Cat Trees and Towers

How to choose a cat tree or tower

Cats need height. A tree gives them a vantage point, a scratching surface and a sleeping spot, often in one piece of furniture. The right choice comes down to how much floor space you have and how your cat likes to move.

In a small flat, a floor-to-ceiling tension pole uses vertical space without taking up any floor area — a good fit for a single confident climber. For two or more cats, look for at least one platform each plus a resting spot, and check that the base is heavy enough that the tower does not rock when a cat lands on the top level. Wall-mounted shelves suit cats that already climb furniture and keep the floor completely clear.

• Measure floor-to-ceiling height before ordering a tension pole.
• Allow roughly one platform per cat, plus one extra.
• Sisal-wrapped posts last longer than carpet-wrapped ones.
• A wide, weighted base matters more than a tall tower.

Pair a tower with a scratcher to protect the furniture it stands next to, and a bed for the cat that prefers ground level. Two good starting points are the wall-mounted cat shelves and the climbing tower with steps.