FAQ: Scratchers for cats

For many cats a hammock is a favourite resting place because it cradles the body. It should be firmly attached and the right size, and a large cat is better off with a wider hammock or an edged platform.

Two or three levels are enough for the cat to climb, rest and watch from above. What matters more than the number of levels is that the gaps suit the cat's age and size and the top platform is roomy.

Steps or a ramp help kittens, older cats and cats with mobility issues, since they do not have to jump high. A young, healthy cat does not need them, but a sisal ramp can be another scratching surface.

Usually yes when new, but strings stretch over time and can snap. Check regularly that the toy does not hang so long the cat could get tangled, and remove it if the cat starts chewing or swallowing parts.

Yes, cats often scratch the lower part of a post or stretch up from the floor, so an unwrapped section goes unused. It helps when at least one post is wrapped along its whole height and is long enough for a full stretch.

Yes, removable cushions and covers can be washed, so the tree is easier to keep clean and odour-free. This is especially useful with long-haired cats, multiple cats and homes with allergy sufferers.

Platforms with raised edges feel secure, so cats rest in them more readily, and older or restless sleepers slip off less often. Flat open platforms are easier to jump onto, so having both types is ideal.

Many cats seek the highest spot in the room, so a top lounger often becomes the favourite resting place. It must be roomy and stable, and the tree sturdy enough not to sway when the cat jumps up.

Yes, the scratching posts usually wear out first while the frame and platforms still have life left. If posts can be unscrewed and replaced, the cat tree lasts longer and you do not need to buy a whole new one.

Yes: the opening should let the cat get in and out easily, especially if it is large or elderly. Too small an opening or a cramped house can put a cat off, while one too large feels less safe, so choose by the cat's size.

For an indoor cat, a cat tree adds space to climb, jump and watch from above, much like trees outdoors. It reduces boredom, keeps the cat moving and offers a safe place to retreat.

Start with the base, screw on the posts and platforms following the instructions and tighten every bolt well. Once assembled, check its stability and fix a tall tree to the wall before letting the cat use it.

Most cat trees are bolted together, so they can be dismantled when moving house. Keep the bolts in a separate bag, and after several reassemblies check the threads for wear, as worn threads make the tree wobble.

Some cat trees are modular, so extra platforms, posts or houses can be bolted on. The parts must fit the existing frame, and the base and wall fixing must handle the extra height and weight.

Fix the shelves to masonry or studs with suitable plugs and screws, not just to thin plasterboard. Space them so the gaps are comfortable to jump and the cat always has a way back down.

Choose a scratcher with sturdy hooks and secure its bottom to the door with tape or soft pads. A rattling, swinging scratcher is unpleasant for a cat, so it may stop using it.

Vacuum up dust, hair and loose fibres regularly and wipe platforms with a slightly damp cloth. Wash removable covers according to the label, and keep cardboard parts dry, as they soften and fall apart when wet.

Hair is easiest to remove from plush and mats with a vacuum brush attachment, a rubber brush or a lint roller. Brushing the cat regularly also reduces the amount of hair on the tree.

Sisal posts and wooden parts can be wiped with a damp cloth, but do not soak them, as the frame can swell and sisal takes long to dry and may go mouldy. Never wash cardboard scratchers — replace them instead.

Clean urine with an enzymatic cleaner made for pet stains, because ordinary products do not remove the smell fully and the cat may return to the spot. Heavily soaked sisal or cardboard is better replaced, and if the cat urinates outside the box, talk to a vet.