A new cat tree can seem strange to a shy cat, especially if it is tall, smells unfamiliar, or appears in a busy room. Set it up securely in a quiet area where your cat already feels comfortable. Avoid placing it directly beside a loud appliance or in the middle of a well-used walkway. Let your cat notice the tree without being carried onto it or blocked into the space.
Familiar scents can make the structure less novel. Place a blanket your cat already uses on a low platform, or leave a favorite toy nearby. You can sit quietly in the room and let the cat approach when ready. If they show interest, use a gentle voice or a small reward at a level they can reach easily. Keep early interactions short and calm, and let the cat leave freely.
Some cats begin by sniffing the base or using the lowest step before climbing higher. That is useful progress, even if the top perch remains empty for a while. If the tree is ignored, check for wobble, slippery surfaces, or an uncomfortable location, and make one change at a time. Patience and choice build confidence more reliably than coaxing a cat into a high, unfamiliar spot.