The 9 Best Cat Tree Features
Let your cat climb and perch in style.
It's part of a cat's nature to scratch and climb, but that can be damaging to your furniture. Save your chair legs and let your cat climb in comfort on a cat tree. In this guide, we touch on the five qualities that make for the best cat trees to help keep your cat healthy and entertained. For more ideas on cat decor, check out our guide, Cat Condo & Cat Tree Buying Guide.
1. The Taller the Better
Cats are naturally inclined to perch high above the ground to survey their environment. Satisfy their climbing instinct with large cat trees featuring perches high enough off the ground to help them feel safe. Be careful not to choose one that will be too tall for the space where your cat spends the most time.
Tip!
Keep in mind the age and health of your cat when selecting the height of your cat tree. Tall trees are better suited for young, agile cats while older cats would have a harder time reaching the top or safely jumping down.
You want to ensure your cats will be safe to move around freely on their cat trees so it’s essential that the structure, especially for larger and higher trees, is very sturdy. Solid wood and metal options are two very durable frame materials to consider when purchasing. Along with a sturdy frame, look for cat trees that are tip resistant and designed to hold any cat’s weight. Some trees like wall-mounted or window-mounted may even come with an additional anchoring kit or safety strap to help keep cat trees in place. A non-skid base is another safety indicator to keep trees securely on the ground.
The covering material where your cats will be resting is also incredibly important. Materials like faux fur or cotton will be the softest snuggliest option for your cat. For the playful cat, sisal rope is one of the most durable and long lasting materials for a cat tree. If you pick a cat tree covered in carpet, cut pile carpeting is better for clawing as the fibers are sheared, opposed to loop carpeting that will be harder on your cat's claws and potentially get stuck. As an alternative, vinyl options are easier to clean and may blend in more with your surrounding decor.
The best cat trees can function as both climbing structures and scratching posts. Oftentimes, these posts are wrapped in a sisal rope which is durable against cat scratches without fraying. Choosing a cat tree with a scratching post included will give your cat a place to scratch their paws that isn't your furniture.
If you have more than one cat, it's important to choose a cat tree that can accommodate all of your cats at once. When looking at multi-level cat trees, it's also important to keep in mind the size of the platforms. For example, you don't want to choose a cat tree with narrow limbs that may endanger your cat.
To make a cat tree even more appealing to your cat, opt for a cat tree with built-in cat toys. Hanging balls, spring balls, or hammock attachments can all contribute to your cat's endless entertainment and provide an alternative when not climbing or scratching.
Grooming is essential to keeping your cat healthy and clean. Provide your cat with a tree that does it for them including features such as a scratching post to trim their claws or a soft bristled arch that catches shedding fur. These are the best cat trees to help provide easy maintenance and ensure your pet’s comfort.
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8. Contains Catnip
Catnip stimulates cats to play, roll, and scratch, so cat trees that contain catnip can help cats feel comfortable exploring the tree. Catnip also helps your cat to feel relaxed and safe, so they can use the tree to rest. In addition to the built-in feature, you can sprinkle supplemental cat catnip on the levels or base of the scratching post.
Cats can tire themselves out with hours of activity.If you opt for a cat tree with built-in holes and platforms, your cat will have a safe, secure place to rest in between climbing sessions. These rest areas will also help your cat feel more comfortable using the cat tree for more than just play.
Cat trees are the best way to keep your cat active, comfortable, safe, and healthy. Finding a cat tree with these features is a huge plus. Check out all of our cat tree options to find what’s best for you and your feline friend.
