Montana Is One Of The Least Pet-Friendly States in America
10 Best Cat Trees To Keep Your Kitty Happy And Entertained
As cat owners, we endure a lot of mischief from our feline friends. Each cat has their own style of misbehavior: Some get the zoomies in the wee hours of the morning, others prefer to maul bare ankles or sharpen their claws on prized pieces of furniture, or just mercilessly batter their cat toys.
It's important to understand that these indiscretions often result from pent-up instinctual needs. Cats are natural hunters, after all. The more you provide for these needs, the more docile your cat will become.
Cat trees are a wonderful way to appease the tiny wild animal in your home. Many cats, for example, want an elevated perch to nap upon or watch for prey. Cat trees can also serve double-duty as scratching posts, redirecting those claws away from your couch.
What to consider when buying a cat treeI chatted with cat behavior expert Joey Lusvardi, a certified cat behavior consultant at Class Act Cats, who gave me the scoop on which cat trees are best for soothing your sweet, savage beast.
Safety"The first thing you should prioritize is that the cat tree is sturdy and safe," says Lusvardi. "If it isn't, your cat or you could be seriously injured if it falls over. Some towers come with wall mounting kits to prevent the tower from falling over, but if yours doesn't, then you can purchase one separately."
FeaturesAccording to Lusvardi, "Cats really like having choices, so look for a tower with a variety of features. Places to rest, hiding spots, dangling cat toys to play with and scratchers are all things your cat may enjoy using. Cats usually like going up really high to perch, so a tall tower is a better choice than a short one in most cases. If your cat likes hiding, one that has a cozy nook on the ground level is a good feature to look for."
SizeLastly, you should think about the size of the cat tree. "Look at how big each of the platforms is on the tower," Lusvardi advises. "If your cat is a bit bigger, tiny platforms won't be comfortable for them."
Our top picks for best cat trees Best cat tree for multiple cats: Catit Vesper High Base XLBest for multiple cats
Vesper High Base 47.8-in Modern Cat Tree & Condo, Walnut
Catit is a small company that specializes in cat products, and they come with a personal endorsement from Lusvardi. "I have a few of Catit's cat trees and they are excellent tall towers for multiple cats to lounge on," he says. "Despite being wooden and more modern looking, they've got soft carpeted surfaces that cats love to lounge on." The Vesper XL is spacious enough for multiple cats, and the included string toy will keep them busy and out of trouble.
Specifications:The Catit Vesper High Base XL is a modern, stylish, wooden cat tree with carpeted surfaces for lounging.
Get it here: Catit Vesper High Base XL
Best cat tree for kittens: Catit Vesper Box LargeBest for kittens
VESPER Catit Cat Tree, Cat Box, Large, Walnut, 52077
Kittens may not yet be big enough to climb a towering cat tree. But Catit also makes smaller models that are perfect for tiny kittens. "This tower is a bit shorter so kittens won't have trouble leaping on it," says Lusvardi. And, like the larger model, "it still has soft spots to rest, a fun string toy to play with and looks nice, too." Customer reviews of the Vesper Box are overwhelmingly positive, although some have had difficulty with assembly. Its box-based design is sleek and simple.
Specifications:The Catit Vesper Box is a short cat tree suitable for kittens, with soft spots and a fun string toy.
Get it here: Catit Vesper Box Large
Best multilevel cat trees for active cats: Omlet Freestyle Cat TreeBest multilevel cat trees for active cats
Some cats are bursting with energy and prone to bouncing off the walls. Not everyone lives in a location that's safe for cats to venture outside, and there are other compelling reasons to keep them indoors, such as protecting native birds. But a cooped-up cat needs an outlet for that energy. Lusvardi recommends this customizable cat tree from Omlet, which lets owners build a bespoke combination of poles and accessories such as felt dens, platforms, bridges and scratching posts. "The Freestyle Cat Tree is a customizable cat tree that you can use to create a huge amount of climbing space without taking up much floor space. There are many different platforms to choose from and you can add to the tree if your cat needs more climbing space."
Specifications:The Omlet Freestyle Cat Tree is a customizable cat tree with plenty of space for cats to climb.
Get it here: Omlet Freestyle Cat Tree
Best cat tree for large cats: Purrniture Orbitor"It can be hard to find cat trees with shelves that are big enough for larger cats," commiserates Lusvardi. "Purrniture makes excellent cat trees that are sturdy and feature spacious shelves for big cats. The Orbitor is a favorite of mine for not just the shelf size but the multiple levels." This small company puts a lot of care into its carpeted cat trees and, says Lusvardi, "the only downside is they only ship within the U.S."
Specifications:The Purrniture Orbitor is a large and sturdy cat tree with wide shelves that accommodate bigger felines.
Get it here: Purrniture Orbitor
Best cat tree for senior cats: Trixie Baza Senior Cat TreeBest for senior cats
TRIXIE Baza 27.6-in Senior Cat Scratching Post, Gray
As cats age, their energy levels will drop and they're prone to stiff, achy joints — just like us humans. However, that doesn't mean they no longer want a cozy, elevated spot for napping. "Senior cats need cat trees that require less jumping yet still let them perch up higher if they'd like," explains Lusvardi. "This cat tower has stairs that lead your sweet senior cat to a cozy bed so they can still enjoy their golden years from up high."
Specifications:The Trixie Baza Senior Cat Tree features easy-to-climb stairs leading up to a cozy cat bed, perfect for sleepy older cats.
Get it here: Trixie Baza Senior Cat Tree
Best modern cat tree: The Refined Feline Lotus Cat TreeBest modern
The Refined Feline Lotus 69-in Microfiber Cat Tree, Espresso
Not every cat owner wants their decor to center around their pet. But Lusvardi has a recommendation to solve that design conundrum. "This cat tree looks more like a funky bookshelf than a piece of cat furniture," he says. "It's tall and meets the cat's needs while not being an eyesore." But this cat tree offers more than its aesthetic appeal. It also includes a scratching post and is super tall, perfect for tree-dwelling cats who love to observe their domain from above.
Specifications:The Refined Feline Lotus Cat Tree is a chic, bookshelf-style cat tree that's tall and slim and will complement your decor.
Get it here: The Refined Feline Lotus Cat Tree
Best budget cat tree: Feandrea Cat TreeBest budget
FEANDREA Cat Tree, Cat Tower for Indoor Cats, 56.3-Inch Cat Condo with Scratching Posts, Hammock, Plush Perch, Smoky Gray UPCT15GYZ
You don't have to spend an arm and a leg in order to make your kitty happy. Lusvardi knows this from experience: "This one is very similar to a cat tree I bought when I got my cat, Zoloft. It was a favorite lounging spot of his and he'd often sit on the second-highest platform while I'd be working from home. His successors now get to enjoy it and the top two platforms are occupied by a sleeping cat at night." While it's not the absolute cheapest item on this list, it offers considerable value for your buck. It's tall, has multiple platforms and even includes a string toy.
Specifications:The Feandrea Cat Tree is a tall and affordable cat tree that kitties enjoy lounging on.
Get it here: Feandrea Cat Tree
Best cat tree for small living spaces: K&H Pet Products Hangin' Cat TreeBest for small living spaces
K&H Pet Products Hangin' Multi-Story Cat Condo, 5-Story
Meeting your cat's needs in a compact space can be a challenge. As someone who has spent many years sharing a small apartment with a cat, I understand the dilemma. "The Hangin' Cat Tree is a door-mounted cat tree that won't damage your door,'' says Lusvardi. "It uses space you likely aren't using anyway and easily folds flat against the door if you need to temporarily move it out of the way. I have one in a hallway and never have any trouble navigating around it."
Specifications:The K&H Pet Products Hangin' Cat Tree is a door-mounted cat tree that's perfectly suited for apartment dwellers and renters.
Get it here: K&H Pet Products Hangin' Cat Tree
Best window perch: K&H Pet Products EZ Mount PenthouseBest window perch
K&H Pet Products EZ Mount Penthouse
Even indoor cats love to get a glimpse of the great outdoors. The best window perch is like a TV for cats, where they can safely watch birds and bask in warm sunlight. "This suction cup-mounted double-decker perch is an excellent multilevel perch that allows your cats to keep an eye on the neighborhood birds or take a nap in the sun," explains Lusvardi. "I've had it for five years and have only ever had one suction cup come loose. Because it has multiple levels, two cats can easily use it at the same time without issue."
Specifications:The K&H EZ Mount Penthouse uses suction cups to mount against a window, so your cat can enjoy watching the world go by on their own private perch.
Get it here: K&H Pet Products EZ Mount Penthouse
Best maximalist cat tree: The PetLibro Infinity Castle Cat TreeBest maximalist
The PetLibro Infinity Castle Cat Tree
Perhaps space-saving is not your biggest concern and you want to provide your cat with as much climbing space as possible. PetLibro is one of Lusvardi's favorite cat companies and their Castle Cat Tree lives up to that hype. The modular tree can be reconfigured to suit space constraints and kitty preferences, and can be combined with a second kit for a larger playground. "The Infinity Cat Tree is a modular product that you can mix and match to make the cat tree of your dreams," raves Lusvardi. "You can keep building and adding to it as long as you have space."
Specifications:The PetLibro Infinity Cat Tree uses modular parts, so you can customize the perfect, elaborate cat tree for your pet.
Get it here: The PetLibro Infinity Castle Cat Tree
How we selected the best cat treesJoey Lusvardi is a cat behavior expert who specializes in finding the right products to improve cats' behavior and mental health. I made my selections based on his expert recommendations, many of which were also based on his firsthand experience with the products. I also weighed the features, price and sturdiness of each cat tree and checked out the customer reviews to see what other consumers had to say about them.
Tips for cat tree maintenanceLusvardi is the proud owner of many cat trees and he has lots of advice about how to make them last as long as possible. "If your tower has removable padding or carpet, it's worth tossing them in the wash periodically," he says. "However, don't wash every pad at once as you want the tower to have your cat's scent on it. Scent is a huge part of how cats identify their territory so it will help them feel secure on the tower to have some of their smell still there."
He also had some thoughts on what to do if your cat tree becomes damaged. "If any parts of the tower become damaged, it may be best to see if you can replace it with a new part from the manufacturer rather than try to repair the part. Similarly, don't keep a tower around if it seems unstable or becomes too damaged so your cat doesn't get hurt. If you need to clean part of the tower that isn't removable, consider using a steam cleaner or handheld vacuum for carpeted parts and an appropriate cleaner for wood. If you notice the sisal rope on a cat tree becoming frayed, replace it with some fresh sisal to ensure your cat can get a nice, satisfying scratch in."
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) What kind of cat tree do cats prefer?"Cats usually prefer tall towers that they feel safe on and are easy for them to climb," says Lusvardi. "They're much less concerned about the look of the tower than the ability to get up nice and high." But he also explains that height isn't needed for every cat. "Some cats may not want to climb quite as high, especially senior cats, so they may be fine with a medium-height tower."
What is the best height for a cat tree?"For most cats, the taller the better," explains Lusvardi, and there's a biological reason for that preference. "Cats like to be at the highest point in their environment so they can keep track of potential danger while also gaining a hunting advantage. They can defend their territory easily and ambush prey from higher up."
Are carpet cat trees better?"Carpet cat trees are going to be more comfortable for many cats compared to non-carpeted trees, so you're more likely to see them lounging on a carpeted cat tree," says Lusvardi. However, coziness isn't the only advantage that carpet offers, as "it's also less likely the cat will slip when they climb the cat tree if there's carpet."
So, is carpet an essential feature? Not necessarily. "If the tree doesn't have carpet everywhere, that's OK as long as there are soft places to lounge. However, having places for your cat to climb is necessary to meet their behavioral needs. If the carpeted component of it is really a sticking point, a cat tree without carpeting is better than nothing."
How long do cat trees last?"You should get many years of use out of a well-made cat tree. My oldest cat tree has lasted six years so far and isn't even close to needing to be replaced despite surviving two moves and getting plenty of use by multiple cats," says Lusvardi. He also warns you to avoid going for the absolute cheapest option if you want your cat tree to last. "While quality cat trees may cost more, you may have them for as long as some of the human furniture in your home. It's better to get a quality tree than to constantly replace poorly made, flimsy cat trees."
Read More: The best wet cat foods veterinarians recommend
'Not Done That For 14 Years': Defiant Coach's Bold Declaration Amid Rapid Fall Down AFL Ladder
Geelong has not undergone a rebuild for 14 years, and they are not about to start one now.
That was the bold declaration from coach Chris Scott, despite his team scrapping to stay in the top eight after suffering their sixth loss from their past seven games against Carlton at the MCG on Friday night.
The thumping 63-point defeat continued the Cats' rapid fall down the ladder after they began the year 7-0.
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And while Scott envisaged blooding a few debutants in the coming weeks, he remained bullish about what the Cats could still achieve this season and insisted they weren't about to start "completely losing our composure".
"While tonight was a bad performance, I don't think you sit back 8-6 at this stage of the season and think, 'Oh well, now we're rebuilding'," Scott said.
"Haven't done that for 14 years. Not going to start now.
Carlton cook the Cats real good02:40
"What we won't do is concede and say, 'Oh well, they (Carlton) are better than us, so now we've got to slip back to the pack' … we're still optimistic about what we can do.
"If a really good team came up against Carlton playing like that, it would be interesting to see how they'd go because they were very, very good.
"I still think our best is pretty good, but we've just got some holes where we feel as if we need to be a bit creative at the moment in how we go after filling those roles and sometimes that causes a bit of pain."
While Scott acknowledged his team had deficiencies they needed to address, most notably clearances and contested possessions, which they lost handsomely again 50-39 and 151-140 respectively, he also said a rough recent fixture had contributed to their on-field struggles.
Dangerfield gets done for tackle!00:22
Since Round 6, the Cats have played against top-eight teams Sydney, Carlton (twice), GWS and Port Adelaide.
And there's little respite in sight for the Cats with top-four contenders Essendon and Collingwood, as well as the in-form Hawks and Bulldogs, coming up for them in the next month.
"Do you want to know the honest answer? The one that coaches don't normally give? When you look at the draw, we're in a really tough period of the draw," he said.
"If I were 10 years more inexperienced, there's no way I'd say it, but it's just a reality.
"And so we've got to hang in … that said, the mistake is (to say), 'Oh no, it's fine. We just played some good teams and now we'll win the next nine to finish the season and we'll be flying'.
"No. We've got serious (issues). We've come into a situation where we've had a patch of really, really good teams – contenders – at the same time we've run into problems with, one, the way we play, a bit of personnel stuff and we're trying to fix stuff on the run.
Mum's funny reaction to De Koning duel00:27
"But I think most teams will go through that phase. I'll be surprised if anyone just cruises through the season.
"It is a marathon. So I hope that doesn't come across as saying we've got easier teams in the next run than we've had in the last run.
"I still think the season's going to ebb and flow a little bit."
Scott was concerned by his team's defensive frailties which have seen them concede five triple-figure scores in their past eight games.
"Good teams don't give up big scores like that regularly," Scott said.
Meanwhile, Scott said he wasn't too concerned around Patrick Dangerfield's dangerous tackle on Sam Walsh, but flagged caution around Tom Hawkins' latest injury setback.
— NCA NewsWire
Woman Shares Chaos Of Walking Her Siberian Forest Cat
Walking a cat outdoors on a leash may not turn as many heads as it used to, with more and more felines roaming the streets alongside their respective humans.
Owners of indoor cats who want to show their protected animals the outdoor world are turning to harnesses and leashes, accessories traditionally reserved for dogwalking.
Though sometimes felines are not so keen as their canine counterparts on being kept on a leash.
One enormous Siberian forest cat, Mika Chonk (@mika_chonk), proved this to be true in a hilarious video where her wild instincts overtook and she leapt up a tree to try and chase a bird, dragging her owner with her in Boulder, Colorado.
In a video that has amassed 11.8 miillion views on Instagram, her owner said: "Our walks are not always pure chaos , I swear."
The hilarious footage showed Mika on a leash with her owner walking on some grass, when the cat seems to spot a bird in the grass.
Newsweek reached out to Mika_Chonk for comment via Instagram. We could not verify the details of the case.
The cat chases the unspecified creature, taking her owner with her, and then decides to pounce up a tree.
Luckily, her owner manages to keep her balance and Mika remains safe in her harness and attached to her lead.
Siberian forest cat - stock photo. Mika 'got the zoomies' and decided to run after a bird. Siberian forest cat - stock photo. Mika 'got the zoomies' and decided to run after a bird. Mimer/iStock / Getty Images PlusSiberian forest cats are affectionate, large and inquisitive cats who need extensive outdoor space.
According to the charity Cats Protection, many cats do not take well to leads and harnesses. The charity advised that if you want to take your cat out for walks, you should start harness training from a young age and begin with practicing shorter walks.
Cat walkers should also let their cats lead the way rather than attempting to take the lead, they explained.
Commenters were left in stitches by the cat's powerful force.
One user said: "What kind of squirrel is this?"
Another joked: "Powerful car! How many horsepower?"
Barbara Wells said: "The hell with walking today Mom. We are tree climbing."
Amusingly, Mika's owner soundtracked the clip with "Runaway" by Bruno Mars, perfectly encapsulating the cat's outburst.
One user said: "I didn't know it was a cat until it was up the tree."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.Com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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