cat tree, cat trees for medium-sized cats

Upholstered cat trees for medium-sized cats combine suitably long sisal posts with comfortable areas for resting and climbing. The category includes compact models for smaller rooms and tall, multi-level constructions with platforms, beds, hideaways, hammocks and tunnels. When choosing a cat tree, consider the animal’s actual size, build, activity level and preferred way of resting.

A cat tree for a medium-sized cat – a comfortable place for scratching and rest

Upholstered cat trees for medium-sized cats are intended primarily for adult animals of average or slightly more substantial build. The category includes simple models with a long post and an upper bed as well as extensive cat trees equipped with platforms, hideaways, hammocks, tunnels and several climbing levels.

These models form part of the wider collection of upholstered cat trees. The constructions vary in height, base dimensions, post length and the number and type of resting areas, making it possible to match the product to the individual animal and the available room space.

The cat’s actual size matters more than its breed name

The term “medium-sized cat” should be treated as a practical guide rather than a rigid classification. Cats of the same breed may differ in body weight, body length, mobility and temperament. A cat tree should therefore be chosen according to the animal’s actual dimensions and the way it uses the construction.

A calm cat that mainly sleeps and observes its surroundings may make good use of a lower model with one or two spacious resting areas. An active animal that frequently climbs and jumps is more likely to use a tall construction with several levels.

A long post for natural stretching

Scratching is not used solely for claw maintenance. During this activity, the cat stretches the muscles of its front legs, shoulders, back and torso. A sufficiently long sisal-covered surface is therefore one of the most important parts of the construction.

A practical cat tree for a medium-sized cat should include at least one post beside which the animal can raise its front paws and stretch without having to adopt a crouched position. Shorter posts may complete the structure, connect consecutive levels and provide additional scratching surfaces during climbing.

Platforms and beds sized for an adult cat

A resting area should allow the cat to position its body freely, change posture and leave the platform safely. A surface that is too small may work as a climbing step but will not provide a comfortable place for prolonged sleep.

Depending on the model, cat trees may include flat platforms, elongated beds, round beds with raised edges, tunnels, single or double hammocks and hideaways. Each element supports a different resting preference:

• an open platform provides a clear view of the room;
• a raised edge supports the head and sides of the body;
• a hideaway creates a more sheltered sleeping area;
• a hammock gently adapts to the cat’s position;
• a tunnel can be used for both rest and observation.

A compact cat tree or a tall construction?

A lower cat tree may be suitable for a smaller room or an animal that does not need an extensive climbing route. It is still important to check whether it provides a sufficiently long post and a bed suited to the dimensions of an adult cat.

Tall cat trees offer more opportunities for movement. Several levels allow the cat to climb, jump between platforms and rest at different heights. Such a construction can be particularly attractive to an active animal that enjoys observing the household from an elevated point.

Distances between consecutive levels

Platform dimensions are not the only relevant factor. Their positioning is also important. The levels should create a clear route that allows the cat to move upwards and downwards without colliding with other parts of the construction.

A young and athletic animal can comfortably cover larger distances. Closely spaced levels with additional paw support may be preferable for a calmer, older or less mobile cat.

A cat tree for one or several cats

When several cats will share the construction, consider models with more than one full-sized resting area. Separate platforms, hammocks and beds allow the animals to occupy the cat tree simultaneously without having to share a single place.

The climbing route also matters. An extensive cat tree should, where possible, allow access and descent from different sides so that one animal does not block the entire construction for the others.

Stability during jumping and climbing

A cat tree is exposed not only to the static weight of a resting animal. Considerably greater forces can arise when the cat jumps onto a side platform, pulls itself upwards on a post or leaps from the highest level.

Stability should therefore not be assessed by product weight alone. The proportions of the base, spacing of the posts, arrangement of the components and correct assembly are all important. The bases of our currently manufactured cat trees are made from rigid layered plywood.

Upholstery, sisal and maintenance

Posts wrapped in sisal rope provide a surface into which the cat can comfortably insert its claws. Upholstered platforms and beds create soft places for everyday rest.

Depending on the model, textile elements may be permanently attached or supplied as removable covers, cushions or padded inserts. Removable components facilitate periodic washing, while fixed upholstery can be vacuumed and cleaned according to the recommendations for the selected fabric.

Many models allow the upholstery material and colour and the rope colour to be selected, making it possible to coordinate the cat tree with the furniture, flooring and other elements of the room.

When should another size category be selected?

For a young kitten or a very lightly built adult animal, our upholstered cat trees for small cats and kittens may be suitable. They generally have more compact proportions and levels designed to support early climbing attempts.

When the cat has a long body, higher weight, a substantial build or requires particularly spacious beds, compare the upholstered cat trees for large cats. The breed name alone should not be the deciding factor; the animal’s actual dimensions and needs are more important.

How to choose the right cat tree

Before purchasing, compare:

• the cat’s body weight and body length;
• the length of the main scratching surfaces;
• the dimensions of platforms, beds, hideaways and hammocks;
• the distances between consecutive levels;
• the overall height and width of the construction;
• the animal’s age, activity and mobility;
• the number of cats using the cat tree;
• whether textile components can be removed and washed;
• the space available in the room.

A well-selected cat tree should provide a sufficiently long scratching surface, a comfortable resting area and a layout suited to the cat’s natural way of moving. To compare wooden, wall-mounted, floor-to-ceiling and large-breed constructions, browse all cat trees available from Rufi.