Black Cat Tree Guide — Practical Tips for Choosing & Caring for a Solid Wood Tower

Why a Black Cat Tree Might Be the Best Furniture Upgrade for Your Home

The Beginning

After my cat knocked over the vase, I finally realized I should buy a black cat tree.
That day I was at work when I suddenly heard a 'pop.' When I looked up, the vase had broken and the cat was sitting innocently on the bookshelf.
At that moment, I couldn't help laughing and crying.

Later I realized it wasn't the cat's fault — I hadn't given it a safe place to climb.
So I began to research various cat trees.

From cheap plush towers to wooden cat climbing frames, I tried them all.
Finally, I discovered that the black cat tree was truly special - it was not just a toy for cats, but also furniture for the home.

Why Did I Choose the Black Cat Tree?

At first, I just thought black looked nice, but after using it for a while, I realized that it is actually very practical:

• Durable and stain-resistant: Cat fur and dust don't show up as much on it.
• High compatibility: Even when placed in the living room or bedroom, it won't stand out. It looks more like an integral part of the home decor.
• Easy to clean: Just wipe it with a damp cloth and it's fine - no need to spend much money.

The model I referred to was the black solid wood cat tree by Mewzoom (approximately 54 inches tall, with a base of 19×19 inches).
This size is just right. The cat can play up and down freely without taking up too much space.

The Problems I Encountered Before Buying the Cat Tree

To be honest, when I first started buying cat trees, I chose them entirely based on the pictures.
Result:

• The platform is too small for the cat to sleep on.
• The chassis is too light and it shakes even when it jumps a little.
• The fabric is too soft and started to shed fibers after only two months.

Later, I summarized five key points you should check:

1.The base should be sturdy: at least 19×19 inches (48×48 cm). The larger, the more stable.

2.The platform should be wide enough: it would be best if the cat could stretch out its body.

3.Don't make the levels too high: It would be too strenuous for the old cat to jump up.

4.The posts should be thick enough: Thin ones won't be able to support a fat cat.

5.The cushion can be washed: otherwise, cleaning would be very troublesome.

The model of mewzoom precisely meets all these requirements (solid wood structure + removable washable cushion + rope for column support).
I'm not endorsing it — I'm just saying this kind of design is reliable.

Stability Is More Important Than Appearance

A cat tree's biggest enemy is wobbling.
I had a tall tower-shaped cat tree before that would shake whenever the cat jumped onto it.
Later, I realized:
No matter how beautiful the cat tree is, if it's unstable, it's useless.

When choosing one, keep these points in mind:

• A heavier base is better.
• It would be best to fix it against the wall.
• Check that the connectors are metal; avoid plastic screws.
• The solid wood structure will be much stronger than the particle board.

The model of mewzoom is made of solid wood. It looks very sturdy.
My 6-kilogram orange cat could jump onto it without any problem.

Cats Really Care About the Texture

Some cat trees are covered with plush fabric.
After the cats scratch a couple of times, they lose interest in using it.

Cats prefer materials with a rough texture.
Sisal rope is the most popular choice.
The cats in my house always scratch at the rope as soon as they see it.

So now my criteria for choosing a cat tree are:

• The climbing posts should be wrapped in rope.
• The platform can be covered with soft cushions.

The model of mewzoom that we have is exactly of this combination.

Size Is Actually Crucial

I used to think higher was better, but it ended up looking too conspicuous at home.
Later, I discovered that a height of around 54 inches (approximately 1.37 meters) was the most suitable:
the cat can climb up to enjoy the view without bumping into the ceiling.

The 14-pound cat in my home can stretch out perfectly on a 20×20-inch platform;
The previous 16×16-inch one was fine for the kittens but not comfortable for the big cats.

So don't just look at the pictures, you must use a measuring tape to measure.

Caring for a Black Cat Tree Is Actually Simpler

Many people are afraid that black looks dull.
In fact, if cleaned properly, it will be much cleaner:

• Use the vacuum cleaner to clean once a week.
• Throw the dirty mat into the washing machine.
• The wooden parts should be oiled occasionally.

After being wiped clean, the black material has an extremely good texture.
It looks very premium and doesn't resemble ordinary pet supplies.

How to Place the Cat Tree So Your Cat Will Use It Most Often?

I tried many positions, and later found that the most effective one was:

• Lean against the wall and you can look out of the window: Cats enjoy "observing the world".
• Leave some space on the side: for easy jumping up and down.
• Place sand-proof pads at the bottom: Take less cat litter home.

Sometimes, as long as the position is right, the cat will come to visit every day by itself.

Assembly and Daily Maintenance

Don't fear the hassle — it's actually pretty simple.
Installing a cat tree is not difficult.
The key is not to rush.

I suggest:

1.First, assemble the base and the column, then add the platform.

2.Tighten the screws every few months.

3.If the hemp rope gets loose, just wrap it around again by itself.

4.Wash the cushion in cold water and air-dry it.

Also, if the cat doesn't climb up at first, don't worry.
Put some catnip or its favorite toy on the first layer, and it will climb up soon.

Tips for Multi-Cat Households

There are two cats in my home, one small and one fat.
Experience tells me:

• You need a big platform; otherwise, there will be competition and conflicts.
• Separate the levels a little bit to reduce conflicts.
• The structure must be stable; otherwise, if everyone jumps onto it at the same time, it's likely to topple over.

The solid wood structure is indeed more reliable in this regard.

The 'Furniture-Like' Side of the Black Cat Tree

I've noticed that a black solid wood cat tree like mewzoom actually resembles more of a piece of furniture:

It has simple lines, versatile colors, and a high-quality texture.
It doesn't look out of place when placed in the living room or study.
The four-tier design is particularly impressive, as the cat can crawl through holes at the bottom and reach the top to have a panoramic view.
It combines movement and stillness.
It has a more elegant style compared to those all-wool "towers".

Final Advice: Don't Rush to Buy

First, measure three things.

• The body length of the cat (including the tail)
• The space in your home for the cat tree
• The position where the cat spends most of its time (by the window? beside the sofa?)

Let's check if the tree is stable, if the materials are good, and if the cushion can be washed.
If these conditions are met, there's a good chance it won't go wrong.

My Personal Takeaway

From the very first time I was hit by a vase, to now when my cat tree is being used to its fullest potential in the house,
the biggest lesson I've learned is — don't let the cat seek out "high places" on its own; instead, actively provide it with such a place.

The black cat tree is not designed for its appearance, but to make the cat and the home more harmonious.
It can give the cat a sense of security, reduce chaos in the home, and also relieve your stress.