Cat Tree

Cats think in three dimensions. Floor space alone rarely satisfies them, which is why a cat who seems restless or destructive is often just short of somewhere high to sit, stretch and survey the room.

A cat tree, climbing rack or tall scratching post gives them that vertical territory in one piece of furniture. It also concentrates the climbing, scratching and leaping into a spot you have chosen, rather than the back of the lounge.

What Makes a Good Cat Tree

Stability comes first. Give the base a firm push before you let your cat loose on it, and if it rocks, either weight it or place it against a wall or in a corner. Look for sisal rope on the posts rather than carpet, since sisal takes a claw well and lasts far longer. Platforms should be wide enough for your cat to lie down fully, not just perch, and the lowest levels should be easy to reach for kittens and older cats with stiff joints.

Height is worth paying for. Cats settle better when they can get above head height, and in a multi-cat home extra levels give each cat a way to pass without confrontation.

Scratching Posts and Boards

Not every cat needs a full tower. Some scratch horizontally rather than vertically, which is why a corrugated board on the floor often gets used when a tall post is ignored. Watching how your cat already scratches tells you which to buy: a cat that stretches up a door frame wants a tall sisal post, while one that shreds the rug wants a flat board. Most households end up with one of each, placed where the cat already chooses to scratch rather than where it suits the room.

Helping Kittens and Cats Take to It

Do not lift your cat onto the tree. Put it where they already spend time, ideally near a window, then use a wand toy or a few treats along the levels and let curiosity do the rest. Kittens usually swarm up within a day, while an adult cat rehomed from a breeder may take a week to commit. For litters, a low climbing rack alongside cat scratching toys builds coordination and good scratching habits early.

Pair the tree with a cat hammock at the window and a soft spot from the cat beds range so each cat has a choice of resting places.

Ready to give your cat some height? Explore the RPBA collection of cat trees, climbing racks and scratching posts to find one that fits your space.