Cat trees are a great way to keep your pet active and entertained - find the best ones in our comparison.
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What are the best cat trees and towers in the UK?
About to welcome your first kitten and wondering which tree is the best for them? To help with this important decision, here’s a buyer’s guide comparing the best cat trees in the UK.
Cats need to sleep, exercise and play, all the while honing their natural instincts. All of this is essential to their well-being and development. Cat trees are designed to give your pet all the comfort, exercise and play space they need.
Choose your indoor tree wisely to ensure the best experience for your pet. It must be suitable for their age and size. It also needs to have places for the cat to hide, so they can observe their surroundings in peace. Platforms placed at different heights allow the cat to leap like a predator. Small balls hanging from the platforms will entertain your cat and a sisal scratching post will protect your furniture!
We recommend going with a very comfortable tree, with soft hammocks, cosy cushions and a soft coating under the pads. Cat trees come in all sizes and you’ll have no problem finding a suitable model even if you live in a small space. By installing the tree in a well-lit room where you spend a lot of time, your pet will never feel alone. Cats love to keep an eye on their owners!
Summary
What is a cat tree?
Good cat trees usually consist of a wooden structure, tunnels, hammocks, hiding places, cushions and climbing platforms. Covered in a soft fabric, they serve as both a play area and a comfortable den.
What are the advantages of a cat tree?
There are many benefits. Your pet can rest in the soft hammocks or on the memory foam cushions. Thanks to the platforms installed on the poles, cats have an opportunity to quietly observe their surroundings before taking a nap.
If you have several cats, this is the ideal solution to avoid fights. Cats can settle on perches at different heights to enjoy their own space. Shy cats can slip into hiding places while the more daring observe the world from the top of the tree.
Scratching posts, cathouses, playground, tunnels, ropes - the right tree can meet all your animal’s needs.
How to choose your cat tree and what size to choose?
If you have a larger cat, opt for a Maine Coon tree that is suitable for your pet's size. The poles must offer resistance to support the weight of a large cat landing on the platform.
On the other hand, if your space is limited, you may opt for a wall-mounted tree, which is taller than it is wide and therefore less likely to tip over.
The cat tree must be equipped with a scratching post, a hammock for comfortable naps as well as tunnels, platforms and hiding places. If you like to incorporate some DIY in your cat tree, you can customize it with a few additional homemade hammocks!
You should also take into account the size of your feline family. Always check the maximum number of cats that the tree can accommodate.
If aesthetics are important to you, you should choose a tree that blends in well with the surroundings. There are some elegant models with statement wooden tops. Others are completely covered with lightly coloured plush (beige, light grey, etc.), which helps to create a cosy atmosphere in the room.
How does it work?
A cat tree allows the animal to sharpen its claws on the surfaces provided specifically for this purpose.These vertical or horizontal scratching posts are usually covered with sisal rope. It’s the best way to keep your table legs safe.
A large cat tree is also a great playground for your pet. Cats need to exercise, especially at a young age. It’s vital for their well-being and psychological comfort. A few hanging balls will sharpen your pet’s hunting instincts. With toys to catch, high platforms, comfortable hammocks as well as nooks and crannies to hide in, your little furry friend will feel entertained and safe at the same time.
Where to place your cat tree?
The location of the tree is important. If it does not suit your royal feline, they may end up never climbing it!
First of all, avoid placing it next to the litter box. Cats are very clean animals - they won’t want to sleep close to where they do their business.
Cats love to spend time near their owners. They can lie down for hours observing everything that is going on under their noses. You will therefore make your kitten very happy by placing the tree in a room with a lot of foot traffic. They will be able to satisfy their curiosity while remaining hidden in a tunnel or lounging in a hammock.
A corner near the window is also a prime location. Your cat will be able to watch everything that is going on outside: this activity will certainly occupy a large part of their day. Your pet will be able to take advantage of natural light and bask in the sun's rays. However, be careful not to leave the window open, especially if you live in an apartment.
Don't place your cat tree next to a wardrobe or sofa. Your pet could use it for support to jump directly into its hammock and you will soon end up with claw marks on your furniture. Also keep it away from any shelves loaded with fragile objects.
What are the different types of trees and scratching posts?
There are many types of trees. Some are more suitable for kittens while others are designed for larger cats. You will also find trees that reach the ceiling while others are wider than they are tall. Don't be fooled into impulse buying if you want to get the best bang for your buck - instead, think about what options the best budget tree has to offer.
