cat trees for large cats, cat tree for a large cat

How to choose a cat tree for a large cat

A cat tree for a large cat should be suited not only to the animal’s weight, but also to its body length, movement, jumping power and individual habits. A large and heavy cat places different loads on a construction than a small animal. When it jumps onto a platform, climbs a post or changes direction suddenly, the forces acting on the cat tree are considerably greater than when the animal is resting quietly.

For this reason, the right model should not be selected solely on the basis of its height, appearance or declared maximum load. The proportions of the complete construction, the dimensions and rigidity of the base, the arrangement of the supporting points, the length of the posts, the available scratching surface and the actual size of the resting areas are all important.

This category presents two specialist Rufi cat tree ranges. The EX-MAX line is focused on the needs of Maine Coons, while Kaktus EX-KAK includes large and substantial cat trees distinguished by posts with a diameter of 27 cm. Both ranges can be suitable for large cats, but they address slightly different requirements.

A cat tree for a large cat and a large cat tree

The terms “cat tree for a large cat” and “large cat tree” are often used interchangeably, although they do not mean exactly the same thing. A cat tree for a large cat should primarily be adapted to the size, weight and strength of a large animal. It must provide sufficiently spacious beds, stable support and a comfortable route between the different levels.

A large cat tree, on the other hand, primarily describes the physical size and substantial construction of the product itself. It may have an extensive base, very wide posts, a large sisal-covered surface, several levels or multiple independent resting areas.

These two requirements frequently overlap. A large cat will usually need a larger construction, but not every tall or extensive cat tree will be comfortable for it. At the same time, a large cat tree can also be an excellent choice for several smaller but highly active cats.

Before choosing a model, it is therefore worth deciding whether the priority is to adapt the construction to a particular breed and body type or to provide a large, substantial area for scratching, climbing and use by several cats.

Cat trees for Maine Coons – the EX-MAX range

The Maine Coon has a long body, a powerful build and usually a greater body weight than the average domestic cat. It needs resting areas on which it can lie down freely, stretch its body, turn around and adopt a natural position while resting.

The EX-MAX range was developed specifically with the needs of Maine Coons in mind. The floor-standing models in this line use posts with a diameter of 18 cm and may be equipped with large hammocks, wide platforms, houses, rosette beds and elongated resting areas.

The individual constructions differ in height, number of posts, base dimensions and arrangement of the resting places. This makes it possible to choose a model for one cat, two Maine Coons or a larger group of animals.

The complete range is available in the cat trees for Maine Coons – EX-MAX subcategory.

Large cat trees – Kaktus EX-KAK

Kaktus EX-KAK is a separate construction range distinguished primarily by substantial cylindrical posts with a diameter of 27 cm. They are covered with thick sisal matting, creating a large surface for scratching and climbing.

The range includes lower models with one substantial post and a resting area as well as tall, multi-level constructions equipped with several platforms, hammocks, houses or other resting places.

The term “large cat tree” does not refer solely to height in this case. It also describes the width of the posts, the size of the sisal-covered surface, the substantial dimensions of the components and the possibility of several cats using the construction at the same time.

Models from this range can be compared in the large cat trees – Kaktus EX-KAK subcategory.

The stability of a cat tree for a large cat

Stability cannot be assessed on the basis of one parameter alone. A thick post may increase the rigidity of individual sections, but it cannot replace a properly designed base, correctly positioned supporting points or strong connections between the components.

A cat tree should be treated as one complete structural system. The position of its centre of gravity, the height of the upper beds, the distance of the platforms from the axes of the posts and the direction from which the cat will most frequently jump onto the construction are all important.

A large bed positioned high above the floor and far from the centre of the base creates a greater load than the same component positioned directly above a supporting post. The larger and more dynamic the cat, the more noticeable any errors in the proportions of the construction will become.

Dynamic loads produced during a jump can also be considerably greater than the weight of a quietly resting animal. A declaration that a platform can support a particular number of kilograms does not therefore describe the actual stability of the complete cat tree.

The base, posts and supporting points

The base must be suited to the height, width and arrangement of the upper components. The largest base is not automatically the best, but it should provide suitable support in the directions in which the construction will be subjected to the greatest loads.

The number and arrangement of the posts are also important. Upper platforms and beds should be supported in a way that reduces tilting and twisting of the complete construction. This is particularly important in models used simultaneously by several heavy cats.

The diameter of a post is only one element of the assessment. Its length, internal construction, the quality of the sisal surface and the way it is connected to the base, platforms and other components should also be checked.

Detailed information about post construction, the thickness of bases and platforms, sisal quality and mounting components can be found in our guide: how to recognise a good cat tree.

A sufficiently long scratching surface

A large cat should be able to extend its front paws and stretch its entire back while scratching. For this reason, not only the diameter of the post but also the length of the uninterrupted sisal-covered surface is important.

A section that is too short forces the animal to adopt an unnatural position or to use only the lower part of the post. A longer surface allows a complete stretching movement and also enables active cats to climb vertically.

In a multi-cat household, it is also worth considering the number of available scratching surfaces. Several properly positioned posts allow the animals to use the construction at the same time and reduce wear in one frequently selected area.

Large beds and the actual usable resting area

A resting place should allow a large cat to lie down freely, change position and extend its paws. The external dimensions of a platform or bed, however, do not always correspond to the surface actually available to the animal.

With beds surrounded by a raised rim, the dimensions of the internal area should be considered. For hammocks, the usable textile surface is important, while houses should be assessed according to their internal width, entrance size and the space available for the cat to turn around freely.

It is also worth observing the resting habits of the particular animal. Some cats sleep curled up in compact beds, while others prefer to lie with their entire body extended. Some choose open observation platforms, whereas others prefer hammocks or more sheltered houses.

Comfortable access to the successive levels

Even a sufficiently large bed will not be functional if the cat cannot reach it comfortably. Check the height differences between the platforms, their relative positions and the amount of space required for the animal to jump safely.

A young, agile and active cat may comfortably use greater distances between the levels. An older, heavier or less mobile animal will need a more gradual route and resting areas that are easier to reach.

The direction of access to hammocks, houses and elongated beds is also important. A component may be large enough but still uncomfortable if the entrance is obstructed by a post or requires a difficult jump from an unsuitable direction.

A cat tree for one or several large cats

For one calm cat, a construction with one main resting area and an additional observation platform may be sufficient. For two or more animals, it is worth choosing a model with several independent resting places.

Not only the number of beds matters, but also the way the cats move between them. The animals should not block one another’s only access route or be forced to pass directly through a place occupied by another cat.

In a household with several active cats, a construction with a larger base, several supporting points and separate areas for scratching, climbing, observing the surroundings and resting will be particularly useful.

A cat tree suited to the cat’s age and activity level

The current weight and size of the cat should not be the only considerations. A young Maine Coon may still grow considerably, so a cat tree purchased for a kitten should be selected according to the expected size of the adult animal.

An active cat will make better use of a tall construction with long posts and several levels. A calm, older or less mobile animal may prefer a lower model with large and easily accessible resting areas.

This does not mean that a small cat tree should be chosen for an older animal. The construction should still be stable and offer spacious beds, but the route leading to the individual levels should be more gradual.

Cleaning and future refurbishment

Large and heavy cats place greater demands on covers, hammocks, beds and sisal surfaces. It is therefore worth choosing constructions in which the components most exposed to wear can be cleaned, removed or replaced.

The availability of replacement covers, posts and selected parts makes it possible to refurbish a cat tree without replacing the complete construction. This is particularly important with large models whose bases, platforms and main structural components can remain in use for many years.

In a multi-cat household, replaceable components are also practical because the resting areas and scratching surfaces are used much more intensively.

Individual modifications to a cat tree for a large cat

When a standard model does not precisely match the needs of the cat or the dimensions of the room, selected components can be modified. Changes may include the type of bed, the length of a post, the arrangement of the platforms, the number of resting areas or the overall dimensions of the construction.

When planning an individual project, it is useful to provide the number of cats, their weight, age and activity level, their preferred resting positions and the maximum amount of floor space the cat tree may occupy.

Further information is available on our page dedicated to custom-made cat trees and individual modifications.

EX-MAX or Kaktus EX-KAK – which range should you choose?

EX-MAX is the natural choice for customers looking for a cat tree focused on the needs of Maine Coons. The range offers posts with a diameter of 18 cm and various arrangements of large hammocks, beds, rosettes, houses and platforms.

Kaktus EX-KAK is suitable for customers looking for a large, substantial cat tree with characteristic posts measuring 27 cm in diameter and broad surfaces covered with sisal matting. The range includes models of very different heights and levels of complexity.

The final choice should depend on the size and activity of the cat, the preferred types of resting areas, the number of animals and the space available in the room. There is no single construction that is best for every large cat.

A cat tree adapted to the needs of a large cat

A good cat tree for a large cat should combine a stable base, strong posts, a sufficiently long scratching surface, spacious resting areas and convenient access to all levels.

It should not be assessed solely on the basis of its height, product weight or the designation “XXL”. It is far more important to adapt the construction to the actual size, age, mobility, activity and habits of the particular cat.

Comparing the EX-MAX and EX-KAK subcategories makes it possible to choose either a specialist cat tree for a Maine Coon or a large cat tree distinguished by a substantial construction and an extensive scratching surface.