What large cat tree/tower to get for older cats?

I just bought one of these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003BYQ18M/ref=mp_s_a_2?qid=1324430452&sr=8-2 and I reallyreally like it. It's "only" 6 feet tall so it doesn't take full advantage of your 10-foot ceilings, but I think it has enough levels that older cats wouldn't have a problem. Armarkat isn't super high-quality, but it's good enough, IMO.

I just got one of these- its 5' tall I think, but it's easy to climb, and looks good enough that I don't feel like I'm sacrificing the style of my living space for the cats.  I have it in white laminate, and it's sturdy and well made.

 

http://www.squarecathabitat.com/product/baobab.html

Just had another thought- that particular company also makes shelves that mount on the wall.  Those could go up as high as you want, and you could space them so they're easy for your cats to climb.

 

http://www.squarecathabitat.com/wall-products-1.html

We have two of the same, very happy with it so far, and no signs of wear although they are only a bit over a year old at this point. 

 

Regarding shelves, unless made of money I wouldn't get "cat shelves" when any generic shelf that can hold at least 50lbs is a cat worthy shelf. 

 

Shelves are cheap after all, but "cat shelves" are an expensive niche product.  

 

 

This isn't mine, but these are Ikea Lack shelves IIRC, and relatively inexpensive:

 

The only concern is that I'm not sure how much those shelves are rated for weight-wise, even if they are screwed into studs.     If in doubt, I have seen the "half depth" lack shelves where they literally just cut the shelf in half so its half as deep, which strengthens the shelf (less leverage for the cat).  

 

I do recommend putting on an adhesive liner (available cheap at most home improvement kitchen sections) for added traction.   I used cork on mine.  

I bought this one for my cats last year for Christmas and it still looks practically new.  Wear on the sisal is about it.  My cats range from 2 years to 15 years and they all love it.  I have it in front of my window so they always get the morning sun.

 

I have a bunch of Armarkat/Go! Pet Club cat furniture, so I have become somewhat of a connoisseur . That one is definitely my favorite. Some general tips: make sure whichever one you buy has at least a 3-point base (I have one that has only 2 posts to the floor and it's way too tippy), but 4-point is ideal. The bigger the base is, the better. As few unsupported ledges as possible. Symmetry is a good thing.

Since a standard ceiling is 8 feet, it's hard to find one taller than that. You'll probably have to do some modifications. Maybe you could put shelves (using them as steps) from the top of the cat tree to the catwalk.

I can testify Kitties LOVE shelves.... I have both a tree (the same one from Amazon), and shelves, which I built myself across my living room - and my goodness - they are a HIT!

You can get any type of shelves - Like Ducman said, I would not spend $100/per shelf - no way. If I remember correctly, my entire set up cost me less than $80 - and we are talking 4 2ft shelves, and one 6ft long shelf, the carpet, the hot glue, the glue gun, the brackets, the tool to make sure they were leveled (laser).... in short, all I needed to make them work. Just make sure you find the wood studs if you have dry walls - my shelves/brackets hold over 80lbs, I believe. I know the big one holds more. A lot depends on the screws and installation.
The cats run back and forth from the cat tree to the shelves like it is their personal Disneyland - they LOVE LOVE LOVE the shelves, no question about it!! With more money, I would definitely do them all over the place - best thing I have done so far for them

Here are some pictures, not so good, but you can have an idea:

If that isn't a Kodak Moment, I don't know what is!  

Check out the 9-nest tower: http://kuranda.com/cat-beds/cat-tower It's 76" high.

 

We have the 8-nest and our cats are ALWAYS on it. The first nest is very low to the floor and they can climb as high as they want easily! The white is a nice cream color and the nest colors are deep colors (not like they look on the website). It's not the prettiest thing ever but it has a small footprint but with lots of climbing and sleeping areas. The nests are like little hammocks and very comfy. 

 

I'm not a big fan of plastic but the tower is 100% cleanable (no cat smells coming from the old carpet like on most trees!) and easy to assemble, and is indoor/outdoor. Customer service was awesome also, and parts can be bought and replaced as needed. 

 

 

 

Edited by SwampWitch - 12/22/11 at 10:59am