Cat Furniture Designed with Cats in Mind.

At Purrniture, we often reupholster cat towers and furniture when their kitty shreds the carpeting to pieces. We love that! It means those cats have learned where they need to scratch. At our shop, we design furniture that we know cats will need.  We understand cat behavior and why they do what they do.

There are two kinds of cat scratchers: vertical and horizontal. Almost all our cat furniture designs are created so a feline can dig their claws in either direction. Our trees and towers stand straight up but have areas where a cat can scratch horizontally. How do you know if your cat is a horizontal or vertical scratcher?

How does your cat need to scratch: horizontal or vertical?

According to world-renowned cat behavior expert Pam Johnson-Bennett,  kitties who scratch on welcome mats, carpets, throw rugs, or sofa cushions are typically horizontal scratchers. If you have a piece of vertical cat furniture that’s covered in a very appealing material such as sisal and your feline ignores it, you probably have a horizontal scratcher on your hands.

If your cat likes to use your couch or wall as a scratching post, most likely they are vertical scratchers. Occasionally there are cats who prefer the option of being able to engage in both horizontal and vertical scratching. For these kitties, you need to provide both vertical and horizontal options, like our Deluxe Sleeper tower.

Why do cats have the need to scratch?

Every year millions of cats are surrendered to animal shelters, some because of inappropriate scratching. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) says your cat doesn’t claw the couch or drapes because they want to annoy you. They do it because they have to.

It’s common knowledge that cats scratch to remove the dead outer layer of their claw and to mark their territory. They also love to stretch their bodies and limbs. Scratching is normal, instinctive behavior and all cats need to do it. It’s up to you to provide your kitty a cat tree or tower.

Where should I put my cat furniture?

You must put the posts where your cat wants them — next to where they sleep and in prominent spots where they like to hang out. Your cat should not have to travel far to use their tree or tower.

I’ve heard numerous people say they don’t want cat furniture in their main living area. But I disagree. Aren’t they valuable members of your family? Shouldn’t they have a spot where you hang out? 

Once your cat is regularly using their cat tower, behaviorists say you can move it little by little to where you'd like it. I think it’s best to leave it in their favorite spot so they will leave your couch, wall and draperies alone.

I also want to point out you should never yell or hit your cat because they scratched an off-limits object. Scolding only works if you catch them in the act. If you punish them after the fact, they won't know what they've done wrong. When you do catch them in the act, make a loud noise, clap your hands and say a strong “no.”

Trimming those nails helps your cat, its furniture and your prized possessions.

Clipping your cat’s nails will extend the life of your cat tree and help stop further destruction of the objects you don’t want to be scratched. Proper grooming needs to be done every few weeks. For those of you who are so frustrated that you are considering declawing your cat, don’t do it. It’s cruel, painful, inhumane and can cause litter box issues in the future. (There’s now a national movement to ban the declawing of cats called the Paw Project)

Simply the best cat furniture on the market.

I began Purrniture almost 30 years ago and have thousands of happy customers. I started my company after seeing poorly designed, cheaply built pieces that were too light or too small for a cat to use. My designs take into consideration the fact that cat furniture is supposed to be a jungle gym for cats. A place to expel energy and keep fit. A place to play, scratch, sleep and feel safe. A place to call their own. I use repurposed wood for the frames and new carpet from remnants to make my furniture the best while still being affordable. Everything is designed while taking into consideration a cat’s natural behavior.

Of course, my biggest motivation is to help cats and their owners have a wonderful human-animal bond. I want our products to be loved by your cat and appreciated by you.