How to Recognise a Truly Good Cat Tree: A Complete Manufacturer’s Guide

Author: Leszek Zamarlik

I have been designing and manufacturing cat trees for more than 22 years. Cats themselves have been part of my life for even longer – approximately 35 years. During this time, I have had the opportunity to observe not only their behaviour, but also the way they use different types of cat tree constructions.

I have seen cat trees that remained stable and fully functional after many years of use. I have also encountered constructions that looked extremely impressive in photographs but began to wobble, loosen or become damaged after only a few weeks.

This guide was not created to promote one particular cat tree model. Nor is it a ranking of manufacturers or a comparison of individual companies.

My main goal is to explain what a genuinely good cat tree is made of, which elements have the greatest influence on its durability and safety, and what customers can check themselves before purchasing a product or immediately after receiving it.

At first glance, many cat trees look similar. We see posts wrapped in sisal rope, a base, platforms, a house and sleeping areas. It can therefore be difficult to understand why one construction costs a few hundred złoty while another, seemingly very similar product, costs two or three times as much.

The most important differences are often hidden in places that are almost impossible to see in product photographs. These include the internal construction of the posts, the thickness of the tubes, the quality of the rope, the way the connections are made, the materials used for the platforms and the arrangement of the entire structure.

It is also important to remember that a cat tree is not an ordinary piece of furniture on which a cat simply rests quietly. Cats jump onto it at speed, push off from the posts, climb, stretch with their entire body weight and change direction suddenly. If several cats use the same structure, the forces acting on it become even greater.

For this reason, a cat tree should not be assessed solely by its height, number of sleeping areas, post diameter or attractive appearance. What matters is the entire construction and the way all of its components work together.

In the following sections, I will explain what to look for, what questions to ask the seller and which details should raise concerns.

1. How Is a Professional Scratching Post Constructed?

A scratching post may appear to be one of the simplest elements of a cat tree. From the outside, we usually see a round tube wrapped in sisal rope, which is why many people focus mainly on its diameter.

In reality, it is one of the most important components of the entire construction. A cat digs its claws into it, supports its body weight against it, climbs, stretches and often pushes off from it forcefully while playing.

The quality and durability of a scratching post depend on several factors:

• the diameter and quality of the sisal rope;

• the way the fibres are twisted;

• the precision and tension used during winding;

• the thickness and quality of the internal tube;

• the construction of the post ends;

• the way the mounting components are installed;

• the size of the nut used.

Only the combination of all these features creates a scratching post capable of withstanding intensive use for many years.

Sisal rope – diameter really matters

Sisal rope is the part of the post that comes into direct contact with the cat’s claws. It is the component that wears down during scratching, so its parameters have a major influence on the durability of the entire post.

One of the basic parameters is the rope diameter. It is also one of the few features that customers can relatively easily see, compare and even measure themselves after receiving the product.

As a general rule, thicker rope contains more material, so it takes a cat longer to wear it down. However, diameter alone is not the only factor affecting the durability of sisal rope.

When examining the rope, it is worth looking at:

• its actual diameter;

• whether its thickness is consistent along its entire length;

• how tightly and firmly it is twisted;

• the amount of short, loose fibres protruding from its surface;

• the accuracy with which the individual strands are made.

In our constructions, we use four-strand rope. Four separate strands are twisted together into one compact rope that retains its shape well during winding and subsequent use.

The description “natural sisal” therefore does not tell us very much on its own. What matters is both the quantity of material used and the quality of the fibres, as well as the way the finished rope has been produced.

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: close-up of four-strand sisal rope, preferably with the rope diameter being measured]

The way the rope is wound

Even thick, high-quality rope will not provide sufficient durability if it is wound too loosely or unevenly.

Each successive coil should fit very tightly against the previous one. There should be no visible gaps between the coils, because the cat’s claws will gradually enlarge them. Over time, the rope may begin to shift, separate or pull away from the surface of the post.

Even rope tension is also extremely important. It should be maintained over the entire length of the post – from the first coil to the last.

In professional production, posts are wound using specialist machinery. These machines make it possible to maintain the correct rope tension while also pressing each successive coil very firmly against the previous one.

This creates a compact, even surface that is resistant to movement during use.

When examining a finished post, it is worth checking whether:

• the coils are arranged evenly and tightly;

• there are no clearly visible gaps between them;

• the rope does not move when pressed by hand;

• the tension is consistent along the entire length;

• the rope ends have been permanently secured.

Some of these features can already be assessed from good product photographs. Uneven coils, clearly visible gaps or localised areas of loose rope should not be ignored.

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: machine winding a post or a close-up showing correctly compressed rope coils]

What is underneath the rope?

Underneath the sisal rope is the main body of the post, most commonly a multilayer paper tube. It is often casually described as a cardboard tube, but it should not be compared with an ordinary thin tube made from lightweight cardboard.

A good tube is made from successive layers of paper wound and bonded together under high tension. Its strength depends on several factors:

• wall thickness;

• the quality of the paper used;

• the quality of the adhesive bonding the layers;

• the accuracy and tension applied during winding.

A correctly manufactured tube should form a compact, almost uniform structure. Its cross-section should not contain visible empty spaces, loose layers or areas where the paper separates easily.

Customers are, of course, unable to assess the type of paper used, the properties of the adhesive or the accuracy of the entire manufacturing process. They can, however, inspect the final result.

The easiest feature to check is the wall thickness

The most basic parameter that can be seen and measured is the wall thickness of the tube.

In the posts we manufacture, we use tubes with a minimum wall thickness of 10 mm. This provides the necessary rigidity and also allows the post ends to be secured firmly.

If, after receiving a cat tree, we discover that the tube wall is only 2–3 mm thick, in my opinion it is far too thin, especially for use in a tall or intensively used structure.

A tube this thin may become crushed, delaminate or break. More importantly, it does not provide sufficiently strong support for the post ends. If they loosen or are pulled out, the entire cat tree may lose its stability.

In such a situation, before beginning assembly, I would seriously consider whether the product should be used at all. In a large or tall structure, this is no longer only a matter of durability, but also of the cat’s safety.

What can be checked after receiving the cat tree?

Before starting assembly, it is worth inspecting the posts from the ends. This makes it possible to check:

• the actual wall thickness;

• the compactness of the cross-section;

• visible gaps between the layers;

• delamination or crumbling of the material;

• the stability of the component closing the end of the post.

A good tube should be rigid, compact and uniform. If its wall is extremely thin, bends easily, separates into layers or contains visible gaps in the cross-section, this should raise serious concerns.

In such a case, it is more sensible to contact the seller before assembling the product and allowing the cat to use it.

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: cross-section of a multilayer paper tube with a minimum wall thickness of 10 mm]

The end plug and M10 nut

At both ends of the tube, there is a component that we informally refer to in our production process as an end plug. This is where the nut is installed, allowing the post to be connected to a platform, the base or another element of the cat tree.

The end plug is therefore not merely a cap closing the post. It transfers the forces generated during use of the entire construction.

In our current posts, the plug is made from multilayer plywood approximately 4 cm thick. An M10 pronged T-nut is installed inside it.

Plywood transfers forces effectively in different directions, while the correct plug thickness allows the nut to be installed securely and the entire assembly to be firmly connected to the tube.

In many less expensive cat trees, this type of plug is replaced with a plastic flange pressed or hammered into the tube. It usually contains an M6 or M8 nut.

Based on my many years of experience, plastic flanges used as post ends are not a durable solution. They may loosen, crack or be pulled out of the tube.

These flanges are usually glued in place and additionally secured with staples passing through the tube wall. If the tube is very thin, the staples have too little material in which to anchor properly. As the post moves repeatedly, the staples may gradually tear through the tube until the entire flange is pulled out.

In a tall cat tree, this is no longer simply a durability issue. Damage to the end of one of the lower posts may cause the entire construction to lose stability. This is particularly dangerous in floor-to-ceiling cat trees secured against the ceiling.

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: multilayer plywood end plug with an installed M10 pronged T-nut]

Why do we use M10 nuts in large cat trees?

A large cat tree must be tightened with considerable force. Only then will the connections remain secure during running, jumping and climbing.

In a small cat tree consisting of a base, one short post and a lightweight sleeping area, a smaller nut may be sufficient. The situation is completely different in a tall, multi-level construction.

M6 or M8 nuts and bolts do not allow the same tightening force as M10 components. When attempting to tighten them very firmly, it is easier to strip the thread, damage the nut or pull it out of the component in which it has been installed.

For this reason, I consider an M10 nut to be the minimum correct standard in a large cat tree. This conclusion is not based on theory, but on many years of experience in manufacturing, assembling and using such constructions.

An M10 nut alone will not solve the problem if it is installed in a weak plastic flange or a thin tube. All of the components must work together:

• a thick-walled tube;

• a solid end plug;

• a securely installed M10 nut;

• a sufficiently strong platform or base.

Only this combination allows a cat tree to be tightened firmly and its connections to remain stable during many years of use.

How should the posts be checked before assembly?

After receiving the cat tree, it is worth inspecting all of the posts before beginning assembly. Looking at them from the ends makes it possible to check the basic structural elements.

Pay attention to:

• the actual wall thickness of the tube;

• the type of end plug or flange used;

• the size of the installed nut;

• the stability of the entire post end;

• any cracks, delamination or looseness.

The end plug should not rotate, slide out or move from side to side. The nut should also not move independently of the rest of the post.

If the post end already moves before assembly, tightening the bolt firmly will not remove the cause of the problem. It may only conceal the looseness temporarily and may even accelerate damage to a weak component.

If the tube itself is extremely thin, bends, separates into layers or has been damaged during transport, it should not be installed in a tall construction. In such a situation, it is more sensible to report the problem to the seller before allowing the cat to use the cat tree.

Why is post diameter alone not enough?

Post diameter is important, but it does not show how the post has been constructed.

Two posts with exactly the same external diameter may have completely different levels of durability. One may contain a thick-walled tube, a plywood end plug, an M10 nut and thick, correctly wound rope.

The other may contain an extremely thin tube, plastic flanges with M6 or M8 nuts and loosely wound sisal rope.

In photographs, both may look almost identical.

For this reason, when choosing a cat tree, it is worth checking not only the post diameter, but also:

• the diameter and construction of the sisal rope;

• the accuracy of the winding;

• the tube wall thickness;

• the construction of the post ends;

• the size of the nuts used;

• the stability of all components before assembly.

If a manufacturer only refers to “thick and solid posts” but provides no specific information about their construction, it is worth asking for details.

[DIAGRAM PLACEHOLDER: complete post cross-section – sisal rope, tube with a minimum wall thickness of 10 mm, multilayer plywood end plug approximately 4 cm thick and an M10 pronged T-nut]

2. Cat Tree Construction – What Really Determines Its Stability?

Solid posts are extremely important, but they do not guarantee the stability of the entire cat tree on their own. Even high-quality components can be arranged in such a way that the construction sways, leans or lifts on one side when a cat jumps onto it.

The stability of a cat tree is influenced primarily by:

• the size and rigidity of the base;

• the arrangement of the posts;

• the position of the centre of gravity;

• the size and arrangement of the platforms and sleeping areas;

• the quality of the connections;

• correct tightening of the construction.

A good cat tree should be designed as one integrated system, not as a random collection of posts, platforms and sleeping areas.

The cat tree base

The base transfers the weight of the entire construction to the floor. It should be sufficiently large, heavy and rigid.

Its dimensions alone, however, are not enough. The position of the posts and the upper elements is equally important. If the posts are positioned close to the edge and the platforms or sleeping areas extend far to one side, even a large base may not provide adequate stability.

In our constructions, the bases are made from 36 mm thick multilayer plywood. This thickness provides excellent rigidity and limits bending under load.

Post arrangement

The posts should form a stable support system and transfer loads as directly as possible to the base.

A cat tree supported by a single vertical line of posts will be less resistant to lateral forces than a construction with several well-positioned support points.

This is particularly important in tall cat trees, because even a small amount of movement in the lower part of the construction will be much more noticeable at the top.

Centre of gravity

Large houses, wide platforms and sleeping areas positioned high above the floor have a major influence on the stability of a cat tree.

The heavier an element is and the higher and further away it is positioned from the centre of the base, the greater the force it applies to the lower posts and connections. A tall cat tree with a small base will therefore not become stable simply because thick posts have been used.

The weight of the entire construction should be distributed as evenly as possible.

Platforms also reinforce the construction

Platforms are not only places for cats to sit. They connect the posts and reinforce the entire cat tree.

If they are too thin or made from a material that bends easily, they move every time the cat uses the structure. Over time, this may cause looseness to develop at the connection points.

In our cat trees, the platforms are made from 18 mm thick multilayer plywood. This provides the necessary rigidity is important, but it does not show how the post has been constructed.

Two posts with exactly the same external diameter may have completely different levels of durability. One may contain a thick-walled tube, a plywood plug, an M10 nut and thick, correctly wound rope.

The other may contain stable

A high overall weight helps, but it cannot correct design errors.

A heavy cat tree may still sway if it has an undersized base, poorly positioned posts, upper elements extending too far to one side or loose connections.

Stability should therefore not be judged solely by the weight, height or number of posts. The correct design of the entire construction is the most important factor.

How can the stability of a cat tree be checked?

Once assembled, the cat tree should stand evenly on the full surface of its base. It should not rock under light pressure or lift at one of the corners.

It is worth checking whether:

• the base sits flat against the floor;

• the posts are vertical;

• the platforms do not rotate or bend;

• the construction does not lean noticeably to one side;

• no movement of loose connections can be heard when pressure is applied.

A small amount of flexible movement in a tall cat tree may be natural. However, there should be no looseness, knocking sounds or independent movement of individual components.

If a correctly assembled cat tree remains unstable, the problem may result from its design, an undersized base or incorrect positioning of the elements.

3. Structural Materials and Surface Protection

In a good cat tree, the thickness of the platforms and base the posts;

• the position of the centre of gravity;

• the size and arrangement of platforms and sleeping areas;

• the quality of the joints;

• the correct tightening of the construction.

A good cat tree should be designed as one complete system in which all components work together, rather than as a random collection of posts, platforms and sleeping areas.

The Cat Tree Base

The base transfers the weight of the entire construction to the floor. It should be sufficiently large, heavy and rigid.

However, its dimensions alone are not enough. The arrangement of the posts and upper components is equally important. If the posts are positioned close to the edge, while platforms and sleeping areas project a long way to one side, even a large base may not provide sufficient stability.

In our constructions, the bases are made from 36 mm multilayer plywood. This thickness provides a high level of rigidity and limits bending of the base under load.

The Arrangement of the Posts

The posts should create a stable support structure and transfer loads as directly as possible to the base.

A cat tree supported by a single vertical line of posts will be less resistant to sideways forces than a construction with several well-positioned support points.

This is particularly important in tall cat trees, because even slight looseness in the lower part of the construction will be much more noticeable at the top.

The Centre of Gravity

Large houses, wide platforms and sleeping areas positioned high above the floor have a major influence on the stability of a cat tree.

The heavier a component is and the higher and further away it is from the centre of the base, the greater the force it places on the lower posts and joints. A tall cat tree with a small base will therefore not become stable simply because thick posts have been used.

The weight of the entire construction should be distributed as evenly as possible.

Platforms Also Reinforce the Construction

Platforms are not only places for the cat to sit. They connect the posts and reinforce the entire cat tree.

If they are too thin or made from a material that bends easily, they move every time the cat uses the construction. Over time, this may cause looseness to develop at the joints.

In our cat trees, the platforms are made from 18 mm multilayer plywood. This provides sufficient rigidity, particularly when a platform connects several posts or projects beyond its and stained elements receive the same durable protection.

4. The Size of Platforms, Sleeping Areas and Houses

Even a very solid cat tree will not fulfil its purpose properly if its platforms, sleeping areas and houses are too small for the cat.

Particular caution is needed with products advertised as “cat trees for large cats” or “cat trees for Maine Coons”. A phrase in the product name does not necessarily mean that the construction has actually been designed for a large cat.

Check the actual dimensions

Before purchasing, it is important to check the dimensions of the individual components, not only the overall height of the cat tree.

If a construction advertised for large cats has platforms measuring 20 × 20 cm or 30 × 30 cm, it is difficult to consider them comfortable and safe resting places for a large animal.

A cat should be able to step onto the platform freely, turn around and position its entire body securely. The same applies to sleeping areas – their actual usable surface matters more than the external dimensions stated in the product description.

The most important dimensions to check include:

• platform dimensions;

• usable sleeping surface;

• internal house dimensions;

• entrance size;

• distances between successive levels.

A good cat tree should provide a comfortable route from the base to the highest areas. Platforms that are too small or levels that are poorly positioned may make movement difficult, particularly for large, older or less agile cats.

A cat house should have a genuine structure

In many inexpensive cat trees, the element described as a house is actually only a lightweight frame covered with upholstery fabric. The walls have no rigid construction, and the shape of the house is maintained mainly by the tension of the fabric.

This solution may look attractive in a photograph, but it is usually not very resistant to pressure, deformation or intensive use. The fabric may stretch, the frame may bend and the house may quickly lose its original shape.

In a cat tree intended for a large cat, the house should have stable walls, a rigid base and a construction that does not bend under the animal’s weight.

Before purchasing, it is therefore worth checking not only the size of the house, but also the way it has been made. If no rigid walls are visible in the photographs and the entire house appears to be fabric stretched over a thin frame, it should not be regarded as a fully structural component.

The phrase “for large cats” is not enough

A cat tree for a large cat must be designed appropriately as a complete construction. One larger post or one oversized sleeping area is not enough if the remaining platforms are miniature, the house has no rigid structure and the passages between levels are too narrow.

The posts must also be matched to the size of the cat. They need an appropriate diameter to transfer greater loads safely and sufficient length to allow the cat to stand on its hind legs and fully stretch its body while scratching.

The best way to assess the product is to examine specific measurements and photographs showing the actual construction of the individual components. If the manufacturer does not provide these details, it is worth requesting additional information before purchasing.

5. Upholstery Materials – Durability, Finish and Washability

The upholstery material affects more than the appearance of a cat tree. Its resistance to snagging, the way it is attached and the possibility of keeping it clean are equally important.

In our cat trees, we use two types of finish: components with permanently attached upholstery and removable covers and cushions fitted to lacquered plywood.

Permanently upholstered cat trees

In permanently upholstered cat trees, the platforms and other components are covered with fabric on both sides. All fabric joints are concealed along the edges, preventing the cat from gaining access to seams, staples or other fastening components.

Before upholstery, every edge is carefully sanded and smoothed. This is extremely important because sharp or poorly finished edges could gradually wear through the fabric from underneath.

Correctly fitted upholstery should therefore:

• adhere closely to the entire surface;

• have no visible fasteners;

• leave no seams or staples accessible to the cat;

• be protected against abrasion along the edges.

Resistance of fabrics to snagging

All upholstery materials used by us undergo manufacturer testing for resistance to scratching and snagging. In these tests, they received the highest rating – five stars.

However, the test result for the outer surface of the fabric does not always tell the whole story. A cat pushes its claw deeply into the material and may also catch the backing layer.

Many standard furniture fabrics have a flexible, slippery backing. Although the outer surface may be durable, the claw can catch the backing more easily and pull fibres through to the surface.

For this reason, some of the fabrics we use are ordered with a special cotton backing. From the outside, they may look identical to materials available from ordinary upholstery suppliers, but the underside is better suited to the way cats use the fabric.

This does not mean that the material becomes completely resistant to deliberate scratching. However, the correct backing significantly reduces the risk of fibres being pulled out and improves the durability of the upholstery.

Removable covers, cushions and padded beds

In cat trees made from lacquered plywood, soft covers, cushions and padded beds are attached using hook-and-loop fasteners. They can easily be removed, washed, dried and fitted again.

Each item has a sewn-in care label. The recommended washing temperature is 40°C.

Before a new fabric is introduced into production, it undergoes several dozen washing and tumble-drying cycles. As part of our testing, we also check its resistance to washing at 60°C. However, for everyday use, we recommend following the temperature stated on the care label, which is 40°C.

During these tests, we check:

• fabric shrinkage;

• colour fastness;

• retention of the original shape;

• resistance to pilling;

• the appearance of the surface after repeated washing and drying.

Only material that withstands repeated washing and drying cycles successfully is approved for regular production. This allows removable textile components to be cleaned repeatedly without quickly losing their shape, colour or functional properties.

6. Quality Control

Most of the wooden components used in our cat trees are machined with great precision on CNC routers according to prepared designs and production programs. This allows us to maintain consistent dimensions, accurate hole positioning and correct fitting of all parts.

After machining, the components go through the multilayer finishing process described earlier or are sent to the upholstery department. They are then subjected to detailed visual and quality inspections.

Only components that meet the standards required for products from our regular range proceed to the next stage of production. Approximately 20% of the manufactured parts are rejected at this stage because of visual imperfections such as:

• natural wood discolouration;

• knots or differences in the structure of the wood;

• small defects or unevenness in the lacquer coating;

• minor upholstery imperfections;

• other aesthetic flaws.

If a component retains its full strength and remains completely safe to use, it may be used in an outlet product. Parts with structural defects or damage that could affect the durability of the cat tree are not approved for further production.

The final inspection takes place immediately before packing. At this point, components prepared by the different production departments come together in one place:

• lacquered and upholstered platforms and bases;

• posts wrapped in sisal rope;

• houses and sleeping areas;

• sewn covers, cushions and padded beds;

• mounting components.

Every part is inspected again by an experienced employee. When necessary, selected components are also test-fitted to ensure that the holes, mounting points and dimensions align correctly.

Only after this final verification is the complete set transferred for packing. This means that we check not only the quality of individual parts, but also whether every component of the specific cat tree forms a correctly matched set.

7. How Can You Check the Quality of a Cat Tree Yourself?

Many of the most important details can be checked before purchasing. It is worth examining the product description, photographs and stated dimensions carefully. If any information is missing, ask the seller.

Before purchasing, pay particular attention to:

• the diameter of the posts and sisal rope;

• the dimensions of the platforms, sleeping areas and houses;

• the material and thickness of the base and platforms;

• the construction of the houses;

• the arrangement of the individual levels;

• the availability of replacement parts;

• information about cleaning the textile components.

A purchasing decision should not be based solely on descriptions such as “solid”, “for large cats” or “Maine Coon cat tree”. Specific dimensions and technical information are what really matter.

What should be checked after receiving the cat tree?

Before beginning assembly, it is worth inspecting every component carefully.

Check:

• the thickness and quality of the tubes inside the posts;

• the type and stability of the post mounting components;

• the size of the installed nuts;

• the accuracy of the rope winding;

• the quality of the lacquer or upholstery;

• the edges of the platforms and base;

• whether all parts correspond with the assembly instructions.

There should be no visible cracks, delamination, loose ends, protruding staples or damaged connections.

Particular caution is required if the posts contain extremely thin tubes and the plastic flanges installed in them move, rotate or shift sideways. In such a situation, I would seriously consider whether to assemble the cat tree at all.

Tightening the bolts firmly may temporarily reduce visible movement, but it will not repair a weak tube or an unstable mounting component. In a large or tall cat tree, damage to one of the lower posts may cause the entire structure to lean or fall over.

Such a product may therefore not only wear out quickly, but may also create a danger for the cat it was purchased for and for people nearby. If the structural components already raise serious concerns before assembly, it is more sensible to contact the seller and consider returning the product.

Once assembled, the cat tree should stand evenly and all components must be firmly tightened. Platforms and posts should not move independently from the rest of the construction.

If a correctly assembled cat tree still sways noticeably, the base lifts on one side or one of the components has visible looseness, the cat should not be allowed to use it. First check the assembly again, and if the problem remains, contact the seller.

Remember to tighten the cat tree periodically

All components of the cat tree should be tightened firmly during assembly. Cats run, jump and push off from the construction, so some connections may become slightly loose over time.

It is worth checking the stability of the cat tree periodically and retightening all posts and bolts when necessary. Particular attention should be paid to the lower structural components, which carry the greatest loads.

If you use a cat tree manufactured by our company, all posts and Allen bolts may be tightened with very considerable force. When necessary, an extension can be used on the Allen key or a suitable power tool may be used.

The hardened Allen bolts, M10 nuts and other mounting components used in our constructions are designed to withstand very high loads. These connections are covered by a lifetime warranty.

During assembly, it is only important to ensure that the bolt enters the nut straight. Inserting it at an angle may damage the thread.

8. Replacement Parts, Servicing and Cat Tree Renovation

A good cat tree should not be a disposable product. Before purchasing, it is worth checking whether worn parts can be replaced after several years, whether individual components can be renovated and whether servicing is available from the manufacturer.

For our cat trees, we offer, among other things:

• posts and mounting components;

• platforms, sleeping areas and other structural parts;

• covers, cushions and padded beds;

• complete textile sets matched to individual cat tree models;

• renovation services for selected components.

In cat trees made from lacquered plywood, covers, cushions and padded beds can be removed and replaced with new ones at any time. Ready-made textile sets are available for individual models, allowing the appearance of the entire cat tree to be refreshed easily.

We also renovate permanently upholstered components. If the material becomes worn after many years or the customer wishes to change its colour, platforms, bases and other parts can be upholstered again.

Plywood components can also be lacquered again. This makes it possible to refresh surfaces on which scratches, worn areas or other signs of long-term use have appeared.

We also offer re-covering of scratching posts with new sisal rope. Customers sometimes send us posts that have been used for six, seven or even more years. The posts receive new sisal rope and can continue to be used.

A component does not always have to be completely worn out. It may still retain its full strength but no longer look attractive. Renovation can restore its appearance without the need to replace the entire cat tree.

The availability of replacement parts and servicing is particularly important for large, solid constructions. If the cat tree remains stable, it is far more sensible to replace or renovate individual components than to discard the entire product after several years.

9. Summary – How Can You Really Recognise a Good Cat Tree?

A good cat tree cannot be assessed on the basis of one parameter. Thick posts, substantial height or attractive photographs are not enough if the remaining components have been poorly made or incorrectly arranged.

Before purchasing, it is worth checking:

• the diameter and quality of the sisal rope;

• the accuracy of the rope winding;

• the thickness and quality of the tubes;

• the construction of the post ends;

• the use of M10 nuts in large constructions;

• the rigidity of the base and platforms;

• the arrangement of the posts and the position of the centre of gravity;

• the quality of the lacquer and upholstery;

• whether the platforms, sleeping areas, houses and post lengths are suited to the size of the cat;

• manufacturing accuracy and quality control;

• the possibility of cleaning and washing textile components;

• the availability of replacement parts, repairs and servicing.

Not every cat needs the same type of construction. A smaller Sphynx or Russian Blue will have different requirements from a large Norwegian Forest Cat or Maine Coon. The dimensions of the platforms, sleeping areas, houses and posts should therefore be matched to the animal’s actual size, weight and physical ability.

A good cat tree should be stable, safe, comfortable for the cat and repairable after many years. It is therefore worth looking beyond appearance and price and paying close attention to the materials, construction and specific technical information provided by the manufacturer.