Haley Zovickian is a staff writer at HuffPost. She is based in California.
tend to seek out heights. What cat owner among us hasn’t caught their pet leaping onto counters or soaring onto shelves so high up that we can’t reach them without a ladder or stepping stool?“ Cats are both predator and prey, so having a high vantage point is a natural way to help them feel safe and secure,” Merlin wrote.
“This isn’t just about fun and games; it’s deeply rooted in their biology.”, a dedicated structure with multiple tiers for cats to climb and perch on. The benefits of cat trees “go way beyond offering vertical space,” Merlin explained. “Many include scratching surfaces, cozy beds, hidden nooks and plenty of spots to leap and explore.” Read on for Merlin’s recommendations on how to choose the best cat tree for your pet, including one of her favorite models and more cat trees selected by HuffPost. "When choosing a cat tree, focus on size, function, and accessibility," Merlin wrote. Crucially,"many cat trees on the market are designed more for kittens than adult cats. While smaller trees can be fun, having at least one larger tree is ideal," she explained.stretches 73 inches tall, or just over six feet, at its highest point. With multiple tiers for exploring and napping, two enclosed nooks and six dedicated scratching posts, the structure is a great option for single and multi-cat households. It also includes a wall anchor for extra safety and stability."Function is crucial, too," Merlin added."Many trees have lounging spaces, but sometimes these aren't big enough for a full-grown cat. Check that scratching surfaces are practical and tall enough and that play features are actually engaging.”. Bee clearly adores this model She lounges happily on each of its levels, which provide plenty of space for her adult size, and switches between the many scratching posts on the tree for her clawing fix. She loves sleeping in the top bed and frequently cozies up inside the enclosed cave for a nap or some extra privacy as she peeks out to eye whatever I'm doing. This tree is also plenty sturdy; the structure doesn't wobble despite not being mounted to my wall , and I don't feel any anxiety about it tipping.Merlin recommended considering your cat's specific accessibility needs when choosing a cat tree. For example,"A senior cat benefits from vertical space too, but you'll want to find a tree with lower steps or platforms that are easier to reach," she said.provides features that your senior cat may appreciate, like a handy ramp and close-together tiers for an easier ascent. The ramp also doubles as a scratching surface! The structure is covered in a cozy, plush material and sports multiple hanging beds, enclosed caves, ledges and coiled rope scratching posts. The cat tree measures 68 inches at its highest point and comes in five colors . Overall, worth every penny! Your cats will love you for this. If you’re contemplating, just get it." —is meant to serve as an “activity center” for multiple or single cats, providing spots for scratching, leaping, lounging and sleeping. The tower’s three caves provide plush hideouts for shy or sleepy kitties, and cats will have fun bounding in and through the structure via the various cat-friendly openings."I've bought quite a few cat towers over the years. I have 3 senior cats. This is probably the sturdiness one I've purchased yet. The chambers are also nice and big, where they can sprawl out in them versus other ones where it was made for small cats or kittens even. I think this one might be last I buy. Includedprovides an extra-large hammock, a cozy cave and multiple perches, including two extra-high ones. It was designed with kitten and senior cat accessibility in mind, with its tiers functioning as a makeshift staircase, and it also offers a hanging rope and two pom-pom toys for some extra fun."Before I could get the cat tower put together, the kitties had already claimed it. I had to finish putting it together by working around my kitty laying in the basket. My short-haired cat had never liked a cat condo until I got this one. It was definitely worth the money just to watch them both enjoy it. It is good quality and they love it. Definitely recommend." —, is designed for larger cats and multi-feline households. The tree is covered almost completely with household-grade carpet that'll feel cozy against your cat while providing choice scratching material; the structure also includes a post with sisal rope for added scratching terrain."This is THE best cat tree. Take it from someone who has a lot of cats! Large size, very sturdy. 4 out of 7 cats use it every day! Works great in a corner space. Love it!" —"I've had this tree for over three years now and it has sustained heavy use from three cats during this period of time and it's still going strong. It was extremely easy to put together - just twisted the three 'bowls' on top of the already assembled base - sturdy enough for cats to run and jump without wobbling, and has held up under heavy scratching. My cats love this tree and use it every single day. It's easy to clean with a vacuum attachment and it's very roomy for normal sized cats . It's so much better than other cheaper options because it's made with real wood and carpeting that can withstand heavy use. Highly recommend, especially for large or multiple cats." —has a unique oval-shaped lounge space, a handy staircase and extra-roomy perch spaces. The structure is covered in comfy faux fur, with sisal rope-enhanced scratching posts for your cat to claw away."Both me and my cats love this cat condo! We loved it so much that we bought a second one! It is super sturdy, has so many spots for the cats to hang out and scratch and it's the perfect height. Because of the base you don't have to worry about your cats potentially knocking it over if they jump too hard on it. It works great for smaller and really big cats. My 16lb cat loves to get on the top and has no issues. My smaller cat fits perfectly in the circle and the top and she loves to hang out on it all the time. Your cats will love it. Get it!" —The structure includes multiple sisal scratching posts, two dangling rope toys and an enviable cat hammock. It's 76 inches at its highest point and comes in two colors."I have a petite 17 yr old lady and a 4 year old big boy and they both adore this tree! Surprisingly easy to put together. If you're debating if it is worth it, it was for me!" —"I was looking for a cat tree that all three of my cats could comfortable sleep, play, or sit on at the same time. I also wanted something taller. I was so happy when I found this tree! It is perfect! It arrived clean and all the pieces were numbered. It is very sturdy and I love that each level has something , so my senior cat can easily jump up and enjoy something too. I also love that the cover for the bed at the very top is washable. I highly recommend to cat owners!" —Cat trees crucially provide cats with space to express their natural instincts, Merlin noted, and failing to provide this space can have consequences for you and your pet. “Without these outlets, cats can become bored and frustrated, leading to stress and potentially destructive behaviors, such as scratching furniture,” she explained. Cats may even “hid out of fear because they lack the security of a high vantage point.”Especially if your household has two or more cats, a cat tree “can be a game-changer,” Merlin wrote. This is because, in multi-cat homes, cats are essentially sharing their territory and, in their view, competing for limited resources. “Without enough space and separate ‘pathways’ where cats can avoid each other, conflicts are more likely,” as well as increased tension, Merlin explained. “Vertical space offers a fantastic way to expand a cat’s ‘real estate’ and avoid these conflicts.”Realness delivered to your inbox By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our
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