Cat Essentials: Finding the Best Towers, Trees, and Scratchers

written by Tori Holmes

One of the best ways to enhance your home for your feline friend is by investing in cat friendly furniture such as towers, trees, and scratchers. These items not only cater to your cat’s natural instincts but also help improve their physical and mental health. While both categories of cat-friendly furniture are important, they offer different benefits. Read on to learn more about why you need both scratchers and a tree or tower in your home – plus, we share our top recommendations for both.

Why cats love towers and trees

Cats are natural climbers and explorers. When outdoors, they climb trees and other tall structures to survey their territory. Cat towers and trees mimic these natural structures, allowing indoor cats to satisfy their climbing instincts. But this isn’t the only reason why these pieces of cat-friendly furniture are essential to have in your home.

● Enrichment and exercise: Climbing up and down a cat tree or tower provides physical exercise, helping to keep your cat fit and healthy. The various platforms and perches also give them different vantage points from which to see their soundings, helping to keep boredom at bay.

● Cozy spaces: Many cat towers and trees come with built-in cubbies or hammocks, offering cozy and secure spots where cats can nap undisturbed.

● Privacy and security: Cats love high perches because they can observe their surroundings from a safe distance. This height provides a sense of security and privacy, making them feel more comfortable in their environment.

In households with multiple animals, some cats also prefer to eat their meals at a higher level. This gives them peace of mind knowing that no passing canine will try and sneak a bit of their favorite Freshpet recipe!

Top recommendations for cat towers and trees

In recent years there has been a change in the cat trees and towers available on the market. When selecting a cat tree or tower, look for sturdy construction, a variety of platforms and hiding spots, and materials that are safe for cats. Some of our favorite cat towers and trees include:

● Necoichi Cat Scratcher Tower: This durable, high-density tower is made from 100% recycled paper. It’s also designed with a replaceable scratching pad that’s also reversible, which means you can replace worn-out pieces rather than buying a whole new tower.

● Made4Pets Modern Cat Tree: Offering an alternative to carpet-covered cat trees, this wooden cat tree combines an elegant look with a practical, sturdy design. Plus, it’s much easier to keep clean and hair-free!

The importance of scratchers

Just like climbing, scratching is a natural behavior for cats. It helps them to mark their territory, stretch their muscles, and keep their claws healthy. Providing a variety of scratchers is crucial for both their well-being and the preservation of your furniture.

● Physical health: Scratching engages and exercises the muscles in their legs, shoulders, and back, helping to maintain overall muscle tone and joint flexibility. Additionally, scratching helps cats shed the outer layer of their claws, keeping them sharp and preventing issues such as overgrown nails.

● Mental stimulation: Different textures and shapes of scratchers can provide mental stimulation, keeping your cat engaged and happy. Various shapes, such as ramps, posts, and curved surfaces, challenge your cat's mind as they explore how to interact with each design. These varied forms can mimic natural environments, encouraging your cat to problem-solve and adapt their scratching techniques.

● Furniture protection: By providing designated scratching areas, you can save your furniture from being damaged by your cat’s claws. Well-designed cat scratchers, often made from materials like sisal or corrugated cardboard, are more appealing to cats than furniture due to their texture and resistance.

Overall, a well-made cat scratcher enhances your cat’s quality of life while preserving your home’s decor and reducing ongoing replacement costs.

Top recommendations for scratchers

Similar to cat trees and towers, cat scratchers have undergone a transformation in recent years. Whether you want a classic cardboard scratcher or are looking for something that can act as a statement piece within your home, you won’t be hard-pressed to find something both you and your cat can agree on.

● VETRESKA Orange Cat Scratching Ball: With a striking design and weighted base that allows cats to jump and play without tipping it over, this scratching ball is a win-win!

● CatGuru Cat Scratcher Lounge: This scratcher is made of 100% recycled corrugated cardboard and features a curved design that is ideal for both lounging and scratching.

Where to place your cat trees, towers, and scratchers

There’s nothing worse than buying something new for your cat, only to have them more interested in the packaging than the item itself. The good news is that by placing towers, trees, and scratchers in strategic spots, your cat’s interest will surely be piqued.

● Near windows: Place cat trees and towers near windows to give your cat a view of the outside world, providing visual stimulation and natural light.

● High-traffic areas: Position cat friendly furniture in areas where your cat spends most of their time, like the living room or bedroom, to encourage frequent use.

● Close to furniture: Place scratchers near furniture your cat typically scratches to redirect their behavior to appropriate surfaces.

Investing in cat friendly furniture is one of the best ways to ensure your feline companion has a happy, healthy, and enriched life. By choosing quality towers, trees, and scratchers, you not only cater to their natural instincts but also enhance their overall well-being.