The best cat furniture for senior cats is a set of cat steps or a low level cat tree.
The lower height when jumping and landing relieves the pressure on joints. Your senior kitty will still be able to access favorite places, like a bed or windowsill. He can safely watch the comings and goings from a place of height.
Hint: Give your cat a chance to check out the new furniture. Some cats will be in there before assembly is finished but others prefer to give new items a wide berth until they have been fully checked out.
Why Get A Low Level Cat Tree For A Senior Cat?
A cat tree for a senior cat must be low enough for the cat to access easily. The cat will also be jumping back to floor level so height needs to be considered.
Ideally there will be a perch for the cat to sit on with some height. Cats like high places and even senior cats like height. A bonus with most cat trees is a scratching post.
The fabric of the tree covering should be soft but also durable and able to be spot cleaned.
Also consider the weight of the cat tree. If you are going to be moving it from place to place, weight is a consideration.
Check for any areas where there may be rough edges. This is also to be avoided.
Why Get A Set Of Steps For A Senior Cat?
Cat steps for a senior cat should not be too high, so that the cat can easily ascend and descend.
Often cats will sit on the top step. The cat steps can function in a similar way to a cat tree by providing somewhere to sit and watch the world going by.
Steps, have the added advantage of allowing access to higher inaccessible locations. A small cat tree can also be used as an accessibility option.
Arthritis can be a painful condition for older cats. In addition to seeking medical advice from a vet, the right furniture, bed and feeding bowls, will help to make your cat more comfortable.
Furniture for Senior Cats – Reviews
1. Frisco 24 inch Two Storey Cat Condo
This cat condo is 24 inches high so perfect for a senior cat with mobility issues, not too much jumping required. The measurements are 24inH x 16.5inW x 16.5inL.
The unit is compact and takes up little floor space which makes it a very good choice if space is limited.
The two compartments are roomy and are big enough for large cats. The front is a plush fabric and the sides are woven sisal so the cat has a scratching area also. Each section is entered from the outside.
Why is it good for senior cats?
There are three different napping opportunities, the two apartments and the large perch on the top. The perch has some support in the form a short wall on three sides. The openings are wide into each apartment and they are covered in a plush fabric so no hard edges to manoeuvre.
The unit can easily be relocated and it is also a good height to sit next to a chair and give the cat a brush as he sits on the top perch.
For placement a flat level surface is required and for best stability against a wall or corner.
97% of people would recommend this product. Some of the comments made refer to the unit’s sturdiness and that it is suitable for large cats. Comments can be read here.
One excellent idea is to place a towel or small bed ( well anchored) on the top perch. This can then be removed for laundering.
Many remarks concern the fact that the two cats or three use this unit at the same time.
Pros
Takes up little floor space.
Dimensions perfect for a senior cat.
Can be moved if necessary.
Cons
The three carpeted areas are quite hard. Some extra padding would be beneficial.
May have a short life if multiple cats are using.
Specifications
This cat condo is 24 inches high. The measurements are 24H x 16.5W x 16.5L. The front is a plush fabric. Two large side panels are woven sisal for the cat to use for scratching. The open part of the perch measures approximately 2.75H x 15W x 15L inches. The condo is constructed from engineered wood. It is recommended that these trees are used indoors only to maximize the lifespan. Keep away from damp areas and sunlight. The condo weighs 18lbs.
2. Frisco Pet Steps – Cream
These pet stairs are a brilliant idea as a piece of cat furniture for elderly cats.
They easily serve two functions. Firstly they provide the cat with an easy means of climbing just that little bit higher, for easy access to favorite places and also double as a perch to sit on at the top. The top step of the perch is bigger so that cat can sit on the top step and survey the world.
Frisco 18.5 or 24 inch, 2 in 1 Pet Steps, come with two different height options. You can assemble them as three steps to reach lower heights, or as four steps so your pet can reach places that are higher up.
Importantly coming back to ground level will not entail any jumping and landing at all as the cat simply walks down the steps.
The steps can be placed next to the bed for easy access or any other place that the cat can no longer reach easily.
The steps weigh just over 23 lbs so they can be moved from place to place relatively easily. The steps are easy to assemble.
Pros
Have the option of different heights.
Perfect for senior cats. The distance between each step is 6 inches.
Cons
A carpeted covering would wear better than the faux fleece covering.
Cream is not a pet friendly color.
Specifications
The steps weigh just over 23 lbs. The steps are covered in a soft faux fleece fabric. When fully assembled with 4 steps, the overall measurement is 17 x 23.5 x 24.75 inches (length x width x height). The individual steps measure approximately 17 inches across with a depth of 7 inches. The dimensions for the top platform when the steps are assembled in a three step configuration is 17 inches by 11 inches. The base and stairs of the steps are made from composite wood. The pillars are constructed from cardboard.
How To Choose The Best Bed For Senior Kitty
Supported and structured but soft sides are some of the things you need to look for in a bed for your senior cat.
3. Frisco 28 Inch Cat Tree – Animal Print Or Gray
This tree is perfect as cat furniture for senior cats because of the height and variety of options for having a snooze or spying on the world.
Although the description says it is best suited for small cats and kittens, the Q&A states that is suitable for all sizes but perhaps not if your senior cat is a large cat.
This tree does need to be assembled. It is easy to assemble even for one person. The tools required are a 5mm Allen wrench which is included with the product.
The customer photos are adorable showing cats in the condo. The photos are on this page. Scroll down the page and you will see the photos on the right side of the page. The page also links to the reviews both positive and critical.
Depending on your color preference the options are an animal print or gray. It is quite surprising how the unit looks quite different in the plain or animal print covering.
There are two vertical posts covered in sisal to provide scratching opportunities. The horizontal post rolls around encouraging play and is also covered in sisal. There are two dangling toys which are designed to be released if they are placed under excess pressure. This is a safety feature. The toys are not designed to be reattached if they are pulled free .
There are no hard or rough edges.
It provides playing opportunities. The rotating bar is at the bottom of the unit. A senior cat can still use this feature even without climbing onto the structure.
Pros
The height make all areas easily accessible for senior cats.
Cons
Best for smaller cats.
Specifications
Fully assembled, it measures 28 inches in height, 19 inches width and 20 inches long. The baseboard, that is the floor area the unit will sit on is 19 inches wide by 17.5 inches in length. The tunnel with lookout, is 10 inches in height, 13 inches wide and 10 inches long. The perch in the middle of the unit has 2 inch high sides, is 13 inches wide and 9.75 inches in length. The unit can be vacuumed and spot cleaned as necessary. Use indoors.
4. Armarkat 30in Cat Tree – Sky Blue
A great suggestion is to use this tree in a child’s bedroom. Ideal for the cat and let’s face it the kids love having the cat in their bedroom.
The Allen wrench for tightening the screws is included. The holes line up well, a small point but super important when self assembling).
Even if you want to use this perch as a step for a senior kitty to access a couch or bed it would be perfect.
It has the scratching aid as well which is useful to prevent furniture scratching.
Pros
It is very easy to assemble. You will have to be quick. A couple of cats have been almost taking a nap inside before assembly was even finished. How do cats know these things are theirs?
Cons
If some bolts are exposed and do not lie flush use furniture pads to cover to avoid damaging the floor. This is an occasional comment but worth noting.
Specifications
The dimensions for this tree when it is fully assembled is 30 x 25 x 25 inches. The maximum holding weight is 20 lbs. This size of the perch is 10 inches x 12 inches so better suited for a small to average sized senior cat rather than a large cat. It is made from manufactured wood and non toxic material and covered with a soft fleece fabric, sky blue in color.
5. Frisco 28in Cat Tree – Cream
This cat tree is recommended for cats of all sizes. However it is mainly suitable for smaller or average sized cats because of the size of the apartment and the perches.
It has two perches of different heights. Both of the posts for the perches are covered in sisal for scratching.
The color is cream as shown so this piece of cat furniture for senior cats would blend seamlessly with any decor. The assembly tools are provided.
The overall quality of the cat tree has positive reviews regarding both construction and durability.
Pros
A great plus is that there is a floor level apartment, so if kitty is not up to moving much, he can sneak away in there to have a snooze.
Cons
Mainly suited for small to average size cats.
Specifications
The inside room of the apartment is 13.5 (L) x 13.5 (W) x 10 (H) inches. Both perches measure 11.25 x 11.25 inches. Vacuum and spot clean as needed. The floor level apartment measures 10 inches in height by 13.5 inches wide and 13.5 inches in length. It also has two entrances/exits so even a slightly larger kitty could get comfy in there. The fabric is a faux fleece made from polyester and it is a cream color (no other color choices). For indoor use. The unit weighs approximately15 lbs. The tree can be disassembled and reassembled if necessary using the assembly instructions for reference.
Our Recommendation Is …
Frisco 24inch Cat Condo
The great features of this condo are that it is good height to suit senior cats. It also allows a slight jumping opportunity to get to the top perch.
Even if that is too much jumping for arthritic or elderly cats, there are still two lower levels where the cat can be snug and still keep an eye on what is going on. All cats like to do this, regardless of their age.
It is easy enough to move the unit from place to place, although for senior kitty’s memory, it is wise not to keep making too many changes to furniture placement.
It is the perfect unit to place next a couch or chair so the cat can sit on the top within arms reach of you or whoever is sitting in the chair for an extra petting opportunity.
This rating is followed very closely by the Frisco Pet Steps. It may be that the steps suit your situation more than a cat condo or vice versa. Both are excellent choices for older cats to still be able to enjoy surveying the world from up high.
There are signs to look out for as a cat ages. They are not always obvious. Once you start to notice signs of aging, you can take steps to make life easier for your aging cat.
Are Cat Trees Easy To Assemble?
Cat trees are easy to assemble. Some cat trees, like this one require no assembly however most do require some simple assembly.
Cat trees are designed to be put together very easily and people report that they were able to complete the job easily. Any tools and screws etc are always included.
In the main, the tool required is an Allen wrench for tightening the screws. PS Keep the assembly instructions – just in case
Where Is The Best Place For A Cat Tree?
Often cats trees are tall and can be unstable so they are best placed against a wall or in a corner to minimize any risk of the tower becoming unstable.
Wall anchors are provided with many cat climbing structures. As with any product it depends on how it is being used, the number of cats using the tower and so on.
The towers described on this page are all low in height as they are specifically being reviewed for senior cats. In theory this should mean that these products are relatively stable and can be placed where the need is most obvious. This may mean positioning the tree near the couch or bed or armchair. Experiment with different locations.
These smaller cat trees are so reasonably priced that after having success with one type or brand you may decide to purchase another.
The Frisco 24 in 2 story cat condo has many commenters remarking on the stability of the unit.
By providing your senior cat with a sturdy piece of furniture that is just the right size, you’ll be helping your senior kitty regain some lost mobility and reclaim favorite spots in the house that used to be easy-access areas!
