Kitteh owners, need some advice-

[carlyhippy]

(I posted this too in the lounge)

Does your cat or cats have one of those cat condo/treehouse type units? I want to buy one for a computer room, I have 3 cats, an XXL maine coon an 8 lb cat and a kitten. I want to set it up by a window so they can look out, they are strictly indoor cats.

I need one with a nice, sturdy wide base so that the big cat doesn't pull it over on himself. He's 22 inches long minus the tail and 16 inches at the shoulder. I am looking at this one in overstock.com below. My question is, does your cats have one, do they use it, was it worth the money? I want to gather info before buying this because it is 140.00, alot of money for me. Thank you for any advice, opinons etc.

[badgerpup]

1. DO NOT GET THIS ONE!

They look great on the web, but they are at least 25% too small to be of any real use for a normal size adult cat (let alone a big ol' Maine Coon!).

The design is poor...the posts take up a lot of available lounging/playing/stretching space. The enclosed areas LOOK cute and cozy, but again, are too small for most adult cats unless they like to curl up or don't mind not being totally inside the house, wigwam, pagoda or whatever.

I bought one. The cats rarely use it, and the return policy was so draconian (would leave me out $95 and with a bad taste in my head) that I've just kept the thing.
It's slated for donation to a cat sanctuary as soon as I get up the spine to build a REAL cat tree.

Forewarned etc...hope this answers your question! :hide::yoiks:

[carlyhippy]

7. Thank you for your advice!

Yeah, I need a big space for the moose of a cat we have, he doesn't like to be cramped! Thank you again!

[Warpy]

15. The best cat gadget I ever saw was homemade

it was a 12' 2x6 covered with cheap indoor outdoor carpeting and wedged between floor and ceiling into a corner of the room. There were four cats in that house and they loved it. It was treadmill and scratching post in one.

Combining it with a shelf on top and a window ledge extension (something you can buy pre made at most pet stores) would probably be great for all the cats at all their sizes.

Save your money, in other words. Simple, homemade stuff is really the best for cats, usually unimpressed with that stuff that's too big, too small, too unsteady, or just places that don't look good to a cat for climbing or lounging purposes.

[david13]

2. I know there were more answers in the lounge. But none like this

answer. It is a major problem I find with buying on the web or by mail order. You don't get to see the product before you buy it. There is one advantage the store has. Go in and look at it.
I have only had a few small ones like these trees. And my cats never used them. However, I think it depends on the cats.
Some use them, and some don't. And some use a certain tree, but not another.
My neighbor has 5 cats, and a big tree like this. Some of his cats use it and the others don't.
Anyway, good luck.
dc

[carlyhippy]

8. Thank you, I really should just go to Petco and look at what they have

that way I can eyeball how large the houses are, sturdiness etc. I would hate to shell out money and it is flimsy or not big enough! Thanks.

[BrklynLiberal]

3. My cats love their cat tree. I guess some caution must be taken as to which one you buy...

but the cats love it. They always want to be up high looking down..

[carlyhippy]

9. My baby kitten loves to climb

this would be alot safer for her to climb on cat house vs. trying to climb up my kitchen tablecloth, thankfully I was here and could grab everything that was sliding towards her as she was dragging the cloth off of the table loaded with groceries, centerpiece etc :0

[bergie321]

4. Bought one from a guy on the side of the road.

He builds them for extra cash. My 2 cats love it. It is always a race to see who gets the top spot.

[carlyhippy]

10. I wish I knew how to construct one, I would supersize the platforms and boxes

your cats are beautiful! Your black and white kitty has the same markings as my persian kitten, and your orange cat looks alot like my orange/white maine coon.

[BrklynLiberal]

13. GORGEOUS KITTIES!!!!

[Submariner]

5. Cat Purrrniture - Catisfaction Guaranteed

http://www.purrrniture.com/store.html

[carlyhippy]

11. I have been looking at their site, that does look like some really sturdy furniture

I may have to take the 4 hour drive to St Paul and pick one up! I have been looking really hard at their furniture, I really like it! Thanks

[Submariner]

14. Those are heavy sturdy cat thrones

I doubt your fatty Maine coon would pull or knock down one of those kitteh pedestals. Your overlords can now be extremely contented and safe at the same time. Good luck.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

18. I mentioned in the other thread that I have one of their pieces.

It's very solidly built and it's quite heavy, so when the cats leap and play on it, it doesn't teeter. I'd recommend their stuff, based on the item I have.

[japple]

6. I bought one via internet and it was too small. I have one huge

male and 2 smallish females. None of them used it for 2 years, so I put it outside on screened-in porch. The 2 females will now nap on it. It's way too small for a large cat and is more suitable for kittens. I don't remember the name of the company I ordered mine from. Maybe you can find one from PetSmart or Petco if you have them where you live. I'm in the boonies and felt it was cheaper to pay for shipping than drive 100 mi. to the nearest pet store.

[carlyhippy]

12. LOL I live in the boonies too!

I was thinking the same thing, but I should drive 1 1/2 hours to the Petco and look at their furniture. I am really looking at purrniture.com's furniture out of St Paul, it looks like some really nice sturdy furniture, and it's about a 4-5 hour drive. Usually Petco runs their furniture on sale from time to time, hopefully they will have some on sale soon, and I like being able to see what I am getting.

[badgerpup]

17. Think the brand is Armarkat...

and the company is The Cat and Kitten Store.

It sounds all good...what with the free shipping, and I gotta admit it was easy enough to put together with the holes all lining up properly and enough hardware...
except it was too small and the cats don't like it and won't use it.

YOU pay the shipping back to the company (and it's pretty heavy), and there's a 15% restocking fee.

So there you are, out a goodly chunk of cash- and with nothing to show for it except :grr: and :banghead:.

[glinda]

16. I have one of these and it is tough as nails. Cats can climb right up the side also so

it is good exercise. This only works if you have a door to hang it on though but if you do and they can get to the top to look out a window, they will love this thing. I wish I had two of them! Our cats sleep in it also.



http://www.petstorebyconny.com/site/785824/product/Cat_Tree_Cozy_Climber_KWCL