Do I need a cat tree? If you have a cat the answer is a definite yes, especially if your cat is an indoor cat. Cats love to climb, scratch, perch and sleep. A cat tree helps them do all of this without destroying your home. There is a huge variety to choose from and it can be a daunting task finding a cat tree to suits yours and your cats needs. So here’s what you need to consider when buying the perfect cat tree and my top picks for best on the market at the moment.
The benefits of a cat tree
- Sanctuary – Outside cats use trees to flee to when they feel threatened or just want to survey their surroundings from a place of safety. It’s not so easy for them in the home. The cat tree gives them a sense of security. It’s a haven where they can get away from other pets, children or of they just want their own space. Timid cats are more likely to stay in the room if they have their own “safe” place.
- Exercise – Choosing a cat tree with a number of levels encourages your cat to leap and climb.
- Health – Scratching posts are the perfect place to sharpen their claws, a sometimes forgotten necessity for your cats health….. It also saves your furniture. Those with toys attached also give mental stimulation.
- Helps solve territorial disputes – Multiple levels gives each cat their own perch. Once they’ve decided which perch belongs to each cat there is no longer the need to squabble (or at least not so much).
- Cosy sleeping places – It goes without saying that cats love their comfort. Cosy beds hammocks and igloos all give you cat the perfect place to lounge in luxury without being disturbed.
What makes a great cat tree
- Durability/materials – Hard wood is always best, but can be pricey. Plywood also holds up pretty well. Choosing a hardwood option will most certainly mean your cat tree will last much longer. Natural sisal rope for scratching posts is hard wearing, it is also bio degradable. Make sure it has not been treated with chemicals which may be toxic to your cat. Screws are better than nails on the main frame and less likely to work loose. Staples are better than glue and make it more difficult for your furry friend to rip the carpet or rope off.
- Features – You need one level per cat and cosy sleeping places to snuggle down. The personality and age of your cat will determine the type of tree which is best. Timid cats may like more hiding places where they can peep from and still be part of the family without feeling stressed. Older cats may not be so interested toys. Each cat is individual and knowing their personality will guide you to knowing which is the best choice.
- Stability – Some come with wall fittings which can be useful however this is not common. If you cat is large or crazy you will need the base to be large and preferably quite heavy to avoid toppling!
- Size and design – Perches, levels and entrances need to be large enough for your cat, always check these before buying. Older cats may need ramps or steps to help them. Floor to ceiling trees save space if you only have a small area but will still give you cat the height they love. There are stylish and attractive cat trees available if you are prepared to spend a little more. If you are concerned about the aesthetics it’s worth budgeting for a cat tree when designing your room.
- Scratching surfaces – For me this is an essential. Apart from keeping the claws healthy and saving your furniture it is also one of the ways cats mark territory. Territory marking is a natural instinct, giving your cat ways to follow their natural instinct will lead to a happy, stable and confident cat.
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Best Modern Stylish Cat Trees
Scorched Wood Cat Tree.
Dimensions: 58 x 58 x 139 cm (L x W x H)
A great looking cat tree made with natural materials. The burned wood gives it a unique finish and emphasises the grain of the wood making every tree unique. The baskets are handwoven from water hyacinth fibre.
Features I like
- Solid wood making it hard-wearing and stable
- Extra thick natural sisal for a durable scratching experience
- Variety of comfy sleeping places to suit your cats preferences
- Easy to clean
- Removable cushions
- Straight forward to assemble using screws and allen key (provided) You will need a small Phillips screwdriver for 3 screws
Features I’m not so keen on
Sorry, I found it really difficult to find something I didn’t like. The only thing to watch is your cats may love the baskets so much they can’t help having a chew on them.
Feandrea Multi Level Cat Tree
Dimensions 54 x 44 x 136 cm (W x D x H)
A neat and minimalistic design with a clean line suitable for up to 2 cats. Made from Particle board and covered with linen fabric which is more scratch resistant than plush and attractive in appearance.
Features I like
- Anti topple wall fixtures included
- The bottom is strengthened with battens to enhance stability and anti-tipper, sturdy sisal rods (7.1 cm) are used.
- Strong scratching posts using natural sisal
- Padded top perch is comfortable and has raised sides. It is easy to remove and washable.
- Padded condo giving more privacy and security for timid cats
- Toys for mental stimulation. (Can be removed)
- Easy assembly
Features I’m not so keen on
Sisal rope only partially covers the posts. The fabric covering the rest of the post is not as durable.
Mau Modern Cat Tree
Dimensions 58.5cm x 81.25cm
Each piece is hand made using real natural wood available in white, grey or brown plush fabric. Can be purchased with one, two or three perches.
5% proceeds donated to animal charity + a new tree planted with every cat tree purchase
Features I like
- 30 day money back guarantee
- Solid base for stability
- Modern and stylish design
- Comfortable sleeping perches
Features I’m not so keen on
- Can not be cleaned with water or detergent instead dry cleaning foam is recommended
- Type of rope not specified
3 Tower 6 seat Cat Tower
Dimensions 80 cm x 55 cm
A handmade cat tree using solid, natural wood and sisal rope. The overall height is 165cm with a 4cm thick solid wood base to avoid tipping. There are baskets at the top of two high towers with plush linings an option.
Various basket types available.
Features I like
- Quick and easy assembly
- Shelves can be placed in the position to suit you
- Large scratching areas
- The configuration and size can be adjusted to suit you by contacting the maker
- Choices available for wood finishes and basket types
- Easy to clean
Features I’m not so keen on
- Comfy features slightly lacking , but this is easy enough to solve by adding your own cat cushions for cosy napping.
Cat Lounger
Dimensions – Available in a number of sizes
A handmade contemporary style cat lounger with the option of an additional perch to help your kitty exercise.
Features I like
- Can be customised to suit you
- Additional perches available
- Eco friendly natural materials used
- Unusual and unique design
- Large scratching surface
- Variety of wood finishes available
- Fur lounger can be removed washed and replaced
- Large base and thick column for stability
Features I’m not so keen on
Sorry guys, I’m stumped! Can’t find anything I don’t like!
Freestanding Wooden Modular Cat House
Dimensions 120 x 50 x 50 cm
A handmade cat house suitable for homes with multiple cats. Available in natural pine or painted in black or white. There is the option to choose either faux fur or sheepskin cushions.
Features I like
- Plenty of cosy hiding places for timid cats with exits and entrances.
- long scratch post
- Easy assembly with fittings and instructions
- Very easy to keep clean
- Due to the design it is extremely stable
- Free UK delivery
- Options available for cushions and wood finishes
Features I’m not so keen on
- Rope does not extend to the full length of pole
Best Cat trees for Large cats
Corner Coon Beige
Dimensions 60 x 56 x 151
A strong and stable cat tree with a 4cm thick base plate for extra stability. Plush covered with cosy bed and movable hammocks
Features I like
- Stairs making it accessible for elderly or less mobile cats
- Super cosy napping places
- Suitable for corner placement for added stability
- Thick sisal scratching posts
- 3 colour variations available
- All cat tree parts can be replaced
Features I’m not so keen on
- All over plush fabric and sisal glued down
- Not particularly easy to keep clean
Royal Cat Palace
Dimensions 256 x75cm (with stairs mounted and the hammocks turned outwards to the maximum)Height: 191 cm
This super sized cat condo is great for a multi cat house…if you have the space.
Features I like
- Extra thick super soft plush with a thickness of 600g
- Stairs for easy access for older cats
- Extremely robust scratching posts
- Combination of houses and hammocks
- Very strong and stable
Features I’m not so keen on
- All over plush fabric and sisal glued down
- Not particularly easy to keep clean
Large Cat Scratching Barrel
Dimensions 44 x 110cm.
Ideal if you have large cats and limited space. Three cosy sleeping caves for cats that like their privacy
Features I like
- Base stand extra heavy for stability
- The neat design makes it a comfortable and roomy place for large cats to enjoy without overpowering your room
- Top lying area is a good height for your cat to look out of the window
- Holes in each level enable access to the top.
Features I’m not keen on
- No scratching area
Best floor to Ceiling Cat Trees
Floor-to-ceiling cat tree in white
Dimensions 50cm base 4cm thick
Fitting neatly into the corner this is great if you are short on space. Hand made from solid wood, natural materials and sisal rope. The screw top enables adjustment of +/- 2″ to ensure stability and flexibility
Features I like
- Five shelves and 1 basket (the basket can be placed at your desired position)
- No drilling required
- One felt shelf pad included but can be upgraded to include more if desired
- Sisal insets in petal-shaped shelves can also be added if you prefer more scratching areas (one included)
- Free delivery to UK
- Great height for your cat to get exercise if you have an apartment or a house cat.
- Size can be customised by contacting the maker
Features I’m not keen on
- No options specified for colour or wood finish
Floor to ceiling cat Tree for large cats
Dimensions 55 x 55 x 2,5
A strong and sturdy option taking up the minimum of floor space for large cats.
Features I like
- Available in 7 colours
- All parts can be ordered as spares
- Top adjusts to the correct height by screwing up or down and is fabric covered to avoid marking the ceiling.
- Height can be extended by buying an extra scratch post if your ceiling is super high
- Hammocks incorporate a thick metal ring (strongest on the market) and can carry a weight of 20kg with 45cm lying space
Features I’m not keen on
- Not the most attractive of cat trees (but after all that really comes down to personal taste)
- Not the easiest to keep clean
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Cat tree kitty tips
- Getting your kitty to love it – A spray of cat nip is a good start. Playing with your cat on and around it will build confidence. Get their scent on it, you could put cushions they already use in the beds. Tempt them up with treats
- Cleaning – Steam cleaning uses no chemicals but may loosen glue so go easy. If using detergents stick with cat shampoo
- Placement – Create a cat T. V by placing it by a window. Your kitty will have hours of entertainment watching the world go by. If your cat is a heat lover (which most are) by a radiator will give them a cosy place to snuggle on those chilly days
- Assembly – Check before buying whether you will need screw drivers etc and get everything together before starting for stress free assembly.