Choosing the right cat scratching tree for your cat can be difficult and overwhelming. But luckily the many different kinds of scratching trees available make it easy to accommodate your cat’s individual needs. By just considering a few of your cat’s habits and preferences, you can find the perfect scratching tree to suit your cat. To find the right scratching tree, you will need to consider your cat’s scratching preferences, its safety needs, and what accessories will keep your cat active, healthy, and entertained.


(Note: the terms cat tree, cat scratching post, cat condo and cat tower all mean the same thing. For simplicity’s sake, we’ll just call them cat scratching trees).


PART 1：Materials

1. Note the material that appeals to your cat. Depending on whether your cat has spent more time indoors or more time outdoors, they may prefer certain materials over others. Take notice of what they are naturally attracted to scratching. Depending on their surroundings, cats may prefer to scratch wood, fabric, carpet, or rope.


2. Choose wood if your cat spends time outdoors. If your cat is mostly accustomed to spending time outside, they may prefer a wood material that reminds them of a stump or tree. You can buy a scratching tree made out of natural logs or build your own. Lumberyards sell a variety of woods that you can choose from


3. Choose a fabric for a durable alternative.  Make sure the fabric is tightly wound and rough to the touch. Sisal fabric, especially, is a popular choice among cat-owners, as its rough and durable texture pleases most indoor and outdoor cats. It is also very durable and less likely to look worn as quickly as other materials.


PART 2：Design

1. Choose between a horizontal or vertical scratching post. If your cat usually scratches rugs or carpets, a horizontal post may work the best. If you notice that your cat scratches furniture legs or wallpaper, pick a vertical post so your cat can mimic the behaviour.


2. Choose a "Wobble Free" scratching tree’s base. A good scratching tree should contain a post that is attached to a wide, stable base that doesn’t wobble when the cat uses it; or, it should affix to and lean steadily against a wall.


3. Choose the right scratching tree’s height and weight. The right scratching tree should be weighted and tall enough to allow your cat to lean their whole weight against the tree and stretch the full length of their body when scratching. This not only allows your cat to successfully sharpen and shed old nails but also affords the opportunity to work out muscular kinks.


PART 3：Other Considerations

1. Plan to place the scratching tree in a stable location. Your cat will want to make an accepted scratching post its territory by leaving behind scratches and scents where it pleases. Be sure to place the scratching tree in a prominent, unobstructed, and spacious location in the house where it won’t fall or be knocked over.


2. Accommodate your cat’s personality. Some scratching trees are rather large and may have multiple appendages, scratchers, ledges, or “condo” areas. Check the appendages for weaknesses or instability. Many cats prefer to use the scratching tree for exercise and to look out from its vertical heights. If you have more than one cat, it’s best to either have two cat trees or an extra-large one that has multiple scratching posts and allows each cat to have their own sleeping spot.


Hope this article helps!

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Great quality budget Cat Furniture made in New Zealand.  All fully built from solid natural wood in New Zealand by craftspeople. We will stand behind this range and any structural problems will be fixed over the first 2 years - we are not aware of any other company that will guarantee their Cat Furniture as we will. All Cat Trees are pre-assembled in our factory and are guaranteed "Wobble Free".  Click here to shop our range of durable cat trees.