Cat Trees for Indoor Cats: Keeping Contained Cats Happy Under Melbourne's Curfews

Yes, a good cat tree is one of the simplest ways to help a contained cat adjust to a council curfew. It gives your cat height to climb, a safe lookout and a place to scratch inside your home. Put it by a window, add daily play, and most cats settle into the new routine.

Key takeaways

• More Melbourne councils now require cats to stay on their owner's property at night, and some around the clock.
• Height matters to cats. Elevated spots let them watch their territory and retreat when they need a break.
• Place the tree near a window in a room your family actually uses.
• In multi-cat homes, give each cat its own high spot, plus one extra.
• Pair the tree with horizontal scratchers, rotating toys and two or three short play sessions a day.

Why are more Melbourne cats living indoors?

Councils across Melbourne are bringing in cat curfews. The City of Melbourne's 6pm–8am curfew has applied since 1 October 2025, and Wyndham moved to 24-hour containment in January 2026. Kingston, which includes Moorabbin, already requires cats to be confined to the owner's property between sunset and sunrise. Rules differ by council. Our Melbourne cat curfew guide lists council-by-council rules and dates.

Why does vertical territory matter to cats?

Cats experience their home in three dimensions. International Cat Care describes cats as natural climbers that need to rest and watch over their surroundings from high places (International Cat Care). RSPCA Australia's Safe and Happy Cats program notes that cats particularly like elevated places where they can observe the world but also feel secluded and safe, and it lists cat towers with scratching surfaces among the things that help (Safe and Happy Cats).

A tree adds usable territory without adding floor space. That can help a contained cat stay active, and it gives a nervous cat somewhere to step away from visitors, children or the dog.

Where should I put a cat tree?

1. By a window. International Cat Care suggests making sure your cat has a high perch somewhere near a window. Watching birds and passers-by is a big part of an indoor cat's day.
2. In a shared room. Cats like to be near their people, so the living area usually works better than a spare room.
3. Against a wall or in a corner. This adds stability and gives your cat a protected back.
4. Away from heaters and in-wall air conditioners. Choose a spot your cat can enjoy all year round.

How do cat trees help multi-cat households?

Competition for the best spot can cause quiet tension between cats. International Cat Care recommends providing key resources at a minimum of one per cat plus at least one extra, spread around the home. For cat trees, that means more separate resting spots than cats, and possibly more than one tree. The Natural Wood Cat Tree with Scratching Ramp has several separate platforms, a cushioned top bed and a clear lounging bowl. The Natural Wood Multi-Cat Tower with Double Condo adds a two-level enclosed condo for cats that like to hide.

Which cat tree suits my home?

What else does a contained cat need?

A tree works best as part of a bigger set-up:

• Scratchers in more than one spot. Add a horizontal cat scratcher near where your cat sleeps. Our guide to how many scratchers you need explains why, and cardboard scratchers are a cheap way to add more.
• Daily play. Two or three short sessions with a wand toy let your cat stalk and pounce. International Cat Care also suggests putting toys away and rotating them so they stay interesting.
• Food to match the lifestyle. Contained cats often move less, so watch portions. Our indoor cat food range is formulated for lower activity levels.
• Safe outdoor time. A cat-proof enclosure or supervised harness time adds fresh air without roaming.

For older cats, see our senior cat care guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do indoor cats need a cat tree?

Not strictly, but most indoor cats benefit from one. Welfare groups such as International Cat Care and RSPCA Australia's Safe and Happy Cats program recommend high resting spots, scratching surfaces and daily play for cats kept at home, and a cat tree provides the first two in one piece of furniture.

Where should I put a cat tree for an indoor cat?

Put it near a window in a room the family uses, such as the living area. That gives your cat something to watch and keeps them close to you. Avoid quiet back rooms, where the tree is likely to be ignored.

Will a cat tree help my cat cope with a night curfew?

It can help. Cats that are used to roaming at night may be restless at first, and climbing, scratching and an evening play session before bed give that energy somewhere to go. If your cat seems very distressed or changes their toileting or eating habits, talk to your vet.

What cat tree is best for two indoor cats?

Choose a tree with more resting spots than you have cats and some separation between them, such as the Natural Wood Cat Tree with Scratching Ramp or the Multi-Cat Tower with Double Condo. Cats that don't get along may need a second tree in another room.

Can a cat tree replace outdoor time?

It covers some needs, such as climbing, height and scratching, but not all of them. A secure cat enclosure or enclosed balcony, or supervised harness time, can add safe fresh air and new smells.