Cat Trees

Cats have a natural need to sharpen their claws. If no scratching trees are available, upholstery, carpets or wallpaper can easily have to take the strain. Hence, a scratching tree is part of the furniture in many households with cats. You can expect a huge selection of scratching trees for your cat at bitiba – from space-saving scratching boards and barrels to large multi-level scratching trees.

Scratching balls or other toys or mats are sufficient for very young cats. High scratching trees are difficult for kittens to climb and also present a safety risk, since kittens first have to practise their climbing skills and can easily fall down. Buying a scratching tree is recommended from around three to four months of age. With very high scratching trees, it can make sense to first set up only the lower part and to add the levels above at a later stage.

Scratching trees usually offer your cat several scratching posts – often covered with sisal – for them to stretch out and sharpen their claws. In addition, many cat trees have several places to lie down and to hide. Depending on the model, flat surfaces can also provide sleeping and lookout spots, cuddly beds, hammocks and dens for variety. Hence, scratching trees aren't just important for claw care, but also provide activity and opportunities to retreat. However, it doesn't necessarily have to be a floor-to-ceiling scratching tree. Small scratching posts and toys to sharpen the claws are space-saving alternatives suitable for small households with limited space.

When cleaning, it is important to follow the manufacturer's maintenance tips. Sometimes the covers of cushions, platforms and beds are removable and machine-washable. Besides this, it's recommended to roughly remove hair and other dirt with a hoover or other tools and more stubborn dirt with a damp cloth.

For very young kittens, easily accessible scratching posts are recommended, such as scratching mats, individual scratching posts or low cat trees to avoid falls from a great height.

Scratching posts are naturally subject to the greatest wear. It's often possible to replace the posts individually or to cover them with fresh sisal. Completely replacing the scratching tree is advisable if it is no longer stable or for other reasons potentially dangerous for your cat.

Which scratching tree is best suited to your needs depends on your personal living arrangements, your budget and your cat's preferences. For households with several cats, multi-level scratching trees are recommended so there is enough space for them to lie down and scratch away without conflict occurring. Make sure that high scratching trees are securely fastened to the wall or ceiling. A heavy base plate also ensures the stability of the construction.

There should be a kind of den available for cats that like hiding. Many cats prefer lying in high spots that offer a good lookout point and protection from potential troublemakers. For choosing the right scratching tree, it's worth taking a look at the materials used. Plush is soft and cuddly, but sometimes more difficult to clean than smooth fabric covers. Scratching posts should be robust and able to withstand frequent scratching. The use of natural sisal has proven successful, although there are also combinations of natural wood and sisal, as well as other variations.