How a Small Cat Tree Transformed My Home: Practical Tips for Cat Owners
I, the cat, and that small cat tree that transformed the living room
I always joke that the cat runs the house — I'm just the one who cleans up, refills the food, and patches the furniture when it complains.
But until I bought that small cat tree, things finally started to change a bit — my proud Burmese cat finally had the "throne" she was willing to stay on.
I'm not here to sell anything or write a formal review — I'm just sharing what actually worked (and what didn't) with my cats over the years.
I hope it can help you find a small cat tree that your cat will love and that will also be convenient for you.
1. Why did I eventually only purchase small cat trees?
I used to buy those "luxurious cat towers" with three or five floors, equipped with hammocks and slides.
At first, they looked quite impressive.
But after three months, my proud Persian cat only used the bottom floor.
The rest of the space was covered in dust, occupied too much space, and even got in the way.
Turns out cats don't need complicated towers — they want a safe spot and a good place to watch the room.
So a cat tree like the two-layer solid wood one from mewzoom (about 25 inches tall) is just the right size.
It doesn't take much floor space, so it fits nicely by the sofa or on a windowsill.
The cat can peek outside and then hop back into its cozy nook whenever it wants.
For families with limited space, this small cat tree is particularly practical.
Compared to tall cat towers, this shorter design just feels steadier — cats can jump, scratch, and nap without the whole thing wobbling.
2. Why Do I Prefer Solid Wood Cat Towers?
My cat's claws pack a serious punch — the particle-board tree loosened in three months and nearly tipped when she jumped on it.
After that scare, I switched exclusively to solid wood.
The advantages of solid wood are as follows:
- Stable. No matter how heavy or crazy the cat is, it won't tip over.
- Durable. Other materials start to deteriorate after half a year, but this one can last for several years.
- Safe. It doesn't have the chemical smell of plywood and is more friendly to cats.
The cat tree by Mewzoom is made of natural wood.
The pillars are wrapped with sisal rope — the cats love to scratch on it.
The cushions can be removed for cleaning, which is a lifesaver for me, a "clean freak" pet owner.
3. Before Making a Purchase, Measure the Size First
Many people buy cat trees without checking the size, and as a result, either they don't fit properly or the cats don't like the small size.
I have come up with a simple formula — "floor + cat + safety zone".
- Land: Measure the position where you plan to place it. It's best to leave about 4 inches of space.
- Cat: The length when the cat is lying down + 8 inches is the most comfortable platform size.
- Safety Zone: The jumping range of the cat. It's best not to place the cat tree near the window or the TV.
That small cat tree is approximately 25 inches in height and has a two-level design.
The upper level allows for a view outside, while the lower level is for hiding and sleeping.
It is perfectly sufficient for domestic cats.
4. Tips for Installation and Stability
The first time I assembled the cat tree by myself, I took the easy way out and didn't read the instructions.
As a result, I installed it upside down.
As soon as the cat jumped onto it, the entire platform tilted — and it was scared and ignored me for two days.
Later, I summed up a few lessons:
- When assembling, I line everything up first and only tighten screws at the end — that avoids forcing pieces out of place.
- Adding anti-slip pads helps, and for very hyper cats I push the tree against a wall.
- The bottom can be covered with anti-slip pads or fixed with double-sided tape to prevent slipping.
- If your cat is very active, you can place the cat tree against the wall for better stability.
That time, I helped my friend assemble the same wooden cat tree.
It was done in just 15 minutes.
The wooden pieces fit together precisely, unlike the cheaper ones which had misaligned holes.
After it was assembled, I shook it gently — and it remained completely still.
5. Cleaning and Maintenance Also Require Appropriate Methods
The parts of the cat tree that are most prone to getting dirty are the seat cushion and the rope pillars.
My cleaning process is as follows:
My cleaning routine is simple — run a lint glove over it daily, wash the cushion every couple of weeks (mild detergent, low dry), brush the sisal posts with a dry brush, and give the screws a quick check every few months.
- Wash the seat cushion every two weeks, using neutral laundry detergent and drying it at low temperature.
- Brush off the dust from the hemp columns with a dry brush; do not get it wet.
- Check if the screws are loose every three months.
The cat tree cushion of Mewzoom is detachable, and I really love this feature.
The previous fixed fabric cushions had a smell after long use and were difficult to clean.
6. What Should You Do If the Cat Refuses to Climb Onto the Cat Tree?
Some cats, when they first see the cat tree, will circle around or even stay far away from it.
Don't worry — this is not a problem with the cat tree.
It's that the cat needs to "adapt" to new things.
My own little secret:
- Place the cat's favorite blanket and toys on the cat tree.
- Sprinkle a little cat mint powder on the platform or the pillar.
- After the cat climbed up, praise it and give it some treats.
Do those small rewards and familiar smells for a few days and the cat usually starts treating the tree like its own — it just clicks for them.
Now, my Siamese cat at home always takes a nap on the top of the cat tree every day — and no one can disturb it.
7. What to Do for Families with Multiple Cats?
If you have two or three cats at home, remember to prepare multiple layers or multiple cat trees.
I have a friend who has three cats.
They always fought over a high spot.
Later, she simply placed two small cat trees in different corners — and the problem was immediately solved.
The key is in the hierarchy.
Cats prefer a "superior-subordinate" structure — looking from above and hiding from below.
The mewzoom type of two-tier cat tree precisely meets this need.
Combined with a few scratching posts, cats will basically not damage your sofa anymore.
8. The Five Most Important Factors When Choosing a Cat Tree
1.Material: Solid wood > Composite board
2.Stability: Heavy base, tight structure
3.Easy to clean: Detachable and washable cushion
4.Design: Platform wide enough for stretching
5.Service: Long warranty = brand confidence
FYI, mewzoom offers a 3-year warranty and a 30-day return window — that sort of aftercare makes me more comfortable buying their stuff.
Mewzoom offers a 3-year warranty and a 30-day return policy, which is quite uncommon among cat tree products.
Companies that can make such commitments usually have confidence in their own products.
9. The Placement Is Also Crucial
I used to put the cat tree in the corner, but the cat didn't like to go there.
Later, I moved it to the window side — the cat could see the leaves, birds, and sunlight outside.
From then on, it would occupy the upper level every day.
Suggested placement locations:
- Facing the window but not directly exposed to the sun
- Beside the sofa or the bed, so the cat can keep an eye on you
- Avoid the TV set and air conditioning vents
Cats actually prefer semi-private places — ones that provide a sense of security and allow them to "take control of the situation".
10. Last Words to Say
Many people think that a cat tree is just a toy for cats — but for me, it’s more like a part of the home.
A good cat tree not only makes cats happy but also saves your time — the home becomes cleaner and the cats quieter.
I’ve seen too many pet owners waste money on “attractive but impractical” cat towers.
But before long, they end up leaving them unused.
In fact, a small, stable, washable, and solidly made wooden cat tree like the mewzoom would be more than enough to give the cat a sense of belonging.
If your home has limited space or a tight budget, I sincerely recommend starting with a small cat tree.
Although it is small, it has many practical uses —
- It can be placed beside the sofa as a cat's designated spot;
- It can serve as a viewing platform by the window;
- It's also convenient to take with you when moving.
I'm writing this not to recommend any specific model, but to hope that when you choose cat furniture, you can better understand your cat and also yourself.
After all, true happiness is when your cat is purring on the cat tree while you sit on the sofa, peacefully enjoying your coffee.