Whats your kitty's favorite type of cat tree/tower?

Hi ya'll (yes, I am from TX!)

I recently took in a senior stray kitty. She is just now beginning to play, climb, and "investigate", as she has had a rough 4+ mos battling something (IBD, maybe). The hubby has volunteered to build her a cat tree, and as I've never owned a cat before, I'm wondering what characteristics in a tree/tower your kitties have seemed to enjoy most. She is a senior kitty, so I'm wondering if it should be built more "ergonomically". So, what have your cats enjoyed?

My BF is going to build Oliver a cat tree as well. Here's my design plan, though it will be much taller than I have it drawn:


I designed it based on how he plays and where he likes to spend his leisure time. We have a small cardboard box turned over atop his cardboard condo that he likes to sit inside of. So I think he'll like to have something similar to sit inside of on his tree, thus the enclosed box. He likes to sleep on top of the recliner, so I think he'll like that curved shelf on top. He also likes to swat at balls and play with his "prey" around objects, like the pipe on the bottom. 

So I guess my advice is what does your cat enjoy doing and where does she like to nap? 

LaraLove said:

I designed it based on how he plays and where he likes to spend his leisure time. We have a small cardboard box turned over atop his cardboard condo that he likes to sit inside of. So I think he'll like to have something similar to sit inside of on his tree, thus the enclosed box. He likes to sleep on top of the recliner, so I think he'll like that curved shelf on top. He also likes to swat at balls and play with his "prey" around objects, like the pipe on the bottom. 

So I guess my advice is what does your cat enjoy doing and where does she like to nap? 

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This looks really fab! I like the different levels, bridges and cubbies - You have put a lot of thought into this. You must take pictures of the finished product.

I have made a single tall floor model scratching post for my crew, but also have a floor to ceiling carpeted panel that the cats like to climb up and down on - like a tree. I used to have a little shelf off to the side where they could get off once they reached the top, but have since taken this down.

Hopefully in the not too distant future, I want to build some catwalks in our bedroom which has tall ceilings so this would work fairly well.

Just want to say how impressed I am that people are making their own cat trees, and with specific features for both their cat personalities / preferences and the nature of their homes.  I sit here wishing that I had the space and a reasonably cheep source of materials to do this too, not to mention the confidence in my joinery skills that I would make it safe enough for my boy (it is a VERY long time since I did any serious woodworking or designing of woodwork projects). Your cats are very lucky.    

It would be fantastic to see some of the results in photo form - esp with the lucky cat/s in residence!

For an older cat I would suggest ramps to get from one level to another. That put much less stress on her than jumping up and down.

Great drawing!!

To be honest, I don't really know what type of play she enjoys, as she doesn't really play. I've tried to promote it with several different types of toys, including catnip, and she could care less. Every now and then I can get her to play for 5 seconds with my hand...that's about it. She was a stray and I really don't know if she even knows how to play. She is also a senior, and is just now starting to feel better after months of being on the verge of death. I do know she likes to scratch her nails, as she does this on a rock outside at times. She likes to sleep on the bed, in the computer chair, on top of the couch, and on the top, top part of the couch.  I really don't know if she will even use a cat tree, but she does climb on things at times, so I figure its a worth a shot.

I was definitely thinking it would have ramps and a cat house, as she gets in the bottom cupboard at times, other than that, I really don't know.

Sounds like the hiding box, some rough sizal posts, and maybe some sandpapery texture ramps for extra claw sessions, and a comfy viewing platform might be in order then :-D  Mature kitties have learned that watching the world go by from somewhere warm and comfy is the best way to catch their bird or mouse and they don't squander their energy away like younger kitties do.  

As your girl has been unwell it is likely you haven't seen her full pursonality yet and providing her with a cat tree sounds like a lovely way to give her somewhere of her own to start learning how to be a much loved domestic cat. 

MServant said:

 
Sounds like the hiding box, some rough sizal posts, and maybe some sandpapery texture ramps for extra claw sessions, and a comfy viewing platform might be in order then :-D  Mature kitties have learned that watching the world go by from somewhere warm and comfy is the best way to catch their bird or mouse and they don't squander their energy away like younger kitties do.

 

As your girl has been unwell it is likely you haven't seen her full pursonality yet and providing her with a cat tree sounds like a lovely way to give her somewhere of her own to start learning how to be a much loved domestic cat. 

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This sounds great! No, I have not seen her full purrsonality! She is only now beginning to even groom herself again, poor thing. She only weighed 4.0lbs when I took her in, but I am finally starting to see the "cat" in her come out, thank goodness! 

Lots of good vibes for her continuing to get better and for you to get to know her in all her senior-cat-glory. 

I hope we get to see some pictures of this cat tree if DH manages to build it, and that kitty has fun with it.