Asking for a little help!

Hi Everyone! After several discussions with Head Cat Anne, she has kindly allowed me to post this thread to conduct a bit of research.

I am a master carpenter by trade, and have long been dissatisfied with some on the offerings in the market place for cat furniture. After some recent behavioural problems with a new arrival to my cat family, my vet, (who is an absolute whiz at solving these types of problems) got me doing a lot of research into feline environmental enrichment. I have since been able to design some products that my “testing engineers†love, and have solved a few bad habits.

I feel very confident in my designs, which I hope to have ready for sale in early 2011 some time, but I need help some of the human user aspects. I will get into that more later in this thread.

For now what I would like is to hear about your experiences with the products on the market place. What do you like, what do you hate, what do you wish for?! This is your chance to contribute to the development of a product that both you and your cats love!

Please donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t name any companies if you have negative things to say, just keep it general or send me a PM. Feel free to post names and links to stuff you love.

I look forward to having your input into the final designs of my product.

I want to especially thank Anne for helping me with this project . I will definitely be becoming a forum sponsor here in the very near future. I also will have some nice surprises for some contributors to this thread.

My problem with most cat trees and cat furniture is the platforms are too small. Two of our cats are just big cats, they are fit but are about 15 lbs. each and they could never comfortably sleep on the tiny platforms on some of the cat furniture. They could probably curl up on a little platform (but they won't) but they'd be no room for stretching a bit before curling up again.

All coverings should be natural fabrics, and be removable and washable! And cat furniture shouldn't be so obvious and ugly. Can't it fit into the rooms better, like furniture?

Some kind of built-in scratching post (that doesn't look like a scratching post) would be excellent.

I'm looking forward to seeing your products.

Originally Posted by SwampWitch

My problem with most cat trees and cat furniture is the platforms are too small. Two of our cats are just big cats, they are fit but are about 15 lbs. each and they could never comfortably sleep on the tiny platforms on some of the cat furniture. They could probably curl up on a little platform (but they won't) but they'd be no room for stretching a bit before curling up again.

All coverings should natural fabrics, and be removable and washable! And cat furniture shouldn't be so obvious and ugly.

I'm looking forward to seeing your products.

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I agree 100%. And that's why my kids still don't have a cat tree....I'm very leery of buying one. I think the platforms are way too small for chunkier cats and even for cats that really like to stretch out when they nap. And I also think that they're sometimes not the sturdiest things around. I always thought that if I got them a cat tree, I'd only end up putting a bunch of pillows around it on the floor in case one of them fell off. So no cat tree here.

I would like to see more cat furniture that really looks like furniture. One thing I do like is the litter box bench cover. It's from Foster and Smith and it looks rather like a toy box with a hole at the end for cats to go in and out. You put a litter box inside. My kids love it. They do use the litterbox inside, but they also like to lounge on top of it, too. We'll often find four or five cats there at one time, sitting watching the outdoors. It's carpeted on the outside, which makes it nice, too.

I think this is a wonderful idea!

My issues with the current products on the market (that are affordable -- I understand there are other designs which may be better quality, but are FAR out of my price range) are varied. For one, I agree with the previous poster who stated that the platforms are often too small. I don't have overly large cats, but even they have difficulties at times. I also find that they are often not sturdy enough for long-term use. The building materials are usually cheap and, as such, do not hold up. Carpeting, which I understand needs to be replaced at times, comes apart too easily and the sisel they use is usually wrapped around once -- it's certainly not something that can withstand daily use. I also like the idea of natural covers that can be removed for easy washing. I've run into a problem recently with one of my cats who missed his litter pan and hit the tree. It's very difficult to clean well since the materials are so shoddy. Having something that is washable and easily cleaned would be the best possible option for me. I don't like to sit in furniture or lay in bedding that hasn't been thoroughly cleaned in 1+ years, why would my standards for my cats be any different? Visually, I think cat trees are cat trees. There are more expensive products that are more appealing, but I don't have an issue with the standard look. My concerns are more about durability and functionality.

I wish you the best of luck with your endeavor and look forward to seeing what you come up with for your designs. Thank you for giving us an opportunity to discuss our issues and taking them into account. It feels good to feel heard.

One last thing, I should mention that I did spend almost $300.00 on my cat tree and did research before buying. And, I'm still not satisfied with the materials used and how durable they are. I will leave the company name out of this, but I was disappointed despite their claims that they make quality products...

My major problem with cat condos is the carpeting comes off it very easily. I had one for many years and it lasted a very long time but then I replaced it with another one it shreds like crazy. I keep picking shreds of carpet off the floor every day. This condo did cost less than the first so I'm sure that has something to do with the value.

For me a better condo with stronger fabric that won't shred so easily from out cats claws.

I have never had a cat tree so don't know too much about them.

I haven't read this entire thread so this issue may have already come up, but my biggest complaint with the one I have and others I've looked at is that the platforms are way too small. Swanie is a very big (not fat although he could stand to lose a pound or two - just very big). He loves hanging out on the top platform, but he just hangs over it in all directions. Also, the little house-type thingy in the middle is a bit too small for him to be truly comfortable I think. I notice he will get into it for a few minutes then get back out again.

I like the sisel (sp) posts on the bottom that they use for scratching, but it doesn't seem to last very long. I've replaced every one of the posts at least once since I've had this (several years).

I don't know if they already make something like this, but Swanie loves boxes, so a high up box shaped platform would be very cool.

I agree with everything that has been said so far, ESPECIALLY the ability to wash the pieces if possible, I spend forever vacuuming my cat tree with an upholstery brush and it still looks filthy. I do understand that pats do eventually need to be replaced with a cat tree, but I have an issue with the sisal rope on our tree... the way the design is it is impossible to wrap new sisal around the pole I have also found that the hidey holes/caves are not big enough. My cats all fit in them, but they donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t have room to get comfortable and they don't go in for anything more than to retrieve a treated or a toy, I wish they were roomier, they much prefer mesh cubes (we have one of those really cheap mesh cat trees too), I think they like to feel confined but still able to see all round.

Good luck, I can't wait to see your products!

I skimmed some of the other posts, but Im sure I am repeating something, but here are my 2 cents!

I hate the way cat furniture is so "HEY! LOOK! We have cats!" I want something that is both functional and fits into our decor. I dont want a large carpeted monstrosity that is made to look like a tree! I want something sleek and not obvious!
I also agree with that you should be able to remove and wash the fabrics! And I also want something that will hold my chunker of a evil monster. And some lower platforms or houses for Joey who cannot climb.
And I would absolutely love something that I can order customized, like with fabric patterns and colors, and materials

When I was shopping for cat trees, I was looking for something "different." Since I have asthma, the less carpet, the better, so I didn't think putting a monument of carpet up would do anything to help. And it seemed like 99% of the time, that was what was offered.

I eventually gave my dad a picture of a cat tower that was only available in Japan - http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/07/...baco-cat-tree/ - and asked him if he could make me one like it.

He ended up finding one to buy at a local big box pet store that was simple and sparse enough to fit my wants, and got that for me instead. They unfortunately don't make it anymore, much to the despair of all my cat loving friends who want one just like it. I like how it fits in with my decor (although in the end, everything ends up the same, covered in cat hair).

It has the box in the bottom for Squeaky to hide in, and the platforms are wide enough for her to sprawl.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...100_2141-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...100_2166-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...100_2599-1.jpg

Originally Posted by capt_jordi

...And some lower platforms or houses for Joey who cannot climb. ...

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That's a fantastic idea! We had to make a litter box with a lower entry when our Oberon had hip problems; the kitties who can't jump high should be able to enjoy some snuggly places, too!

also IMO so many look like they would be off balance with a 14lb cat on the top shelf... which is exactly where my lump of a cat would be! I would be afraid on him toppling it over!

I agree with pretty much what everyone else has said. My cats like "boxes" (not enclosed, but with sides so they don't fall off), or cradles, not platforms, on the top of their cat trees, but the ones they have now are just not big enough. Poor Darko is a large cat, and has to squish himself into one and always has at least one leg hanging way out. Plus the cat trees need to be sturdier. My guys like to take flying leaps from the stair landing onto the cat tree, or off another tree onto the bed, etc, so sturdiness is crucial. And good quality carpeting is a must. I'm so tired of seeing tiny carpet threads all over the floor, plus the nylon whatevers sticking out all over the posts where they scratch, and this from what is supposed to be a "high-quality" cat tree!

Oh, and multiple lying areas for multiple cats. Plus I like some natural wood as a scatching option, rather than just sisel and carpet. Isn't that more natural for a cat to scratch on anyway? And the higher the better, but, again, must be sturdy.

Not sure what all products you'll be making, but window seats are also nice, but don't come in too many designs. I need one that doesn't need to be screwed into the window sill so it can be removed easily because of where the window is (next to our dining room table - when we have company over, we need to be able to remove it so we can pull a chair out to sit down!!)

Originally Posted by capt_jordi

also IMO so many look like they would be off balance with a 14lb cat on the top shelf... which is exactly where my lump of a cat would be! I would be afraid on him toppling it over!

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Being a lover of the more "robust" felines--this happened to one of my cats years ago. He (14 lbs) tried jumping from one little platform to another larger one above and the whole tree toppled over. There was also a medium sized cubby hole that he got into easily but then got STUCK. That was my one AND only experience with cat trees/condos. I said, "Never Again!!"
Maybe you can change that. Good Luck

"Monuments to carpet"

I agree with EVERYONE. With a handicapped cat, we like cubbies and platforms low to the ground. With a "robust" feline ( ) we NEED sturdy - and they do LOVE to fly around between cat trees (we put them next to each other specifically so they CAN fly around between them). Big platforms are FABULOUS - both for launching, landing, and as a "play platform" when we get them going with wand toys.

And I know it adds to the cost - but what about natural hardwood for the posts and supports and "scratching post" parts? Kitties love to scratch on it - and it DULLS their claws as opposed to sharpening them!

We bought the cat tree series that looks like trees. We do find them aesthetically pleasing (even though they are monuments to carpet LOL) - and they turned 6 years old today and are still sturdy and in fabulous shape. They were very expensive, but I'd have to say - having survived our (then) five for six years, and our chubby boy for two, they were worth it. But I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be able to remove covers from the platforms somehow and wash them!

The best one we bought is very simple - just has four large platforms. It is great for being in the center of two other trees - which we ended up doing, but not in this pic. (The pillows around the bottom are for the handicapped kitty who was great at going up, but not getting back down).

We raise big cats here, so I also think there should be more sitting room on a cat tree. Speck can't jump, so I'd love to have one with a ramp that goes all the way to the top...that way he can enjoy it, as well. Does this explain why you were asking about how hard a cat's nails are on the Mohs scale?

Originally Posted by nurseangel

Does this explain why you were asking about how hard a cat's nails are on the Mohs scale?

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Not exactly, but you're getting warmer

Originally Posted by Bellaandme

I said, "Never Again!!"
Maybe you can change that. Good Luck

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It would seem my benchmark for success has been established!

You've already had many great suggestions, and I second them - washable covers, sturdy - solid, and large platforms, etc.

The reason I never bought a "cat tree" in the 50 years I've had cats, is that they are just the most ugly hideous things to me. I do not want some ridiculous, carpeted monstrosity in the middle of my house. I want a "cat tree" that, first of all, does not look like a tree in any way - no bark or "leaves" or anything phony. And no weird collection of carpeted (usually yucky beige) platforms and posts going off in all directions.

There is a really fantastic "cat tree" that was donated recently to the shelter where I volunteer. In is rectangular in form, about 5.5 feet high, wood is the main surface, with platforms carpeted with sisal or some unusual fabric. It looks, from the style, like it is from the 1950's or '60's. And this "mid century modern" look is just what I want. It's so great that I'm thinking of asking if I could buy it. It's old and worn, but it is so far superior to any of the ones on the market that I've been able to find (including the high end ones) that I would pay plenty to get it and refurbish it myself.

However, a new one would be much better. Maybe I'll try to get some photos of it and post them on this thread in the next couple of days.

Great project! Good luck!

Robin

Originally Posted by bastetservant

You've already had many great suggestions, and I second them - washable covers, sturdy - solid, and large platforms, etc.

The reason I never bought a "cat tree" in the 50 years I've had cats, is that they are just the most ugly hideous things to me. I do not want some ridiculous, carpeted monstrosity in the middle of my house. I want a "cat tree" that, first of all, does not look like a tree in any way - no bark or "leaves" or anything phony. And no weird collection of carpeted (usually yucky beige) platforms and posts going off in all directions.

There is a really fantastic "cat tree" that was donated recently to the shelter where I volunteer. In is rectangular in form, about 5.5 feet high, wood is the main surface, with platforms carpeted with sisal or some unusual fabric. It looks, from the style, like it is from the 1950's or '60's. And this "mid century modern" look is just what I want. It's so great that I'm thinking of asking if I could buy it. It's old and worn, but it is so far superior to any of the ones on the market that I've been able to find (including the high end ones) that I would pay plenty to get it and refurbish it myself.

However, a new one would be much better. Maybe I'll try to get some photos of it and post them on this thread in the next couple of days.

Great project! Good luck!

Robin

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Thank you Robin and everyone! I would be so grateful for any photos you might post.

I would like to encourage people to post their likes and dislikes even if they have been covered already. I'm keeping track of the various points so I can best tailor my products to the majority of peoples needs.

I routinely test and professionally review cat condos and other products. On cat condos, my biggest pet peeve (no pun intended) is how we are sending our cats mixed messages. We DON'T want them scratching them on furniture or the carpet- yet we buy cat condos that are made exactly like the furniture and carpet we are trying to preserve. I do assist a gentleman who makes cat condos and he is very receptive to any criticism (constructive) about his product and works to improve the product (including weatherproofing the hammocks and condos for outside kitties).

What I would love to see is someone creating a hard wood condo with not just platforms on it but places where the cats can hide when they are scared or unsure. I work a lot with high-risk strays and ferals and know that a condo like that would sell well within the industry of rescue. There is a gal in Florida who builds cat condos that actually look like real trees (with fake leaves etc) but she can't sell these except locally because of the cost of shipping.

I would also like to see a condo with plastic tubes running through it where you can place a ball or some sort of forward motion toy for the cats to ponder.

Sorry, but like I said, for years, I have offered professional reviews for cat condo manufacturers and my cats aren't soft or spoiled. They really do give any piece of cat furniture a work-out. The following photo is the condo that gets the most traffic. It is in an unfinished part of our house near the tunnels leading to the cat enclosure. It never has a "No Vacancy" sign and the hammocks and condos are washable and easy to remove