Best Cat Towers in Australia: Vertical Play, Comfort, and Enrichment for Cats

Key Takeaways

• A well-chosen cat tower is more than “cat furniture”. It supports core feline needs: scratching, climbing, hiding, resting, and observing from height—all behaviours strongly linked to welfare in indoor and apartment living.
• Stability and proportion matter more than extra features. A tower that wobbles, has small perches, or uses low-density materials can be ignored—or worse, become a fall risk.
• Vertical space reduces stress and conflict. Research in shelter and group-housed settings shows that access to hiding and elevated areas can reduce stress and improve adjustment, which translates well to Australian homes, especially multi-cat households.
• Australia’s climate influences material choice and maintenance. Humidity (particularly coastal QLD/NSW) increases mould risk in plush fabrics and particleboard; dry, hot summers raise comfort needs, including cooler resting surfaces and airflow.
• The “best” cat tower depends on your cat and your home. A senior cat benefits from step-style access; a confident adolescent cat needs height and challenge; a large-breed cat needs bigger platforms and stronger posts.
• Plan placement like you would for a safety-critical piece of furniture. Tall, freestanding items can tip; consider anchoring tall towers and always place them on a stable, non-slip surface.

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Introduction

Australian cat ownership has shifted markedly in recent years. More households now keep cats indoors full-time or in contained outdoor areas to reduce road risk, neighbourhood disputes, and impacts on wildlife. Containment is a practical choice, and in some local government areas it is also a legal requirement. However, a contained lifestyle must still meet a cat’s behavioural and physical needs.

A cat tower—also called a cat tree or cat condo—can be one of the most effective ways to add vertical territory to an indoor home. Height provides security, choice, and a viewpoint. Scratching surfaces provide an acceptable outlet for normal marking and claw maintenance behaviours. Enclosed “cubbies” provide hiding places that help cats feel safe. Resting platforms support long sleep periods and frequent short naps.

This guide explains what “best cat towers in Australia” really means in practice: safe construction, stable design, appropriate sizing, realistic placement, and ongoing maintenance. It is written for Australian households, including rentals and apartments, and covers the practical details that often get overlooked—such as humidity, mould prevention, floor types, and how to match a tower to a cat’s age and body shape.

Where specific welfare guidance is relevant, this article draws on recognised animal welfare and veterinary behaviour resources, including RSPCA cat enrichment guidance that emphasises vertical space, scratching posts, and cat ladders/trees as part of a healthy daily environment.

Why Cat Towers Matter: Welfare, Behaviour, and Health

A cat tower can look like an optional accessory, but it often becomes a key “infrastructure” item for a cat-friendly home. The reason is simple: cats are built for vertical movement. They climb, perch, jump, stretch, scratch, hide, and observe. When the home does not provide outlets for those behaviours, the cat will improvise—on kitchen benches, bookshelves, window sills, curtains, sofas, and door frames.

Vertical space and stress reduction

Cats use height to regulate their sense of safety. Elevated positions provide a wider view of the environment and increase control over approach and retreat. In more crowded or unpredictable environments, the ability to move up and away is a recognised stress-buffer.

Evidence from shelter studies shows that providing hiding places reduces stress scores and allows cats to adapt sooner to novel environments. Although a home is not a shelter, the principle is relevant: when a cat can choose between being visible and being concealed (and can change vantage point), overall stress tends to reduce.

This matters in Australian homes where common stressors include:

• visitor-heavy households
• children learning to interact gently
• loud storms and fireworks
• multi-cat living in smaller dwellings
• apartment corridors and unfamiliar building noises

A well-designed tower contributes to the predictability and control that underpin feline wellbeing.

Scratching: a normal behaviour that needs a suitable outlet

Scratching is not “bad behaviour”. It is a normal feline behaviour with multiple functions:

• claw maintenance and shedding of old nail sheaths
• full-body stretching (shoulders, back, hips)
• territorial marking via visual marks and scent glands in the paws
• stress regulation and emotional expression

Studies of unwanted scratching highlight that management strategies work best when owners provide appropriate scratching surfaces and reinforce their use, rather than punishing the cat. Sisal-based scratching surfaces are frequently recommended because many cats find the texture satisfying.

A cat tower helps because it places scratching posts where cats naturally move—on routes between rooms, near resting spaces, and near “social hubs” of the household.

Physical activity and weight management

Australia has a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in cats. Industry and veterinary sources commonly cite that roughly one third of Australian cats may be overweight or obese, with some datasets showing higher rates in middle-aged to older cats. Excess body weight increases the risk of osteoarthritis, diabetes, urinary tract disease, and reduced overall quality of life.

A cat tower is not a weight-loss program on its own, but it can:

• increase incidental movement (climb up, climb down)
• encourage play if paired with wand toys
• support “micro-sessions” of activity throughout the day
• provide a predictable location for interactive play routines

If your cat is overweight, the tower must be chosen carefully—lower step spacing, wider platforms, and a stable base reduce the risk of slips and joint strain.

Multi-cat households: reducing competition

Cats may share space, but they do not always share resources calmly. In multi-cat homes, conflict is often subtle: blocking pathways, staring, swatting near key areas, or preventing another cat from accessing a preferred resting spot.

Vertical territory helps because it increases usable space without expanding the home’s footprint. Multiple perches, staggered levels, and more than one entry/exit route reduce bottlenecks. The goal is to create choice—a confident cat can take a high perch while a cautious cat can choose a mid-level hide, without being trapped.

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What Makes a Cat Tower “Best” in Australia?

Australia-specific selection is not simply about price or aesthetics. It is about how the tower performs in Australian housing styles and climate.

Australian housing realities

Many Australian homes include:

• hard floors (tiles, timber, laminate, polished concrete)
• open-plan layouts
• large windows and sliding doors
• rentals with restrictions on wall mounting
• smaller apartments in metropolitan areas

A tower must therefore be stable on hard flooring, fit within open spaces without becoming a trip hazard, and ideally be free-standing or minimally invasive for renters.

Climate: humidity, heat, and maintenance

In humid regions, plush fabrics and carpet coverings can trap moisture and encourage mould growth, particularly if the tower is placed near condensation-prone windows or damp laundry areas. Australian mould-prevention guidance commonly focuses on controlling indoor humidity (often keeping it below ~60%) and ensuring ventilation.

In hot summers, cats seek cooler resting areas. Towers with breathable platforms, shaded placement, and good airflow can be more comfortable than thick plush coverings in a non-air-conditioned room.

Safety expectations: treat tall towers like tall furniture

While cat towers are not typically regulated under the same standards as domestic storage furniture, the physics are similar. A tall, freestanding structure can tip if it is narrow, light, or placed on an unstable surface.

For homes with children or large, athletic cats, it is reasonable to:

• choose a tower with a wide base and substantial weight
• avoid narrow “pole” designs that sway
• consider anchoring very tall towers to a wall stud where practical

Types of Cat Towers and Which One Suits Your Cat

Not all “cat towers” provide the same benefits. Many products mix features—posts, platforms, condos, hammocks—so it helps to understand the major styles and who they suit.

Compact vertical towers (small footprint)

These are designed for apartments and smaller rooms. They focus on upward movement rather than sprawling sideways.

Best for:

• apartment living
• single-cat homes
• cats that like perching and observing

Watch-outs:

• can be too light unless the base is weighted
• may have small platforms unsuited to larger cats

Multi-level cat trees with condos

A classic style: multiple platforms plus enclosed hide boxes.

Best for:

• cats that rotate between hiding and observing
• multi-cat households (if the tree has multiple resting areas)

Watch-outs:

• some condos are too small for adult cats, especially large breeds

Ceiling-height tension towers

These expand vertical territory dramatically. Many are “tension pole” designs.

Best for:

• confident climbers
• homes that can accommodate a tall structure

Watch-outs:

• renters may not be comfortable with pressure systems against ceilings
• stability depends on correct installation

Wall-mounted systems (shelves and climbs)

These create excellent vertical routes, but they are not always practical in Australian rentals.

Best for:

• permanent homes
• multi-cat households needing multiple escape routes

Watch-outs:

• requires drilling and suitable wall structure

Step-style towers and ramps

Lower, wider, and easier to access.

Best for:

• senior cats
• cats with arthritis or mobility limitation
• overweight cats starting an activity program

Watch-outs:

• may not satisfy a highly athletic young cat unless combined with other enrichment

How to Choose the Right Size: Height, Platform Space, and Weight Capacity

The most common reason a cat tower is underused is not a lack of interest—it is poor sizing. Cats avoid unstable, cramped, or awkward structures.

Height: matching activity level and confidence

General guidance commonly recommends:

• 24–40 inches (60–100 cm) for low-activity cats, seniors, kittens, or mobility-challenged cats
• 40–60 inches (100–150 cm) for moderate activity cats
• 65+ inches (165+ cm) for high-activity climbers and confident jumpers

In many Australian homes, towers in the 48–72 inch (120–180 cm) range suit the widest range of cats and room layouts.

Platform size and perch comfort

A resting platform should allow a cat to lie down without feeling perched on an edge. In practice:

• small cats often settle comfortably on 30–35 cm platforms
• average adult cats typically prefer 35–45 cm platforms
• large cats may need 45–55+ cm platforms

If your cat routinely “spills” off a bed or cannot turn around easily, the platform is too small.

Condo and tunnel sizing

Enclosed spaces must fit the cat’s body shape, not just their weight. Stockier cats need larger openings and deeper boxes.

A practical home check:

• your cat should be able to enter without compressing shoulders
• your cat should be able to turn around inside without scraping sides

Post height: enabling a full stretch

Cats often prefer vertical posts that let them scratch while fully extended. A short post encourages partial scratching and may not “compete” with the sofa.

Aim for:

• at least 70–90 cm of usable scratching height on one or more posts, especially for adult cats

Stability: base width and structural strength

Stability is non-negotiable. Look for:

• a base that is wide relative to height
• heavy construction that does not slide on hard floors
• thick posts (wider posts wobble less)

Where a tower is very tall, consider placing it in a corner for additional lateral stability, or anchoring it where appropriate.

Quick sizing table (home-friendly)

Cat profile	Recommended tower height	Platform size (guide)	Design notes
Kitten (under 12 months)	60–120 cm	30–40 cm	Step spacing; avoid high falls
Adult indoor cat	120–180 cm	35–45 cm	At least one tall scratch post
Large cat / big build	150–200+ cm	45–55+ cm	Heavy base; thick posts; wide beds
Senior or arthritic cat	60–140 cm	40–50 cm	Low step-ups, ramps, non-slip surfaces
Multi-cat home (2+ cats)	150–200 cm	Multiple platforms	More than one “good spot” at the top

Materials and Build Quality: What to Look For (and Avoid)

Cat towers are subject to repetitive high-impact use: jumping, twisting, scratching, and weight shifting. Materials influence safety, durability, odour control, and suitability for Australia’s climate.

Frame and panels: MDF, particleboard, plywood, or solid timber

Many towers use MDF or particleboard panels. These can be adequate if well-made, but they are more vulnerable to swelling if exposed to moisture.

When possible, look for:

• dense, well-finished panels that do not crumble at screw points
• quality fasteners and inserts (threads that do not strip)
• construction that does not rely on a single central pole

Some consumers prefer low-emission board (commonly discussed as E0/E1 in engineered wood contexts). While pet towers are not always labelled in this way, seeking products that disclose materials and finish quality can be a practical risk-reduction step for indoor air quality.

Scratching surfaces: sisal rope, sisal fabric, carpet, or plush

Sisal rope is widely used and generally preferred for scratching because it provides resistance and texture.

• Sisal rope: durable, effective, supports full stretch scratching
• Carpet: some cats enjoy it, but it can resemble household carpet and may not reduce furniture scratching
• Plush: comfortable for lounging but usually poor for scratching

A good tower often combines sisal posts with soft resting platforms, so cats can both scratch and nap in one location.

Fabric: comfort versus cleaning

Plush coverings feel appealing, but they hold hair and can trap odours. In humid climates, they also hold moisture.

Consider your household:

• If you have allergies, choose fabrics that vacuum easily and do not shed fibres.
• If you live in a humid coastal area, avoid dense carpet-like coverings in a room that already struggles with condensation.

Hardware and assembly quality

A tower can look impressive but fail if screws loosen quickly.

Prefer:

• metal threaded inserts rather than screws driven into soft board
• clearly labelled parts and spare hardware
• platforms that bolt through, not just into thin surfaces

Safety First: Stability, Placement, and Tip-Over Prevention

Cat towers should be treated like any tall furniture item: placed thoughtfully, checked regularly, and kept stable.

Where to place a cat tower in an Australian home

The best placement depends on what your cat values.

Common successful placements:

• near a window for visual stimulation (“cat TV”), especially if you have bird activity outside
• in a quiet corner if your cat prefers calm observation
• near family areas if your cat likes social contact but wants height-based control
• away from kitchen benches if the tower is meant to redirect climbing

Avoid placing a tall tower:

• on thick rugs that allow rocking
• near doors that may swing into it
• beside shelves that could encourage risky jumps across narrow gaps

Non-slip foundations on hard floors

Australian homes often have tile or timber. On these surfaces, a tower can slide under impact.

Practical solutions include:

• placing the tower on a non-slip mat
• choosing a tower with rubberised feet
• selecting a heavier base design

Anchoring tall towers

While there is no universal rule, a sensible approach is:

• if the tower is tall enough that a fall could cause injury, consider anchoring it
• if children may pull on it, anchoring is strongly advised

Wall anchoring should be done into a stud or appropriate masonry fixing. If you rent, confirm what is permitted under your lease conditions.

Routine safety checks

Every 2–4 weeks (or more often in multi-cat homes), check:

• screws and bolts (tighten if needed)
• posts for wobble
• platforms for cracks
• sisal wrap for fraying that could catch claws

Enrichment Design: Features That Actually Improve Cat Life

Some features sell well but add limited welfare value. Others have outsized benefits.

High-value features

1) Multiple levels with choice

Cats like options. A tower that offers different heights allows a cat to choose where they feel comfortable.

2) At least one full-height scratch post

A tall post supports full-body stretch scratching, which many cats prefer.

3) Enclosed hiding space (condo/cubby)

A hide box supports stress regulation and gives shy cats a safe zone.

4) Window-facing perch

Visual stimulation is a major enrichment category for indoor cats.

5) Multi-entry designs

Especially important in multi-cat homes: avoid a single narrow entry that allows one cat to block access.

Lower-value features (nice to have, not essential)

• dangling toys that break quickly (better replaced with supervised interactive toys)
• very small hammocks that only suit kittens
• thin “carpet scratch pads” that fray early

Matching a Cat Tower to Life Stage and Health

Kittens and adolescent cats

Young cats are high-energy and often fearless. They need climbing outlets, but they also misjudge landings.

A good tower for kittens:

• offers intermediate steps rather than large jumps
• has stable platforms and sturdy posts
• avoids very high perches without guard-like edges

Supervise early use. Kittens can become overconfident quickly.

Adult cats

Adult cats often use towers as a routine-based resting and observation point. They may prefer one “best perch” and use the rest as access routes.

For adults:

• prioritise comfort at the top
• ensure scratch posts are tall and stable
• consider a second smaller scratch post elsewhere to spread resources

Senior cats and cats with arthritis

Arthritis is common in older cats and often underdiagnosed. Senior cats still enjoy height, but they need safer access.

Consider:

• step-style towers with low spacing
• ramps or wide steps
• plush but non-slip surfaces
• lower height overall, or a design where the “best bed” is mid-level

If your cat hesitates, slips, or avoids jumping up to usual places, it may be time to adjust their environment and speak with your veterinarian.

Large cats and strong jumpers

Large cats need proportionate platforms and stronger posts.

Key requirements:

• wide platforms and beds that support full-body lounging
• thick posts to reduce wobble
• heavy base and strong fasteners

If your cat can tip the tower when launching off it, the tower is not suitable.

Australia-Specific Considerations: Rentals, Apartments, and Wildlife-Safe Lifestyles

Rental-friendly vertical enrichment

Many Australian renters cannot drill walls or install permanent shelving. Free-standing towers are therefore the primary enrichment structure.

For rentals, look for:

• vertical design with a small footprint
• stable base without wall mounting
• materials that do not mark floors (or use a protective mat)

If you live in a high-rise or have a balcony, balcony safety is essential. If a tower is placed near balcony doors or railings, ensure your balcony is cat-safe and escape-proof.

Supporting indoor containment

Contained cats rely on the home environment for stimulation. RSPCA-style enrichment recommendations commonly include:

• scratching posts
• hiding places
• vertical space (cat ladders/trees)
• foraging opportunities (food puzzles)

A tower is one part of a broader plan. Consider pairing it with daily interactive play and foraging feeders to mimic hunting sequences.

Where to Put the Cat Tower for Maximum Use (Room-by-Room Planning)

Cats use their environment in pathways. The “best” tower is often the one placed where the cat already wants to be.

Living room

Often the highest-traffic and most social space.

Best for:

• cats that like observing the family
• cats that jump onto couches and shelves

Placement tip:

• position the tower near (but not blocking) a window and away from TV speakers if your cat is noise-sensitive

Bedroom

Best for:

• cats that sleep near their owners
• anxious cats that prefer predictable quiet

Placement tip:

• avoid placing the tower where nighttime movement may cause falls

Home office

Best for:

• cats that seek proximity during work hours

Placement tip:

• use the tower as a designated “up” space to reduce keyboard interference

Laundry or bathrooms

Generally not ideal due to humidity and chemical exposure.

If you must place it nearby:

• ensure good ventilation
• avoid damp corners
• monitor for mould

Preventing and Managing Mould, Odour, and Allergens

Australia’s humidity and condensation issues can affect soft furnishings, including cat towers.

Mould prevention basics (home practical)

• keep indoor humidity controlled (commonly aiming below ~60%)
• ensure regular ventilation
• avoid placing fabric-covered towers against external walls prone to condensation

Cleaning routine for hygiene and allergen control

A practical schedule:

• weekly: vacuum platforms and condos; check for hair build-up
• fortnightly: wipe hard surfaces; spot-clean stains
• monthly: deep clean removable cushions (if machine washable) and inspect hardware

For odours and urine accidents:

• use an enzyme cleaner suitable for pet mess
• avoid soaking particleboard panels
• dry thoroughly before reintroducing the tower

If mould appears

If you see mould on fabric or carpeted sections:

• move the tower outside if safe to do so
• vacuum spores using a HEPA-filter vacuum if available
• clean with a mild detergent or appropriate cleaning solution and dry completely
• consider replacing heavily affected soft sections if they cannot be fully dried

If mould recurs, review room ventilation and placement.

Getting Your Cat to Use the Tower (Without Stress)

Some cats climb immediately; others take time. A slow, positive introduction is usually most effective.

Step-by-step introduction plan

1. Place the tower where your cat already spends time. Visibility and familiarity matter.
2. Stabilise it before inviting use. Even one wobble can create avoidance.
3. Use rewards strategically. Place a small treat on a mid-level platform, then the top.
4. Use scent cues. Catnip can help some cats; others respond better to familiar bedding rubbed gently on a platform.
5. Pair with play. Use a wand toy to lead the cat up and across platforms.
6. Avoid forcing. Picking up and placing a cautious cat onto a tall perch can create mistrust.

Common reasons cats ignore towers

• tower is unstable or moves on the floor
• platforms are too small or too high
• scratch posts are too short or covered in an unappealing material
• placement is in a noisy or unpredictable area
• multi-cat household conflict blocks access

Multi-Cat Homes: How to Reduce Conflict Using Vertical Space

If you have more than one cat, the tower becomes a shared resource, which can either reduce conflict (by adding space) or increase conflict (if it creates a choke point).

Design principles that help

• choose a tower with multiple resting platforms at similar “value” (not just one premium bed)
• ensure there are two ways up and down where possible
• include at least one enclosed space and one open perch
• consider two smaller towers in different rooms rather than one very tall tower

Placement strategy for multi-cat households

• avoid placing the only tower in a narrow corridor
• provide separate resources in separate zones (resting, scratching, feeding)
• use calm routines and avoid crowding around the tower

If conflict persists (staring, blocking, swatting), consult a veterinarian or qualified behaviour professional. Early intervention prevents escalation.

Recommended Related Products from PetCareShed

The right accessories can make a cat tower safer, cleaner, and more effective as an enrichment tool. The following product categories are commonly helpful alongside a cat tower in Australian homes.

• Cat scratchers (floor and wall-leaning styles): Useful if your cat scratches on routes away from the tower, or if you want to provide multiple scratching stations in multi-cat homes.
• Interactive cat toys (wand toys and chase toys): Help turn the tower into a predictable play zone and support daily activity routines.
• Cat grooming tools (brushes and deshedding combs): Reduce hair build-up on plush platforms and help manage allergens.
• Pet-safe cleaning and grooming supplies: Support hygiene if your cat sheds heavily or has occasional hairball-related mess.
• Pet mats: Non-slip mats can improve stability on tiles or timber floors and protect flooring in rentals.
• Elevated beds and cooling mats: Helpful in hot Australian summers, especially if the tower’s plush bedding holds heat.
• Puzzle feeders and slow feeders: Encourage foraging behaviours that complement vertical enrichment for indoor cats.

Buying Checklist: A Practical Pre-Purchase Assessment

Before purchasing, it helps to evaluate the tower like a piece of equipment rather than décor.

Quick checklist

• Stability: does it wobble when pushed firmly from the side?
• Base size: is the base wide relative to height?
• Post thickness: are the posts thick enough to feel solid?
• Platform sizing: will your cat fit comfortably when lying on the top perch?
• Scratch surfaces: is there at least one tall, usable scratching post?
• Condos: are openings large enough for your cat’s shoulders and body shape?
• Cleaning: can you vacuum and spot-clean easily?
• Assembly: are fasteners robust and replaceable?
• Home fit: does it fit your ceiling height and room without blocking pathways?

Measurement tips

• Measure the available footprint (width × depth) and allow clearance around the tower for safe jumping.
• If placing near a window, ensure the cat cannot access unsafe areas (balcony gaps, unsecured screens).

Care and Maintenance: Extending Tower Life Safely

A tower that lasts is not only cost-effective; it is safer. Loose platforms and frayed ropes can cause injuries.

Monthly maintenance routine

• tighten all bolts and screws
• check platforms for cracking or flex
• inspect sisal rope for loose loops
• vacuum thoroughly, including inside condos

When to repair or replace

Replace or repair if:

• the tower leans or wobbles despite tightening
• panels are swollen or crumbling
• sisal is so frayed it catches claws or detaches
• odour cannot be managed due to soaked materials

FAQ: Best Cat Towers in Australia

What is the best height for a cat tower in Australia?

For most Australian homes and adult cats, towers around 120–180 cm (48–72 inches) suit a broad range of needs. Seniors and low-activity cats often do better with 60–140 cm step-style towers. Very active climbers may use 165 cm+ towers, provided stability is excellent.

Are cat towers safe for kittens?

Yes, if the tower is stable and appropriately designed. Choose a tower with closer step spacing, secure platforms, and no wobble. Supervise early use and avoid placing very tall towers near hard edges or where falls could be hazardous.

Should I anchor a tall cat tower to the wall?

If the tower is tall, used by a large/athletic cat, or in a home with children, anchoring is a sensible safety step. Place the tower on a stable surface and consider a wall anchor into a stud (where permitted).

Where should I place a cat tower to stop my cat jumping on the kitchen bench?

Place the tower near the area your cat wants to access, but not so close that it becomes a stepping-stone onto the bench. A window-adjacent location or a spot that provides a similar vantage point often works well. Reinforce tower use with treats and play.

How do I stop my cat scratching the couch if I buy a cat tower?

A tower helps, but placement and reinforcement matter. Put the tower or an extra scratcher next to the couch, reward scratching on the correct surface, and avoid punishment. Provide at least one tall, stable sisal post.

Is sisal better than carpet for scratching?

Many cats strongly prefer sisal rope because of its texture and resistance. Carpet can work, but it may resemble household carpet and does not always redirect scratching away from furniture.

What cat tower features help anxious or shy cats?

Look for:

• an enclosed hide (condo)
• mid-level resting spots (not only an exposed top)
• stable, quiet placement away from sudden noise
• multiple exit routes, especially in multi-cat homes

Access to hiding places has been shown to reduce stress and support faster adjustment in new environments.

What is the best cat tower for a multi-cat household?

Choose a tower with:

• multiple “good” perches, not one premium bed
• more than one access route
• a mix of open perches and enclosed spaces

In some homes, two smaller towers in separate rooms reduces conflict more effectively than one large tower.

How can I choose a tower for a senior cat with arthritis?

Select a step-style tower with:

• lower step height between platforms
• wide platforms
• non-slip surfaces
• a comfortable bed at a reachable height

If mobility has changed suddenly, consult a veterinarian to assess pain management options.

How do I clean a cat tower properly?

Vacuum weekly, spot-clean with a pet-safe cleaner, and deep-clean removable cushions monthly if possible. Avoid soaking engineered wood panels. Use enzyme cleaners for urine accidents and dry completely.

How do I prevent mould on a cat tower in humid areas?

Improve ventilation, avoid damp corners, and monitor indoor humidity. Plush fabrics and carpet coverings are more likely to hold moisture; vacuum regularly and dry any wet areas promptly. Consider placing the tower in a well-ventilated room and using a dehumidifier if humidity is persistently high.

My cat ignores the new tower—what should I do?

Check stability first. Then improve appeal using:

• treats placed on platforms
• scent cues (catnip or familiar bedding)
• short daily play sessions that move across the tower

Some cats need a week or two to adopt a new structure, especially if they are cautious.

Are cat towers suitable for Australian apartments?

Yes. Compact vertical towers are particularly useful in apartments because they add territory without consuming floor space. Ensure the base is stable on hard floors and consider a non-slip mat.