Cats are the perfect pets. They’re independent, self-sufficient, and don’t require a lot of attention. However, they still need your love and affection in order to thrive. One way you can show them how much you care is by providing them with a fun place to play. That’s where cat trees come in! If you've ever been shopping for cat trees online or in stores, then you know that there are literally hundreds of options to choose from. This article will help make your decision easier by explaining exactly what makes a good cat tree so great so that when it comes time for purchase, yours will be purrfectly suited for all your feline friends!
Choosing the purrfect cat tree
Choosing the purrfect cat tree
When choosing a tree for your cat, you need to do some research. It is important that it is suitable for your cat’s size and behaviour. If you have multiple cats, are they all going to use this? Will it hold their weight? Is it sturdy enough? When choosing a tree, try to make sure that it has solid construction so that it will last longer than other models. In addition, make sure that the material used for construction is safe for your pet!
Is it suitable for your cat’s size?
The first thing you should consider when looking for a cat tree is whether or not your cat will be able to use it. Some trees are designed for larger cats, while others are built for kittens and small-breed cats. If you have a large breed of cat, make sure you find one that can support their weight and provide them with plenty of room to climb and play.
If your pet likes to scratch, look for a tree that has sisal rope or balls on its posts. This way, they’ll have something soft on which they can sharpen their claws without damaging your furniture or themselves in the process.
There are several different designs available: some come with multiple platforms so that more than one cat can sit at once; others offer hidden napping spots where they can escape from curious fingers while still being able to observe their surroundings; still others include hammocks made out of soft fabric—perfect places where kitties like to nap!
Get sturdy construction.
A good cat tree is lightweight and sturdy. This way, it won't tip over when your kitty jumps on it or climbs up the scratching posts. The platform should be stable enough to not wobble as your pet walks across it.
If you know that your feline friend has a tendency to knock down or move things around, then it's probably best to choose something that is firmly built with dense materials such as wood instead of soft foam (although there are some durable foam trees out there).
Use claw friendly surfaces - must have scratching post.
There are two kinds of cat trees: those with carpeting and those without. If you choose a carpeted cat tree, make sure it's made of fabric and not fake fur. Your kitty will tear through the latter in no time, while the former can withstand years of scratching. A good rule of thumb is that if your cat likes to dig their claws into something, it'll be okay for them to use as a scratching post (don't give them loose yarn or cords! They'll get tangled up!). Try using rope, sisal or corrugated cardboard as the base material for your new tree - these surfaces tend to be more claw friendly than other options like wood or plastic.
Feline experts recommend keeping the post at least 90cm tall so that your kitty has room to stretch out its back legs fully when standing on top! You'll also want one that's sturdy enough so as not to topple over under pressure from an unruly feline friend demanding attention; this means weighing at least 10kg when full grown (and some even weigh more).
Make sure your tree is non-toxic.
Time to get serious. Now that you've got the basics down, it's time to dig a little deeper and make sure your tree is non-toxic. Here are some things to look out for:
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Non-toxic materials
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Natural materials (wood pulp, sisal rope, etc.)
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Plastic or metal perches instead of carpeted ones—cats can't digest carpet fibres like we can!
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No toxic paints (look for paint made from natural ingredients such as vegetable dyes and beeswax)
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No toxic glues or finishes
One tree per cat.
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Your cats will be happier if they have their own tree to call their own. Cats are territorial animals and need to mark their territory, whether it's a cat tree or something like your favourite couch or chair. This can be done by scratching, peeing and sometimes even spraying. You're going to have this happen anyway; it's best just to buy one for each cat so that they don't feel the need to fight over who gets what.
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If you have more than 1 cat, you can get away with sharing a single tree if they're all friendly towards each other. However, since cats are territorial animals this won't always work out well so if possible try buying separate ones instead of trying this method out!
So, what’s the conclusion? Cat trees are a great way to keep your cat happy and healthy. They keep them from scratching up your furniture, give them a place to play and exercise, and can even help alleviate some of the stress that indoor cats sometimes experience. So go ahead and pick out one today!