Cat Tree - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
All good cat parents want their feline friends to lead healthy, happy lives, and a cat tree can help with mental and physical stimulation.
With the pet supplies business booming, you can find hundreds of cat trees on the market, so finding the best one can be overwhelming. But fear not – we at Real Indian are here to help you cut through the jargon and find quality products that offer good value for your money.
To create our in-depth reviews, we test a few products in our labs, consult with experts, gather feedback from existing customers, and do mountains of product research.
If you're interested in learning how to choose the right cat tree for your furry companion, keep reading for our complete guide to cat trees.
Why Buy a Cat Tree?
Cat trees aren't a gimmick designed to separate animal lovers from their hard-earned money; they are really great for cats.
Here are some of the reasons why:
- Cats are avid climbers and like to have "vertical" territory as well as horizontal space.
- If your cat routinely scratches your furniture, a cat tree with built-in scratching posts may deter her (although we don't promise anything).
- Cats often feel safer and more secure when they are in an elevated position. A cat tree can help minimize stress and give your kitty a haven in which to rest and relax.
- A cat tree can help keep your cat active. After all, it's basically like a cat gym in the jungle.
- If you have more than one cat, a cat tree can help resolve territorial disputes over the best vantage points. Your cats may have trouble sharing a windowsill peacefully, but most will share a large cat tree since each kitty can perch on a different platform.
Considerations for Selecting a Cat Tree
- Rest Areas
Cat trees should have a number of resting areas where your feline friend can do a serious cat snatch or survey of their surroundings.
These can take the form of flat platforms, beds with raised edges, cubicles or hammocks.
Some cat trees have a stylistic range of sitting areas that are perfect for a fussy kitty.
Check the product specifications of the chosen cat tree to find its height in inches. If you choose an especially tall cat tree and your home has low ceilings, measure your room from floor to ceiling to make sure the cat tree will fit. Of course, cat trees are designed to fit into the average house, so this shouldn't be a problem if your ceilings are of a normal height.
- Scratching Posts
A good cat tree should have several scratching posts. These posts should (hopefully) satisfy your cat's natural urge to sink their claws into things. On modern cat trees, you can find "scratching areas" – squares lined with sisal rope – instead of traditional scratching posts.
- Toys
Some cat trees have toys, such as cloth mice or plastic balls, hanging from strings. Only you know if your cat goes crazy for toys with strings or remains generally uninterested, so choose accordingly.
- Appearance
You probably have an idea in your head of what a cat tree looks like. Perhaps you envision a series of boxes and platforms covered in carpet or faux fur and linked together with a series of scratching post tubes. But this is not the only style of cat tree out there. Some modern cat trees could be mistaken for bookshelves if it weren't for the cats that sit on them. This type of cat tree may be suitable for people who are more particular about their décor.
Tips
Is your cat not interested in your new cat tree? Playing with him while he's in or near the tree can help pique her interest.
If you need to clean a cat tree that is carpeted or covered in fake fur, we recommend cleaning it with cat shampoo. Strong cleaning solutions can be toxic, but a soap designed specifically for your kitty is a safer bet.
Make sure the openings in your chosen cat tree will fit your fur baby. For example, if you choose a cat tree with a condo or cubbyhole, it should be large enough for your cat to comfortably climb in and out.
Most cat trees require some assembly. Find out what tools you will need to put the tree together, and gather them before you begin work.
Some cat tree manufacturers offer replacement parts in case a part of the tree – a toy or scratching post, for example – wears out.
Consider the dimensions of the base of your chosen cat tree, as well as the height, to ensure you have enough room for it.
Stability matters. Make sure that the cat tree you have chosen does not wobble. A tall cat tree should have a wide base so there is no chance of tipping over.
FAQ
Que. Where should I put my cat tree?
Ans. Place your cat tree in a place that your cat finds attractive. Otherwise, you are unlikely to use it. It should be in a room where you normally like to spend time. If your cat likes to look out the window, consider placing your cat tree in a spot where it has a good view of the outside world. Similarly, if your cat is a heat fiend, she would probably appreciate a cat tree placed near a radiator.
Que. What are cat trees made of?
Ans. Traditional cat trees are made of plywood and/or strong corrugated cardboard covered with faux fur or sisal rope, which is wrapped around scratching posts. Modern cat trees are usually made of solid wood, but often have areas lined with sisal rope to encourage scratching.
Que. Is there a cat tree designed with the older cat in mind?
Ans. While they're much rarer, you can find the rare cat tree designed for elderly felines. They tend to only have one or two levels, as some geriatric cats are not as agile as they used to be and could injure themselves falling from the top of a tall cat tree. They also have ramps that lead to the platforms, as an elderly cat may not be able to jump without help.