Choosing the Best Cat Furniture for Your Kitty

There are two things cats need in life. The first: awesome pet parents who provide a world of love, cuddles and delicious food. The second? Cool furniture for all the things that cats just gotta do – jumping, scratching, climbing, napping and surveying their kingdoms from a most excellent vantage point.
From scratching posts and cat trees to condos, beds and window perches, there are tons of options for stylish cat furniture that will keep your kitty happy and busy for hours while protecting the furniture in your home.

The benefits of cat furniture

The best cat furniture offers many advantages for you and your feline companion.

A place to scratch: Scratching is one of your kitty’s favorite pastimes. It’s a natural instinct that helps them stretch their muscles, keep nails healthy, relieve anxiety and mark their territory. By encouraging your cat to scratch their own furniture rather than yours, you can protect your favorite sofas, chairs, ottomans and rugs. 

A place of their own: Cats find it soothing to be surrounded by their own scent. A dedicated tree, condo or scratching post will let your cat stake out some territory they can call her own. 

The perfect perch: Cats are naturally drawn to heights. They love to watch the world – and watch for prey – from a point above the action. The right cat furniture will give them a perfect perch to retreat to when they’re in observation mode. 

A secret hideaway: Cats also love safe, secluded spaces where they can curl up and sleep undisturbed. Cat furniture that offers a secure getaway will help your kitty get quality rest and relaxation. 

Feline fitness: Cat towers and trees provide excellent opportunities for climbing, jumping, playing and exercise. 

Types of cat furniture

As you look for cat furniture, there are several types and styles to consider. Many products combine multiple components in one structure.

Condos: Cat condos are enclosed spaces where cats can hide away from the world for a while. Condos are often lined with soft, fleecy surfaces that let your cat curl up in comfort.

Shelves: Cat shelves are wall-mounted perches that provide a safe and cuddly retreat while taking up the smallest amount of room in your home. Window perches provide a place where cats can safely sleep in the sun or watch the outside world and keep tabs on birds and wildlife.

Beds: Cat beds come in all shapes and sizes. Cuddler beds feature a rim of soft fabric or foam that lets cats curl up in comfort and security. Heated beds help kitties stay warm and comfy in colder climes and winter months.

Trees: Cat trees and towers feature several levels of platforms with ramps and climbing poles that satisfy the need to go vertical.

Scratching posts: Cat scratching posts are vertical poles covered in carpet, cardboard, sisal, jute or other materials that make it easy for cats to scratch to their heart’s content.

How to choose cat furniture

These considerations can help you choose the right furniture for your furry family members.

Age: Younger cats will need more room to climb and jump, while older cats will be satisfied with more modest furniture.

Footprint: The amount of room you can dedicate to cat furniture will help determine how large your cat condo/tower/scratching post can be.

Sleeping style: Condos are great for cats that love to be hidden away, while perches are perfect for kitties that prefer to sleep way up high.

Durability and stability: You’ll want to choose furniture that will match the vigor with which your cat plays and scratches.

Type of material: When scratching, is your cat drawn more to carpet, fabric, cardboard or sisal rope?

Length: A scratching post should let your cat fully extend when scratching.

Aesthetics: Ultimately, you need to go with a style of cat furniture you can live with for several years.

Safety: Make sure your furniture is made with non-toxic materials – no formaldehyde glue or small parts that could be choking hazards.

FAQs

What is the difference between a cat tree and a cat condo?

A cat tree is a structure with platforms on several levels for climbing and jumping. A cat condo is an enclosed space that provides a secure hideaway. Many cat furniture structures include both trees and condos.

How can I get my cat accustomed to new furniture?

When your cat is warming up too slowly to the spiffy new furniture you’ve purchased, try leaving treats or sprinkling/spraying catnip on the structure.

How can I get my cat to scratch the scratching post instead of my sofa?

Try sprinkling catnip on the post and the base and spend time interacting with your cat near the scratching post. Be sure to give a reward of treats every time your kitty uses the post.

You’ll find a large selection of cat furniture at PetSmart. Shop online or take advantage of convenient shopping with Curbside Pickup or in-store pickup. Need something today? We have select items available for Same-Day Delivery in most areas powered by DoorDash. For items you purchase frequently, PetSmart has Autoship that automatically delivers the items you want to your door as often as you’d like. Check the website to see which items are eligible.

Information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure your pet and is not a substitute for veterinary care provided by a licensed veterinarian. For any medical or health-related advice concerning the care and treatment of your pet, contact your veterinarian.