For your reading enjoyment!
A cat lives to scratch. It is written in their DNA! For them, scratching is synonymous with breathing… it has to be done! It is a natural behavior for them and we as their slaves- I mean owners, must appreciate and respect this.
There are many benefits to a cat scratching regularly. It is in your best interest to train your cat to scratch where you want them too. This is why a cat scratching post is a necessity. The rope or carpet fabric is ideal for cats and they absolutely go nuts for them!
I personally recommend you invest in a cat tree, which is a scratching post that also comes with various other features. The most prominent feature is the height. Cats love being in safe and high places.
If you don’t own a cat scratching post or cat tree of some kind, you will soon learn that your cat will use just about anything to get her needs met. Your cat will find something to scratch on, whether you like it or not!
To avoid such tragedies, be sure to read up on my article on the Best Cat Trees of 2019! This will help you figure out which type of cat tree will best suit your home and your feline friend.
Best Cat Trees of 2019
TRIXIE Pet Product Baza Cat Tree Small Version
The first cat trees on my list are the ones developed by TRIXIE Pet Products. These are one of the best
The best thing about these products is that it comes in four different sizes that all have different features. The sizes include small, medium, large, and extra large! Of course, with the varying sizes comes varying prices.
But you can be assured that you are purchasing a quality product! The reviews of these cat trees are outstanding and our feline friends seem to truly enjoy lazying about on these pieces of furniture.
Let me start with the small version. This compact cat tree is simpl nicely sized hammock that is wrapped in soft long-haired plush fabric for maximum comfort. This is definitely one of the best cat tree for
The two legs that support the hammock are sturdy poles that are covered in sisal rope. This makes these posts ideal for scratching and stretching!
The base is also made from plush fabric that also acts as a nice lounge area for your feline companion. The great thing about this cat tree (or cat stump… cat hammock?) is that it’s a very simple design with that gives the maximum amount of poof.
Your cat will love scratching all over this thing, tire herself out, then go for a quick cat nap in the hammock. Just set this little hammock down and watch your cat purr with delight! And oh my, do I see a dangling pom-pom toy on the side? Your cat will be entertained for hours!
TRIXIE Pet Product Baza Cat Trees Medium Version
The medium version of TRIXIE Ped Products cat tree also incorporate the hammock design but with only one scratching post this time.
The manufacturer opted to made one side wrapped in plush fabric for added comfort and to give your cat a different taste when scratching. Sometimes, your cat might want to get a little frisky and try scratching some new materials and that plush material might just soothe the craving.
What’s cool about the medium version is that it also comes with a rustling tunnel! Your cat will go absolutely ham for this! Not only will she love the hiding spot, but it will keep her interest piqued for hours on end! I do believe our little feline friend in the picture could agree with us!
This medium-sized cat tree has everything your feline friend needs: something to scratch on, something to hide in, something to stretch on, and something to sleep on.
TRIXIE Pet Product Baza Cat Trees Large Version
TRIXIE Pet Product’s large cat play tower is another great furniture that your cat will absolutely adore. The great thing about this cat three is that there are essentially four levels where your cat could relax and chill.
Let’s start at the bottom-most level, where there is a little plush hiding spot for your feline to snooze about the day. There is a step that leads up to a nice and comfortable hammock that is firmly attached to the cat scratching post rods; just look at the little kitty happily lying there!
And on top is a nest for your cat to look beyond the wilderness and survey her area. This throne is wrapped in a plush material which gives your cat the best amount of comfort.
All these levels are built up with the use of two rods covered in sisal rope, making this cat tree an excellent scratching fiesta for your cats. Your cat will have an adventure climbing all over this cat tree!
TRIXIE Pet Product Baza Cat Trees Extra Large Version
Now, TRIXIE Pet Product manufactures could have just stopped at the large version, but they were like “no, we have to make it bigger.” They took the simple yet classic design and made it even taller and bigger! Just look at the pretty woman standing beside the cat tower!
This one is definitely meant for the households with more than one cat. The previous sizes would most likely be good for one cat, two cats most… but this extra large version is more than large enough to accommodate multiple cats!
If you are looking for a cat tree for your cat to prance about all day… one where it’s extra high to curb their cravings for extreme heights… this cat tree is definitely the one for you! It incorporates all the special features of the large version, now with maximum cushion!
Go Pet Club Cat Trees, 80-inch
The next cat tree manufacturer on our list is Go Pet Club, who has come out with some crazy designs of their own. They utilize various structure designs such as ladders, stairs, hiding places, and perches!
Go Pet Club also manufactures cat trees of different heights that all come with special features that are geared towards enriching your cats’ indoor life. Also, when you read the reviews of the customers who have previously bought their products, most people are highly satisfied with their investments.
The first cat tree on our list by Go Pet Club is their 80-inch cat tree. Just look at this towering behemoth! This sturdy cat tree is made from compressed wood, faux fur, and sisal rope that is sculpted into a beautiful design meant to keep your feline friend entertained for ages.
This unique cat climbing tree comes with many different levels to give your cat the space needed to jump around at her leisure. This 80-inch cat tree comes with many different perches where your cat could survey her kingdom and contemplate her existence as a cat.
There are also two hiding areas where your cat could get some rest away from the problems of being a cat. There is also a hammock on the side, cause everyone loves hammocks!
Just note that this cat tree is best placed in the corner of the room due to its base design. Being in a corner will also give this tall tree a bit more stability so it doesn’t come toppling over accidentally.
This cat tree is specially designed for medium to large sized cats and is spacious enough to be shared amongst multiple cats.
Go Pet Club Cat Trees, 72-inch
The next cat tree made by Go Pet Club is their slightly shorter 72-inch cat tree model that comes in a completely different look! It’s made of the same materials as the other Go Pet Club cat trees which are compressed wood, faux fur, and sisal rope.
This cat tree is another tall piece of furniture that incorporate perches incorporated in intricate ways. Notice that this cat tree also has two hiding places where your cat can relax and sit in darkness. It even has a little window! How exciting!
The design of this cat tree also utilizes stairs to allow your cat to race up to the top of the cat tree with ease. There are also three high top areas where your cat could sit and look down upon us puny humans.
This cat tree is another excellent choice for those who have bigger cats and more than one of them! Also, notice the sisal rope strewn across the different areas which give your cats plenty of places to scratch to their heart’s content.
Go Pet Club Cat Trees, 62-inch
Now, look at this beauty of a cat tree! This one is a 62-inch height cat tree that has various features and doodads that will absolutely excite your cat! Although this cat tree is smaller than the previous two, Go Pet Club incorporated many different features to help make up for the lack of height.
Let’s start off with the brilliant use of the ladder which helps your cat begin her travel up the cat tree with efficiency and ease. In this cat tree, there are two types of hammocks! One of them is circular while the other looks much like the hammocks we are normally used too.
There is even a little hole to help your cat get into the hammock nice and easy. There is only one hiding area but that’s okay… because there is a tunnel in this cat tree as well!
The top of this cat tree has a perch where your cat can sit and just below it is the tunnel where your cat can travel in and out of. Right below the tunnel is a large lounging area where your cat can spend her afternoon lazying about!
And of course, there are sisal ropes attached to the supporting rods, giving your cat plenty of opportunity to scratch away her woes!
Go Pet Club Cat Trees, 47.5-inch
The last cat tree developed by Go Pet Club on our list is their 47.5-inch height cat tree, which is also another excellent choice if you are looking for a smaller cat tree for your home. Fret not, as this cat tree is packed with goodies despite its shorter height.
This cat tree is also made from the same materials as the others and uses the compressed wood, faux fur, and sisal rope elegantly to create an outstanding product.
This cat tree has a larger base area with three places where your cats could scratch away! There is also a ladder that leads to the upper portions of this cat tree and also has a hiding area for your cat to rest away.
This cat tree also has two high perching areas where your cat could oversee and rule her kingdom. And there’s even a rope attachment where your cat could claw and play with to pass the time! You honestly can’t go wrong with any of the Go Pet Club cat trees as they are one of the sturdiest cat trees on the market.
Molly and Friends Simple Sleeper Cat Scratch Post and Bed
The next cat tree on our list is the one made by Molly and Friends. I wanted to add this particular cat tree due to it’s very simple yet effective design. This cat tree is on the short side, but it really has everything your cat needs.
If you’re looking to save some space but still want to show your cats some materialistic loving, this cat tree is definitely right for you.
This compact cat tree is composed of durable materials such as high-quality carpet and sisal rope. With
The top area has a circular shape to help keep your cat from slipping off and is also a nice area where your cat could just sit and maybe look out the window or something.
The lower area is made into a bent shape to keep things a little interesting for your cat. One of the supporting rods is covered in sisal rope and acts as a great scratching post for your feline friend.
The other supporting rod is made from carpet, which cats also love to claw, scratch, and destroy. As mentioned before, sometimes cats enjoy scratching things that are made from different materials. This simply designed cat tree is a perfect fit for any feline-loving home.
Armarkat Cat Tree Furniture Condos Model X6606
The last three cat trees on our list are the ones made by Armarkat, who has manufactured many different top-quality cat products. These cat trees are made from quality materials that are built to last.
Remember, cat trees are essential pieces of furniture for any cat household. Not only do they provide a place for rest for your cats, but it’s also very enjoyable for them to jump around and climb new heights!
Also, it will be very fun for you to watch as you see your cats frolic and prance. Cat trees also act as a place for your cat to let loose their pent-up energy by scratching and clawing everything in sight. Let’s get right into it!
The first cat tree from Armarkat is the Model X6606. This cat tree is uniquely designed to have steps leading all the way up to the best seat in the house! There is a hiding spot where your cat could rest. This top area also has a window where your cat could look out into the world below and mock our puny lives.
The cool thing about this cat tree is that there are many perches that look and act like steps that lead your cat higher and higher. Each perch even has a sisal roped support beam where your cat can go ham and scratch their claws out.
I personally like the design of this cat tree as it looks like a throne where your cat could look down and act all high and might!
Armarkat Cat Tree Furniture Condos Model B7301
The second Amarkat cat tree on our list is the model B7301 which comes loaded with a lot of cool and interesting things that your cat will enjoy.
Let’s begin with the rope that is tied down at the base, which acts as something the cats can go through to get a back scratch in. They could also scratch themselves silly with this rope, playing with it until they get bored. There are also four other areas around the base where your cat could scratch as well.
There is also a hammock where your cat can rest and sleep, with a tunnel leading up into the upper areas of the cat tree. Let’s face it, this cat tree has many different posts covered in sisal rope which allows your cat to just go nuts with the scratching. Better to scratch a cat tree than your sofa!
There is also a hiding area for your cat with two cat perch areas on top. Along with a dangling rope toy right in the middle of the cat tree, this cat furniture will absolutely wow your feline companions!
Armarkat Cat Tree Furniture Condos Model A6501
Lastly, this cat condo is another excellent choice for any cat owner looking to spruce up their home for their kitty cats. This is yet another interesting model developed by Armarkat and it incorporates all the essentials.
This cat tree has a single high top perch for a cat to look onto the horizon. There is also a hiding area for your cat right in the middle along with a hammock right below it.
There are cat scratching posts all over the place and the entire cat tree is covered in faux fur which your cats will enjoy lounging about on. There’s also a rope attachment toy on one of the upper bases for the cat to walk through and play with.
To make a good cat tree even better, there is even a pompom toy on top for your cat to go bananas over. Definitely look into these Armarkat cat trees and see if any of the design pique your interest!
Ways Your Cats Benefits From Scratching
Now that we have covered some of our cat tree reviews, I would like to cover some of the basics of cat scratching behavior and ways cats benefits from scratching.
Scratching is actually a very natural behavior for cats to perform. Much like we stretch in the morning to relax our muscles, cats do the same with scratching. Scratching essentially helps the cats to utilize its arms and muscles along its back to get a nice, deep stretch in.
A cat owner must understand that scratching must be encouraged. It is unfortunate that scratching is one of the main reasons why owners abandon their feline friends into cat shelters each year.
If cat’s don’t have a proper outlet, they will scratch your furniture to shreds! By understanding why your cat scratches, you can be able to accommodate your cat more effectively to prevent unwanted damage.
Be sure to read my article on why cats scratch to learn more about this cat behavior in depth!
Claw Health and Full Body Stretch
Scratching is a cat’s form of trimming their nails. Scratching assists with the shedding of loose layers from the claws and helps to keep them in tip-top condition. Scratching helps the cat maintain sharpness and health. A cat uses its claws for literally everything!
As mentioned before, scratching is an ideal way for cats to get a nice stretch in. An ideal scratching post will be long enough for your cat to stretch the entirety of her body without it toppling over.
Scratching helps your cat to keep her body and physical health at optimal levels so that she is ready to pounce, attack, and do cat things at a moment’s notice.
Exercise and Stress Reduction
Just watch a cat go all ham on a scratching. Cats really like to dig their claws into the very fibers of the scratching post and release their destructive tendencies. All the standing, stretching, digging, clawing, and scratching is a great way for your cat to release pent-up energy and utilize those cat muscles.
Cats like to spend a lot of their time sleeping… so they may have moments where they get all energized and restless from lying still all day. A scratching post is an amazing cat furniture that helps them stretch away those sleepy woes.
Prevent Destruction and Chaos
The great thing about scratching posts is that it deters cats from scratching and destroying all other things in your household. Cats are notorious for wreaking havoc and chaos. If they don’t have something to scratch on, they will find something to substitute their craving for clawing.
Scratching into the fibers of a post is also very satisfying for a cat and cats usually tend to choose scratching posts over furniture. Try placing scratching posts in areas where your cat travels often.
How To Choose The Right Cat Tree
Choosing the right cat tree to suit your cats and your home could be a daunting task. There are some many designs and so many choices… I thought I would take some time to share with you some of my insights and opinions in choosing the ideal cat tree for your feline master.
There really are no wrong choices, as most cats love cat trees of all shapes and sizes. Cats tend to love sitting in high areas in order to observe their kingdom. Think of Simba in the Lion King!
Size and Durability
When it comes to cat scratching posts or cat trees, size does matter! Let’s be real… if your cat is huge, a small dinky little scratching post won’t do her any good! Your cat wants to get a full body stretch in so you have to be mindful of getting a cat tree that is large enough for your cat to do just that!
You definitely want to consider your cat’s size when purchasing a cat tree. You want to make sure that your cat could easily jump, pounce, and prance all over the cat climbing tower without it toppling over all the time. Accidents do happen but it is good to try your best to prevent it as much as you can.
Most cat trees and cat scratching posts will detail what size cats it is meant for. Be sure to look into the descriptions and read product reviews by other customers to get a better idea of what you are buying.
Material and Design
Most cat trees and cat scratching posts are made from the same materials with similar designs. However, there are certain unique ones that you might want to consider. the majority of cat trees and cat scratching posts are composed of carpet material and sisal rope and usually has a wooden framework.
There could be unique designs and features such as dangling toys, tunnels, high perches, bridges, and what have you to spice things up for your kitty.
There are some specialized cat trees that are completely made of tree branches or wood which could give a unique feel to your interior decoration.
Jackson Galaxy once used a driftwood branch and turned it into a beautiful cat tree for someone’s living room. The point is, there are so many ways to give your cat the furniture it needs to curb its natural cravings of being in high places and scratching.
Be sure to look into the design and see if it is something your cat may enjoy frolicking in!
Price and Satisfaction
Another thing to consider is the overall ratings and customer satisfaction for any given product. It is always a good idea to do some research on the product you want to buy before purchasing; that’s probably why you’re here now too! Let me take some time to thank you for spending some of your time reading my content!
Most people will give a good recount on their experiences with their cat tree and cat scratching post of choice. Some will even tell you that the cat tree will be too small for bigger cats and recommend you other alternatives. Be mindful of how much you are willing to spend and see if other customers were satisfied with their purchase!
Final Thoughts
I want to take some time to thank you for reading my article on the Best Cat Trees of 2019. You made it to the bottom and I just want to send you off with some good vibes and some knowledge!
Remember that cats need to scratch as it is a natural behavior for them in the wild. Cats literally use their claws as little fingers and they absolutely need to keep them in healthy condition! That’s why cats will find something to scratch on if you don’t provide them with one.
Be sure to read my article on why cats scratch to learn more about this cat behavior in depth!
To be honest, once your cat gets used to scratching on the carpet, faux fur, and sisal ropes of cat trees and cat scratching posts, they really won’t scratch anything else. Scratching sisal rope and the carpet is extremely satisfying for cats.
Be sure to place your cat furniture in places where your cat visits frequently! If you leave the cat tree in the basement and your cat never goes down there, your cat won’t use the cat tree at all! Be sure to place cat scratching posts next to areas where your cat may have scratched your furniture.
Use positive reinforcement and gently remind your cat to scratch the designated areas. Eventually, your cat will get the hang of it and you will prevent any of your furniture from getting destroyed!
I wish you and your feline companions the best! Good luck in all you do and remember to always be safe!
Sincerely,
James Kim
