Cat Tree

First off, I've always been a dog person, and in return, my cat knowledge is limited. So forgive me if I sound completely clueless.

But I have a kitten, Marvin, who is around 2 1/2 months old. I have been thinking about getting him a Cat Tree. I have looked at so many different types, and the sizes and prices vary, so I'm not sure which one to get, and I don't want to waste my money on one that's not worth it.

Do cats really enjoy Cat Trees? Is this something he could enjoy now and also as an adult cat?

If yes and yes, what kind should I get? I would prefer not to spend much over $100. Not feeling too picky on size, as long as it's good enough for him.

I was looking at this one (I like the leopard print): http://www.ebay.com/itm/13045508469...me=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2648

Opinions, please!

I think your kitten would love a cat tree! All of my cats enjoy their trees (expect the oldest who is 15.5 yrs old.) I have a similar tree to the one you are looking at (mine is made by Kitty Mansions.) It is an ok tree; but, is mostly used for sleeping on at my house.

I also have Armarkat's classic 74" tree. This one gets a lot of use. We have also purchased several of these for the rescue and it works well for young kittens as well as the older, larger ones.

I recently purchased this one made by Go Pet Club.
I had gotten it for some 4-5 mo old kittens; but, made the mistake of putting it together when the big kitties were around...lol! I had purchased another product made by this company and wasn't very pleased with the quality; but, this one is made a little better. My 17 pounder has even been caught sleeping in the little "basket" at the top. Not sure how he fit!

I purchase all our trees via Wayfair.com. Most trees come with free shipping.
*Note* You do have to assemble the trees and some come with better instructions than others.

Armarkat is by far the sturdiest and best constructed IMO. Plus, you can order individual replacement parts as needed. I've had my tree for 1.5 yrs and haven't had to replace anything yet.

I have had our tree from Armarkat for at least 6 years.  It's great!  I keep it right in front of a full window with a bird feeder hanging from the eve of the house.  The girls use it constantly!  They are a great investment!

As for size; it's really up to you.  Just be sure you have enough space for it.  I like ones that incorporate good vertical space as well as cozy cubby space.  Our old house was kind of small so we didn't get the biggest out there; but it's still tall enough.  You also want a good sturdy base.  My 3 year old has climbed onto our tree without knocking it over.  (But she did get in trouble for that; I wouldn't count on her doing it all the time and not having it be tipped.)

My camera doesn't do back-lit photos very well; but you can still get an idea from this: 


Not a great picture; and it needs vacuuming...but the best I have right now.  That cubby doesn't look too big; but my girls fit in it just fine.  Mooch fit in it at her heaviest; about 15 1/2 lb.  She's fairly long too.  

Thank you both, very helpful!

Cute pic too.

I'm looking at some Armarkat cat trees on Wayfair now.

These do look like more fun for Marvin, and it sounds like a good brand.

Going to look a bit and think on it some more.

MoochNNoodles raises a good point about sturdiness: keep in mind that there is very little '"G" force when your cat calmly jumps onto the cat tree. But when he's running 40 mph to get to the cat tree cause he just smelled/saw a creature outside the window in the other room and wants to get a better view, he will run not walk or jump up onto the cat tree very forcefully.
I have two trees from Polcat. They are somewhat expensive but well worth it. (I volunteer for Rude Ranch, a cat sanctuary, and one of the volunteers coordiates a bulk purchase from them. Proceeds/profits go to Rude Ranch.)