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I would like to buy a cat tree for my kittens, but I'm not sure which one to buy. Petsmart has some really nice looking ones, but they are about $200 to $300. Can you tell me if you have one and if you like it? Also, is there anything the rest of us should know when choosing one? Where is the best and cheapest place to go for this sort of thing? Thanks.

"crayon," My house is full of cat furniture I have ordered from Drs. FosterSmith which comes highly recommended by my five indoor-only cats and myself; quality made and sturdy.

I have tried almost all of their cat trees and the two versions my cats like best are the Mega Kitty Tower (9B-10039) and the Classi-Cat Treehouse (9B-4779), both cost $169.99.

BUT when I checked on-line at www.DrsFosterSmith.com to find out the names, I saw they are having a 1 week sale expiring 12/1/08 and either one can be bought for a total of $149.98 including shipping! (Sales price $135.99 with shipping of 13.99)

My kittens really liked the Mega Kitty Tower because of the swing and the rounded top with sides where they would sleep together but the Classi-Cat Treehouse has carpet, sisal and cedar for the base scratching posts which gives your kittens a choice of materials to scratch.

Either of them would make a great choice for your kittens; and, for you, they come in six different colors to match your decor. I always order "oatmeal" so it blends in whatever room I put it in.

I have found this company to be very reliable, they ship quickly, it's delivered to my front door and they stand behind their products. Let us know what you decide to do; remember the 20% off sale is only good for this week!

IR, thanks so much! I looked around before you posted, and I love their website and what they offer. The price is also great at that sale price. I think I'm going to order the tower you recommended, and probably in the oatmeal. I was considering the dark brown, because it would go with our decor, but you made a good point. I also was thinking that the dark color would make more sense, but now I'm rethinking that.

Thanks again.

"crayon," Thanks for posting back; I think both you and the kittens are going to be happy with the "Tower!" Also think you will be happy with the oatmeal color; the only time I bought another color (forest green because it would match the decor of the room I was putting it in), I discovered that cat hair shows up much more on dark solid colors!

Let me know what you and the kittens think about it once you get it. BTW, you DO know that you have to assemble it, right? Really not complicated (and I'm not the handiest person around) but the first time, I assembled a Tower, it looked like the "Leaning Tower of Pisa!"

Just need to make sure you fasten everything tight which I didn't do the first time around. They might not be able to climb to the very top (41") at first but that's okay. They'll grow into it and be able to go higher as they get bigger and they do grow quickly...

Looking forward to seeing a photograph of those darling kittens playing with their new toy soon!

This is mine. Got it on Ebay, quality is fair. Go with F&S, their stuff is great! Your boys will love it!!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Daphne,

IR, I ordered the oatmeal one. My DH can put it together; he's good at that sort of thing. You'll be sure to get pics of my little babies when they get their new toy.

Daphne, very cute fur babies, and they look very content in their cute tower.

Very important thing about cat trees, is that the base be big enough and heavy enough that it doesn't tip over, when a large, heavy cat flings himself at it! You can always add a piece of plywood or other board on the bottom if you need it.
I have several cat trees, one bought and the rest DH made himself. Use 2x4's put together instead of the round things and cover with sisal rope (cheap at your hardware store). Get a carpet remnant, plywood, and design your own cat tree. Not difficult if your are handy with tools. I do have to replace the carpet in places from time to time, as the cats scratch it down to the boards. The raggier the carpet gets, the better they like it. You can buy catnip spray to lure them to it, but usually isn't neccessary.
With mostly big, tall cats (8), I need tall scratching posts and most store bought are too short. I just looked at alot of pics of cat trees and designed my own to fit the spaces where I wanted them to go. Especially after putting together a bought one, I saw that there isn't all that much to them and could make my own.
Just a thought to consider, especially if you need more than one tree.

Crayon, I think your kitties will LOVE the cat tower/tree! I got lucky and found one at a yard sale of all places. Got it (stold it) for $20.00! The people were moving out of state and pretty much selling everything they owned. I brought it home (not even knowing it the girls would like it or even use it) and cleaned it up inside and out with the vac and then the Bissel. I also made sure there were no fleas or other critters. It ended up being the best investment ever!

At first, Callie (my jumper kitty) was the only one who could get to the top. Then Lola finally figured out how to do it when she got a little older. When they were smaller, the often shared the top section. Now, Lo is way to big so they no longer fit. They often take turns being in the top. The bottom section is covered, so Lola sometimes likes to go inside and sleep.

Keep your camera ready because I've got a feeling that your kitties will also play around it. Mine take turns hiding in the bottom while the other one sneaks up from the side...then the other one jumps out! They've had hours of fun with this thing. I gotta say that it was the best 20 bucks I've ever spent on the girls. I would have paid more...but sure wasn't going to pass up my deal~

So what room do you think you will put it in?

I had planned on putting ours in our bedroom. But we ended up keeping it in the kitchen so they could look out the glass doors. They love to bird watch and just hang out.

We do have to move it if we have several people over b/c it tends to be in the way (small kitchen).

Good luck with your new purchase and definitely post pics later!

This pic was taken last year when they were younger and still fit the top together.

They are sort of squeezed in together~

Lola crashed on the 2nd level~

Callie...just hangin out~

Lola...also "hangin" out~

6catsmommy, thanks for the advice. We bought the one from Drs. Foster and Smith, and are happy with the quality. The kitties are enjoying it, and in time, hopefully they will enjoy it even more. We've only had it less than a week, so they are just getting used to it.

Luvtoflip, your tree/tower is wonderful, and only for $20! What a deal! You furbabies are looking so happy there too! Callie and Lola look content being squeezed in together, and mine like it that way too, at least for now.

Here's just a few pics of them in the tree, but they aren't the best pics cuz I took them at night. Have to catch them when they're there. Right now the tower is in the kitchen in front of the windows looking out to the deck. I wanted to make sure I gave them a window. In time, I will probably have to move this to a different room with a window. However, this is where they tend to want to play anyway, and this is where I am for the most part. At first only Chipper could climb up to the top, but as you can see in the pic, Chaz is now able to get up there too, and that's only after about 3 days.

Sorry about the eyes in the pics. I'm not very good with a camera.

Here they are both playing in the top of the tower.

ooohhhh, I really like that tower! Plus, I like the color. If and when we get the basement finished, I just might have to add another cat tree.

Aren't they the sweetest when they snuggle up together?

Love the play-fighting. I get tickled at our girls 'goin at it' from time to time. They have this "stare down" thing that they do...and then one will try to bite at the other one's back legs or behind...then the romping begins!LOL

Crayon, thats a great kitty tree! They look like they're enjoying it a lot!

ltf, I can't believe you only paid $20 for that! What a steal!
I like how they're "hanging out"