What are some things to consider before buying a cat tree?

[kbspets]

[SallyTho87]

Space! Do you have room for the tree indoors, in an area that your cat can be jumping and pawing about, that is clear / free of anything the cat may knock over? (Ex, picture frame knocked off the wall accidentally when the cat jumps into the tree)

Does your cat have any mobile issues / age related joint pain? If so, I would opt for a ground level tree, or one with ramps so your cat can reach each level with aggravation to it's health issues / joint problems if it's an older cat or a cat with a disability

Do you think your cat would actually use it? Does your cat love to jump into things and would it be a beneficial purchase spending that amount of money?

Does the tree have areas you can secure toys to, so your cat will be more inclined to jump and play in the tree?

Lastly, does your cat have claws? If YES, they will come in handy, as claws are what they use to stabilize themselves and grip. So if your cat is declawed, it'll be harder for your cat to use the tree.

[dustybiker2]

When you buy them online, if it's not a legitimate pet site their scale is often really off. They can be only large enough for 6-8 week old kittens of scams.
If it's cheap it's usually really cheaply made and won't last. Instead of carpet they use felt and poor quality hardware (I'd call it software)
I've been through a few.
My cats fav used to be sold at target for $25. It went floor to ceiling with a pressure spring and my cats would shoot up and down it. We went through three of them before they lowered the quality (so cheap and dangerous it wasn't usable) and doubled the price.
So I made my own from lumber, fancy shelving supports and patio carpet. Then went crazy and made a catwalk around the upper part of my vaulted ceiling and used boat portholes in through the walls so the cats can come and go. They turned out really well and are conversation stoppers for everyone that comes over. "I want that."

[Awesomesauce2005]

What is the cat giving you that is worth the cat tree? Is your cat catching mice? Does it tease the neighbors dog in the middle of the night by sitting in the window? Does your cat cuddle you? If you answered yes to all of these you cat deserves the tree.

[DrPepper12]

Where to put it, how to clean it, if it comes with storage for toys, if it has a scratching post with it and a little crawl in hutch area for the cat to sleep in its cave. Don't be disappointed when the cat ignores it!!

[andreasderjuengere]

To consider:
- do I have a cat?
- will the dogs approve?
- why are the trees in my garden insufficient?
- can I steal or make one instead?
- does the cat want one, or need one?

[TheSpaceGnome]

Weight of the tree vs weight and strength of the cat. You don't want a tree that your cat can destroy or tip over as this could result in an injury to the cat.

[genericname85]

if you had cats for any ammount of time, you'd know that will ignore the stuff you buy just for them and rather play with the trash or with things you'd like them not to play with.

[slatyb]

What are you going to do with all the cats when they are ripe?

[Static_In_The_Attic]

Before you buy a cat tree buying a cat first might be a good idea.

[ravagesavage]

If I can sleep in it and let the cat sleep on my bed

[Anonymous]

You'll want to know how high the tree will grow and how many cats it will self seed.

[noohair]

First, do I have a cat, answer is no, so next question.

[OddBeMe]

1. Do you have a cat?
2. Do they like climbing
3. Could you building it yourself?

[msmissydc]

4. Will they use it or prefer the package it was bought in🤣🤣(if you buy one)

[OddBeMe]

@msmissydc my wife built a nice two tier pretty cheaply and she wrapped rope around the stalk that our cat loves. But yes they prob will love the box more for the moment.

[Anonymous]

Make sure its tall enough, like 7ft or taller. Cats love to be high up.

[sheikalana]

The size and where are you planning to place it.

[nawtee_me]

Getting a cat first….. lol

[ThatRandomBoy]

Owning a cat