The Best Cat Condo
Cats’ ancestors used to hunt in the wild, but today, our domesticated feline friends are often kept inside the house. This can make it hard for them to get the activity they need, as well as find safe spaces where they can rest and relax. A cat condo is a popular way to make these wild-at-heart animals feel at home. Coming in various sizes and configurations, cat condos give your furry friend a place to nap, stretch, and scratch that isn't your bed or couch. Taller cat condos also offer them a higher perch from which to survey the room, helping them to indulge a natural instinct. We've surveyed the top cat condos on the market to help you find one that's right for you and your feline.
What to Look For
When searching for the best cat condos, it’s important to consider features that will satisfy your feline friend and yourself. A good cat condo should be sturdy enough to support your pet throughout hours of leisure and playtime and offer various elements to help encourage those activities, such as hammocks and scratch posts. But a good cat condo is one that you, as an owner, should also be happy to put on display in your home, so it’s worth thinking about the overall design aesthetic of any given option. With that in mind, we enthusiastically recommend the cat tree from Go Pet’s cat tree, which features a plethora of parts to keep your pet entertained or relaxed. For homes that may be too small to accommodate such a large structure, however, we also love the cat tree from Amazon Basics, which boasts a compact size that is perfect for apartments and smaller rooms. Read on for more about our favorite cat condos and to find one that’s right for you and your furry friend.
Go Pet Club 62-Inch Cat Tree
Meow mansion
This tall cat tree features four platform layers that give your cat more area to explore. We especially love that it comes in five different colors, making it aesthetically suitable for a range of homes. Plus, it’s manufactured with compressed wood for added durability and boasts comfortable padding on each surface. What’s more, There are also scratchpad poles between flat surfaces. What’s not to love?
Pros:
- If your cats are on the heavier side, you’ll be pleased to know that this tree withstands a lot of weight.
- While this is quite an elaborate cat tree, it’s a breeze to assemble.
Cons:
- This model is more expensive than some alternative cat condos. It also may not be ideal for larger cat breeds.
Amazon Basics Small Cat Tree Tower With Cave And Scratching Post
Relax and hang
This is a high-quality structure that comes covered with a soft fabric. The cat tree helps to provide a cat with an activity spot that helps to reduce the risks of scratched furniture and carpets. The tree comes in a couple of color varieties, including beige and grey. With maximum weight support of up to 20 pounds, it’s ideal for heavier cats. We like the added ball on a rope, too, which provides a level of fun for cats while exploring the cat tree.
Pros:
- We appreciate that it includes an anchor to help prevent the cat tree from tipping.
- From the multiple scratching posts to its sprawling size, this cat tree gives you a lot of bang for your buck.
Cons:
- While the cat tree does have a heavyweight support limit, the cat cave’s opening may be too narrow and small for some larger cat breeds.
Amazon Basics Multi-Level Cat Tree
Kitty castle
Amazon’s multi-level cat tree brings home a bit of luxury and at a reasonable price too. It features four levels with several platforms, plus a built-in tunnel. More importantly, it’s big enough to accommodate multiple cats. We also love the variety of places to explore and relax, including the scratch poles, the ladder, the hammock, and the cave. Moreover, its attractive design should complement many different home decor styles.
Pros:
- The multiple platforms will keep your cat busy. Plus, it’s a great spot to nap.
- It’s incredibly sturdy, even if your cats are pretty rough on it.
Cons:
- While the addition of a toy is excellent, only one toy is offered, making it less ideal for multiple cats that would like to play simultaneously.
Amazon Basics Cat Scratching Post and Hammock
A place to lounge
Yes, another Amazon cat condo has made it on our list, plus this structure takes up little space. It comes in either beige or gray, so it’s neutral enough to fit anywhere. We also love the little hammock at the top, which gives your cat a comfortable resting place. When they’re not sleeping, there are scratch posts installed on both sides for them to stretch their paws.
Pros:
- The hammock is soft and, more importantly, doesn’t pill.
- It may be small, but the hammock is strong enough to cradle heavier cats.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, there aren’t many activities for your cat to do, and no multiple layers for cats who like to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cat condo is best?
There isn’t a single cat condo that is better than all the rest, as a number of personal factors will play a role in helping you determine which product to buy. Consider the size of your cat, their activity level, the available space, and how much you can budget. These factors will help you determine what the best cat condo would be for you.
How do I set up the cat condo?
Many of the cat condos available on the market today will come pre-assembled. This, however, is not always the case. Some products will require assembly once it arrives at your doorstep. In most cases, you will find that instructions are provided with the product. You will find that these cat condos are generally very easy to set up. Once the box arrives, simply take all the pieces out and open up the instruction leaflet. Follow the instructions that are provided on the leaflet one step at a time. Most products won’t require additional tools, but always check the instruction leaflet before you get started just to be sure that you’ve gathered everything you need before the assembly process begins.
How do I get my cat to like their cat condo?
Introducing a cat condo in your house will be something new for your pet to get used to. Thus, you may find that your cat doesn’t immediately respond positively to the cat condo. Perhaps they will avoid it at first. This does not mean they do not like the cat condo, however. The first thing that you need to note here is that patience is critical. You must be patient with your cat and give them time to explore this new structure that you have brought into their space. Don’t force it. Let your catwalk over to the condo themselves and start exploring. Some cats may immediately jump up and start to use the condo, while others may take longer to really get acquainted with the structure. If you find that your cat still doesn’t use the condo after a few days, then you could try to encourage them to get on the product by leading them with a treat. We like to give our cats a bit of food after they’ve climbed up on the tree for the first time. This way, they will be able to associate good things with the condo that you have installed in your house.
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