> >

Chapter 9: Cat Furnishings

Cat Living Accessories

Dogs and cats are very different and have oftentimes been compared to men vs. women with respect to the elements of their personalities that don't quite coincide. In one respect that seems to demonstrate a clear parallel, dogs are quite happy with a pile of food and activities that tire them out. Cats seem to require something of a clever living space that offers a degree of solitude in order to maintain their friendly demeanors. That is why there is no such thing as a "dog tree." But cat trees, do exist, and in fact are widely sold in addition to being quite real. Cats oftentimes require an energy outlet that simple toys just can't offer them, and since they like to groom and keep their claws sharp naturally as well, the scratching post is a necessary expenditure for most cat owners too. Here's a bit about both of these accessories unique to the feline world and what they offer your pets.

Cat Trees

Imagine you're a kitty in a house with several children. It's likely you spend more time running and hiding from them than the family dog does. Because of this need for privacy that cats seem to have, the cat tree is an essential piece of furniture in any cat owner's home. Cat trees are essentially mini tree houses of sorts, and usually contain multiple levels, covered in carpet or synthetic material similar to bark or rough grass that cats can feel comfortable climbing, playing and rolling around in. Some cat trees contain holes for cats to jump through in order to reach the later levels and some are constructed into full on tunnels for cats to jump though or hide in and feel secure.

Scratching Posts

In the same right that it's necessary to get a handful of chew toys for puppies in their teething stages, it's definitely a must for cats to have a scratch post of some variety—that is unless you'd like to either replace the bulk of your furniture repeatedly or continually explain to company why your home décor is so rustic. Cats will scratch just about anything when they need to sharpen their claws. And that goes for double when their hormones act up, (Yes, another reason dogs and cats are often compared to men vs. women.) So having a scratch post is essential if you're a cat owner. Scratch posts are made in a wide verity of materials and types. They're usually crafted of carpets or other synthetics that simulate a rough bark-like texture, in order for cats to feel natural while sharpening their claws. There are scratch posts that are free standing structures, or those that lean against existing furniture as well like slant washboards. There are also scratch posts that are shaped like little pet beds or litter boxes that are marketed as "massage beds" for cats because of their tendency to roll around in them and scratch their fur and skin as well as their claws.

All Dog Supplies Accessories Beds, Furniture and Pads Biscuits and Treats Carriers and Strollers Containment Systems Collars and Leashes Crates and Kennels Dog Grooming Supplies Dog Houses Dog Toys Doors and Gates Feeding and Watering Fleas, Ticks and Wellness House Breaking and Cleaning Small Dog Carriers Small Dog Clothes

All Cat Supplies Accessories Beds and Furniture Bowls, Feeders and Watering Cat Toys Cat Treats Collars and Leashes Doors and Containment Fleas, Ticks and Wellness Grooming and Cleaning Supplies Litter Boxes Scratching Posts

All Bird Supplies Bird Feeders Bird Toys Cages Cage Accessories Food and Treats Perches

All Fish Supplies Bowls and Kits Fish Food Fish Tanks Lighting and Covers Pumps Water Filters

Owner Accessories Pet Supplies Reptiles Small Animal Supplies