The term “Cat Furniture” refers to many different things that you might buy for a cat such as scratching posts and litter tray enclosures, up large cat trees and cat condos.

Here I consider the benefits of the larger items that you might purchase and the things you need to bear in mind if you decide to go ahead.

The first thing to consider is the terminology. The larger items of furniture are usually referred to as Cat Tree, Cat Condo and Cat Tower and you might wonder what is the difference. This is in fact an ill defined area. In theory cat trees and cat towers are more open. They incorporate 1 or more upright posts that support a series of platforms or small boxes effectively looking like a tree with limbs. There may be various toys and items like a swing or hammock included. The lower part usually features a scratching post. A condo, on the other hand, is more enclosed with various levels offering places to hide and sleep as well as play.

In practice most items are a mixture of these types and the terms are more or less interchangeable.

So what are the benefits of this sort of cat furniture:

• Height – Cats love high places so a cat tree/condo gives them the opportunity to climb without causing damage elsewhere.
• Hierarchy – If you have multiple cats there is always a hierarchy. The vertical space of a cat tree/condo provides the opportunity to display this and can mean that cats that were previously squabbling can live together happily.
• Private Place – Cats will appreciate a place where they can hid away and sleep without being disturbed, especially if there are young children about.
• Scratching Post – Many standalone scratching posts are too short. A cat really needs to stretch out its full length when scratching and many cat trees allow this.
• Alternative to your furniture – Giving your cats somewhere to climb, play and generally exercise will help avoid them doing this elsewhere in the house. 

It is not a good plan to cut costs when purchasing a cat tree/condo, you should get the highest quality you can. Your cats will not be gentle with it and you want it to last many years. Bear in mind that cheaper models will usually require assembling and some are reported to be rather time consuming. Ready assembled models tend to cost more but should be more sturdy. However deliver of such a large item might be a factor. 

In any case the one thing you must ensure is that your cat tree/condo is safe, both for your cat and everybody else. It must not be possible for a cat (or even several cats) to knock it over. If this were to happen, or even if it is just a bit unstable, your cat will likely become wary of it and avoid it in future.

It should be easy to get your cat to adopt a cat tree/condo and the result should be an easier life for both of you.

Posted under Cats And Kittens, Pets At Home