Is a Taller Cat Tree Better for Large Cats?

Not necessarily. Height is less important than stability and platform size. A 120 cm tree with wide, solid platforms will get more use from a large cat than a 200 cm tower that sways. Vino uses the middle shelf of our floor-to-ceiling tree more than the top; he likes the vantage point, not the altitude record.

How Often Should You Replace a Cat Tree?

With solid construction, you shouldn't need to replace the whole unit for 5 to 8 years. Replace sisal wrapping on posts every 12 to 18 months if your cats scratch actively. Vino and Zola between them will shred a post's sisal in about 14 months. The underlying structure, if it's hardwood, should outlast the cats' interest in destroying it.

What's the Best Cat Tree for Large Cats in a Small Apartment?

Look for a wall-mounted shelf system instead of a freestanding tower. Wall-mounted units bolt directly into studs, so stability isn't dependent on base size. You can arrange 3 or 4 shelves vertically in under a square metre of wall space. Sarah Ellis, the feline behaviour specialist based at Lincoln University in the UK and co-author of several guides on helping cats thrive indoors, has specifically endorsed wall-mounted setups for compact homes because they eliminate the tipping risk that plagues narrow freestanding trees.

Choosing the Best Cat Tree for Large, Active Cats

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