum thoroughly afterward
Avoid excessive amounts, and always ensure the surface is fully vacuumed before allowing pets extended contact.
Use Air Purifiers
Customers sensitive to smells often benefit from:
- HEPA air purifiers
- Room ventilation systems
These can help reduce overall indoor odor levels during the first few days after setup.
What to Avoid
Avoid:
- Strong chemical cleaners
- Bleach-based products
- Heavy perfumes or aerosol sprays
- Essential oils that may not be pet-safe
Many heavily scented products can irritate cats more than the original mild new-product smell.
One product we would recommend for stain and odor remover is Biokleen Bac-Out Enzyme Cleaner
Why Some People Notice Smells More Than Others
Sensitivity varies significantly between individuals.
Factors can include:
- Personal sensitivity to odors
- Smaller indoor spaces
- Limited ventilation
- Seasonal temperature differences
- Shipping/storage duration
Most temporary new-product scents improve substantially with normal airflow and use.
Final Thoughts
Temporary “new furniture” smells are common with many household products, including cat furniture, carpets, furniture, and packaged wood products.
The good news is that these odors are usually mild and temporary, and simple steps like ventilation, airflow, vacuuming, and time help reduce them naturally.
Once aired out and integrated into the home, most customers find the scent fades quickly while their cats begin enjoying their new favorite climbing and lounging space.