Why a Cat Tree with a Hammock is the Best Investment for Your Cat's Happiness
Why have I gained a new understanding of cat trees—especially those with hammocks?
If you ask me what the most surprising discovery was after keeping cats for several years, I would say without hesitation: Cats are pickier about space than you might think.
At first, I thought the cat tree was just a "climbing toy," and it was fine as long as it was cheap. At that time, my cat picked several cheap ones from the market—they were all plastic and seemed to have many layers, but the cat didn't use them much. They would just walk away after climbing a couple of times, or simply jump onto the couch to sharpen their claws. I began to wonder: Could my cat be a picky eater in the food world?
The truth is, it's not the cat that is picky; it's me who doesn't understand what the cat truly desires.
What cats truly desire is a sense of security plus small pleasures.
Cats don't simply "jump up and play around." They place greater emphasis on stability and comfort.
I conducted a small experiment: I recorded how long my cat stayed on different cat trees. The result was quite clear—
- A sturdy wooden frame: it will stand firm for a long time.
- The soft hammock: it can lie for a long time.
- The flimsy structure: it doesn't waste a single second.
So, the cat tree with a hammock actually becomes more popular than those tall climbing structures that seem to be swaying like on a stage. Cats choose the hammock not because it's trendy, but because they are seeking a place to relax, observe their surroundings, and not worry about falling off.
The Importance of Hammocks—The Little World of Cats
Many people think that hammocks are just for decoration. In fact, they are the favorite places for cats. I observed my cat's daily routine:
- Full of energy → Climb to a high place
- Want to rest → Hop onto the hammock
- Highly nervous → Lean against the wall or dig a hole
The hammock perfectly meets the daily needs of the cat, who is half-asleep, secretly observing the activities inside the house, and also wanting to be lazy. Especially the design of mewzoom's hammock is flexible and does not collapse. As soon as the cat lies down, its entire body relaxes like a piece of rubber.
To be honest, the first time I saw a cat completely relaxed in a hammock, I even felt a bit envious—when will I be able to have such a comfortable lunch break at work?
The cat tree is also a piece of furniture in the house
The apartment I live in has a modern aesthetic. At first, I really didn't want to put the plastic cat tree in the living room. That brightly colored, multi-layered plastic frame looked as if it was "trying to copy my style."
Later, it was discovered that the wooden structure combined with the minimalist design of the cat tree with a hammock completely changed this impression.
- Clean lines
- Controlled color combinations
- No sense of cheap plastic
At first glance, it is clearly "modern furniture" rather than pet supplies. The cat tree can also be integrated into the home environment, rather than being forced to hide in a corner.
The multi-layered structure is not really about showing off height
Many friends have asked me: "Is it necessary to have multiple floors when only keeping one cat?"
The answer is—absolutely necessary.
A cat's day can be divided into several states: rest, observation, play, and scratching. The multi-level design is actually intended to offer cats choices: different heights, different functional areas, and safe spots for different moods.
The key to a reasonable multi-layered structure lies in:
- The platform spacing is suitable for cats to jump.
- Different levels have different functions (rest area, scratching area, observation area)
- The flow is smooth, and it won't cause the cat to keep moving back and forth.
With all these in place, my cat would switch between different floors almost every day, as if it had opened its own mini "cat café."
The grip bars and stability determine the lifespan of the cat tree
The two most common reasons that make cats give up using the cat tree:
1.Shake
2.The post has been damaged
The swing doesn't need any explanation. When the cat climbs on it, it's like a roller coaster. If the post is too soft or wears out too quickly, the cat will give up after a few days. Your curtains might become a new target.
I compared many brands and found that the wooden frame combined with the high-density scratching post of mewzoom is both stable and durable. Cats constantly scratch their paws, and the shelf can remain in its original state. I hardly have any concerns that it will fall apart.
Cat trees can affect a cat's mood
This is my most profound feeling.
Provide cats with a stable, comfortable space with a hammock, and they will become:
- Fewer pointless meowing
- Have a more regular schedule
- Stop randomly messing with the couch or the curtains
In other words, a cat tree is not about "spending money to gain affection," but about improving the quality of life. Cats are naturally sensitive animals, and their responses to the environment directly affect their emotions and behaviors.
Summary: Choosing a cat tree is actually an investment in the emotional wellbeing of the cat.
I never view the cat tree as a one-time item. It is more like a part of the long-term relationship between the cat and me.
Choosing a well-designed cat tree with a hammock is not for decoration, but to provide the cat with a safe space of its own.
If you, like me, hope that cats can each have their own little space every day, then don't just focus on the price or the number of floors. Instead, pay attention to the design logic and the materials—the cats will tell you the answer through the time they spend in each place.
In the end, the place where a cat chooses to stay is far more reliable than any human suggestion.