Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The best cat condos and trees with a modern design

If your cat enjoys hiding, jumping, or scratching, you might consider purchasing a cat condo or tree for them to explore. These structures distract your cat from jumping and scratching on human furniture, and provide a space where your cat feels safe in their personal comfort zone.

Cat condos can make for a nice modern furniture addition to your living room or bedroom. They also let your cat lounge in the same general area as you while simultaneously giving humans and cats their own separate spaces. Keep reading to find out about a few of our favorite cat condos.

MidWest Curious Cat Cube

Best Single Story

The MidWest Curious Cat Cube is a compact cat condo. It consists of a cube with a circular opening and a cushioned place to sit on top. This cat condo is available in a few different neutral shades. A hanging plush ball is included with the purchase of the Cat Cube. It also comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Go Pet Club Cat Tree Condo House

Best Multistory

Go Pet Club’s Cat Tree Condo House is a tiered condo with places to sit on each level. Its posts are covered in sisal rope for nondestructive scratching. It is available in three different colors. A rope hangs from the top platform for cats to bat at. There is a ladder on the bottom tier that cats may choose to use to get to the next tier.

Kitty City Claw Mega Kit Cat Furniture

Best Extra Large Condo

Kitty City’s Claw Mega Kit Cat Furniture set is modular, letting you set it up in a nearly endless number of configurations. You can even add additional Kitty City modular pieces to it. It is lightweight and easy to move. It is also simple to assemble and clean. The many setups of this extra large cat condo keep things refreshing for your cat.

Cat condos can make all of the difference in the activities your cat does day-to-day. If you choose to buy one, no longer will your cat be bored or disruptive to your spaces! Cat condos provide cats with dedicated places for them to enjoy.

Can cats suffer from mental health conditions the way dogs can?
What you need to know about your cat's mental health
A blue-eyed white cat sprawls out on top of a rug with a forlorn expression

As it turns out, man's best friend has quite a lot in common with humans. Just like us, dogs can suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year." With such staggering numbers, it's easy to understand why the self-help industry is booming. But what about cats? Are our feline family members similarly affected by mental health issues?
While dogs are typically more expressive regarding their moods, cats can be more difficult to read. A dog suffering from depression may refuse to play with his favorite toy, but what behaviors can you expect from your feline friend? Do cats suffer from depression and anxiety the way some dogs do? We'll take a deep dive into the world of cat mental health, so we can answer the question once and for all.

Can cats have mental illnesses?
In her 2014 book "Animal Madness," Dr. Laurel Braitman writes, "There is not a branch of veterinary science, ethology (the science of animal behavior), neuroscience, or wildlife ecology dedicated to investigating whether animals can be mentally ill." While we can't read our cat's mind, we can use their typical behavior to gauge sudden personality changes that might ring a few alarm bells.
Two commonly diagnosed mental issues in cats are obsessive-compulsive disorder -- often abbreviated as OCD -- and cat anxiety. In cases of OCD, you may notice your cat excessively grooming the same location on her body, which can lead to redness, swelling, skin irritation, and even hair loss. However, excessive grooming is also a symptom of anxiety, though anxiety is often accompanied by additional concerning behaviors, such as decreased appetite, incessant yowling, and even drooling.
Details are scant regarding exactly how many cats suffer from mental health issues, but the fact remains that your frisky feline can be affected by OCD, anxiety, or depression. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that cats can even have autism.

Read more
Is chocolate toxic for cats like it is for dogs?
We know chocolate is toxic to dogs, but is it safe for your cat?
Cat sitting and eating a treat

If you've ever searched for a list of foods toxic to dogs, then you already know allowing your furry best friend to ingest a chocolate bar can have tragic consequences. But is chocolate bad for cats? Although your feline fur baby is much less likely to scarf down a slab of chocolate cake while you have your back turned, chocolate poisoning does occur in cats, too, and it can have equally life-threatening consequences.

Keeping your cat safe is your top priority, which makes knowing the symptoms of chocolate ingestion vitally important. Knowing the proper steps to take in case your cat eats foods she shouldn't might just save her life. Here's what you should know.

Read more
Do cats get separation anxiety just like dogs do?
Here's how to help your cat cope with separation anxiety
Anxious calico cat lying in the cat bed of a cat tree

As many of us begin to return to work and school after years of pandemic-related remote work or study, you may notice your fur babies are behaving strangely. Although it's a fairly well-known fact that dogs can suffer from separation anxiety when their human family members leave for work or leave the house at all, not everyone knows that our cats can suffer the same issue.

Cat separation anxiety occurs less frequently than it does in dogs, but that doesn't make it any less distressing to witness. Do you think your cat has separation anxiety? Then you've likely noticed unusual behavioral changes. But try not to worry -- there are many solutions that can help reduce your cat's anxiety.

Read more