The History of Cat Furniture
Cat furniture like trees and condos first emerged in the 1980s and 1990s as cat ownership began to rise. Early cat trees were simple platforms covered in carpet, providing a place for cats to climb, scratch, and survey their territory. By the 2000s, more elaborate multi-level cat trees and condos were being mass-produced as cat owners sought furniture specifically designed for their feline companions.
Over time, cat furniture has evolved to better accommodate natural cat behaviors. Features like scratching posts, perches, hideaways, and walkways help satisfy a cat’s instinct to climb, scratch, and nest. Innovations in materials include sisal rope, natural wood, and synthetic carpet designed to appeal to a cat’s senses. Popular themes range from modern and minimalist to majestic cat castles.
Recent trends include cat furniture designed to blend seamlessly into home decor, as well as space-saving wall-mounted options for small spaces. There is also a rise in DIY cat furniture, allowing owners to create customized pieces. While styles may change, the appeal of cat furniture endures as owners look to enrich their cat’s environment and preserve their own furnishings.
Benefits of Cat Furniture
Cats are natural climbers, scratchers, and perchers. Providing appropriate cat furniture allows them to engage in these natural behaviors. This is crucial for their health and wellbeing.
Cat trees, scratching posts, cat beds, and other dedicated cat furniture have the following benefits:
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety – When cats can’t engage in their natural behaviors, it causes stress, anxiety, and frustration. Cat furniture provides positive outlets for their energy and instincts. This improves their mood and reduces unwanted behaviors like scratching furniture or pacing.
- Mental Stimulation – Cat furniture provides mental stimulation and enrichment. Cats love exploring new structures and playing on interactive toys. A multi-level cat tree can keep them occupied for hours. This prevents boredom and inappropriate behavior.
- Promotes Exercise – Climbing, scratching, and playing on cat furniture provides important exercise. This helps prevent obesity and joint problems. It also tires them out so they are less likely to keep you up at night.
Providing an assortment of cat furniture tailored to your cat’s preferences can greatly improve their quality of life. Don’t underestimate how important these structures are for their health and happiness! Investing in quality cat furniture is one of the best things you can do as a cat owner.
Types of Cat Furniture
Cats love to climb, scratch, and perch up high. Providing furniture designed specifically for feline activity and comfort is one of the best ways to enrich your cat’s environment. Here are some of the most popular types of cat furniture:
Cat Trees, Condos, and Climbers
Cat trees and climbers offer vertical space for cats to climb, play, and survey their territory from on high. The towering structures typically have sisal rope, carpeted platforms, hiding cubbies, dangling toys, and scratching surfaces. Cat condos are a more compact version often with cubes, shelves, and hammocks. These inclined climbing structures tap into a cat’s natural instincts.
Window Perches
Window perches attach to windows to give cats a front-row seat to the action outdoors. They come in hammock styles as well as enclosed boxes. Window perches provide environmental enrichment by giving cats an intriguing view to keep them occupied. The transparent barriers keep cats safely inside.
Cat Beds and Mats
From plush donut caves to heated beds, cat mats and beds provide cozy spots for napping and lounging. High-walled litter boxes offer privacy. Flat scratching pads double as nap mats. There are even hammock styles that hang for aerial napping. Cat beds come in a wide variety that cater to kitties’ comforting sleeping preferences.
Scratching Posts
Scratching posts give cats an appropriate place to scratch, preventing damage to furniture. Vertical and horizontal scratching posts come in various materials like carpet, cardboard, sisal rope, and wood. They help cats remove dead outer nail layers through scratching. Scratching also stretches muscles and leaves visual territorial marks from scent glands in paws.
Choosing Furniture for Your Cat
When selecting cat furniture, it’s important to consider your cat’s unique needs and your home decor style. Here are some tips for choosing the right cat furniture:
- Consider your cat’s age and ability. Older or disabled cats may need lower furniture that’s easy to access. Kittens and energetic cats need tall, sturdy structures for climbing and scratching. Observe your cat to see what kind of furniture they prefer.
- Match your home decor. Cat trees and condos come in many styles, from modern to traditional. Choose neutral colors or fabrics that blend with your existing furniture and color scheme. There are also ways to DIY or upcycle furniture to fit your decor.
- Mind the placement. Make sure there’s enough floor space for the cat tree or tower. Place it near a window forcat-TV watching or high-traffic areas so your cat can observe the action. Avoid cramming furniture in a corner.
- Fulfill your cat’s preferences. Provide a variety of resting, perching, scratching and playing spaces based on what your cat enjoys. For example, offer enclosed hideaways, open platforms, dangling toys, scratching surfaces and comfy beds or hammocks.
- Consider multi-cat homes. With multiple cats, have enough spaces so everyone has their own spot. Staggered platforms help avoid conflicts. Place furniture in separate areas and levels.
With the right cat furniture that fits your home and cat’s needs, both you and your feline companion will enjoy the benefits. Be sure to monitor your cat’s usage and adjust as needed. Proper placement coupled with regular cleaning and maintenance will keep cat furniture looking and functioning great.
Popular Cat Furniture Brands
When it comes to cat furniture, there are many great brands to choose from at different price points. On the more affordable end, top brands like Armarkat and Go Pet Club make high quality cat trees, condos, perches, and scratching posts that both you and your cat will love.
Armarkat is known for its plush cat trees made of compressed wood and faux fur that are designed to be stable, durable, and attractive additions to any home. Their Aero cat trees feature multi-level perches, hideaways, scratching surfaces, and dangling toys to keep cats engaged. Go Pet Club offers similar well-made cat trees and furniture but also has unique options like cat condos with outdoor porch areas.
For those looking for more luxurious, designer cat furniture, there are brands that cater to modern tastes and go beyond basic carpeted posts. Tuft + Paw makes custom, mid-century modern inspired cat furniture like the Lucius Cat Lounger with high quality upholstery. Rolf C. Hagen’s Catit line has contemporary cat trees, like the Catit Majestic Tree, that come in wood veneer finishes and sisal rope scratching areas. Catastrophic Creations focuses solely on handcrafting stunning cat trees like the Cat’s Meow Mansion from wood, fabric, sisal, and other premium materials.
Some pet furniture companies like Paws & Claws Custom Pet Furniture even offer fully customizable, made-to-order cat furniture where you can choose the fabric, color, shape, and features. For cat owners who want their furniture to make a statement, these luxury and designer brands allow you to spoil your cat with eye-catching, unique pieces. With so many options for quality cat furniture across various budgets, you can create a stylish space that is both cat and owner friendly.
DIY Cat Furniture Options
For cat owners looking to save money or get creative, building your own cat furniture is a great option. With a little DIY knowledge and some basic materials, you can upcycle household items or build customized cat trees and perches.
Upcycling Everyday Objects into Cat Furniture
Upcycling old furniture, ladders, crates, and other household items into cat furniture gives new life to what you already have. Some easy upcycle projects include:
- Ladder cat tree – Secure an old ladder horizontally to the wall and add carpeted shelves or hammocks to create levels for your cat to climb and lounge.
- Cat perch from crates – Stack milk crates or sturdy boxes and wrap them in carpet to make an easy, modern cat perch.
- Tunnels from paper bags – Connect paper grocery bags to make a tunnel system for your cat to play hide and seek.
- Cardboard scratchers – Cut corrugated cardboard into shapes and cover with carpet for homemade scratching pads.
Use non-toxic glues or nails and make sure all surfaces are sturdy and safe. Let your creativity run wild to give household junk new life as cat furniture!
Building Your Own Cat Trees and Perches
For those handy with woodwork and basic construction, you can build your own customized cat trees, perches, beds, and more. Make them as simple or elaborate as your skills allow.
- Plan the size and levels based on your cat’s needs. Include platforms, hideaways, scratching posts, and dangling toys.
- Use sisal rope, natural tree branches, and textured firewood for scratching surfaces.
- Choose carpet, fleece, or cotton for perches and hammocks. Avoid synthetics that snag claws.
- Use wood, PVC, or metal piping for stability. Make sure bases are heavy enough not to tip.
- Customize colors and fabrics to match your home’s style.
Building it yourself allows you to add features exactly the way your cat likes. While it requires more effort, you’ll save substantially over store-bought cat trees.
Cat-Friendly Home Decor
Cats are natural climbers who love to perch up high and peer out windows. There are many ways to transform your home into a cat paradise with decor and furniture additions they’ll enjoy.
Cat Wall Shelves and Ledges
Installing wall-mounted cat shelves or ledges allows your cat to climb and relax at their preferred height. These are great above windows, next to cat trees, or on any blank wall space. Shelves come in various materials like wood, cardboard, or plastic. Make sure they are securely installed and can hold your cat’s weight.
Tunnels and Hideaway Cubbies
Cats love to burrow and curl up in cozy spots. Providing tunnels, cubes, and covered nooks throughout your home gives them a sense of security. Use cardboard boxes, fabric cubes, enclosed cat beds, or buy tunnel toys. These hideaways are especially good for shy or anxious cats.
Window Perches and Enclosures
Giving your cat access to look out windows is enriching. Try affixing a perch to the windowsill or installing patio screen doors so they can look outside safely. Apply window clings or films for privacy. Just be sure to provide plenty of vertical scratching spots on real wood or sisal rope to deter them from damaging window treatments.
Furniture Materials and Maintenance
When selecting cat furniture, consider the pros and cons of different materials.
Carpet
Carpet is soft and comfortable for cats to lie on. However, it can attract dirt, hair, and odors over time. Vacuum and spot clean carpet frequently. Look for low-pile carpet or sisal-blend carpet materials.
Sisal
Sisal is a natural fiber made from agave plants. It’s durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. The texture appeals to cats. Sisal tends to shed loose fibers with use. Vacuum regularly.
Wood
Wood offers an attractive, natural look. It’s also scratch-resistant. Look for solid wood rather than particle board, which may not withstand cat claws. Oil or lacquer finishes make wood easy to clean. Avoid toxic stains.
To extend the life of cat furniture:
- Vacuum and spot clean frequently to remove dirt, hair, and odors.
- Scrub stains right away before they set. Use gentle cleaners labeled pet-safe.
- Re-apply scratch-resistant finishes to wooden posts or boards.
- Repair loose threads, ripped material or damage right away.
- Replace worn sisal rope, carpet, and padding periodically.
Proper care will help cat furniture stay clean, attractive, and functional for your feline’s enjoyment.
Cost of Cat Furniture
The cost of cat furniture can vary significantly depending on the type, size, materials, and quality. Here’s an overview of the price range:
Budget Options
For cat owners on a tight budget, there are some relatively inexpensive options:
- Cardboard scratching posts – $5-$20
- Basic carpeted cat trees – $30-$60
- Small cardboard cube beds – $10-$30
Mid-Range Options
The moderately priced items offer more durability and extra features:
- Medium cat trees with perches – $50-$150
- Furniture covers for protecting chairs/couches – $20-$60
- Basic wood cat beds – $50-$100
High-End Options
For those willing to splurge, there are luxury cat furniture pieces:
- Multi-level cat trees in wood or natural branches – $200-$600
- Leather and fabric cat beds – $100-$300
- Custom built catios – $500-$5000
Some popular cat furniture items tend to cost:
- Basic scratching posts – $20-$40
- Single perch cat trees – $70-$150
- Enclosed cat beds – $75-$200
- Cat wheel/treadmill toys – $100-$300
So while basic items are relatively inexpensive, those looking for premium quality and custom pieces can expect to pay several hundred dollars. With such a wide range of options, there are furniture pieces at nearly every budget.
Transforming Your Home for Cats
Making your home cat-friendly often requires more than just adding a few pieces of cat furniture. To create the ideal environment for your feline companion, consider doing a full room makeover or renovation. This allows you to integrate furniture and accessories seamlessly into the design of the space.
When transforming a room for a cat, opt for durable materials that can withstand scratching, such as leather, sisal, or microfiber. Paint walls in calming colors and patterns that cats enjoy. Install shelves and high perches so your cat can survey the room from above.
Hide litter boxes in attractive furniture or built-in cabinetry. Use baby gates to block off areas you don’t want your cat to access. Consider installing a cat door to give outdoor access from a spare room or mudroom.
Incorporate subtle cat themes into your decor with items like throw pillows, wall art, rugs, and accessories featuring cats or cat-related motifs. Just be sure any textiles or decorations won’t be harmful if chewed or swallowed.
With some creativity and planning, you can design a stylish, cat-friendly dream home you’ll both adore. Consultbooks and websites for more tips on renovating each room to delight your feline overlord.
