Q: Cat condos; what features do you like or dislike?

July 5, 2009 | By Norrie | 7 answers | Expired: 1988 days ago

Cat condos; what features do you like or dislike?

Do any cats use the ladders or hammocks?
Carpet over faux fur?What type do you have for your cats?
Do they use the high parts & cubby's all the time or just in the cold weather?
Are those pretty wooden Lotus ones worth the money?
If you were buying again what would you do different?
Where did you buy and how much?
Thanks ahead of time.

Readers' Answers (7)

Jul 05, 2009

THEY ARE LIFE SAVERS! Including the tall ones.
2 months ago I rescued 4 siblings. At first I baught a canvas condo for $16. But they out grew and tore it up in about a month. Today I have a 7ft. piece, and two 3 foot pieces in one room. It gives them the opportunity to be what they are, CATS. They climb and play and scratch at their convenience.

It also saves the furniture. You know what else, it's the most entertaning thing I have ever seen in my life.

They are expensive, but they are worth it.

Thumbs Up: 2 | Thumbs up!

Michele Z.

Jul 05, 2009

My cats like anything/everything as long as they can climb, lay in/on it, hide, etc. The more parts and options, the more enjoyment they will get out of it. My cats are front-declawed, but they still like to sharpen the "claws" (roll their paws) on the sisal rope sections; cats with intact claws will especially like the rope.

I think what is most important in selecting a tree is the stability of the base--which you mentioned as a concern. Many trees/towers are too wobbly, but it is also true that adult cats learn to expect some "rocking" and adjust their jumps to it. However, it is best to get a tree that is very secure or else you will have to find a way to secure it from falling over.

You also have to watch for odd odors from the fabric/carpet--if the material "stinks" to a cat, the cat is not likely to use it. Also, try to pick a color and fabric that will match your cat's fur and/or is easy to clean!!! Almost any tree will be appreciated, provided it doesn't have an unpleasant smell to your cat. So, go for a very sturdy base.

Thumbs Up: 2 | Thumbs up!

Debra B.

Jul 05, 2009

A wide base is needed for stability. Very active cats can make those cat trees/condos topple over with their chase play and leaping. I like a 2 ft by 2 ft base for a condo that is over 5 feet tall. If I lean against the condo with my arm and it sways, then I don't buy it. The other option is to abut the condo against a wall so that if it does sway it hits the wall and doesn't topple over.
My cats prefer the platforms that have short, upright sides to them so they can lean against them when sleeping. They don't like to lie on a totally flat platform. I find that most of the little houses in condos are way too small for a adult cat. Tunnels open at two ends are prefered over a little room with one way in and one way out. The tunnels usually provide enough security for a sleepy hiding place.
I don't like any toys suspended from rope or strings on condos as my cats rip these off in a matter of hours. Also look for staples that are concealed and not exposed, and glue used on every square inch of the carpet to secure it to the wood. I like carpet, but it doesn't last as long as sissal. Some of my cats don't scratch the sissal all that much as they prefer to tear off carpet bits.
I have three 5 ft tall ones and two shorter ones. While they are pricey, I think they are worth the investment. Getting the cat fur off them with a vacuum attachment can be challenging. I use the zip brush which has a rotating bristle for my Kirby to vacuum them.

Thumbs Up: 2 | Thumbs up!

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