When selecting furniture for your cat, it’s essential to consider not only the aesthetics but also the functionality and safety that will enhance your cat’s lifestyle. Cats are natural climbers and explorers, and the right furniture can satisfy these instincts by providing them with spaces to climb, scratch, and relax. Quality cat furniture should combine robust materials with a design that complements your home decor while prioritizing your pet’s comfort and safety. From towering cat trees to cozy hideaways, the options are plentiful. Each piece should offer a safe and enticing environment for your cat to engage in natural behaviors like scratching, which is vital for claw health and stress relief. By carefully choosing furniture for your cat, you provide essential enrichment that can improve their well-being and integrate seamlessly into your living space, ensuring a happy coexistence.
Does your feline pal have a cat tower? Kitties are very, very good at making themselves comfortable. Fluffy won’t be shy about stretching out, sprawling out, or curling up on your bed, chair, sofa, table, laptop, lap, floor, or, well, anything and everything else she can fit on. This is one reason kitties are so easy to care for: they are more than happy to make do with whatever you have. However, cats really do enjoy and benefit from having a few things they don’t have to share with their humans. Read on as a local vet discusses choosing kitty furniture.
Why Should I Get My Cat Some Furniture?
You don’t have to fill your home with things for Fluffy. If we can say one thing about kitties, it’s that they are very opportunistic sleepers. For the most part, we would just suggest making sure she has a few things of her own.
Here are a few reasons why:
Privacy: One reason cats should have their own things? Simple space. Everyone needs a quiet spot of their own they can go to. Fluffy may need a retreat from your toddler, the dog, the vacuum cleaner, or just the hustle and bustle of people going back and forth.
Elevation: You may notice that many of our feline friends really like high places. Your pet won’t have a very good vantage point from ground level. Kitties are climbers by nature. In fact, Fluffy’s claws are angled in a way that makes it easier for her to scale things. (Going down is a bit trickier, and must be learned, but that’s another topic.) This isn’t just because cats prefer to have us looking up at them in adoration, though that may very well be a perk. In the wild, cats are both hunters and hunted. They have to always be watching for potential threats. That is, of course, much easier to do from a high vantage point.
Security: Trees serve several purrposes for cats in the wild. They provide kitties with a safe place to escape a coyote, give her a vantage point, and also provide napping spots and manicure stations. Cat towers remind kitties of these safe spaces, and often just make them naturally feel secure.
Sleeping Points: We probably don’t need to explain this one too much. Kitties are always on the lookout for napping spots!
Nail Care Stations: When choosing furniture for your cat, consider adding dedicated nail care stations to keep both your furniture and your pet happy. Cats have a natural instinct to scratch and keep their nails sharp, so it’s unrealistic to expect them to stop. Attempting to punish your cat for scratching will only lead to confusion and fear. Instead, provide a designated scratching post or pad as part of her furniture setup. This allows your cat to satisfy her instinct while preserving the integrity of your own furniture, creating a harmonious space for both of you.
Do Cats Need Beds?
Given that Fluffy can sleep up to 20 hours a day, it really shouldn’t be a huge surprise to find that beds are pretty high up on her list of favorite things. Store-bought beds are great, but you can also make your own. Cats are definitely not picky about where they sleep. Fluffy will sleep in a plant pot, a lasagna pan, or a pizza box. You can also put folded blankets on a chest or ottoman for extra purrs.
Why Are Cats So Obsessed With Boxes?
We can’t discuss cat furniture without touching on boxes. The official theory is that cats feel safer in small, enclosed spaces. This makes sense, as nothing can sneak up on them. However, that theory falls apart when you notice photos of cats stuffing themselves inside boxes that are too big, too small, and/or nothing more than a square outline of tape.
Tips For Choosing A Cat Tower
The cat tower is, of course, the gold standard here. Picking a scratching post or cat tower isn’t complicated, but there are some things that you would need to keep in mind.
Sturdiness: You’ll want something that is sturdy. Fluffy’s tower should be able to withstand all sorts of kitty shenanigans. (Remember, that may involve your pet making a flying leap onto the tower, or just hurtling herself up it at full speed.) Safety is, of course, the main thing here, but there is another reason as well. If your pet’s tower wobbles when she tries to use it, she may become wary of it. This is likely also instinctive. It isn’t hard to see why cats may have figured out that using a wobbly tree as a nail-care station may not end well. The tower should also hold your pet’s weight easily. You’ll need to be careful with flimsy or cheap towers.
Height: As mentioned above, cats like to climb to high spots. In general, the higher the better. However, there is a caveat.
Accessibility: While kittens won’t have issues scrambling up to the top of a tower, an older cat will prefer something that is easier to get on and off. Keep your pet’s age in mind.
How Many Cat Towers Do Kitties Need?
There’s really no upper-limit answer here. If you want to get your furry little diva a dozen cat trees or more, then by all means, go for it! As to the minimum number of cat trees or towers? We would suggest at least one per kitty. It’s not the end of the world if two or even three cats share a tower. However, make sure the tower has enough levels for them to all fit on it at once.
Other Types of Kitty Furniture
When choosing furniture for your cat, consider options beyond the classic cat towers and beds that Fluffy may love. There’s a wide range of stylish and functional “purrniture” available, from playful wall-mounted shelves to cosy hammocks. These pieces not only add fun to your space but also support your cat’s natural curiosity and need for climbing, scratching, and lounging.
Here are a few possible options:
Window Seats: Does Fluffy have a favorite window spot? We’re guessing she probably does. While your pet won’t mind if you buy her a swanky window seat, she’ll also be just as content with a spot on an ottoman or an armchair that provides a good view. This will give your furry buddy a place where she can relax, sunbathe, and spy on local wildlife.
Cat Wheels: You’ve likely seen the wheels that are so popular with smaller animals, like hamsters and gerbils. There are kitty-sized versions of these as well. This is a great option for a feisty, active cat.
Cat Shelves: If you really want to pamper your furry pal, consider getting her some shelves. Cats love scampering about at high levels!
Litterbox Concealment: This one is about hiding function behind form. You can buy pieces that were specifically made to hide Fluffy’s purrsonal powder room. You can also get creative and upcycle something. For instance, you can upcycle an old dresser or desk to camouflage the litterbox. This would also work with a trunk. The main thing is to make sure that your kitty can get in and out. You’d also need a way to access it for cleaning. There are great examples and suggestions of this online.
Choosing Furniture for Your Cat in 2025
Where should I place cat furniture in my home?
Place cat furniture in spots where your cat feels safe, has a clear vantage point, and can relax. Elevated positions, like a cat tree near a window, let cats observe their surroundings, fulfilling their instinctive need to watch for ‘threats’ and giving them a comfortable sunbathing spot. Private, quiet corners are ideal for cat beds, providing a retreat away from high-traffic areas and potential disturbances. Place scratching posts and towers in locations where your cat naturally spends time to encourage nail care on the designated furniture, protecting your other furnishings.
What maintenance is required for cat furniture?
Cat furniture maintenance is straightforward but essential for ensuring a safe, durable space for your feline. Regularly inspect towers and scratching posts for stability and secure all loose parts to prevent wobbling, as unsteady furniture can deter cats. Clean surfaces and upholstery to remove fur, dust, and dander, keeping allergens at bay. Replace worn scratching areas to maintain a fresh nail-care station, which preserves your home’s furniture. If fabric or carpeted areas are damaged, repair them promptly to avoid ingestion hazards. Check elevated pieces to confirm they remain secure and safe for climbing.
What should I do if my cat isn’t using the furniture?
If your cat isn’t using the furniture you’ve provided, consider its placement, stability, and appeal. Ensure cat trees or scratching posts are stable, as cats avoid wobbly structures due to instinct. Position them near favorite areas of your cat, like windows or in quiet corners, to increase usage. Sometimes, sprinkling catnip or placing treats on the furniture can entice your cat to explore these items. Additionally, observe if the furniture meets your cat’s preferences for height and comfort—older cats may need more accessible, lower platforms. If these adjustments don’t work, experimenting with different styles may be necessary to match your cat’s unique preferences.
What modifications or considerations are needed for cats with mobility issues?
For cats with mobility issues, select cat furniture that prioritizes easy access and comfort. Opt for low-rise cat towers or platforms with gentle ramps or steps, allowing less agile cats to climb without strain. Ensure the furniture is stable and padded to prevent injuries from slips or falls. Additionally, place beds and resting spots in easily accessible areas, preferably where the cat likes to spend time. Consider also providing heated beds to alleviate joint pain, which can be common in cats with mobility challenges.
How long should cat furniture last?
Quality cat furniture should ideally last several years, especially if it’s sturdy and well-constructed. Cat towers, for example, are often built to handle climbing, scratching, and jumping, but their longevity depends on materials and daily use. Heavy wear on scratching posts and platforms can eventually require replacement, particularly with active or multiple cats. Frequent inspection of furniture stability is recommended, especially for older cats that need reliable surfaces. Investing in durable, stable furniture can extend its lifespan, but replace any worn parts to ensure ongoing safety and comfort.
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