If you’re a cat parent, you might’ve been scratching your head over finding the perfect piece of furniture for your cat. And given that a cat’s natural instinct is to climb on literally anything, you should check out cat trees and towers, as they offer cats a safe space to move around freely and lounge at different heights.
Cat trees are an excellent way to ensure that your furry friends keep their paws off your precious furniture and on theirs. So, you can find different varieties and buy cat trees online from the comfort of your home. And if you’re looking for some guidance on how to pick cat trees, this article has got you covered.
Factors to Consider While Selecting a Cat Tree
Cat trees are available in varying heights and features. So, consider the following options to narrow down your search and find the best cat tree for your kitty.
- Is Your Cat Social?
It might seem like a silly question, but it is actually quite important. If your cat finds comfort in nooks and corners, you should look for condo trees as they make excellent hideouts.
The tree should allow easy access for the cat to move from one level to another, and the structure should be robust. Moreover, the branches should be large so that your cat can lounge peacefully. Moreover, get a cat tree with plenty of leaves if you want to provide even more privacy for your pet.
- Carpets vs. No Carpets
Traditionally, cat trees are covered in carpets, ensuring a non-slip surface to keep your cat cosy. However, these carpets might not necessarily be aesthetically pleasing and are pretty challenging to clean. So, the modern alternative for these is using sealed or laminated wood. These surfaces are not only easy to clean and maintain but also offer a non-slip texture for your cats.
- Cats Need Entertainment Too
Several cat trees come with hanging toys incorporated into the design, and they attract the cats towards the tree and serve as a source of fascination and entertainment for the cats.
Since younger kittens are pretty energetic, they will be tempted to play with the toys and maybe even damage them. So, you should ensure that these toys are replaceable since their longevity is not guaranteed.
- Does Your Cat Scratch?
While the common perception is that cats love scratching, this is not true for all cats. Moreover, different cats enjoy scratching differently.
Cats might prefer their scratchers to be horizontal or vertical, and the best way to figure out your cat’s preferences is to get a regular scratcher and watch your cat interact with it. Note the angle at which your cat is most comfortable by placing the scratcher at belly level, and observe how the cat stands on its hind legs to scratch. You can then find a suitable cat tree using your observations with the scratcher.
If you’re going to buy cat trees online, these factors can help you make a sound buying decision. And as pet parents, you should encourage your cats to hop around on their cat trees. You can redirect all their activities around the tree, and you could also sprinkle some catnip on the structure to lure in the fur babies. And in case you feel like your cat is no longer excited by the tree, try positioning it in another part of the house to create a sense of newness and foster excitement!