There are many factors to consider before buying furniture for your cat. Quality cat furniture is:

• Stable, and won't move when cats are scratching on it.
• Tip-proof and well-balanced for jumping and playing.
• Easy to climb and descend from level to level.
• Cat-friendly for cats of all sizes and ages.

An attractive cat tree is not necessarily cat-friendly, well-balanced, or stable. An expensive piece of cat furniture is not necessarily quality-made if certain key design and manufacturing features are overlooked.

This article will help you recognize common flaws in the design and manufacture of cat furniture, and help you select the best furniture for your feline angels.

Some questions you should ask are:

Was this product built by cat experts and cat lovers?

To produce cat-friendly furniture one must know cat behavior and needs, and design products specifically to satisfy those needs. Often cat furniture is designed and built by people who are not true "cat people"; and it is designed to meet other objectives, such as low production and materials costs, ease of shipping, and ease of storing in the warehouse. For example, to maximize warehouse space, trees are engineered so that when one is turned upside down it nestles neatly into a similar tree below it. While they stack efficiently, the positions of the tree components may make it difficult for your cat to climb up and down the tree.

Are your trees well-balanced and tip-proof?

Once a cat knocks over an unsteady tree, in most cases it won't climb on it again. To test the balance of a cat tree -- especially the larger (5' and up) trees -- grab the top part of the tree, pull it toward you about 15 degrees, and then let go. A well-balanced tree will rock back to its fully upright position. A less balanced tree will...well, let's just say get out of the way real fast!

What makes a tree well-balanced?

The weight of a tree should be equally distributed throughout its length, without being top-heavy. Look for multiple posts located at the corners of the base, with the various components (perches, beds, tunnels, etc.) mounted within the confines of the posts. If it is a single post tree, make sure that the components do not stick out too far from the center post or else the center of gravity will be thrown off and the tree can tip. Also make sure that most of the components aren't concentrated in the top. Be sure the base is extra heavy with several layers of plywood. This is essential to providing balance. If the base is not heavy, the only way to balance the tree is to make the base size very big (which takes up a lot of your valuable floor space).

Is the cat tree easy to climb, and will my cats be able to climb the tree as they get older?

Components such as perches, beds, and tunnels should be placed so they are easy to climb up and down. Cats should be able to get to the top of a tree without having to climb straight up a post. Don't get us wrong, younger cats can fly straight up posts, but older, clumsy, or injured cats will need to climb step-by-step.

Look for good jumping angles from component to component, and for good clearance between components. One component should not be directly below another one. The lower component should jut out in relation to the component above it to allow for a good jumping angle or step up. An easy stair step pattern where cats can utilize every component to step on as they climb up and down the tree is best.

Components should be large enough to accommodate cats of all sizes, and relatively level, not at an angle. The distance between components should be less than 18 inches.

Will the tree move around when my cats are trying to scratch on it?

Cats prefer to scratch on stationary objects. This provides them with better exercise and helps to remove their claw shells. Heavy, well-balanced cat furniture is more stable than light furniture and will not move as much when cats scratch it.

Are the components securely mounted so they won't come loose?

Generally, components should be firmly fastened to posts at two or more locations. Components that are fastened at one place only will work loose over time. If a component is fastened at only one point, make sure that it is easily accessible for tightening. Make sure there is enough room to swing a hammer or reach in to tighten a screw.

How is the carpet fastened down?

When cats get their claws into carpet they can pull back with some force. Over time, carpet that is not securely fastened down will come loose and wear prematurely.

A less expensive way to fasten carpet is with commercial glue and a few starter staples to hold the carpet down while the glue dries. We have found that glue does not adequately hold carpet down when subjected to frequently scratching cats. It can also be dangerous to their health. A better way to attach carpet is with the use of non-removable staples applied with pneumatic staple guns. These are more expensive than glue but hold the carpet down permanently.

A good way to check whether carpet on a tree is securely attached is to find an open, flat carpeted surface like the base of the tree. Tap on it with your hand, and if the carpet bounces back up, it is not held down securely.