How a Sturdy Wooden Cat Tree Transformed Our Home | Jasper & Luna’s Kingdom
I, the cat, and that wooden cat tree that finally became "as stable as a mountain"
The life of having a cat is often filled with surprises and the fluttering of a beating heart. Jasper, like a little leopard, leaps from the sofa to the top of the chair, while Luna often disappears under the sofa and then reappears on the windowsill. Sometimes I laugh so hard that tears stream down my face, and at other times I will jump up suddenly, grasping tightly the vase or lamp that is about to fall off the table.
Our family has two cats: Jasper and Luna. Jasper is big and full of energy, running around the house all day long; Luna is gentle and agile, moving so fast that it's dizzying to watch. At first, I bought some ordinary cat towers, but within a few months, most of them started to wobble. Jasper's jumps made the pillars of the cat towers tilt, and Luna's scratching made them gradually bend. Eventually, I decided to replace it with a more sturdy wooden cat tree (similar to the multi-layer design of Mewzoom). Gradually, I found that the house became much quieter. Now, the cats often have little fun in the sunny afternoons, either lounging around or jumping up and down on the tree. I no longer panic at every little noise.
In this article, I would like to share some experiences regarding the selection, placement and maintenance of wooden cat trees, as well as some tips to make life easier for both the cats and us.
Why do cats particularly like wooden cat trees?
Watching Jasper leap to the top of the cat tree and Luna quietly crawl into a cozy middle corner, I couldn't help but burst into laughter every time. They seem to have a particular fondness for exploring vertical spaces. I really enjoy observing how they land carefully, turn around, and even skillfully squeeze into narrow corners. The previous cardboard and soft cloth cat towers simply didn't have this effect - they were prone to shaking and wearing out. Remember when Jasper first jumped onto that soft cloth tower, the tower shook so violently that I almost rushed over to steady him. From that moment on, I realized that cats are not after a small toy, but rather need a sturdy piece of furniture that can withstand their "wildness".
This wooden cat tree creates a little world of its own for them. The deep columns, multi-level platforms and small hiding spaces allow them to climb, peek, and quietly observe the room. I can see Jasper looking around the living room from the top, while Luna quietly enters a middle-level corner. My furniture is hardly scratched anymore, and the cats now have a small place to hide whenever they want.
How to Choose a Wooden Cat Tree
After several attempts, I have come up with several criteria for choosing a cat tree:
Sturdy base: My base is 24 inches square. Jasper jumps to the top almost every day, but it never wobbles.
The thick posts: Both of the main posts are wrapped with scratch surfaces on the outside, and they’re super solid for scratching. Thin posts simply don’t last.
Wide platform: The 12×12-inch platform is just right. The cat can lie down completely and be very comfortable.
Durability materials: Solid wood and metal connectors are more durable than particleboard or plastic.
Washable mat: The cat's fur and dirt accumulate very quickly. Washable mats that can be disassembled for cleaning are really very useful.
Reasonable height and spacing: The multi-level design provides each cat with its own territory, and the spacing between the platforms ensures that they won't bump into each other when jumping.
As long as these rules are followed, this cat tree will be able to support the daily lives of Jasper and Luna, and will no longer sway.
How to arrange the cat tree
I soon realized that even the sturdiest cat tree could be overlooked if placed in the wrong location. At first, I placed it in the hallway, but the cats ignored it almost completely. Later, I tried different placement positions:
Place against the wall: This way, the cat will feel safer and the cat tree will be more stable.
Close to the window: The sunlight and the birds outside can attract them to stay for a long time.
Stay away from noisy areas: Calm corners are more likely to keep them there.
I also used snacks and toys to guide them to climb up layer by layer. Within a few days, they found their favorite positions, and the cat tree became an integral part of their daily routine.
Cleaning and Maintenance
As long as you pay a little attention, the wooden cat tree can be used for many years:
Weekly: Clean the hair or vacuum the platform and cushion.
Monthly: Check if the screws are loose and tighten them promptly.
Every six months: Re-wrap or replace the worn-out hemp rope.
Local cleaning: Wash the stains with warm water and a little mild detergent, then let them air dry naturally.
Spending just a few minutes each week for maintenance can not only keep the cat tree stable but also make the cat more fond of it.
Tips for Families with Multiple Cats
Cats like to have their own territory. Jasper prefers to stay at the top, while Luna prefers the middle corner. I placed their blankets on the respective layers they like, and watched them quietly curl up in their own space, occasionally glancing at each other, but there was no quarrelling. The house became much more peaceful.
The misunderstandings I encountered
Some common misunderstandings, I'd like to share with you all:
The picture might mislead you: Sometimes the pictures online exaggerate the size. Before making the purchase, I will measure precisely.
All-soft design: This kind of cat tree cannot withstand the rough handling of active cats.
Portable base: The big cats can easily overturn them.
Plastic connectors: They tend to crack or break easily when used repeatedly.
Appearance trumps functionality: Cats prioritize stability and comfort over appearance.
A sturdy wooden cat tree can enable cats to live happily and also prevent repeated disappointments.
Enhancing details to improve the user experience
The wooden design is more compatible with home decoration.
Multiple scratching surfaces can help cats maintain healthy paws.
Good ventilation can prevent wood from deforming.
The frequent jumping of cats can loosen the screws, so regular inspections are very important.
These details can make the cat tree more durable and make the cats feel more comfortable.
Wooden cat tree - their little kingdom
This cat tree is more than just furniture to me; it is also the "kingdom" of Jasper and Luna. I see Jasper stretching at the top while Luna gently pokes his tail with her paws from below. The sunlight pours in through the window. Every time I see them like this, I think that all the time and effort spent building this tree for them was well worth it.