Before you Buy a Cat Tree

CAT TREE CHECKLIST

Before you buy a cat tree

.......we will suggest several things to consider when purchasing a tree.  1) Cat tree designs - is it designed well so your cat will actually use it.  2) Personality - You need to find a tree that fits your cats' personality and age. 3)Sturdy and well made - You need to find a tree that is sturdy and will hold up to the wear and tear of climbing, scratching and jumping. 4) Warranty and Replacement parts - Is the warranty any good and can you buy parts if necessary.  We get to the specifics below.

PERSONALITY AND AGE – MAKE SURE TO PICK A TREE SUITED TO YOUR CATS PERSONALITY

Here are the factors to be considered before you buy a cat tree; 1) age, 2) activity level and 3) size.   Cat tree designs that are tall (not wide) are better suited for energetic cats and kittens.  Larger or older cats may be intimidated by towers that are too tall or have odd shaped platforms that take more skills to traverse.  Therefore, larger cats or older cats may prefer wider units with easy platforms to jump and larger condos and perches.

In our Top 10 (Standard) Cat Trees Review, you will find information that will reflect whether the tree is best suited for energetic cats, large cats, all cats, etc.  If you have space you can’t go wrong with a tree that can accommodate all size cats. You never know if a plump pussycat ends up on your doorstep looking for a family.

CAT TREE'S OR CONDOS DESIGNS & WORKMANSHIP – YOU NEED A STURDY TREE | WELL DESIGNED TREE THAT WILL HOLD UP OVER TIME

We know that there is a balance between sturdy and attractive.  Therefore, you do not want a cat tree that looks good but will tip over when cats are jumping or climbing.   The quality of the materials and the design of the tree will determine sturdiness.  The base needs to be wide enough to stabilize the height of the tree.

For the (Standard) category only, we recommend that sisal rope cover all vertical posts (no partial sisal or carpeted posts). Carpet used for cat trees or condos in the (Standard) category is usually a cheaper grade than what is used in the (Premium) category.  Also, let us talk about post diameter.

A 2.5-inch post is not good.  In our opinion,a post that is between 3 and 4 inches is what you want.  Because the rule of thumb on cat tree posts is the thicker the diameter of the post the sturdier it will be.   Consequently, if your posts are not sturdy and connected securely to the base material, the cat trees towers will be too wobbly.  If the towers are too wobbly, your cats (especially larger cats) will avoid them.

Some of the steps we take to determine sturdiness of cat trees: 1) diameter of the posts 2) hardware used to secure cat tree 3) listening to what actual customers say about the sturdiness of their cat trees when their cats jump and climb.

WARRANTY AND REPLACEMENT PARTS

Before you buy a cat tree, make sure there is a solid warranty and available replacement parts in the (standard) category (read the fine print).

Find out if the cat tree manufacture you are interested in provides replacement parts (most don't).  A replacement parts option allows you to purchase just one part.

Of course, parts will wear out and you may just need a post or perch to make your cat tree look new again.  Therefore, you do not have to scrap the whole unit if you just need a part. This will increase the longevity of your investment and keep your cats happy.