Short answer: start with the space you have, then think about your cat's personality, and put stability above everything else. Tight on room? Go for a compact model. Have an active cat? Look for several levels and scratching posts. Large cat or more than one? You'll want wide baskets and a reinforced structure.
At a glance
- Measure the floor space, the ceiling height and the spot near a window.
- Active cats love to climb, while calm or older cats do better with a moderate height.
- A wide, heavy base matters more than height.
- Our cat trees come with a 6-month warranty.
1. Start with your space
Measure the spot where the tree will go: floor width, ceiling height and how close it is to a window. In an apartment or a small corner, a compact tree with a stable base is often more useful than a big one that crowds the room. Our Filou cat tree was designed for small spaces and for calm or less agile cats.
2. Think about your cat's personality
Active cats love to climb and jump, so look for several levels, a mix of platforms and sisal scratching posts. A calmer or older cat will be happier with a moderate height and easy access. The Mistigris cat tree, with its cubbies, hammock and scratching posts, is a great fit for cats who like to climb, rest and keep an eye on things.
3. Check stability first
This is the number one thing to look for. A wide, heavy base, a solid frame and well-secured platforms help prevent falls and make your cat feel safe, so they'll use the tree more. A wobbly tree will quickly be ignored.
4. Match the tree to your cat's size and how many cats you have
A large cat needs baskets and platforms wide enough to settle into comfortably. If you have several cats, choose a tree with multiple levels and plenty of spots to perch so everyone has a place of their own. The Grisou cat tree has several levels and reinforced baskets, with a recommended load of up to 20 kg (44 lb).
5. Scratching posts: a small detail that matters
Sisal is a classic for a good reason: cats love scratching it, which helps keep your furniture safe. A tree that offers a place to rest, some height and scratching posts covers several of your cat's natural needs at once.
6. Warranty and customer support
A cat tree is a long-term purchase. At Calchou, our cat trees come with a 6-month warranty, and our team is happy to answer your questions quickly.
Frequently asked questions
How tall should a cat tree be?
Leave at least 10 cm (4 in) of clearance below the ceiling. Filou is 100 cm (39 in) tall, Mistigris is 143 cm (56 in) and Grisou is 142 cm (56 in). For most cats, stability matters more than height.
Can a cat tree tip over?
A well-assembled tree with a wide base is stable. Mistigris and Grisou also come with an anti-tip strap for extra safety.
Which tree is best for an older or less agile cat?
Look for a tree of moderate height with platforms close together, like Filou, so your cat doesn't have to make big jumps.
