How to Choose a Cat Tree
Does your cat like to hang out on top of the refrigerator or on the fireplace mantel? That's because cats love to climb and the higher they are, the more secure they feel. One of the best ways to meet your cat's need for height is a cat tree. Cat Trees come in multiple heights, configurations and prices. The right cat tree will increase your cat's happiness and contentment.
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Instructions
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Decide how you want to get the cat tree. The quickest way to get a cat tree is to purchase it from a pet store. The advantages to this is that you can see and feel the available trees, test the sturdiness and take it home with you fully assembled. The downsides are the limited choices and the need for a large vehicle to get it home. Another good way to get a cat tree is to order one online. Search for "cat tree" and you will find a multitude of vendors. The advantages to buying online are the huge selection, wide variety of price ranges and shipping to your door. The disadvantages are the wait for the tree to arrive, generally several days to a week, and the need to assemble the tree after it arrives. They are generally pretty easy to assemble if you're at all handy.
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Look for a sturdy tree. The base of the cat tree should be large enough that your cat cannot topple it over when jumping from it. A square base about two feet by two feet will provide a solid, sturdy tree.
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Choose the tree coverings. Trees are usually covered in carpet, faux fur or fleece. Carpet tends to shred easily and will look ragged after awhile. Faux fur or fleece will provide a soft surface for the cat and will look good for a long time. The vertical posts will generally be covered by carpet or wrapped with rope. Rope wrappings will provide a better scratching surfaces to meet your cat's scratching and stretching needs.
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Decide if you want perches, a cubbyhole or both. If you decide you want the tree to include a cat cubbyhole, make sure the cubbyhole is big enough for your adult cat. Many are too small for full grown cats, especially if your cat is big. For perches, look for ones that have a lip on two or three sides. When your cat is lying on the perch he will feel more secure if he can feel something against his back. If you have multiple cats, you may want to get a tree with multiple perches at different heights so all will be able to peacefully use the tree together.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have multiple cats, look for a tree with multiple perches at different heights.
Resources
- Photo Credit Pam Jones
