In this article you’re going to learn if cat trees are dangerous
If you think cat trees are dangerous then this article will change your mind
In short: Read this article before you make a decision whether to buy a cat tree or not
Sound good?
Let’s get started!
Cat trees are a popular choice of accessory for many cat owners.
It’s a great way of providing some sort of entertainment for your cat
If you’re a cautious cat parent and
You’re wondering – Are cat trees dangerous?
Keep reading to find out about the potential hazards of a cat tree, and how they should be designed in order to keep your cats or kittens safe.
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Is The Structure Of Your Cat Tree Safe And Secure?
A good quality cat tree from a reputable company should come with a safety guarantee.
The actual safety of the product is often reliant on the purchaser being able to construct it correctly.
So you should always ensure that you have the right tools and follow the construction guidelines according to the manual.
Be wary of purchasing pre-owned cat trees as these may have wear and tear which makes the product unsafe for your cats, and will render the company’s safety guarantee void.
You should always choose a design, when purchasing a cat tree that has a heavily weighted base to ensure that the structure is sturdy and well balanced.
Some cats can be quite boisterous and so you don’t want to purchase a cat tree that is likely to topple over.
Brand plays a huge role
If you have no idea what brand is best for cat trees but want to get a cat tree that is safe for your cat then you don’t need to worry
I have actually written a article on a really awesome cat tree
That is the Amarkat Cat tree
You can check out my in-depth review
Click the link below
Choose A Cat Tree Made From Safe Materials
Some cat trees are covered in carpet material.
Unfortunately many cat owners do not realize that carpet is not an ideal material for a cat apparatus that is intended from climbing and scratching.
This is because many carpets are designed with pile or cut loop, and your cat’s claws could easily snag in this material and become damaged.
The unraveling fibers of a carpet-covered cat tree can also be a risk for getting your cat caught up and tangled, or being a choking hazard.
Cats have serrated tongues, which make it impossible for them to spit out things that they get in their mouths like fur, string and other long tangled fibers.
Their only option is to swallow and this could lead to serious health issues.
Toxic Materials That May Be Found In Cat Trees
Here is a list of other potential toxic materials commonly found in the production of cat trees:
- Phthalates – These are often found in PVC products. They may penetrate the skin and cause damage to the liver and kidneys.
- PVC (with added chemicals) – PVC often contains toxic chemical additives in order to make the PVC more flexible and soft.
- BPA – This is a chemical that can disrupt endocrines, causing changes to your cat’s metabolism and micro biome.
- Lead – This is linked to organ damage, and may affect the gastrointestinal tract and nervous system.
- Formaldehyde – Respiratory and digestive issues are linked to long-term exposure.
Non-Toxic Cat Tree And Cat Toy Materials
Here is a list of non-toxic materials to look out for when purchasing a cat tree or cat toys.
But you should always be aware that any product or material may come with associated hazards, and so you should supervise your cat in the beginning to ensure that the product is safe for them.
- Wood
- Sisal
- Braided Ropes
- Corrugated Cardboard
Are Feathers Safe For Cats?
You might see some cat trees that may have feathers in them
It’s understandable if you’re worried if it’s safe for your kitty
And you should have that concern as a cat parent
The answer – It is dangerous to have feathers in the cat tree especially for kittens
You see, kitten learn with their mouths and they’ll most likely chew on it as they usually chew on anything!
Something like a feather can easily be chewed on and ripped off whatever it’s attached to
This can lead to your kitten to swallowing it which can result in choking
If you’re getting a cat tree for your kitten it’s best to avoid any that has feathers
Altogether you should avoid it in general
You don’t want your little furbaby chewing on the feather toy
Conclusion
When our pet cats go outdoors they are faces with many risks and hazards, and they have to keep themselves safe.
In the home it is our responsibility to ensure that we are not exposing them to unnecessary risks.
Nothing is risk free of course, but it helps to be well informed of what you are purchasing.
Cat trees are a great way of keeping your cat entertained and not bored
Especially if you’re out of the house due to work
A cat tree will keep your little feline friend occupied
It’s also a great way for your cat to exercise too and helps keep them active
But just as much fun as it sounds
It’s important to know if it’s dangerous
And to be honest they are not dangerous at all
You should definitely get your cat a cat tree
It will only bring benefit
And if you are on a budget then
I would recommend you check out my article on cat trees under $100
You’ll be surprised at how many awesome cat trees you can get for under $100
Related Article – Is buying a cat tree worth it?