Cat tower sprint for cats: how to play

An active climbing game on a tall, sturdy sisal tower: warm your cat up with a wand toy around the base, then let them power up the post to scratch at full stretch and stretch out at the top.

Time: 8 min
Energy: High
Space: A room

You'll need

tall, sturdy sisal scratching tower or cat tree
wand toy or feather toy
some dry food
cat nip or cat mint (optional)

Set up

Put a tall, sturdy tower with vertical sisal next to the area your cat is already scratching, for example the sofa, and make sure it cannot wobble or tip. Keep a wand toy and some dry food to hand.

How to play

Warm up on the floor. Move a wand toy or feather around the base of the tower so your cat chases it and brings their claws into contact with the post.
Make the tower inviting. Sprinkle some dry food on the post, or rub cat mint on it, so your cat has a reason to head up.
Let your cat climb. Give them space to power up the post and scratch at full stretch on the way, with no lifting or guiding of their legs.
Wind down at the top. Let your cat settle and rest on a high platform before they come back down.

House rules

The tower must be sturdy enough for your cat to lean their full body weight against it.
Never lift your cat's legs to make them scratch the post; cats find this off-putting and may avoid the post in future.
End the game when your cat loses interest and try again another time.

Make it easier: Play the wand toy only around the base and let your cat choose whether to climb at all.
Make it harder: Once your cat climbs readily, move the wand toy around the base more quickly and let the game run a little longer.

Signs it's having fun

Your cat chases the wand toy around the base, grips the post to scratch at full stretch, and settles on a high platform to rest.

Stop if you see

Your cat leaves the tower and shows no interest, or seems put off by it. End the session and try again later.

Safety

Only use a stable, sturdy tower that will not wobble when your cat pushes off it.
Do not use a post designed for kittens with an adult cat: these stay too short and too flimsy.

Sources

Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.

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