TL;DR: Cat trees aren’t just fancy furniture—they’re basically your kitten’s personal gym, bed, and entertainment center rolled into one. Here’s everything you need to know.
From Dog Person to Cat Parent: A Plot Twist
Okay, confession time: I’ve been a dog person my entire life. But three weeks ago, a tiny fluffball with murder mittens waltzed into my life, and now I’m that person who has an entire Amazon wishlist dedicated to cat stuff. Plot twist of the century.
The biggest surprise? Cat trees are actually essential. I thought they were just Instagram-worthy pet furniture, but turns out, they’re like… cat necessities?
Why Kittens Are Obsessed With Cat Trees
Here’s what I’ve learned as a reformed dog-lover-turned-cat-servant:
Kittens have energy for days. Remember how puppies need exercise? Kittens are the same, except they channel that energy vertically. Your curtains will thank you for providing an alternative.
Cats are natural climbers. In the wild, cats climb trees for safety and to scope out their territory. A cat tree satisfies this instinct without you having to explain claw marks to your landlord.
Scratching is non-negotiable. Those sisal posts on cat trees? Literal lifesavers for your couch. Kittens need to scratch to shed old claw sheaths and mark territory. Give them the right spot, and they’ll (mostly) leave your furniture alone.
Mental stimulation matters. Multi-level cat trees with dangling toys, hideaway condos, and perches keep kittens entertained and prevent boredom-induced chaos. Trust me, a bored kitten is a destructive kitten.
How to Choose the Right Cat Tree for Your Kitten
Size matters: Start with something kitten-appropriate (around 3-4 feet tall), but consider getting something they can grow into. My kitten is currently obsessed with the bottom level, but I know she’ll appreciate the height later.
Stability is everything: Cheap, wobbly cat trees are a recipe for disaster. Look for a sturdy base—if it tips over once, your kitten might never trust it again.
Scratching posts are a must: Make sure those posts are wrapped in sisal rope or carpet. Bonus points if they’re taller than your cat when they stretch.
Cozy hiding spots: Kittens love condos and hammocks where they can nap and feel secure. It’s like their version of a blanket fort.
Easy to clean: Look for removable, washable cushions. Kittens are messy little gremlins.
Top Features to Look For
- Multiple levels for climbing adventures
- Dangling toys for solo play sessions
- Sisal scratching posts to save your furniture
- Plush perches for maximum nap potential
- Enclosed hideaways for when the world is too much
The Bottom Line
As someone who thought cat furniture was ridiculous three weeks ago, I’m now a total convert. Watching my kitten zoom up and down her cat tree, attack the dangling mouse toy, and then immediately pass out in the top perch? Chef’s kiss.
Cat trees give kittens exercise, mental enrichment, and their own space—which means a happier cat and fewer destroyed belongings for you. Win-win.
Pro tip: Sprinkle some catnip on it when you first set it up. Your kitten will be obsessed instantly.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go remove my kitten from the curtains and redirect her to her tree for the millionth time today. Send help (and more cat toys).
Salt + Cedar Collective 