by Robert Baker
Cat houses and cat trees are abundant in retail stores and
on the internet. So how do you choose the best one for your
home?
Why look for quality?
Many times people look for a cat house that they think will
be perfect, but in the process forget that it has to be
functional for the cat, sturdy and long lasting. A good cat
condo will be appealing to humans and fully functional for
cats.
1. Construction is everything. Checking the sturdiness of
a cat condo is the primary thing you should be looking for.
If your cat jumps on the condo and it wobbles and falls
over, the cat will never use it again. Cat house and condos
should be weighted on the bottom. The product must be made
of quality wood and not pressboard.
2. Be sure all the nooks and platforms are large enough for
your feline.
3. One of the most overlooked issues is how your cat is
going to get from one level to the next. The platforms have
to be staggered so your cat can easily climb to the top
level.
Investing in the quality cat house the first time around will
save you money, time and your cat’s trust. This means you
are looking for high quality materials that are put together
a professional.
What materials make the best cat condos?
* High grade quality wood, not pressboard, must be the
start.
* Quality high grade carpet, not fleece or faux material.
This fleece and faux fabric may look nice and soft but IT
WONT LAST. An active cat will tear it up in a month.
* Every quality condo should have sisal rope areas. Sisal
rope is more durable than carpet, lasts about 10X longer and
is healthy for your cat. It helps to keep the cat’s claws
healthy. Remember, cats were outside animals before they
were domesticated and they used to dig in the dirt for their
litter box and scratch on trees. A carpeted post will work,
but sisal rope is a better option.
Where should you purchase your cat condo?
You must invest in some research and check into reputable
sellers. Most retail stores, factory companies and private
manufacturers are reputable. Local shelters and rescues are
always looking for a product that is durable, attractive and
a great deal so so ask for recommendations. Shopping online
can get you great deals, but be sure to check that the
manufacturer has been in business for at least a few years.
When I make a new product I usually have to make 4-5
samples of the items before I have perfected the product.
And then I continue to make improvements as we make more.
Most of my top selling items have been produced thousands of
times over the years. Would you rather buy the first product
someone has made or the 500th piece they have made?
The internet is a good place to buy but make sure that
they:
1. Make the product themselves not a marketing company
for many manufacturers
2. HAVE A PHONE NUMBER THAT IS ANSWERED
3. They don’t sell fleece or faux products on their cat
condos
The bottom line is that quality counts. A functional cat
condo is one that your cat will enjoy for years to come.
High grade materials will help with the longevity. Also
remember to check that if something goes wrong you contact
the company! Can you believe most of the Internet marketing
companies don’t even have a phone number listed!
Hey everyone. I have been receiving alot of emails lately asking if their cat would be to big for a particular cat house.