Cat Trees: The Ultimate Furniture For Pampered Cats
Ranked #662 in Pets & Animals, #19,157 overall | Donates to FIV Cat Rescue
Pamper Your Cat with great cat furniture
The most important pieces of cat furniture are cat trees, cat condos, window perches and scratching posts. And, they're a great way to pamper your cat -- you'll find everything here you need to know to buy the best. With facts about each with pictures and all purchase information and great prices.
I'll also cover how to repair or build your own cat trees. Cat trees and scratching posts are a must have for every cat. They provide a place for rest, but more importantly, they provide a place for exercise -- playing, climbing, stretching. They are also wonderful places for your cat to scratch, which exercises his paws, shoulders and arms and saves your furniture. Your cat will love to climb to the highest place to look down upon his domain as well.
BTW, the 7 foot cat tree in this photo we bought new in 1994 for about $100. It's a little worn but we definitely got our moneys worth. The 3 coveted positions are the triangle, the top and the very bottom.
My Blog has been HACKED and is down temporarily so some photos are not loading on this site.
Contents at a Glance
How Cats Use Cat Trees -- Any Way They Want
Pictures Showing How Cats Use Cat Trees
As you can see by the pictures, cat trees are used in different ways by cats. They sleep on them, look down from them, play with toys, relax, meditate and use as a scrathing post. Check the one(s) that most describe how your cat(s) use their trees the most.
3 Reasons Cats Scratch
Or Why Felix Shreads Your Furniture
Cats were deadly hunters before they were domesticated. Their claws helped them climb trees so they could pounce down on their prey. Even though the house cat doesn't need this capability now, they still sharpen their claws by scratching for 3 other reasons:
(1) Scratching keep their nails healthy by removing the outer part of the nails.
(2) Cats mark their territory, whether indoors or out. When they scratch, special scent glands in their paws leave a scent marking the spot as theirs.
(3) Scratching and stretching as they scratch works the kinks out and tones muscles much like stretching does for humans.
You cannot stop a cat from scratching, however, you can train them to use a scratching post (see section called: Teach Your Cat Where To Scratch) and provide them with a good scratching post (see section called: The Best Scratching Post For The Pampered Cat)
I wish I had a cat tree!
Carpet Vs. Sisal On Cat Trees
Which Is Better?
Most cat scratching posts and trees are covered with carpet or wrapped with sisal rope. But which is better?
Benefits Of Sisal And Carpet
Both are pretty durable and both condition your felines nails. Sisal is touted as being superior to carpet because carpet can snap nails. Also some people say that having the tree made of carpet encourages your cat(s) to scratch your other carpeted surfaces.
Give Them Both
I've found that having both sisal and carpet the way to go. Some of my cats prefer one over the other. And, I try to have the cat tree's carpet a different color to keep it separate in the minds of the cats. My cats get trained early and I keep on them (just like with kids) to make sure they do their scratching on the posts or trees NOT my furniture or carpets.
The picture at the left is the bottom of my 8 foot tree, which I've had for 15 years. The carpet came off the leg after 12 years and we wrapped it with sisal rope, which you can see is coming off -- however, that is probably because we did it ourselves and didn't really do a good job. But you can see carpet lasts a long, long time. Keep in mind as you look at this picture that we've had any where from 5 to 13 (with fosters) cats at one time using this tree over the 15 years.
How To Select The Best Cat Tree For Your Cat
The Things A Scratching Post Should Have
A good scratching post like a good cat tree will be one that your cat will constantly be on. They will use it for sleeping, playing, and scratching. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting one for your feline.
(1) It should be several inches taller than your cat stretched out fully standing on his hind legs. This gives him the best stretch and really exercises his body.
(2) It should be made of a carpet -- nothing longer than a very short shag -- or sisal rope. Better yet, have some of each. Your cat may prefer rope one day and the carpet the next.
(3) Ideally, the tree you choose has at least 1 level with a perch. Cats love to be high and look down. 2 or more will allow him to jump and climb keeping him entertained and exercised.
Extra Items to treat your cat:
(A) An enclosure of some type like a triangle or box. Cats love to be enclosed yet be able to see who's approaching them or get out quickly.
(B) A rope hanging down with a ball or toy attached him another item to play with and exercise.
(C) A very tall -- say 7 or 8 feet -- cat tree with a landing spot on top is a cat's favorite spot. It allows him to look down on his domain and no one can reach him thus he'll feel completely safe to cat nap.
Don't underestimate how much pleasure your cat will get from a cat tree. Oh, yeah, you'll want to keep your camera handy so you can take pictures when they do something fun.
Your donations help save cats with special needs
All royalties from this lens are donated to FIV Cat Rescue
FIV Cat Rescue's mission is to 1) stop the killing of FIV cats, 2) find lifelong homes for them, 3) educate the public about FIV (Feline immunodeficiency Virus), and 4) promote spay and neuter to reduce cat over-population, spread of FIV and euthanasia.
32" Tall Ultimate Sisal Scratching Post
Sisal Scratching Post
SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
Amazon Price: $44.99 (as of 02/14/2012)
20" WIDE Scratching Post
Wide and Long - Cats love them!
Lean-it Scratching Post Wide 20-Inch, Colors May Vary
Amazon Price: $21.99 (as of 02/14/2012)
Here's a scratching post that is way wide which cats love and it also leans and cats seem to like that as well. It's is sturdy and will last a while. You can get them two widths: Regular and Wide and several different lengths. The Regular size comes in 19" and 25" lengths and Wide in lengths of 20", 26" and 38".
Cat Scratching Posts On eBay
Other Places Cats Like To Sleep
Cats Can And Will Sleep Anywhere And Everywhere
(Bruce) Lee likes to get in drawers and sleep
(Commander) Kira likes to sleep in anything soft she can find like my husband's jacket
This kitten finds her mother's back the most comfortable place to sleep
Teach Your Cat Where To Scratch
Cat Trees Great For Scratching
You may think that rolling your cat up like this little guy will stop them from scratching your furniture but it won't last. Cats are clever and they'll find their way out of these devices. The best thing to keep cats from clawing your furniture and to buy them their own furniture.
Cat trees are a great way for your cats to exercise they paws and sharpen their nails. Train your cat when he's just a kitten that this is where she should scratch, not the couch. How do you do that?
1. As soon as you get your cat or cat tree, introduce your cat to it. Let her get explore it and get used to it.
2. After a short introductory time, if she has not started scratching on her own, take her paws and gently but firmly mimic scratching the tree (actually rubbing the tree with her paws). You'll probaby have to do this more many times. Kitten tend to learn fast, some don't even have to be shown, they just start reaching up and scratching on their own.
3. Whenever your cat scratches your sofa or someplace else you don't want her to scratch, say "no" as you pick her up, then carry her to the cat tree and take her paws and mimic the scratching again.
This sequence may have to be done many, many times. But it is worth it. It'll save your furniture and a cat tree is a safe and good spot for her to scratch.
SmartCat Multi-Level Cat Climber
Great Cat Tree For Small Spaces
SmartCat Multi-Level Cat Climber
Amazon Price: $47.25 (as of 02/14/2012)
This is a great space saving cat tree/climber. You can put it up against a wall or a closet door and you cat can climb to his heart's content. Works well in apartments or small rooms. The climber hangs on virtually any standard door. It has a spring-loaded bracket system so you can move it from room to room quickly and easily. It is made from durable wood and =sisal.
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 82 inches ; 10 pounds
Cat Tree: 57" Tall
Armarkat Cat Tree
Armarkat B5701 57-Inch Cat Tree, Ivory
Amazon Price: $81.50 (as of 02/14/2012)
Cats love this tree. It has plenty of room for climbing, exploring, exercising, scratching, or just watching the world go by. The tree is made from pressed wood and covered with ivory-colored faux fleece. Comes with easty-to-assemble instructions and includes all necessary tools. Holds up to 40 pounds.
Product Dimensions: 28 x 25 x 57 inches ; 49 pounds
Cat Tree: 62" Tall
Faux Fleece Cat Tree in Ivory
Cat Tree: 74" Tall With
Cat Tree, Beige
Cat Tree, Beige
Amazon Price: $128.95 (as of 02/14/2012)
Wow. This tree is wonderful. It will keep your cat entertained for hours every single day!. It is made from attractive plywood and is covered with faux fur. It will look great any where you put it. Comes with easy assembly instructions and includes 2 ramps, and all necessary tools.
Product Dimensions: 50 x 26 x 74 inches ; 65 pounds
Cat On The Roof: Photo Caption Contest
Add a new caption and vote for your favorites. Come back and vote for the new ones.
1
Now. This is the life!
10 points
2
Ahhh. Gotta love shingles. They warm me up and scratch my back all at the same time.
7 points
3
It's good to be a cat ...zzz
7 points
4
Aahhh...the life of a cat.
6 points
5
Umm. A warm place in the sun.
4 points
6
Maybe nobody will find me here and I can finally get some shut-eye.
4 points
7
I just love these fluffy pajamas!
4 points
8
Can you believe that stupid bird fell for the ol' cat sleeping on the roof routine? heh,heh,heh.
4 points
9
Just another couple of hours, then I'll get up.
4 points
10
Help Help! I have fallen and cannot get up!
3 points
11
zzz...ma, is that you?...zzz...
3 points
12
Aaahhh.... just another hour.....zzzzz
3 points
13
This is the relax moment..........
3 points
14
Just a couple more winks and we'll call it a cat nap.....
3 points
15
To go and eat some food or to meow to make them bring it here?..
3 points
16
zzzzz....take..that...spinach...
2 points
17
Chill Chill!
1 point
18
I'm the king of my world.
1 point
More Cat furniture on Amazon
My Blog has been HACKED and is down temporarily.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byCat Trees on eBay
I'm so tired. I'm just gonna sleep here.
Cat Condo: 24" Tall, California Kitty Condo
A Place To Hide And A Place To Play And Nap
Claw Pals California Kitty Condo (13"L X 13"W X 24"H; Assorted)
The Kitty Condo is made from only the finest of materials, including 100% natural sisal and stain resistant catnip treated carpet.The extra large platform and non-tip condo base are designed to give your cat more room to jump and sleep. The natural sisal gives your cat a place to scratch so that he can remove old claws and helps save your household furniture from ruin.This product comes in assorted colors. Unfortunately, color can not be specified when ordering online. Please let us choose one for you. Approx. $39
Claw Pals California Kitty Condo (13"L X 13"W X 24"H; Assorted)
Cat Condo: 2 Story Plush
A Place To Hide And A Place To Sit
Lazy Pet Plush 2-Story Cat Condo (20"H X 16"Diameter; Blue)
This plush cat condo is a snap to put together and sturdy materials keep it together. Offer your cat a variety of good things with this cat condo - a safe place to play, nap or hide and a sisal panel for scratching. Ideal for multiple pets too, your cats will love to chase each other in, out and all around their new condo. Approx. $69
Lazy Pet Plush 2-Story Cat Condo (20"H X 16"Diameter; Blue)
Cat condos on Amazon
Cat condos for cats who want privacy
Don't Forget To Spay Or Neuter Your Cat
You Cats Will Be Healthier And Happier
Having your cat spayed or neutered will stop the overpopulation and the killing of cats. Millions of cats are killed at shelters each year due to overpopulation. Keep in mind, if your cat has 4 kittens, even if you get homes for those kittens, 4 others are killed because they could not get homes.
This wonderful animation was created by David Booth of Cabin Fever Art. Check out his site to see all his wonderful cartoons and other goodies. He also provides the weekly cartoon for Are You Polar Bear Aware?
ASPCA's Low-Cost Program Link
How To Find One In Your Area
Low-Cost Spay/Neuter ProgramsASPCA has a special link for you to find low-cost spay/neuter programs in your community. Simply go to Low-Cost Spay Neuter Programs and enter in your zip code and you'll get a list of the programs in your area.
“Dogs think they are human.
Cats think they are God.”
How To Get Rid Of Behavior Problems in your cat
Solutions to cat behavior problems
The Book Solutions To Cat Behavior will tell you exactly how to solve your litter box, house-soiling, and feline aggression problems.
With the insights found in this manual you will be able to stop your cat from using your house as a toilet, turn your aggressive tiger into a pussy cat and many more techniques to make it more enjoyable for both you and your cat. You'll be purring after putting these solutions in place.
For more information on how to change your cat's behavior, click on Solutions To Cat Behavior
Cat Ware For Cat Lovers
Show The World How Much You Love Cats
"The quality of my life is directly proportional to the amount of time I spend with my cat." Kate Hayes
Cat Quote Keepsake Box
Price:
Cat Quote Tile Coaster
Price:
Window Perch: Cat Napper
Cat Napper Window Perch (15"L X 24"W; Brown)
It's cat paradise--a hammock and a perch in one. The Cat Napper can be adjusted to fit most any sill--which allows your curious cat to see both outside and inside. The warm, cozy hammock design molds instantly to your cat's shape for maximum comfort. And the Cat Napper can be moved from window to window. Fleece cover is removable and machine washable. Hold up to 35 lbs. Approx. $29
Cat Napper Window Perch (15"L X 24"W; Brown)
Window Perch: Lazy Pet Kitty
Lazy Pet Kitty Window Perch (12.5"L X 24"W X 9.5"H; Assorted; Window Perches)
Give your kitten the perfect perch for surveying her surroundings.Our Kitty Window Perch installs on your window sill in minutes without tools.Features a sturdy platform, convoluted foam padding, and machine washable cover.Includes free teaser toy that attaches to window with suction cup.Offered in assorted colors. Unfortunately, colors cannot be specified for this perch when ordering online. Please allow us to select one for you. Approx $31.
Lazy Pet Kitty Window Perch (12.5"L X 24"W X 9.5"H; Assorted; Window Perches)
More great cat window seats
Keep them entertained watching the world
Cat Trivia - Isn't That Just Like A Cat?
Interesting And Funny Cat Facts
Here are some of the interesting and funny facts I know about cats, their lives, and their temperments. Please add your own and vote for your favorites and come back to vote on new ones.
1
Patriotic Cats
During the Vietnam conflict, the U. S. Army used cats to serve as night vision for soldiers. The cats were harnessed and although they were more than capable of the task, they ignored most of the orders (as cats typically do) and led the way instead to mice and birds. The idea was quickly dropped. (lensmaster's note: Duh! )5 points
2
Ailurophiles
If you are a cat lover, then you are an ailurophile, and are probably dedicated to ailurophilia or "all things cat." This obscure terminology comes from the Greeks: ailouros means "cat", philos "lover of."3 points
Must Read Articles On Taking Care Of Your Cat
Find Articles On All Your Cat Care
- How To Care For The Senior Cat
- Thanks to dedicated care from their humans and advancements in veterinary medicine, cats are living longer lives. After age 10, considered the beginning of a cat's "senior years," the aging process begins to slow your feline down...
- Cats and Arthritis
- An inflammation of the joints, arthritis is not commonly found in healthy cats. Most arthritis found in cats develops after an accident that has made their bones or joints weak. There are 2 types of arthritis that a cat can develop: osteoarthritis and traumatic arthritis...
- Six Important Cat Items Every Owner Should Have
- Now that you've acquired that precious little feline you'll need to acquire some necessary items such as cat food and a litter box. However, if you are a new cat owner, there are other important cat items you should have also. In this article not only will you learn about some of the most common items, you'll discover other items that will make your life a little easier...
- Cat Care Involves Pet Insurance
- To some, pet insurance might seem like a frivolous investment. Most people might not consider it to be a major part of cat care. Insurance for anything in life is a gamble, after all...
My, you're nice to cuddle with.
Potted Cats
How to build your own cat tree
And other projects for your pet
Black & Decker 24 Weekend Projects for Pets: Dog Houses, Cat Trees, Rabbit Hutches & More
Amazon Price: $6.00 (as of 02/14/2012)
Great pet projects including building a cat tree and other goodies for your feline and canine family.
On How To Build A Cat Tree
Informational Sites
1
How To Build a Cat Condo | How To Do Things.com
A cat condo, or kitty habitat, is one of the easiest pieces of furniture for the home carpenter to make, and can be made out of scraps left from other projects.3 points
2
Build Your Own Cat Tree
Describes exactly how to build a cat tree.2 points
3
Grass hinges - information
Tips and info on Grass hinges 830, 831 and compatct 33 coming from specialized personnel. Get informed on grass hinges, right now.1 point
4
Do-it-Yourself Cat Trees and Scratching Posts
Try this 5-level cat tree with instructions adapted from a 1994 issue of PEta's Animal Times. This one is ambitious, but the results should be worth the ...0 points
“Dogs leap on your bed because they adore being with you. Cats do it because they adore your bed.”
I'm too darn sleepy to eat!
Where to find the cheapest Cat Care products?
Find the best and cheapest pet care products here...
Beautiful cat ware on CafePress
Wonderful cat art
“Dogs come when you call. Cats take a message and get back to you later.”
"Hey, this is even better than a bed."
Cat trees on eBay
More great cat beds
What ball in the pocket?
Featured Animal VIDEO Lenses
Get Ready For Belly Laughs
Guestbook
Your Feedback Wanted
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Reply
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cmadden
Feb 14, 2012 @ 10:41 am | delete
- Our four kitties have 3 cat trees, 2 cat gyms, and 3 window perches. Right now, 2 of them are on my lap. Love this lens.
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Reply
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sousababy
Jan 18, 2012 @ 7:03 am | delete
- Oh this was great! Loved the photos and the captions too. Belated congrats on your well-deserved purple star. Keep 'em coming. Take good care, Rose
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Reply
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skiesgreen
Jan 7, 2012 @ 7:52 pm | delete
- Hahahaha, laughed out loud at those pics. This is a wonderful lens and now *-*Blessed*-* and featured on Blessed by Skiesgreen 2012. Hugs
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Reply
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mennella
Dec 27, 2011 @ 4:11 am | delete
- wow! my little morgana (is my pretty black kitty) appreciate this :-)
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favored1
Dec 1, 2011 @ 3:45 am | delete
- The pictures are just great. My husband built our first kitty a condo with 3 floors and a balcony. She loved it.
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Cat Care, Breeds and Resources Blog
A Blog Devoted To Cats And Cat Lovers
This is the feed from my Cat blog. To see the whole blog click Home For Cats And Cat Lovers . You can get my blog via email or RSS feed by going to the blog itself. For a particular article, press on the headline below. I cover cat facts, news, stories, funny photos and more.... The pictures and other graphics don't show up here so visit the site to see them.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byCats Just Wanna Have Fun
What Happens To Cats When Their Curiosity Gets The Best Of Them
If you like this site, you should see my cat site. To go there right now, click Cats Just Wanna Have Fun
Here's an example of what you'll see:
The Hip Hop Cat OR Puff Kitty
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Copyright
This work is covered by copyright and can not be reprinted
in any matter (physical or digital) without prior written consent.
Copyright 2008-2012 Frankie Kangas All rights reserved.
by Frankster
Hi. I'm Frankie Kangas. I love cats -- both domestics and big cats. My husband and I have had feline roomates for over 30 years (8 cats currently)... more »
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This cat tree makes you wish you were a cat too!
Armarkat A7202 72-Inch Cat Tree, Beige
Amazon Price: $119.95 (as of 02/14/2012)
This cat tree is amazing. It has everything a cat could want to climb, scratch or sleep on.
Small but well-structured Cat Tree
Molly and Friends "Simple Sleeper" Premium Handmade 2-Tier Cat Tree with Sisal, Model 23, Beige
Amazon Price: $108.76 (as of 02/14/2012)
This cat tree may be smaller than some but it is well constructed and you'll find your cats will love to climb and sit on the scooped seat of the nest at the top.
Tall Cat Scratcher better than your couch!
SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
Amazon Price: $44.99 (as of 02/14/2012)
Your cats will love this cat scratching post. It's tall enough that they can stretch out to scratch and many will even climb and sit on top. I kid you not!
