Cats are well known for their desire to climb and their ability to access even the tallest furniture. But what if you don’t want to sacrifice your bookshelves (or the knick-knacks on them) to your cat’s climbing cravings? How do you keep your cat from climbing all over your furniture?
Get a cat tree!
A cat tree gives your cat an appropriate place to scratch, climb, and perch. Your furniture will be much less of a target once your cat has a personal little fortress.
Key Features of Any Cat Tree
A cat tree shouldn’t be just a really tall scratching post. While it has the same main components of a base and a post (a really tall one), the function is different and needs some special consideration.
Whether you plan to buy or build a cat tree, there are a few key features to keep in mind. Any cat tree needs to be very secure to support these features.
Table of Contents
A Place to Perch
All cats enjoy surveying their surroundings from high above. Your cat tree needs at least one high perch for your cat to use. You may find your cat loves it more than the bookcase that she used before.
Your cat may decide that the perch is a suitable hiding place when she’s spooked. A tall perch can give your cat a sense of security and make her feel out of reach from danger.
A Place to Scratch and Climb
A cat tree is a wonderful place for your cat to exercise and possibly burn off some excess energy. Give your kitty sufficient room to climb up the cat tree and watch how much fun she’ll have.
While the whole cat tree doesn’t have to be made of prime scratching material, part of it should be since climbing and scratching tend to go together. Sisal rope is an excellent material for scratching purposes.
Security
All cat trees must be secure enough to support your cat’s weight on a high perch or while she’s practicing her speed climbing. Nobody wants to watch their cat tree fall over with their cat on it. You either need a very wide base or a means of securing both the base and the top of the tree.
This will probably be the deciding factor on what kind of cat tree you get. If you have limited space, a cat tree that goes from floor to ceiling and secures at both ends will take up minimal room. If you have a bit more floor space, a shorter cat tree needs a larger base to support your cat at play. These kinds of cat trees tend to have more additional features such as dens, toys or hammocks.
Cat Tree Considerations
There are a lot of cat climbing trees available for purchase on the market which can make your purchasing decision that much more difficult. One of the best ways to make a final decision on which cat tree is best for you is to start by examining the daily habits of your cat. If you notice that your car really enjoys scratching your furniture or other items, then buying a cat tree that is rated high for durability may be a better option for you as opposed to cat trees that prioritize height and versatility.
If your cat is constantly climbing on objects such as your couch, then a climbing tree may be the perfect answer to your headache. A quality cat climbing tree will allow your cat to get the exercise they need without harming your precious possessions. Cat climbing trees come in various sizes and weight capacities, larger cats will need a much larger climbing tree than a cat that is still developing.
Design
There many different designs that cat climbing trees come in which is important to keep in mind when purchasing one. Depending on the size and activity level of your cat there are two main types of cat climbing trees, ones that provide stability by extending from the floor to the ceiling and ones that use a large stationary base for support.
Very large cats may have trouble utilizing cat climbing trees that use dual fastening because these types of cat climbing trees are typically made for smaller cats. Cat climbing trees that use an expanding base with no ceiling fastener are better suited for cats of larger sizes because the majority of the weight support is focused towards the bottom.
Both of these cat climbing tree designs provide their own individual benefits depending on the breed, age, and weight of your cat. That’s why it’s very important that you take these things into consideration when purchasing a climbing tree for your cat. Aside from the various fastening options that come standard with many cat climbing trees, a lot of cat climbing trees also comes with accessories such as toys and beds.
Accessories
If you own a very active cat, then the accessories that come with your climbing tree of choice may be the most important deciding factor. Cat climbing trees also give your feline the ability to partake in exercise and physical activity which improves their cognitive ability. Cat climbing trees are also a great way for you to train your cat, you can insert treats into the various compartments of your cat’s climbing tree and reward them when they successfully complete a task.
Building it Yourself Might be the Best for Your Kitty
If you’ve been looking for a high-quality cat climbing tree but can’t seem to find the right fit for you, you can build your own custom cat climbing tree with a few simple tools. By building your own cat climbing tree you have complete freedom over its design and features. This is a great option if you have a cat that is unique in its behaviors requiring specialized design features and accessories.
Another great reason to build your own cat climbing tree is the fact that you can choose the main material. If your cat has certain allergies or adverse reactions, then this will allow you to avoid potential harm from chemicals or materials used in commercially produced cat climbing trees. Another great benefit to building your own cat climbing tree is that you can use materials you might already own which will help you save tons of money.
If you do decide to build your own cat climbing tree, get creative with the design features that you implement. Nobody knows what your cat loves more than you as their owner, this allows you to infuse personal touches that your cat will recognize and adapt to more quickly than a mass-produced cat climbing tree.
There are a lot of design options available whether you decide to build your own cat climbing tree or buy one. One of the downsides of building your own cat tree is that it requires an in-depth knowledge of structural integrity and architecture which not everyone possesses. If you don’t feel comfortable building your own cat climbing tree, don’t even attempt to do so because it can put your cat at risk for injury if your design is not stable enough to support their weight or activity regimen.
If you feel that you’re capable of building your own cat climbing tree, then make sure you put an adequate amount of time into getting the design right. This will prevent the potential for injury or damage to your cat due to insufficient design knowledge, on the contrary, you can always just buy a pre-made cat climbing tree that will meet your needs out of the box.
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Benefits of Having a Cat Tree
There are a lot of per stores and online retailers who offer an array of cat climbing trees for cats of all sizes and weights. Pre-built cat climbing trees come in various designs and material builds which allows you to get the perfect tree for your cat regardless of what specifications you want. Take some time to do research about the various cat climbing trees available on the market so that you can ensure you’re purchasing a product that your feline will love.
There are a lot of benefits to using a cat climbing tree for your feline, cats in a natural habitat regularly climb on top of trees in order to avoid predators and other harms that the wild exposes them to. Many house cats carry over these traits because it is embedded in their DNA so allowing them to express their inner nature will ultimately lead to a much happier and easily manageable cat.
Go online and check out a few of the most popular retailers who offer cat climbing trees to see which one offers the solution you’re looking for. Cat climbing trees are a wonderful way for you to allow your cat to express themselves while avoiding damage to your furniture or home.
Pros of Buying a Cat Tree
Is buying a cat tree for you? These are some reasons why you might want to buy a cat tree instead of building one.
Takes Less Time
A pre-made cat tree requires minimal assembly. If you don’t want to spend a weekend building a cat tree, buying one is definitely for you.
No Fancy Tools Required
Pre-made cat trees should come with instructions and need simple tools to assemble. If the kit doesn’t come with the required tools, to begin with, you’ll probably only need a screwdriver, and you already have at least one of those lying around, right?
Lots of Options Available
Cat trees come in many shapes and sizes, and just because your not custom-building one doesn’t mean you don’t have lots of options. Aside from perches and a place to scratch and climb, cat trees can also include:
- Hammocks
- Suspended toys
- Beds or dens
Cons of Buying a Cat Tree
Maybe purchasing a cat tree isn’t for you. These are some reasons why you might not want to buy a pre-made cat tree.
Can Be More Expensive
Buying a cat tree can be expensive, particularly if you want a rather large one for your cat. If your budget is more limited than your dreams for your cat, you might not want to buy a cat tree.
Not Easily Customized
While pre-made cat trees come with many options, your ability to customize the tree is limited. If you really like customizing things just right for you, or have an unusual place to fit a cat tree into, buying a cat tree might not be for you.
Building a Cat Tree
Building your own cat tree could be the perfect project if you are a do-it-yourselfer. You might even have what you need already or only need to buy a few things to put together an amazing personal cat tree.
Pros of Building a Cat Tree
If you’re handy with tools and love a challenge, here are some reasons why you might prefer to build your own cat tree.
Unlimited Options
If you’re building your own cat tree the sky is the limit. Or your ceiling is, anyway. You can let your imagination run wild. Do what you want, and create the absolute perfect cat tree for your cat.
Can Be Cheaper
If you already have the tools and some materials lying around, building your own cat tree could be considerably cheaper. It pays to plan ahead, though, because it could get pricey fast if you decide to get fancy.
Cons of Building a Cat Tree
Building a cat tree is certainly not for everyone. It can be an intimidating challenge. Here are some reasons why building your own cat tree might not be the best option for you.
Takes More Time
Building your own cat tree takes a lot more time than simply buying one does. You have to plan, buy materials, and then build your cat tree. The bigger the tree you build, the more time it will take. If you have limited time, this option is not for you.
Need Special Tools
While most bought cat trees probably only require a screwdriver for assembly, building your own cat tree will require a lot more than that. If you don’t own or have access to at least a saw to cut the wood, you might want to buy a cat tree instead.
Need DIY Skills
Building your own cat tree takes skills that not everyone has. There’s no shame if you’re one of those people. If you want to try anyway, go for it! Be prepared to make some mistakes along the way, though. If you don’t have experience with DIY projects, this might not be the best option for you.
Tips for Building Your Own Cat Tree
Building a cat tree is not for the faint of heart, but here are a few tips to help you have the best success as you begin the process of building your own.
Plan Ahead
Planning makes everything go smoother, right? A little research and planning before you start will help you build the best cat tree you can. You need to know:
- What kind of pattern you’re using?
- What tools do you need?
- What materials are you using?
- How much time and money will it take?
These are important questions to answer before you begin so you don’t end up with an unfinished cat tree due to poor planning.
Pattern
You can either create your own pattern, use a pattern someone else has created or you could just wing it. Although winging it doesn’t really count as planning ahead and is not advisable.
Using a pattern someone else has come up with is easier, but might not be free. It could add to your total cost. Then you’d have proper dimensions, and likely a list of tools and materials needed already prepared for you.
The downside to using someone else’s pattern is not having a customized tree for your cat. If you have a unique space to fill in your home, or just like being creative, make your own pattern! Just be sure that what you’ve planned will be secure enough that it won’t be shaky when your cat climbs all over it.
Tools and Materials
Building your own cat tree will require more tools than just a hammer and nails. The specific tools you need will depend on your project, but here’s a list of tools as well as materials you are likely to need:
- Drill
- Wood screws
- Staple gun and staples
- Table or hand saw
- Utility knife
- Carpet
- Sisal rope
- Plywood or particle board
- Lumber of varying sizes
Time and Money
Make sure you have an idea of how much time a building project will take before you start. Can it be done in a day? A weekend? A rough estimate will help you be able to finish and not have to leave an unfinished project scattered around.
You should always consider your budget before starting any project. Do you really want to give your cat a half-finished cat tree?
Use Recycled Materials
Using recycled materials helps keep your cost down when building your own cat tree. Some materials—such as sisal rope—are pricey when bought brand new. You may already have some materials lying around. Or you can check for a local recycling program such as Freecycle. Also, you’ll be doing the environment a favor by keeping some materials from winding up in the landfill.
Recommended Cat Trees
Go Pet Club Cat Tree
The Go Pet Club cat tree has a large base and lots of features for your cat to play on. It has holes and great soft nappy pads that will make your kitty thrilled.
Roypet Fashion Design Large Cat Trees
This floor-to-ceiling Roypet Fashion Design is all fun fun fun for your cat, and we assure you that you will make your little buddy happy with it. It is made of soft materials that will complement with your cat’s fur and that will make him relaxed and spoiled in the same time.
SONGMICS Cat Tree Condo with Scratching Post Pad
If you have two cats, the cat tree condo with scratching post pad would be the perfect tree for them as they can hide and seek all day long until they get tired. On the plus side, it’s soft and cozy and they can even sleep in there when they get bored with their regular sleepy place.
Cat Craft Three Tier Floor-to-Ceiling Cat Tree
If your cat/s enjoy a good bookshelf time, this cat tree would be perfect as it is plain and simple and you can add any other accessories you would like in order to make it more interesting for them. This is a much simpler cat tree in comparison to the other variants, but it might work perfectly well for your ball of fur.
Final Say
If you know well your kitty, then you would easily know what to go for. Either way, we believe we presented some really great and fun to have cat trees for your home, as they can not only be entertaining for your cat but can also go great with your home decor.
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