Cat lovers and part-time designers of furniture developed a number of modern elements that will please not only your pets, but will be an interesting piece of cat furniture. Believe me, these accessories look great and without cats, looking like amazing and stylish elements. We all know how cats love to lie on the sheet of paper and cardboard. This feature of the feline species was founded upon the designers of cardboard furniture. Sofas and beds, all the pieces of cat furniture have unique design of recycled cardboard.
Another option is a cozy cat nook – a warm nest. These lovely nests are made in different models. Felt, trimmed with sheepskin, with legs and without, modular and monolithic. With such choice of cat furniture, even a cat has a chance to doubt while choosing.
It’s amazing how many people stubbornly refuse themselves in happiness to keep in the house hilarious Fluffies – a puppy or kitten. And it is okay, if there is a severe reason such as allergies, inexorable master rented apartment or an angry commander in the hostel. And if the arguments are “the cat will interfere and hang on the curtains,” “dog needs a lot of space” “- so it’s all excuses. Much easier is to buy special cat furniture.
As a pet is as a member of a family, like all other inhabitants of the apartment, it also needs the same privileges as its own corner of the room, sleeping quarters and, of course, toys and entertainment. And designers who love animals, created a lot of amenities for little animals feel comfortable in the house and did not interfere with other family members feel the same way. Cats love the height, and so home so often jump on boxes, hang on carpets and curtains, and the ones living on the street choose to climb the trees and from there to monitor everything that happens on earth. So why not arrange your pets something like that in the apartment? Thus, with cat furniture, you`ll save on carpet cleaning and repair of cabinets and shelves.

Cats are different and not all cats like to sleep in cat beds, preferring instead to curl up on a chair or windowsill. However, there are many ways you can encourage your cat to sleep in its new pet bed. For example you could put an old piece of clothing that has your smell on it into the cat bed or place a few of their favourite treats in there. This way they will know its a nice place to be.

If your cat likes to stretch out then you can buy a fabric oval bed or you can get a pet settee style bed. The oval fabric cat bed, in particular, is a good all-round pet bed as the high sides will give your cat a sense of security while still being able to have a stretch if the mood takes.

Another really good option is the cat radiator bed. Its very popular with owners and cats, however, there are some low cost, poor quality ones on the market that do have a tendency to buckle. One of the best brands on the market is the Danish Design radiator bed.

Some cats may need a cat bed for health reasons such as arthritis, other joint problems or old age. A memory foam pet bed offers relief from sores and pressure points. Some memory foam pet beds use broken up pieces of foam, but its best to purchase a bed that has a whole piece of memory foam to allow even distribution for your pets body.

For those cat owners that prefer a more natural product, the wicker cat basket is an ideal choice. They have been used as a bed for cats for decades and are still relevant in today’s modern world. You can even get igloo cat beds made from wicker if you choose.

If your cat just won’t use their new bed, then to help protect your furniture just use a simple cat blanket or a cushy cat bed. Both types of cat bed can be moved around the home and placed on chairs, sofas and even the floor.

Traditional wicker is long lasting, easy to clean and far easier on the eye than pre-moulded plastic. Wicker was the original material of choice for pet beds and baskets in the early 20th century and most likely even earlier.

There are many styles of pet basket available today including igloos, bunk beds and the traditional, English style pet basket.

Wicker pet igloos provide a snug and secure place for pets to settle down and like all baskets, wicker helps to keeps out the drafts. Wicker Igloos also allow some movement of air, preventing your pet’s den from becoming stuffy and stale.

Traditional, English style wicker pet beds are oval in shape and have a ‘cut out’ front so your cat or dog can can in and out of the basket with ease.

Wicker bunk beds or two tier cat beds are ideal for homes with more than one cat. You can have one cat sleeping in the den area below and the other cat can sleep above.

The final style of wicker pet basket is the wicker sofa pet bed. Its very luxurious and is made in a rectangular shape and is raised off the ground by four intricately woven legs. It has a hard board base so it is able to take your pets weight when they are resting or sleeping. These wicker pet baskets are a little more expensive than the others, however, you will be getting a pet bed that should last for many years to come.

Good quality pet beds, made from wicker, are incredibly hard wearing requiring very little maintenance. They are so easy to keep clean, simply vacuum up any debris or pet hair and for stubborn dirt marks, get a clean damp cloth and wipe away.

As the cat lovers we are, we know that cats love to sleep. Cats sleep up to 18 hours each day, and can find a place to sleep in almost any room. Some cats every enjoy curling up in a bathroom sink.

Our family felines often sleep on our furniture and on or in our beds and leave behind the tale tell sign – cat hair. How often have we said, as we are trying to remove the cat hair from our furniture, “If only we had a cat bed that she would want to sleep in!”? The good news is, there are many cat beds to choose from that will be just what you and your kitty are looking for.

You need to take the time to evaluate your cat’s sleeping habits. Does she like to curl up or stretch out? Does she like to look outside? Does she like to cuddle up under blankets, clothing or inside a box or sack? Does she have arthritis and needs more support? Is she an outside cat only? Fortunately, there are cat beds to meet her needs and desires.

Cats often like to sleep curled up and they can find comfort in round beds. These beds have different size heights of walls around the bed ranging from approximately 2″ to 4″, and some have a tapered front for easier access. They are usually 16″-18″ in diameter. They can snuggle down inside and sleep for hours. This style of cat bed is made from polyester foam and it will have a removable cover for washing. Some circular beds also have hoods for more snuggle time.

If your cat likes to prop her head up while sleeping, the beds with sides or bolsters could be the right bed for her. These beds have many designs anywhere from looking like a sofa, to just a cat bed with a 3-sided bolster.

For cats who like to stretch out, a nice rectangular pillow or platform style bed would be the perfect bed for her. They come in various sizes and fabrics. These beds can be fluffy fiber fill like a pillow, or orthopedic foam. Some styles can be thrown directly into the washer, and some have removable covers that can be washed.

Some indoor cats love to look outside and/or sit in the sun as the sun comes through the window. For these little darling kitties, there are beds that attach to your window sill to give your kitty a viewing perch and sun. These window sill beds come in several designs; just a platform, platform with bolsters, platforms with hoods, and/or heating elements. I know one cat that has a window sill bed, and this is his favorite place to be.

If your cat just wants to be near you and on your furniture or bed, a throw might be the right choice. These throws are great furniture covers and help eliminate the cat hair from the furniture. Also many cats love to curl up in a blanket, under clothing, or just wrap themselves in a throw. Some throws also have heating elements to keep your little feline nice and cozy and comfy.

Some cat beds are designed to look like pieces of furniture like a sofa or chair. Some are elevated on short legs like a glamorous cot. You have to decide how you want the cat bed to fit in with your décor.

If your cat is strictly an outdoor cat or likes to sleep in the garage, or you are kind enough to want to provide warmth for a couple of feral cats, you can make an easy, inexpensive bed. I bought large clear plastic storage containers, removed the lids, and turned the container on its side. I then put down old towels and blankets inside the bin to provide comfort. If you don’t have any old blankets, I purchased a very inexpensive fleece blanket, cut in into thirds, folded the blanket and placed that on the old towels. The cats have enjoyed this comfort for several years. In a larger container, after I laid it on its side, I put a sweater container in it and put the bedding in the sweater container. This container has short sides and easy for the kitty to step into. She can also snuggle down inside the short container and be more protected from the wind. I put the containers in a place that will block them from the wind and rain, as much as possible. I have a change of bedding that I use to so I can be washing one set, and they still have a place to sleep.

There are also cat beds designed especially for the outdoors and they are heated. You would want to place these in an area to keep them away from the weather elements also.

As I have mentioned, several cat beds have heating elements to keep them warm. You can also purchase separate heating elements and place them under the bedding so your kitty in not sleeping directly on the unit. Of course, any of these units can be turned off during the warm months.

Cat lovers know the independence of our lovable felines. They do have a mind of their own, and they decide what they like. It is not easy to train a cat. Try to provide a place where they are comfortable, and that will probably be somewhere near where you spend your time. A cat bed can create a place of comfort, security and safety. Some beds have a pocket in which you can place catnip to encourage her to sleep in the bed.

A good quality cat bed can last for years. Also check out some small dog beds because they can be just the right size for your cat. Whatever design you choose, make sure that the surface can be cleaned easily. Cleaning them often will rid the fabric of bacteria, body odor, and maybe even flea larvae.

Your cat will love you for their new bed. Putting the bed in the room where they can be near you is what they really want. Enjoy your happy, contented cat.

A cat carrier minimizes the damage made to your car as you drive to a certain area. Travelling pet owners will need the cat carrier to store the cat on the plane. In determining its usage, first ask yourself how often you’ll be using the carrier. If your cat is prone to vet visits, get a carrier that works in cars or public transport. Traveling pet owners will need a cat carrier that fits on a plane or in boat spaces. Jet setting pet owners should look for the cat carrier that complies with airline regulations. Those who prefer taking trains can use the wheeled kind of cat carrier.

Other cat carriers are more suitable for walking around with your cat. The in-hand carrier lets you have the cat as you walk to take them to the vet. For your maximum comfort, the sling shoulder carrier or soft hand carrier is recommended. The former is best for large cats that don’t move around. The latter is more stylish and has several pockets to store the cat’s materials.

It’s also important to consider the cat’s size when looking for the appropriate carrier. Large cats need more space to stretch while kittens need a certain area to move around. Kittens cannot stay in the hand carry type of cat carriers since they will easily get out. Use a cat carrier that has a secure lock but enough space to keep it entertained.

One should not forget the importance of the carrier’s size. The size should not cramp up your cat and give it discomfort. Be sure it has enough space to stretch. Kittens are more playful and prefer larger spaces. They need the larger space to move around. Otherwise, the kitten will end up getting out of the carrier.

If you want to get creative, carriers are offered in a variety of designs. Look for designs that the cat will enjoy. Other designs work by matching the cat’s personality. Those who would like to save but want to design the carrier can buy stickers. Place the stickers on the carrier to distinguish it from the rest.

You must also prioritize the cat’s size when picking the right carrier. If the cat is too large and the carrier too small, your pet will feel great discomfort. Have enough space for the cat to stretch but enough to fit it in your vehicle. If you have to publicly transport your cat, don’t use carriers that will cause other passengers discomfort.

Choosing the right carrier for your cat is simply a matter of knowing your cat’s needs. First time pet owners should consult with their vet, especially if they have to travel. However, it is not recommended for the cat to travel too much. Pet owners are advised to leave the cat at home if you have to travel a long distance. The carrier should only prioritize the cat’s safety and not compromise it. Observe your cat’s behaviour as well before buying your carrier. Their behaviour will help you estimate the best choice for a carrier. Cats who like to move around won’t usually enjoy staying in a carrier.

Cat furniture is a commodity that is known by many names. The most common include Cat Trees, Cat Condos, Kitty Condos, Cat Towers, Cat Climbers, Cat Scratchers and Cat Gyms. There are dozens more, but whatever term you use to describe cat furniture, the purpose is the same – to enable your cats to follow their instinctual desire to scratch without damaging your furniture, carpet, or other belongings, and also to give them a place of their own where they can exercise, play, and lounge.

There are many different types of cat furniture, made from such a variety of materials, that shopping for cat furniture can be confusing. Which materials are better? What design is the most stable? What size should I buy? Which style would my cat like? In this article, I’ll try to help you answer these questions so you can make a more informed buying decision.

Why Do Cats Scratch?

In order to be completely informed when buying cat furniture, it’s helpful to understand why it is that cats scratch in the first place. The primary reason for cats scratching furniture, carpets, woodwork, or other objects is to mark their territory for other cats (this is instinctual, so they will do this even if they are the only cat in the house). Additionally, the scratching helps remove the dead cells from the claw sheaths, and stretches their muscles and ligaments.

Feline behavior is consistent, whether it’s a tiger in the wild, or a Maine Coon in a condominium. Scratching is the way they say to other felines in the area “Hey, I’m here, and this is my place”. Scratching communicates this in two ways. The first is obvious – the scratches provide a very visual cue to other cats. Additionally, cats have scent glands in their paws, which leave pheromones that other cats can smell. For those of you that have experience with declawed cats (PLEASE don’t declaw your cats!), that’s the reason that they continue to scratch even after the claws have been removed.

Cat Furniture Coverings

In the past, most cat furniture was covered with carpet. This was a good choice, because it looks good, and it offers a material that cats obviously like to scratch. Some of the cat furniture manufactured today, especially hand-made models, still use carpet.

Most carpeting today contains fabric loops. Unfortunately, after thousands of scratches, cat claws can cut through these loops, resulting in unsightly and messy shredding. You’ve probably seen this yourself.

However, with today’s technology, engineers have developed an acrylic material specifically for use in the cat furniture industry. This material, commonly referred to as fake or faux fur, has become increasingly popular. The main reason for this popularity is the fact that it does not contain loops, so it doesn’t shred like carpet does, and therefore tends to last longer than carpet. The drawback is that since it doesn’t offer the resistance that carpet does when they scratch it, cats don’t like it for scratching as much as they like carpeting.

As a result, most cat furniture that offers faux fur also utilizes sisal rope as a covering. Generally, the vertical posts are wrapped with sisal rope, and the platforms and enclosures are covered with the acrylic fur.

Sisal rope is made from the Agave Sisalana plant, which is native to the Yucatan area of Mexico. Cats seem naturally drawn to this material, and unlike the acrylic fur, sisal rope offers the resistance that cats need to tune their claws and stretch their muscles.

Some cat furniture manufacturers that use carpet as a covering also offer sisal-wrapped posts, and in most (but not all) cases cats will scratch on the sisal instead of the carpet.

Structural Materials

Obviously the strength of the cat furniture is provided by the underlying structural materials. Vertical posts are usually wood 2 x 4′s or heavy cardboard tubes, while horizontal surfaces are either plywood or pressboard. Manufacturers sometimes use cardboard for enclosure walls that do not bear any weight load.

It is a common misconception that wooden posts offer more structural integrity than cardboard tubes. In actuality, this is not necessarily true. Of course everybody knows that wood is stronger than cardboard when flat. However, when thick (at least 1/4″) cardboard is made into a tube, and stood up vertically, it can hold an incredible amount of weight. The addition of a layer of sisal rope wrapped around it adds even more strength. One big advantage of cardboard posts over wooden ones is the weight. Shipping rates are based on weight, and shipping costs for a piece of cat furniture made with cardboard posts will be considerably less than a comparable model with wooden posts.

For platforms and weight-bearing walls in enclosures, manufacturers generally utilize either plywood or pressboard (also known as particle board). Pressboard is fiber pulp that is mixed with a chemical adhesive to create a smooth, uniform board. Plywood is manufactured by gluing thin layers of wood together, resulting in a board that is actually stronger than solid wood of the same thickness.

Generally, plywood is preferred to pressboard for cat furniture platforms for a number of reasons. During shipping, pressboard is much more likely to be damaged than plywood, especially if the carton is dropped on it’s corner. Additionally, pressboard tends to crumble around the edges of screw or bolt holes if the hardware is tightened too much. Pressboard platforms are also more likely to break if enough weight or vertical force is put on it, as happens if a child sits on it.

Floor-to-Ceiling or Freestanding?

Cat furniture models will be either freestanding or floor-to-ceiling (commonly referred to as cat trees). Freestanding cat furniture is usually wide and bottom-heavy, to prevent it from tipping over when cats are at the top, or are very active. Floor-to-ceiling models use tension against the ceiling to provide their stability, and so do not require as wide a footprint as freestanding models. A properly assembled and installed floor-to-ceiling model cannot tip over. Usually, the tension against the ceiling is accomplished either through use of a spring-tension rod or a screw-based mechanism. This doesn’t mean that the cat tree is screwed into the ceiling. Rather, the topmost post has a threaded bolt, usually topped with a soft protective cap that screws up against the ceiling. Generally, the screw-type cat trees are more stable, especially if you have active cats, and are also less likely to damage the ceiling surface.

So What Should You Buy?

The decision as to what type of furniture to buy for Tabby and Fritz should be determined by a combination of factors:

- Do you want a freestanding or floor-to-ceiling model? This is really more of a personal choice issue than anything else. If you have very active or very large cats, a floor to ceiling model will probably offer more stability. If you have a multi-cat household, special attention should be paid to the weight rating of the furniture. It’s also usually possible to secure a free-standing model to a wall with common brackets and hardware available at any home center, in cases where rambunctious kitties cause it to rock or tip.

- Which covering? Carpet offers the advantage of more color choices, and if you’re very particular about your cat condo fitting in with your décor, this might be your best choice. Faux fur models are generally made in neutral colors like beige or taupe, although there are some exceptions. In either case, having a sisal scratching surface should be a goal if at all possible.

- Structural materials. If you have a choice, choose plywood over pressboard. As for the posts, both cardboard and wood offer good stability. As stated earlier, models with wooden posts are heavier and may cost more to ship.