Cat Trees: The Ultimate Furniture For Pampered Cats

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Ranked #25 in Animals, #1,251 overall

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.

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.

Esteban, my cowboy baby

1

Esteban, my cow... 8 points
Chloe's Cat Tree

2

Chloe's Cat Tre... 6 points
New tree

3

New tree 3 points
Chloe's Cat Tree

4

Chloe's Cat Tre... 3 points
Chloe's Cat Tree

5

Chloe's Cat Tre... 2 points
Chloe's Cat Tree

6

Chloe's Cat Tre... 2 points
Like pants that don't fit

7

Like pants that... 2 points
Uthello dans sa boîte improvisée

8

Uthello dans sa... 1 point
recharging

9

recharging 0 points
Cat harmony

10

Cat harmony 0 points
Chloe's Cat Tree

11

Chloe's Cat Tre... 0 points

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)

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.

32" Ultimate Scratching Post 

The Winner Of Cat Fancy's Editor's Choice Award!

SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post (32
SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post (32"H; Posts)
Winner of the 2004 Cat Fancy Editor's Choice award!

Fibrous and durable sisal material is perfect for conditioning nails (superior to carpeting which snags nails and encourages scratching on other carpeted surfaces). Sturdy base eliminates wobbling and tipping which could discourage the cat from future attempts to use the post. The 32" post height allows the cat to stretch vertically while using the post. Approx. $69
SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post (32"H; Posts)

36" Tall Deluxe Round Sisal Scratching Post 

PETCO Deluxe Round Sisal Scratching Post for Cats in Birch (15.75
PETCO Deluxe Round Sisal Scratching Post for Cats in Birch (15.75"L X 15.75"W X 36"H)

This 36" tall scratch post provides the ultimate scratching and stretching experience for your cat. Made with superior craftsmanship -- sturdy and stable wood construction with strong sisal rope surfaces. Provides your cat a healthy opportunity to scratch, stretch and exercise without destroying your home. Approx. $49


PETCO Deluxe Round Sisal Scratching Post for Cats in Birch (15.75"L X 15.75"W X 36"H)

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.

Cat Tree: Claw Pal 30" 

Carpet And Sisal Cat Tree

Claw Pals Cat Tree (18

Claw Pals Cat Tree (18"W X 24"D X 30"H; Green; Trees)


Carpet and sisal amusement center is a tower of fun for your cat. The landings, scratching posts, and dangling toys will keep your cat entertained and satisfied for hours on end. Perfect for the cat that needs a spot of his own. Approx. $40




Claw Pals Cat Tree (18"W X 24"D X 30"H; Green; Trees)

Cat Tree: 65" Tall, 3-Level with Penthouse 

North American Pet Classy Kitty Penthouse Cat Tree (49 lbs.; 19
North American Pet Classy Kitty Penthouse Cat Tree (49 lbs.; 19"L X 22"W X 65"H; Brown; Platform)

Our Penthouse Cat Tree has three levels of living space for your cat. The scratching post features a crows nest top, a huge penthouse in the middle and scratching posts galore. Heavyweight design is unlikely to tip. Durable construction is sure to last for years. Covered with catnip for added attraction. Stain resistant carpet. Approx. $259




North American Pet Classy Kitty Penthouse Cat Tree (49 lbs.; 19"L X 22"W X 65"H; Brown; Platform)

Cat Tree: 65" Tall, 3-level with 2-story Condo 

North American Pet Classy Kitty Deluxe Cat Tree With Two Story Condo (51 lbs.; 19

North American Pet Classy Kitty Deluxe Cat Tree With Two Story Condo (51 lbs.; 19"L X 22"W X 65"H; Brown; Platform)


Our Deluxe Cat Tree with Two Story Condo has three levels of living space for your cat. The scratching post features a top patio, covered lower deck, roomy tunnel and scratching posts galore.Heavyweight design is unlikely to tip. Durable construction is sure to last for years. Covered with catnip for added attraction. Stain resistant carpet. Approx. $229


North American Pet Classy Kitty Deluxe Cat Tree With Two Story Condo (51 lbs.; 19"L X 22"W X 65"H; Brown; Platform)

Cat On The Roof: Photo Caption Contest 

Add a new caption and vote for your favorites. Come back and vote for the new ones.

Now. This is the life!

6 points

Aahhh...the life of a cat.

5 points

It's good to be a cat ...zzz

5 points

Ahhh. Gotta love shingles. They warm me up and scratch my back all at the same time.

4 points

Umm. A warm place in the sun.

2 points

Maybe nobody will find me here and I can finally get some shut-eye.

2 points

I just love these fluffy pajamas!

2 points

Just another couple of hours, then I'll get up.

2 points

Help Help! I have fallen and cannot get up!

2 points

10

Can you believe that stupid bird fell for the ol' cat sleeping on the roof routine? heh,heh,heh.

1 point

11

zzz...ma, is that you?...zzz...

1 point

12

zzzzz....take..that...spinach...

1 point

13

Aaahhh.... just another hour.....zzzzz

1 point

Cat Tree: 74" Tall, 3-Level with tunnel 

North American Classy Kitty Pet Deluxe Cat Tree With Tunnel (44 lbs.; 21.5

North American Classy Kitty Pet Deluxe Cat Tree With Tunnel (44 lbs.; 21.5"L X 23.5"W X 74"H; Brown; Platform)

Our Deluxe Cat Tree with Tunnel has three levels of living space for your cat. The scratching post features a top patio, covered lower deck, roomy tunnel and scratching posts galore. Heavyweight design is unlikely to tip. Durable construction is sure to last for years. Covered with catnip for added attraction. Stain resistant carpet.
Approx. $199


North American Classy Kitty Pet Deluxe Cat Tree With Tunnel (44 lbs.; 21.5"L X 23.5"W X 74"H; Brown; Platform)

Jungle gym cat tree: 74" with everything 

74" Jungle GYM Cat Tree Condo Scratcher Post Pet Bed Furniture F2040-Blue

Amazon Price: $118.00 (as of 11/25/2009)Buy Now

This is the an incredible cat tree and jungle gym for a multiple cat family. There's a spot for everyone -- even my 9 indoor cats could all perch on this big boy!

More Cat furniture on Amazon 

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Cat Trees on eBay 

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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
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
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

Lazy Pet Plush Single Cat Condo, Tan

Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 11/25/2009) Buy Now

Lazy Pet Plush Double Cat Condo, Blue

Amazon Price: $59.99 (as of 11/25/2009) Buy Now

Ware Two Level Kitty Condo

Amazon Price: $36.89 (as of 11/25/2009) Buy Now

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.

This is more comfortable than it looks.

"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
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Cat Ware For Cat Lovers 

Show The World How Much You Love Cats

All of the following ar from Kate Hayes' CafePress shop. Each of these items have the following quote:

"The quality of my life is directly proportional to the amount of time I spend with my cat." Kate Hayes
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Window Perch: Cat Napper  

Cat Napper Window Perch (15
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

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)

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.

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! )3 points

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."1 point

Must Read Articles On Taking Care Of Your Cat 

Find Articles On All Your Cat Care

You'll find dozens of articles on Cat Care on All Things Related To Cats. Below are a few of them. Click the headline to see the individual article.
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...

Featured Animal VIDEO Lenses 

Get Ready For Belly Laughs

Check out my video lenses with funny videos on cats, dogs, or polar bears.

My, you're nice to cuddle with.

Kittens Falling Asleep 

Too Tired To Hold Their Eyes Open

Watch these very short videos (about 20 seconds each) of kittens falling asleep. They are sooooo cute!!

Cutest Kitten Ever... Falling Asleep. 2 points

Sleepy kitten falling asleep 1 point

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: $13.57 (as of 11/25/2009)Buy Now

Great pet projects including building a cat tree and other goodies for your feline and canine family.

Videos on how to build a cat tree 

How to build a cat tree

Home Made Cat Tower Cat Tree

Home Made Cat Tower... 1 point

Cat Condo

Cat Condo 0 points

Cat Tree.mp4

Cat Tree.mp4 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...

EntirelyPets has the best prices on cat care products I've even seen. I buy from them regularly. To check them out, simply click on the banner ad below...


Beautiful cat ware on CafePress 

Wonderful cat art

Susan Faye has such beautiful designs, I had to include them on this lens. Every item can be had in bags, cards, magnets, t-shirts, sweat-shirts and more. She also have lots more designs. So, click on one of the items below to see more wonderful designs for cat lovers.

CAT LADY QUILT Magnet

Rectangle Magnet

Price: 4.49 Buy Now

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"Dogs come when you call. Cats take a message and get back to you later."

Calvin and Hobbes At Their Best 

Incredible Caroons Filled With Lessons On Life

Check out my new Calvin and Hobbes site. To go there right now, click Funniest Calvin-and-Hobbes

Here is a list of my favorite Calvin and Hobbes books. Bill Watteron's cartoon are so spectacular because they ring so true. The cartoons are not only well drawn and funny they're filled with life lessons we can all learn from. If I've missed your favorite, please add it! Purrs & bear hugs, Frankie

Fun Cat Things On eBay 

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"Hey, this is even better than a bed."

What ball in the pocket?

Guestbook -- Please Sign! 

Your Feedback Wanted

Please take a moment and go back to the top of the page and give me some purrs (stars) by clicking on the right hand 5 stars above. Also please LensRoll Me and Add Me To Your Favorites Lenrolling makes it easier to come back -- and you'll want to as I keep adding neat cat stuff! Thanks!

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Cat Care, Breeds and Resources Blog 

A Blog Devoted To Cats And Cat Lovers

blog-new-catheader60w.jpg

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.

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Maya say's, "I love my kitty."

Cats Just Wanna Have Fun 

What Happens To Cats When Their Curiosity Gets The Best Of Them

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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:


Hip Hop Cat aka Puff Kitty
The Hip Hop Cat OR Puff Kitty


Polar Bears Are Just Big Cats, Aren't They? 

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If you like this site, you should see Are You Polar Bear Aware?


Cibachrome print of a polar bear embryo by award winning international photographers, Daniel & Geo Fuchs. To see it and more of their fabulous work, click The Bulger Gallery.

By the way, how many embryos do you count?

To See What Else I'm Up To, Please Check Out My Lensography 

Copyright 

This work is covered by copyright and can not be reprinted
in any matter (physical or digital) without prior written consent.

Copyright 2008-2009 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)...

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