When you welcome a new cat into your family, creating a comfortable and engaging environment becomes a top priority. One essential aspect of this is selecting the right furniture tailored to your feline’s needs. Knowing how to choose cat furniture that aligns with your cat’s preferences and your home’s aesthetic can make a significant difference in your pet’s happiness and well-being. From multi-level cat trees that satisfy their climbing instincts to durable scratching posts that save your sofa, the options are vast and varied. However, the abundance of choices can make the decision overwhelming. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting the perfect cat furniture by considering factors such as your cat’s age, activity level, and personality, as well as the materials and space available in your home. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions that benefit both you and your furry friend.
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: One of the few downsides of having a cat is that Fluffy may decide to use your furniture for her manicures. Instead of punishing her for this natural behavior, consider investing in specialized cat furniture designed for nail care. Choose cat furniture that includes various textures and materials that will entice your cat away from your couch. Not only does this prevent damage to your home decor, but it also supports your cat’s instinctual need to keep her claws sharp and healthy. Providing a designated manicure station for your cat ensures her needs are met while keeping your furniture intact.
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?
When deciding how to choose cat furniture, remember there’s no maximum. If your playful feline deserves a variety of cat trees, feel free to spoil them with as many as you’d like! At a minimum, aim for one cat tree per cat to ensure each has their own space. While it’s not a problem for two or three cats to share one cat tree, ensure it has sufficient levels to accommodate everyone comfortably at the same time.
Other Types of Kitty Furniture
Cat towers and beds are probably Fluffy’s favorite pieces, but they are by no means the only options. In fact, you can get all sorts of cute and fun purrniture pieces for your feline.
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.
DIY Cat Furniture Ideas in 2025: Choose Cat Furniture That’s Budget-Friendly and Creative
How can I create cat furniture from existing household items?
Creating cat furniture from household items is a practical way to provide comfort for your feline companion. Folded blankets placed on a chest, ottoman, or old suitcase can serve as cozy beds. Cats often enjoy sleeping in unconventional spots like plant pots, lasagna pans, or pizza boxes, so repurposing these items can appeal to them. Upcycling old furniture, such as dressers or trunks, can conceal litter boxes while allowing easy access for cleaning. Installing shelves or clearing space on existing ones lets your cat climb and perch at elevated spots they naturally enjoy. Placing an ottoman or armchair near a window creates a favorite perch for your cat to relax, sunbathe, and observe the outdoors. These solutions cater to your cat’s natural behaviors without specialized equipment.
How do I determine if my cat prefers horizontal or vertical scratching?
To determine if your cat prefers horizontal or vertical scratching, observe its natural scratching habits around the home. If the cat frequently scratches on carpets, rugs, or other flat surfaces, it likely favors horizontal scratching. Conversely, if it scratches on furniture legs, door frames, or vertical scratching posts, it shows a preference for vertical scratching. Providing both types of scratching surfaces can help confirm its preference. Pay attention to the angle and location of the scratching behavior, and offer appropriate scratching posts or pads to accommodate the cat’s natural inclination.
What type of entrance/exit design is best for my cat?
For optimal comfort and safety, choose a cat furniture entrance and exit that accommodates your cat’s agility and size. Elevated access points should offer stable, broad platforms to prevent falls and promote ease of use, especially for older cats who may have reduced mobility. For enclosed structures like litterbox concealments or sleeping dens, ensure the openings are wide enough to allow easy passage while maintaining privacy and security. This design helps minimize stress and fosters a safe environment for your cat to explore and relax.
Do I need multiple exit points in cat condos for multiple cats?
Yes, multiple exit points in cat condos are advisable for homes with more than one cat. Providing several exit routes can prevent bottlenecks and reduce stress among cats, especially in competitive or anxious situations. This design feature helps maintain peace by allowing cats to easily escape or avoid confrontations, essential for their well-being. Multiple exits also cater to the natural preferences of cats for accessible, secure environments, supporting healthier and more harmonious interactions in multi-cat households.
How can cat furniture be integrated with home décor?
Integrating cat furniture with home décor can be stylish and functional. Choose cat towers or scratching posts that match the room’s aesthetics, such as ones made with natural wood or in neutral colors. Convertible furniture pieces, like ottomans or side tables with built-in cat beds, seamlessly blend functionality with fashion. For litterbox solutions, upcycled furniture like old dressers can hide cat litter while complementing your home’s theme. Lastly, window seats offer cats a comfortable perch and can be custom-made to coordinate with your window treatments, providing both comfort for your pet and a visual enhancement to your space.
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