Yes, that is when I would take a look at a walkthrough, but I also understand why you are reluctant to do so.
I took a look at the Cats and the Other Lives forum on Steam and the developer had some suggestions for the tree minigame:
tThe key is sometimes stop pressing the button and wait under the mushrooms using them as umbrellas to protect you from the stones. Avoid the thorns, wait by sliding down at safe spots and then continue climbing.
and
The key is to be patient and wait for an opportunity to move. They don't drop randomly, so you can anticipate the next one if you patiently wait in a safe spot before making your move.
It sounds kind of wonky to me, and the controls don't sound very good either.