Which Cat Tree Is the Best? A Veterinarian Gives Advice
A cat tree is no ordinary piece of furniture.
It’s a playground, a retreat, a lookout tower, a cozy sleeping spot, and a claw care center all in one – in short: a little home for your furry friend. With so many brands, sizes, and models to choose from, it’s easy for cat owners to feel overwhelmed. Which cat tree is truly the best for my cat? What features does she really need? Which materials are the most durable? And how can I find the perfect cat tree that not only looks great but also meets all my cat’s needs? Our expert and veterinarian, Dr. Julia Vietmeier, has the answers to these important questions!
Why Do Cats Scratch the Cat Tree?
Scratching is a deeply rooted instinct in every cat. To keep your furniture safe from sharp claws, you should provide your cat with scratching furniture. Scratching surfaces is also known as “scratch marking” – it’s an important and completely natural form of expression for our feline friends. Cats use scratching to communicate with humans, other cats, and even other animals.
Scratch marking involves three different forms of communication:
· Visual scratch marks – visible signs left on the surface
· Pheromones – special scent markers released through glands in the paw pads
· Scratching sounds – produced while scratching
Veterinarian Dr. Julia Vietmeier:
“An added benefit of scratching is that cats shed excess outer layers of their claws, which helps keep them healthy and well-maintained. If a cat suddenly starts scratching much more or much less than usual, it could be a sign of stress or fear. In such cases, you should take a closer look to find out what’s going on..”
A high-quality cat tree gives your cat the opportunity to:
· sharpen and care for her claws,
· mark her territory with the scent glands in her paw pads,
· relieve stress,
· stretch her body,
· and most importantly, feel safe and secure.
High-Quality Cat Trees: What You Should Know
Cats love to jump, climb and romp around – so a good cat tree has to be able to withstand a lot. At the same time, a scratching post with a lying surface can also be a safe retreat where your cat can relax and keep an eye on its home from above. What makes a high-quality scratching post? Veterinarian Dr Julia Vietmeier advises paying particular attention to the following details:
1. Stability:
Cats are true acrobats – they jump from platform to platform, climb to high places, engage in playful duels or dash upwards at breakneck speed. If the scratching post wobbles or even tips over, it can end badly:
· Risk of injury from falls
· Panic or fright in cats – and trust in the scratching post is often permanently damaged
· Falling parts can also injure you or other pets
A large base plate and solid posts are essential – especially for XXL scratching posts for heavy or large cats. A sturdy scratching post gives cats what they need: a safe place to act on their natural instincts.
Veterinarian Dr Julia Vietmeier:
"Cats like to move around on all levels. A scratching post that is as large as possible is helpful for this. Of course, this piece of furniture must be safe and stable to withstand play and climbing. The taller the scratching post, the better the view your cat has of strategically important vantage points. You can rebuild and add to the scratching post to suit your cat's individual preferences, but also to accommodate any future cats."
2. Workmanship and materials:
Cats are picky – they immediately notice whether a scratching post is any good or not. Instead of thin pressed boards and plush, choose materials such as wood and sisal. While wood contributes to the long life of a scratching post, sisal is a natural material that is robust and ideal for sharpening claws. It is comfortable for their paws, provides grip when climbing and feels ‘right’ to them. If the material is not suitable, the scratching post will often be ignored. High-quality materials such as sisal are essential for a scratching post if you want your cat to enjoy it for a long time – and you too.
3. Interchangeable spare parts:
Cats grow, get older or may be joined by a new housemate. Interchangeable components make your scratching post flexible:
· For kittens, flat platforms or additional hammocks can be added.
· For senior cats, you can replace higher parts with low platforms or ramps.
· For two cats, you can add lying areas – without having to replace the entire tree.
Your scratching post grows with your cat's needs.
Where should you put the scratching post?
Your cat wants to be right in the middle of things and observe its surroundings closely. At the same time, the scratching post should be away from hustle and bustle, foot traffic or noise. The ideal place for the cat tree is
· near a window so that your cat can look outside, or
· in your living area, e.g. in the living room or study
A well-placed cat scratching post helps your cat to accept this space as its own. It becomes the centre of play, observation and relaxation – right in the middle of your home.
Veterinarian Dr Julia Vietmeier:
It is important that you place the scratching posts in the right places so that your cat has enough opportunities to scratch and mark its territory. A good rule of thumb is: number of scratching posts/scratching opportunities = number of cats + 1. So you should always have one more scratching post than you have cats.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about scratching posts
Why are stylecats® scratching posts not covered with fluffy fabric?
A fluffy fabric – usually plush – is very popular on scratching posts because it looks soft, feels cosy and fits in well with the living room décor. But as cosy as it may be, there are some clear disadvantages you should be aware of:
Low durability: Plush is soft – and that's exactly what makes it susceptible to wear and tear. With intensive use, frequent scratching, playing or romping around, the fabric can quickly peel off or tear.
Hygiene problem: Fluffy fabric is difficult to clean and attracts hair, dust and dirt: cat hair gets stuck deep in the fibres, odours (e.g. from marking or spitting) are difficult to remove, and stains are difficult to clean selectively – often the only solution is to replace the entire item.
Not scratch-resistant: Many cats will eventually try to scratch the plush fabric, especially if there are not enough sisal surfaces available. This leads to frayed areas, threads and loops, which can become a safety hazard for your cat.
Not sustainable: A scratching post made of a lot of plush is usually difficult or impossible to repair. Spare parts are often unavailable or the fabric cannot be easily replaced because it is firmly glued in place. This means that if damage occurs, the entire scratching post must be replaced – which is both environmentally and financially unfavourable.
How tall should a scratching post be?
The more active your cat is, the taller the scratching post can be. A model measuring 1.60 m or more allows for extensive stretching and climbing. For kittens or older animals, make sure there are easily accessible resting areas on several levels. XXL models with stable levels, platforms and safe climbs – e.g. via hammocks, sloping ramps or stepped caves – are particularly suitable for energetic adventurers.
Veterinarian Dr Julia Vietmeier:
“Cats need protected and private areas. Ideally, these should be elevated so that they can observe their home, but also rest and sleep undisturbed. A scratching post with several levels, which should not be too close together, is ideal for this. A long trunk is also ideal for your cat to scratch and stretch.”
How many scratching posts do two cats need?
Two cats need space – including vertical space! A large scratching post with XXL features and additional smaller scratching options such as scratching walls in different rooms is ideal.
Models with the following features are ideal:
· Several lying areas
· Several caves
· Spacious platforms
This way, both cats feel comfortable and can romp around together – but also retreat when they want to.
Which scratching post is suitable for kittens?
Small paws – big thirst for adventure! Kittens need safe, low models with plenty of space to play, e.g.:
· cosy caves equipped with their toys
· stable construction without risk of injury
Kittens are still learning how to climb and balance – so choose a scratching post that doesn't overwhelm them but challenges them.
Julia's 5 tips for cat parents
If you find scratch marks in places that should not be scratched (e.g. armchairs, wallpaper), you should find out why your cat is displaying this behaviour in these particular places. It is important that you never punish your cat for scratching. Instead, try to analyse why your cat is displaying this behaviour and offer them alternatives or change the circumstances to avoid stress or anxiety.
Dr Julia Vietmeier's 5 tips can help you with this:
1. If your cat lives exclusively indoors, allow it to express its typical feline behaviour, e.g. playing, exploring, scratching, observing and hunting. But undisturbed rest and sleep are also important. A good scratching post accommodates these behaviours.
2. Sufficient space in the home is essential for happy cats. Ideally, your cat should have at least two rooms and three-dimensional, stimulating structures for climbing, jumping and exploring.
3. Safe retreats are very important for reducing stress. Here, cats should be able to sleep without worry, but also observe their surroundings. Ideally, there should be at least two separate retreats.
4. Cats should always have a choice: ideally, there should be two separate options for each important resource (water, food, litter tray, etc.).
5. Scratching posts should always be stable to allow your cat to scratch without stress.
Conclusion: A good cat tree gives your cat a sense of freedom and security in its territory – and gives you peace of mind that your cat is happy. Take your time when choosing one and pay attention to quality. Your cat will thank you for it – with sparkling eyes, wild play and lots of contentment!