Choosing Furniture for Your Cat

Even if you buy top-of-the-line cat furniture, your cat may prefer your furniture. Before making a purchase, take into account these points on cat behavior:

• Cats tend to get bored easily. A piece of furniture with lots of activity options is more likely to keep her attention.
• Cats enjoy climbing, scratching and hiding in dark places. Cat furniture with towers, platforms and stairs should be appealing to her.
• Bear in mind your cat’s age and activity level. For example, if she has a hard time climbing, opt for something small, with easily accessible options.

Choosing furniture
You may be wondering how many different types of cat furniture there are. Today, the options are limitless and finding a piece of furniture that suits your cat and your budget is easy. Here are a few examples:

• Cat condos. If your cat enjoys enclosed places and resting, the cat condo is a good choice. Hiding and sleeping spots abound. There is such a wide selection of cat condos, and you can easily find one that fits your budget.
• Cat houses. Outdoor cats typically enjoy sturdy cat houses, built to withstand the outdoor elements and provide a safe and comfortable home.
• Cat perches. Since cats love to climb, perches are great for your curious cat. She can monitor her surroundings and stay within her comfort zone. If you have an indoor cat that wants to survey the outdoors, consider a window perch.
• Cat beds. While a cat bed may not offer stimulation for your cat, providing her with a comfortable bed that is strictly her own is good for your cat’s well-being.
• Scratching posts. To lure your cat away from scratching your furniture, consider a scratching post. You can make it yourself or buy one at most pet stores.
• Pet tents. If you have limited space or regularly travel with your cat, consider a pet tent. They are easy to assemble and store, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Like most animals, cats are nervous when they’re away from home. With a pet tent, you can bring your cat’s home with you where ever you go.<>Cat trees. This option is great if you have more than one cat. There are many different levels – allowing each cat to have her own area. Also, with so many different spots to jump from and climb, the cat tree is great for exercise and playing.

Sticking to a budget
Though you can find furniture in every price range, there are some simple alternatives to purchasing cat furniture. Once again, bear in mind your cat’s nature.

• A cardboard box, for example, or a pillow or a blanket can be converted into a house or a tent. Simply providing your cat with the opportunity to have her own space, even if it’s just a box, will be stimulating.
• Rather than buying new pieces, simply turn old pieces on their side. Your kitty’s curiosity will be peaked for hours with this old furniture made “new.”
• A stepladder wrapped in cloth and safely placed, is the DIY alternative to a cat tree.

Cat furniture can be large and unsightly. Make sure whatever furniture you choose for your cat, you can live with it too. Many manufacturers have furniture that is designed to fit in with your décor. While these may be a bit pricier, think of it as a functional decoration.