If you find the idea of buying cat furniture strange, you certainly don't own a cat.
Giving your feline its own space is the solution for improving peaceful coexistence.
A cat tree allows your companion to play, perch, nap, scratch, and climb! Making your cat happier also makes you happier!
A cat tree, you see, can do a lot to ensure that our own furniture is not shredded or covered with considerations to make before deciding which cat tree is the ideal cat tree for your cat.
1/ Cat tree design
Cat trees come in many different sizes and configurations, and serve multiple functions. A cat tree offers a comfortable place to lounge, and when placed in front of a window, it's a perfect perch for watching birds and outdoor movements.
The highest levels reassure your cat, allowing them to take refuge in case of danger.
Cat trees are usually covered with carpet or cushions and have one or more scratching posts. Most offer several perches or sleeping areas, such as cradles, hammocks or cat beds. Some have enclosed compartments where your cat can hide.
The number of cats you own also has a strong influence on the size of the cat tree.
2/ Your cat's personality
The best cat tree for your kitten will depend on its age, size, climbing ability, and activity level. A large and/or tall multi-level cat tree is ideal for a young cat that loves to climb.
Older cats who sleep a lot will appreciate a cat tree with easily accessible beds or comfortable napping spots. For cats who feel safer when sleeping in an enclosed space, a cat tree with one or more cubbies is ideal. Some models have integrated hanging toys, which are perfect for playful kittens.
⚠ Beware of strangulation risks with hanging toys for kittens.⚠
If you have more than one cat, it's best to have two cat trees or one very large cat tree that has multiple scratching posts and allows each cat to have its own sleeping spot.
3/ Cat trees and scratching posts
Cats have different preferences for scratching. Some like to scratch carpet-covered posts, while others prefer wood or sisal columns. If you don't know what your cat prefers for sharpening claws, choose a model that offers multiple options.
⚠ A tip for owners of large cats like Maine Coons, make sure the scratching post is large enough for them to stretch out completely.⚠
4/ Cat tree sturdiness
The cat tree must be sturdy enough so that it doesn't tip over when your kitten jumps or climbs on it. If it falls, your cat may get scared and no longer want to use it. Study the cat tree's design to determine if it was designed for sturdiness or primarily for appearance. You should be able to find a cat tree that offers both sturdiness and aesthetics.
5/ Perches and other cat tree platforms
Perches, platforms, and ladders must be able to support your cat's weight. The holes in tunnels or compartments must be large enough for your cat to pass through.
If you plan to move, two cat trees or a modular style may be a better option than a giant floor-to-ceiling cat tree.
6/ Cat tree materials
Note the materials used to make the cat tree. Solid oak will be sturdier and more attractive than particleboard. A cat tree covered mostly in carpet rather than faux fur will last longer.
Consider how the cat tree is held together. Screws are more secure than nails, and you can tighten them if they become loose after the cat tree has been used.
7/ How much do cat trees cost?
Cat tree prices are as varied as the pieces themselves. In general, a quality cat tree costs from 50 to 100 € for small models, from 150 € and more for an imposing cat tree that offers several perches, tunnels, and other sleeping spots.
8/ Cat tree assembly
You can buy pre-assembled cat trees at a pet store, but the selection is usually limited and transportation difficult. A better option is to buy online, which will require some assembly. They are not that difficult to assemble - believe me, if I can do it, anyone can do it. Of course, the more elaborate the cat tree, the longer it will take to assemble.
If you're comfortable with a hammer, it's actually quite easy to build a cat tree that looks good and is as durable as one from a pet store, at a lower cost. The internet is a great place to find DIY plans for building cat furniture.
9/ Innovative cat furniture
Stackable cat trees are a good option because you can start with one or two sections, and add more later to make it taller or wider. A stackable cat tree is also easier to move and offers more creative design options than a large cat tree.
Whatever style of cat tree you choose, it will provide your kitten with hours of napping, playing, and scratching fun!
The Maine Coon, due to its size, weight, and power, can quickly destroy a cat tree! That's why it's important to choose the right model; it must be large, sturdy, and stable enough. You can't expect a cat tree to last as long with a Maine Coon as with a normal-sized cat, if only because its claws will damage the sisal faster.
But isn't seeing your Maine Coon happy worth a few sacrifices?
