Cats are born with an innate need to scratch: scratching is a way for them to mark their territory by leaving behind their scent while also caring for their claws. House cats cannot be weaned from scratching. It’s also in your own interest to buy a scratching tree in order to protect your furniture and walls. Ideally, the scratching tree will fulfil several purposes at once: your cat can satisfy its need to scratch, occupy itself with climbing and playing, and have a quiet place to which it can retreat.

The classic scratching tree is an upright tube usually wrapped in sisal fibre, a natural fibre from the sisal plant. Simple models often consist of a small cave as a place to which cats can retreat, the scratching tree itself, and a simple reclining surface, which is usually attached to the upper end of the scratching tree. In addition to the standard model, there is a large selection of different sizes, ranging from 100 cm to over 200 cm, and models with two or more adjacent scratching trees connected by diagonal levels or platforms of varying heights. The free-standing scratching tree takes up a lot of space, so, if you have a small apartment, you can also opt for scratching boards that are attached to the wall at different heights. We also have many other scratching accessories for house cats, such as a wavelike scratching post with a built-in cave, a play tree with scratching accessories, or an imaginative scratching castle.

The larger the scratching tree, the more options it offers cats to keep themselves busy. However, it also has to fit into your living room. A corner scratching tree with several platforms is especially good at saving space, and your cat will love lying on it because it offers a view of the entire room. Measure the height of your room’s ceiling before buying: you need to know the height if you decide to buy a floor-to-ceiling model or to make sure that there is enough room under the ceiling for an XXL scratching tree that has a reclining platform on top.
However, in addition to measuring the height, you should also measure how much space you have in terms of width. Some cat scratching trees can be very expansive, such as when two platforms or caves form the base. A scratching tree that is particularly wide at the base has the advantage of generally being very stable. Even in the case of large and heavy cats or particularly wild house cats, you won’t have to worry about a scratching tree like this falling over.
Apart from all the practical aspects, you should also like the way your cat’s scratching tree looks. There is an enormous range of designs now: scratching trees are available as classic models with plush or smooth fabrics, in different colours, covered in sisal, or with wood elements. The Maxi Zoo online shop has the right scratching tree for every taste and style of décor.

Ideally, you would set up the scratching tree so that your cat can observe the room and also look out of the window. Cats are usually very curious, and observing their surroundings is a form of entertainment for them. Make sure that the scratching tree is standing securely and can’t tip over when your cat jumps around on it. Put the scratching tree in the room where you and your cat prefer to spend most of your time. If the cat tree is standing in the kitchen but your kitty always keeps you company in the living room, your feline friend won’t get much enjoyment out of it and will prefer your sofa as its favourite spot and scratching aid.
You can also consider other aspects when looking for the ideal location for a scratching tree. For example, do you have a tall bookcase in the living room, and is your cat a little mountaineer? If you place the ceiling-high scratching tree near the bookcase and create a connection with resting platforms or special suspended bridges on the wall, for instance, you can offer your cat even more reclining and viewing areas as well as climbing opportunities. The Maxi Zoo product line also includes a variety of beds, ladders, bridges, and entire wall-mounted scratching trees.

If you share your four walls with a calm older cat, you might ask yourself whether it even needs a large scratching tree for climbing, playing, and scratching. Cats never outgrow their need to scratch. In addition, their claws always continue to grow and it’s harder for older cats, in particular, to wear them down because these cats are less active overall. A scratching option is therefore useful for claw care and also keeps cats fit. Moreover, even senior cats enjoy a raised sleeping area with a good view. If you’re looking for a scratching tree for an older cat, just make sure that the higher levels can still be reached even if your cat is not as agile as it once was. Several staggered levels with small distances between them and a comfortable-size reclining area instead of a cramped cave are ideal for older cats.

Young cats won’t immediately know what to do with the scratching tree. You can illustrate the point for your cat by playfully whetting your own “claws” on it. Otherwise, you can spray a little powdered catnip onto the scratching post: this substance is irresistible to cats. Or lure the kitten to the upper levels with a toy fishing line or treats. Sometimes all you need is a bit of patience. Many house cats regularly change their preferred sleeping areas, and yours will undoubtedly soon take a closer look at the cosy bed by the window. Once it has accepted the scratching tree, your cat will automatically begin marking its territory and hence also whetting its claws on it.
Discover a large selection of natural, designer, ceiling-high, or wall-mounted scratching trees from Silvio Design, Trixie, AniOne, Catgato, MORE FOR, and many more brands in our Maxi Zoo online shop.