The benefits of a cat tree are far reaching. Cats, despite their sleepy disposition, have a lot of energy and can use upwards of 30 minutes of play a day. Engaging them is crucial and often frustrating as they reject or get bored of one store bought toy after another.
This is why I love cat condos, or climbing towers. Cats naturally gravitate toward the higher points of the home during sleep and play. Cat furniture provides an outlet for safety, relaxation, as well as frisky bursts of energy. Most cat trees are usually wrapped in high quality carpeting with sisal rope throughout. I would recommend wood or PVC materials as cardboard will quickly degrade with any activity.
Placing your cat tree by a window provides your cat with endless hours of visual entertainment and smells, and helps to prevent boredom. When warm days approach you will probably catch your kitty sprawled out on one of the cat tree levels, sunbathing in ultimate comfort.
For older cats who have trouble moving, a shorter cat tree with beds might be a good choice. But don’t underestimate a cat’s desire to climb and hop levels at any age, not to mention the physical benefits!
High quality trees can be expensive, varying drastically in price. You truly get what you pay for, to a point. Another option is to build your own, and while that sounds daunting to most people, with clear directions and some basic materials it can easily be done. I recommend looking into all options depending on your budget, size of your pet family, and what kind of furniture would best fit into your home’s interior. Small spaces will do well with vertical furniture, while bigger homes have more room to experiment with fun designs. Build a piece based on your cat’s personality and interest!
