If you’re a cat lover, you likely ask yourself time and time again, what furniture does my cat need to feel more comfortable? It’s not always a simple decision, however, considering you’ve got your cat’s instincts to think about as well as the décor of your property.
When it comes to choosing some cat-friendly furniture, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few of our favourite ideas.
Why do cats need furniture?
Before we go any further, it’s useful to touch on why cats need certain types of furniture. Cats have behavioural needs that must be met for them to be both mentally and physically healthy. Such behaviours include things like scratching, hiding, and climbing.
The best way to avoid stressing your cat out and to encourage these behaviours (without damaging your home) is to include suitable pieces of furniture.
Scratching posts
Scratching posts are probably the first piece of furniture to provide for your cat to prevent everything in your home from becoming damaged beyond repair. These are essential for keeping their claws healthy and are perfect for stretching after a much-needed afternoon nap.
Provide plenty of scratching opportunities for your cat so that they tend to their daily nail care, with at least 1-2 spots in each room. Quality is key here, so be sure to choose something made of natural materials such as chemical-free wood, hemp, or sisal fabric.
Cat trees
To satisfy your feline friend’s instincts to stretch and climb, you should look to get a vertical space for them to explore. Cat trees are ideal and often come with various levels, with multiple scratching surfaces, vantage points, and cosy resting zones.
The most important thing is that you opt for something stable and made from durable materials, such as sisal rope, cardboard, and wood. And make sure that the piece can actually fit in your home.
Resting zones with cover
Cats love a place where they can hide away from the bustle of the home, particularly when it comes to resting. Generally, they feel vulnerable when sleeping, so it’s important to provide them with a warm and comfortable bed with a cover over the top.
You could opt for something that matches the design of your home in the form of a stylish wooden nightstand with a sleeping area inside or a cosy igloo bed. Because cats are clean creatures, make sure that their sleeping space is kept clear from their food, water, and litter trays. If there’s a particular part of the home they prefer to hide, then consider placing the furniture there.