Is a Cat Tree Really Necessary? Cat Tree Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Cat Tree for Your Cat

Cat owners are constantly bombarded with recommendations for everything from catnip to scratching posts, leaving them overwhelmed with choices. Among these essentials, the cat tree stands out as a true “big-ticket item.”

Many owners struggle with the decision: “Do I really need to buy a cat tree?” While some cats may seem indifferent, professional cat caretakers universally recommend it as a must-have. A high-quality cat tree can be expensive and take up significant space, leaving new owners on the fence. But should you invest in one?

Rest assured, a cat tree is a product designed with your cat’s natural instincts in mind. This article will guide you through the process of choosing the best cat tree for your feline friend, taking into account factors like structure, materials, and placement, to create a haven for your cat.

Understanding the Purpose of Cat Trees: A Tool for Treating Feline Depression

Cats are solitary hunters by nature. In addition to eating and drinking, they engage in several essential activities daily, including:

Grooming their fur
Surveying their territory
Sharpening their claws
Sleeping in the sun
Exploring

Cat trees cater to all these needs, making them a natural fit for any feline companion. The invention of the cat tree is a landmark in pet care: It was first developed by the renowned American zoologist MacDonald in 1916. Initially, the primary function of cat trees was to treat feline depression. Originally a medical aid, its popularity grew as people realized it brought joy to their cats' lives. Mass production followed, and cat trees became a common household item, evolving into a source of entertainment for cats. Their connection to treating depression has faded into the past.

The Cat Tree's Role in Cat Behavior:

Scratching posts fulfill the cat's instinct to sharpen their claws: This act is essential for preparing for hunting.
Toys on the cat tree satisfy their innate curiosity.
Open spaces allow cats to relax in the sun.
Multi-level structures cater to their natural desire to climb and jump, while providing a vantage point for surveying their territory: Unlike dogs, who guard their territory with constant vigilance, cats prefer to observe from a height.
Enclosed cat beds offer a secluded haven for hiding and sleeping, providing a sense of security.

Therefore, a comprehensive cat tree must possess the following characteristics:

1. Sufficient height and complexity;
2. Comfortable scratching posts suited to their claws;
3. Open platforms;
4. Enclosed cat beds;
5. Small, movable toys.

Beyond Structure and Function: Exploring Materials

The quality of a cat tree isn’t solely determined by its structure and functionality; the materials play a crucial role.

What Materials are Used in Cat Trees? Understanding the Pros and Cons

Cat trees consist of baseboards, posts, platforms (jumping areas), and cat beds. These components are constructed using a variety of materials. Here's a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of common cat tree materials:

1. Solid Wood Cat Trees. While often considered interchangeable, "solid wood" and "wood" translate to "wood" in English for imported products. The most common type of wood used is pine, but higher-end cat trees may use oak or beech. However, these premium woods are less common due to their higher cost. Our cat shelter, for instance, primarily uses oak for its cat trees (pictured below, do you see our logo? Sorry, it's not for sale).

The choice of wood doesn't significantly impact usability. Oak is resistant to pests and heavier, providing greater stability, making it our preferred choice for large cat populations. For home use, pine is a popular option. Solid wood cat trees boast several advantages: greater durability, a natural feel that resembles a cat's wild environment, a polished finish without fuzzy coverings, and easier cleaning. The main drawback, however, is the price. A high-quality, entirely solid wood cat tree can cost between 800-2000 yuan. Consider that a single piece of environmentally friendly solid wood can cost 200-500 yuan. Low-priced solid wood cat trees may be made from inferior materials with noticeable scratches or may not meet environmental standards.

When choosing solid wood cat trees, avoid those made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which appears smooth and polished with a distinct lacquer finish. These are inexpensive, low-quality options that essentially mimic solid wood cat trees. Genuine solid wood doesn't have a noticeable shine.

2. Corrugated Cardboard/Eco-Friendly Paper Cat Trees. This style has become popular in recent years. Its greatest advantage is its low price, making it the most affordable cat tree option. However, it comes with noticeable drawbacks. These cat trees have a short lifespan, often becoming scratched or warped within 1-2 months, and are highly susceptible to moisture. Despite these drawbacks, cats adore them: corrugated cardboard is their favorite material for scratching. Typically, they cost between 100-200 yuan.

3. Cat Trees Covered in Plush or Fabric. These cat trees often use particleboard as their core material. The primary disadvantage of particleboard is its variability, short lifespan, and lack of durability under constant weight. However, it can suffice for homes with 1-2 cats. Remember: any cat tree covered in plush or fabric will not have a core of high-quality wood, as manufacturers would showcase the wood if it were premium. Likewise, a cat tree made with fine wood would never be covered in plush, as it would be wasteful. The benefit of plush cat trees lies in their wide range of colors, allowing them to blend with different decor styles. They are also reasonably priced, with many options available for under 500 yuan. Cats tend to favor sleeping in plush beds, but it's important to note the difficulty of maintaining plush fabric.

Understanding the various cat tree materials empowers you to choose the best option for your needs: If your budget allows and you seek an upscale aesthetic, solid wood is the clear winner. If you're not concerned with cleaning and prefer an inexpensive option, a plush or fabric-covered particleboard cat tree might be the way to go.

Beyond Material: Exploring Structure and Choosing the Right Structure

Identifying the right material is only the first step. The next step involves understanding the structure of cat trees and choosing a suitable design.

Structural Differences in Cat Trees: Embrace Complexity but Maintain Accessibility

Most cat trees are multi-level, representing the standard design. There's also a type known as the "sky pillar." Regular cat trees sit on the floor, while sky pillars connect the floor and ceiling. The image below also showcases a customized oak sky pillar, with a diameter of 14.5 cm.

Choosing and Using a Sky Pillar Cat Tree

Sky pillars differ from conventional cat trees in their usage: They occupy minimal floor space and utilize the upper areas of the home effectively. These are perfect for energetic cats who love to climb, but assembly can be more challenging. Generally, sky pillars have limited functionality compared to traditional cat trees. A fully functional sky pillar can be expensive, starting at over 800 yuan. For instance, the image below depicts a functional sky pillar, but its price isn't particularly high (because it uses cedar and PVC posts), costing almost 1500 yuan. Aside from cost, the structure of the cat tree sh

When examining the structure of conventional cat trees, it's vital to remember that the more complex the design, the better, but it mustn't hinder the cat's movement. The distance between levels and obstacles should not impede their freedom of movement. Opt for platforms with ample space and height, but the cat bed can be smaller.

This type of cat tree suits cats with gentle personalities. One cat tree is ideal for 1-2 cats. For larger households, consider purchasing a larger cat tree or two separate ones. It's a great alternative.

The practical application of conventional cat trees and sky pillars is largely similar, mainly a matter of personal preference. It's worth mentioning that sky pillars are difficult to move, so thorough consideration of placement is essential before purchase. Unlike conventional cat trees, they cannot be easily relocated.

Small Tips for Choosing and Using a Cat Tree: Remember these tips to ensure your cat loves its cat tree and leaves the furniture alone.

Cat trees are undoubtedly the best toys for cats. A single cat tree can replace scratching posts, cat beds, and toys (replace worn-out cat tree toys), providing a long-term investment. Except for Garfield cats, there's no specific breed known to dislike these items. To maximize your cat's enjoyment of its cat tree, remember these selection and placement tips:

Avoid cheap products. Use only premium lamb's wool and E0-grade environmentally friendly wood for the plush or wood components of your cat tree. Your cat may avoid a cat tree because of cheap, chemically-treated plush or excessive odors from materials, which are deterrents for sensitive kittens. Materials that don't meet environmental standards can lead to formaldehyde poisoning in cats over time. This isn't an advertisement for any specific company; some expensive brands use high-quality materials that justify their price.
Arrange placement according to your cat's preferences. If your cat enjoys sleeping near you, the ideal location for a cat tree is in your bedroom, near the bed and window. Additionally, placing the cat tree in a spot that receives direct sunlight is beneficial. Cats relish the lazy sensation of sunbathing.
Ensure a reasonable height. Some people opt for smaller cat trees, around 30-40 cm in height. If their cat doesn't seem to like it, they assume it doesn't like cat trees. The term "cat tree" implies climbing, allowing them to indulge in this natural behavior. A low cat tree is essentially just a scratching post, lacking the sense of playfulness. Aim for a cat tree height of at least 160 cm, with no less than three levels.
Invest in a stable base. A taller cat tree will naturally have a higher center of gravity. For heavier cats, a single bump could potentially knock over the cat tree. Therefore, the height of the cat tree should be proportional to the base area. Look at the example below: Do you think a 2-meter-tall cat tree with a base width of only 60 cm made from particleboard is stable enough for multiple cats? This cat tree represents a superficial product and should be avoided.

The invention of the cat tree is a milestone in cat products. It sparked a renewed focus on adapting to a cat's natural behaviors during pet ownership. As natural climbers, cats find the right cat tree to be a paradise. While they may be pricey, they are a worthwhile investment for any cat owner.

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