Ahh, cat trees. Those ugly carpeted pieces of furniture are my favorite things in the house. Why? Because my cats love them.
Cats need cat trees as a way to scratch, a way to exercise, and most importantly, a place to perch high up above their humans to watch (and judge) their every move.
Long story short, cat trees get a lot of use. And just like any kind of furniture in your home that’s well-loved, it may be time to start thinking about replacing it.
This is our favorite cat tree! (We have two in our house!)
How Long a Cat Tree Lasts
The lifespan of a cat tree will depend on your individual cats and how they treat it. A cat tree for a senior cat who gently lays in a bed all day on it will last longer than a cat tree that is ran up and down, scratched, climbed, and jostled by a pair of young kittens.
For a lot of cat families, their tree will last about a year before it needs to be replaced. I’ve had some for a few years at a time, and trust me, you can tell they are well past the point of no return.
My girls love using their trees every day—but sometimes they get a little rough with them, which is why we have to replace them every couple of years.
Signs You Need a New Cat Tree
Everyone will have different levels of destruction they’ll be able to tolerate in their house, so it’s a personal (or should I say, purrsonal) choice as to when you need to buy a new cat tree.
Some signs you’ll want to start looking for though include:
- Ripped fabric
- Stretched out beds
- Loose sisal
- Wobbly platforms
Any damage to your tree could create a dangerous environment for your cat, so it’s best to either spot repair these issues as they come up, or go ahead and buy a new tree. Your cat will be safe and happy, and your home will look better. It’s a win-win.
Where to Buy a New Cat Tree
My favorite place to buy a cat tree so far has been Chewy. I’ve found that the trees I’ve purchased from them have all been sturdy, big, and cute. Plus, they run deals throughout the year where you can get gift cards back or other deals—which are always much appreciated!
You can also check out cat trees in-person at pet supply stores like Petco or PetSmart to get a better idea as to size, shape, color, and whether or not your cat will like it. Bonus points if you bring your cat along for the final seal of approval, since most of these stores allow pets!
What to Do with Your Old Cat Tree
When it comes to your old cat tree, you have two options:
- Throw it Away: If your cat’s tree has been thoroughly used and borderline destroyed (like most of mine end up), it’s best to just throw it away.
- Donate It: Depending on the condition, some cat shelters and rescues will accept used cat trees. Reach out to your local community to see if they want yours—or even give it to a friend. Please don’t ever donate any tree that isn’t fully in tact or safe. We want to keep all cats safe!
The More Cat Trees, The Better
We have a cat tree—or two—in just about every room of our house. The cats love having a place all their own, and we love watching them run up and down them all day, then snore in the beds all night! After all, cat trees are the purrfect way to catify your space and make your home more welcoming to your feline friends.
Pawsitive Purrpose 
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