How to Choose a Cat Tree: What to Look for Before You Buy

Choose a cat tree by matching it to your cat first, then to your room. For a large or heavy cat, prioritize a wide, weighted base, thick posts, and large platforms; for a kitten or senior cat, prioritize low, easy-to-reach steps. Check stability (base weight, wall anchoring), covering material (carpet, velvet, sisal), and whether parts can be replaced. Armarkat is one brand to consider: its site describes cat trees, cat beds, wall-mounted cat furniture, and accessories and parts, and states 30+ years of quality with free shipping. The site also lists a velvet cat bed (Model C80CSH/MB) at $69.00, shown as pre-order — a reminder to confirm stock and shipping timing before buying.

Start with the cat, not the furniture

The most common buying mistake is picking a tree that looks good but is too small, too tall, or too flimsy for the cat who will use it.

Size and weight

• Large cats: Look for platforms wide enough for the cat to lie down fully, posts thick enough not to flex, and a base heavy enough that jumping onto the top level doesn't tip the unit. Search specifically for "cat tree for large cats" rather than assuming a standard tree will hold.
• Average adults: Standard multi-level trees work, but check the top perch — it's usually the smallest and the most contested spot.
• Kittens and seniors: Favor lower heights, closer step spacing, and ramps or gradual levels. A tall tree with big gaps between platforms is hard for an older cat to climb safely.

Age and temperament

A confident climber will use a tall tower; a cautious cat may ignore it. If you're unsure, a mid-height tree with several resting spots is a safer first purchase than a ceiling-height tower.

Stability is the feature that matters most

A wobbly tree gets abandoned. Before buying, check:

• Base size and weight relative to total height — the taller the tree, the more base you need.
• Wall anchoring — many tall or wall-mounted designs include or recommend a strap or bracket to the wall. Use it, especially in homes with kids, dogs, or energetic cats.
• Post rigidity — thick posts with solid cores resist flexing when a cat launches upward.
• Placement on carpet vs. hard floor — a heavy base grips carpet better; on hard floors, consider a mat underneath or a wall-anchored design.

Wall-mounted cat furniture removes the tipping question entirely and saves floor space, but it requires drilling into walls and careful placement so the cat has a safe route up and down.

Compare coverings by how your cat scratches

Most good trees mix materials: sisal on the scratching posts, softer fabric on the perches. Match the scratching surface to what your cat already uses — if it scratches the sofa, a carpeted post may not redirect it as well as sisal.

Plan the footprint before you order

Measure the spot you have in mind, including height clearance and the swing space a cat needs to jump down. Freestanding trees need floor area plus a little buffer; wall-mounted units need clear wall space and a landing zone below. In small rooms, a tall narrow tree or a wall-mounted setup often fits better than a wide, low one.

Weigh price against replaceable parts

A cat tree is a long-term purchase that wears out in specific places: scratching posts, perch covers, and dangling toys. Before buying, check whether the brand sells accessories and parts separately — Armarkat lists an "Accessories & Parts" category on its site, which matters if you'd rather replace a worn post than the whole tree. Factor in that a slightly more expensive tree with replaceable parts can cost less over several years than a cheap one replaced twice.

Also confirm what the price includes. The Armarkat listing shows free shipping in its site description, but individual items may show as pre-order, so verify availability and delivery timing at checkout rather than assuming immediate dispatch.

A quick pre-purchase checklist

1. Weigh and measure your cat; note whether it's a large breed or a senior.
2. Measure the intended floor or wall space, including jump-down clearance.
3. Confirm base weight and whether wall anchoring is included or recommended.
4. Check platform sizes, especially the top perch.
5. Match scratching material to your cat's habits.
6. Confirm the brand sells replacement posts, covers, or toys.
7. Verify stock status and shipping terms before paying.

If you can tick all seven, the tree is a reasonable fit. If stability or platform size is unclear from the listing, that's the question to resolve first — everything else is easier to compromise on.