I have lived with many cats who sometimes seemed willing to risk life and limb to go to high places.
Many times they would end up regretting what they had done and could not figure out how to get back down, thus requiring us to come to their rescue.
One solution to this situation is to provide multiple cat trees in the hopes of offering something safer than the top of the refrigerator.
If you have one or more inside cats who are forever jumping up on counters or tables or whatever, maybe a cat tree is something you want to consider.
This post will outline what you should look for when you are thinking about getting a cat tree.
(7) Things to Look For in a Cat Tree
1. Is the tree covered with good scratching material?
Your cat is probably going to scratch on the cat tree posts.
The two most commonly used materials used to cover cat tree posts are sisal and carpet. In my experience, both of these materials work just fine as scratching material.
Sisal is a plant-based fiber. It can be in rope form that is wound around a post, or in woven mat form that can be wound on a post or fastened to a flat surface.
The other material used on cat trees is household carpeting that is wound on some of the posts and/or laid out and fastened down on the tree platforms.
Many cat trees use a combination of some sisal covering and some carpet covering.
2. Are the tree posts made of something sturdy and solid?
Some cat tree posts are made of solid wood covered with either sisal or carpet.
Some cat tree posts are made of tubular cardboard covered with either sisal or carpet.
I once had a cat scratch away the sisal on a tubular cardboard post and scratched a hole in the post. This compromised the structural integrity of the tree, so I had to take the tree apart and replace the post.
As a rection to this experience, I would now only buy a cat tree with wood posts.
The posts are the basic framework of the cat tree. The posts need to stand up to your cat jumping on the tree, and need to stand up to your cat scratching on the posts.
You should review the product description to find out what the posts are made of before you buy.
3. Are the platforms positioned so your cat can leap from one level to another?
I have seen cat trees where the platforms are located almost directly one above one another. This would seem to make it difficult for your cat to jump up or down from one level to the next.
Instead of that arrangement, wouldn’t you think the platforms should be offset horizontally in a way that makes it easier for your cat to leap from one level to another? This would, in my opinion, also make it safer. Just because a cat is willing to make difficult jumps does not mean it is a good idea.
4. Does the tree have safe resting places?
The high perches on a cat tree should have 2-inch to 3-inch high vertical sides that offer some protection against falling when your kitty flops down on the platform and goes to sleep.
I think the best arrangement is raised sides on three sides, and one open side so as to make it easier to get on the platform. Sort of like an open door.
5. Does the tree have comfortable resting places?
Your cat will probably appreciate the comfort afforded by platforms that have sides to curl up against, enough room to lay down, and is padded with carpet or some other soft material.
In addition to those comfortable perches on the cat tree, your kitty might also like to sometimes lounge in a cat bed on the floor. My blog post How to Choose a Cat Bed will help you pick out a good one.
6. Does the tree have a solid base that will keep it upright?
If a cat tree does not feel safe to your cat, your pet will be hesitant to use it.
Look at the base and the overall construction, and make your best judgement that the tree will remain stable when your cat leaps upon it. A cat tree that wobbles or sways is going to make a cat nervous.
7. Does it require assembly?
Some trees are sold with none of the parts assembled and you have to put it all together.
Some trees are sold completely assembled, and some are sold with two sections to be joined together.
Review the product description to see how many parts you will have to assemble.
You can decide what is best for you.
Examples of Cat Trees That Have the (7) Things Described Above
A Tall Cat Tree
Features solid wood posts for stability
The posts are covered with carpet or sisal to provide good scratching material
This cat tree is best suited for adult cats that have shown you they like high places
Since it is higher than your kitchen counter, maybe they will choose the tree instead
A product of the New Cat Condos company of Phoenix AZ
A Short Cat Tree
Features solid wood posts for stability
Posts are covered with sisal or carpet to provide good scratching material
This cat tree will accommodate a younger or older cat because of its ease of access
It should fit nicely under a window
Discover more on the website of the New Cat Condos company of Phoenix AZ
A Tree-Like Cat Tree
Made of wood and household-grade carpet
This unique cat tree offers something a little groovy.
Pricing may be found at the website of the New Cat Condos company of Phoenix AZ
Should I Also Buy a Scratching Post?
Scratching is a natural behavior of cats. It is what they do, so you may as well make sure they have something to scratch on that is not furniture.
I have often witnessed that some cats will jump up and sit on top of a scratching post even though there is really no place to sit. It’s like sitting atop a fence post.
So why not combine the tree and scratching post in the form of a short cat tree? You might even save some money doing it that way.
Here is an example of something you may want to try:
A 3-Post Scratching Post With a Perch
The three posts are solid wood, and one each that is sisal covered, carpet covered, and bare wood.
Your kitty may be pleasantly surprised to be able to lounge on top of a scratching post.
Get more info when visiting the website of the New Cat Condos company of Phoenix AZ
Where Should I Put My Cat Tree?
- by a window so your cat can look out upon the world (and the window should be closed to make sure your kitty doesn’t push out the screen and fall or escape)
- where you spend time so your cat can keep you company
- near furniture they have climbed on so maybe they will opt for the tree
- against a wall for added stability
How to Get My Cat to Use a Cat Tree
- Put a few treats on a lower platform.
- Speak to your kitty while patting the lower platform.
- Set it up and leave it. (I have never had to convince a cat to use a cat tree. They were usually jumping on it before I could even get it out of the box.)
How Long Will My Cat Tree Last?
A well-made cat tree could last a few years, but it won’t be forever because:
- Your cats are probably going to scratch on that thing, and there is only so much scratching any material can take.
- Your cats will not gently climb the tree, they will leap upon it. (Because they’re cats.)
- Your cats are interested in having fun, not being careful.
But what the heck, if your cat wears the tree out, that means they love it.
Look upon the cat tree as an investment in your cat’s happiness that may also add years of life to your household furniture.
Another way you might make your cat happy is with a water fountain. Get the low-down on fountains in my blog post How to Choose a Cat Water Fountain
Does My Cat Really Need a Cat Tree?
We have had cats that got up on top of the refrigerator, the kitchen cabinets, the bookcases….
Since cats are so in love with high places, getting them a cat tree could promote peace and harmony in your cat household. An added bonus is that a cat tree could make your cat happy.
For other ways to make your cat happy, visit my blog post How to Make Your Cat Happy