The Best Cat Tree Furniture

Our feline friends love to climb trees and enjoy sitting in high places to better survey their territory. To enrich your kitty's indoor environment and make use of your vertical space, get Fluffy a cat tree to cater to her natural instincts. The best cat trees typically are made of high-quality materials, match your decor, accommodate all of your kitties and, most importantly, appeal to your feline companions.

  1. Made With High-Quality Construction

    • The best cat trees are stable enough to withstand your cat climbing or jumping onto them without wobbling or even falling over. An unstable cat tree will scare your kitty, discouraging her from using it, and could even injure her, warns Catster. Look for a cat tree constructed with a thick wide base and solid wood parts. All parts should be attached firmly with securely fastened screws, not glue or staples. Coverings, such as carpeting, faux fur, sisal and fabric should be attached with staples, rather than glue, to keep it in place. Fabric- or sisal-based coverings should be thick, stain-resistant and tightly woven to stand up to your kitty's use and her claws.

    Appropriate for Your Cat(s)

    • Older or declawed cats need a cat tree that they can use without slipping or falling off of. Shorter cat trees covered in soft fabric or faux fur work best for older kitties who may suffer with conditions such as arthritis, which can impede their climbing abilities. Taller cat trees should have shelves of different heights, which are staggered like stairs, to allow a cat to easily walk up and down, without having to climb or rely on her claws for traction. Many kitties like to sit together on a cat tree, so if you have multiple cats, account for their combined weight and preferences when choosing your ideal cat tree. Most manufacturers list the maximum weight limit on the product's label.

    Complements Your Decor

    • There are many styles of cat trees available, from the traditional kinds, consisting of carpeted cubby holes, shelves of different levels and sisal-covered scratching posts, to those that resemble pieces of modern art. Some are shaped and decorated like actual trees, palaces or pagodas. These are not only conversation pieces but ones that can complement your decor while keeping Fluffy off of your other furniture. Prices for a high-quality cat tree generally run anywhere from $100 to $1,200, depending on the size, style and degree of detail included. More intricate and customized cat tree furniture pieces typically cost more than simple, ready made ones.

    Other Considerations

    • Choose a cat tree that has many types of scratching surfaces, including carpet, fabric, sisal, cork or wood to cater to your kitty's need to groom her claws. Only purchase cat furniture made from materials that are safe for felines, including nontoxic paints, glues and carpeting, which the manufacturer should list on the label. Some manufacturers specialize in constructing cat trees from sustainable or recycled materials if you prefer an ecologically friendly option. To easily maintain your cat tree, purchase one made from modular pieces so that you can replace worn-out parts without having to replace the whole tree. Some modular-type cat trees can be expanded over time to increase your kitty's play area.