If your cat has developed a fondness for your sofa corners or carpet edges, you are not alone. Scratching is a completely natural behaviour for cats. It keeps their claws healthy, helps them stretch, and lets them mark their territory. The good news is that the right cat tree or scratching post can redirect that energy away from your furniture and give your cat a space they will genuinely love.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to choose the right option for your cat and your home.
Before you can solve the scratching problem, it helps to understand why cats do it in the first place. Scratching serves several purposes for a cat: it removes the dead outer layer of their claws, stretches the muscles in their legs and back, and leaves both a visual mark and a scent mark from glands in their paws.
In short, scratching is not misbehaviour. It is a biological need. Trying to stop it entirely is a losing battle. The far better approach is to give your cat a surface they prefer to scratch, and a cat tree or scratching post does exactly that.
These two products often get lumped together, but they serve slightly different purposes.
Scratching posts are upright posts covered in sisal rope, carpet, or corrugated cardboard. They are compact, affordable, and great for cats that primarily want to scratch and stretch. If your cat's main issue is clawing furniture, a well-placed scratching post is often all you need.
Cat trees (also called cat condos or climbing towers) are multi-level structures that combine scratching surfaces with platforms, perches, hideaway cubbies, and sometimes hanging toys. They give cats a place to climb, observe their territory from height, rest, and scratch, all in one unit.
Which does your cat need?
Shopping for a cat tree online means you cannot test it in person, so knowing what to look for in the product specs makes a real difference.
1. Height and stability
Cats love height as it makes them feel safe and in control of their environment. Look for a cat tree that is tall enough for your cat to perch above furniture level. Equally important is stability. A wobbly cat tree will be ignored or, worse, tipped over. Check that the base is wide and heavy enough to support the tallest platform, especially if you have a large or energetic cat.
2. Platform size
Check the dimensions of the platforms, not just the overall height. A platform that is too small will not be comfortable for an adult cat to lie on. For larger breeds, look for platforms at least 30 to 35 cm wide.
3. Scratching surface material
Sisal rope is the gold standard for scratching posts and cat trees. It is durable, satisfying for cats to scratch, and holds up well over time. Carpet-covered posts are softer but wear faster and can be harder to clean. Avoid smooth surfaces as cats will not use them.
4. Ease of assembly
Most cat trees require self-assembly. Check customer reviews or product descriptions for notes on how straightforward the process is. A cat tree with clear instructions and pre-drilled holes makes the job much easier.
5. Weight capacity
If you have a large cat (over 6 kg) or multiple cats, check the weight rating for each platform. A cat tree rated for a small cat will not hold up to a Maine Coon or two cats using it simultaneously.
Not every cat tree suits every home. Here is a practical guide based on your living situation:
Apartments and smaller homes
Space is at a premium, so look for a tall, narrow cat tree with a small footprint. Vertical height compensates for limited floor space, and your cat still gets the elevated perching they crave. A single-post design with stacked platforms works well here.
Houses with more room
You have more flexibility. A wider, multi-post cat tree with several platforms, a cubby, and hanging toys gives your cat a genuinely enriching environment. Place it near a window so your cat can watch the world outside, as this alone dramatically increases how much they use it.
Multi-cat households
Look for a cat tree with multiple platforms at different heights so cats can spread out and claim their own spots. Cats in multi-cat homes can be territorial, and having enough separate perches reduces competition and stress.
Kittens vs. adult cats
Kittens are light and agile, so almost any cat tree will suit them. For adult cats, prioritise stability and platform size over the number of features.
EasyMart stocks the PaWz cat tree range, designed with practical NZ homes in mind. The range covers options from compact single-post scratching towers through to tall multi-level cat condos with platforms, cubbies, and sisal scratching posts built in.
Whether you have a kitten that needs somewhere to burn energy, a senior cat that wants a comfortable perch, or a multi-cat household that needs enough space for everyone, there is a PaWz option that fits.
All orders come with free shipping across the NZ mainland, and Afterpay is available so you can spread the cost across four interest-free fortnightly payments.
Browse the full range here: Cat Trees and Scratching Posts at EasyMart
While you are there, it is worth pairing a cat tree with a quality cat bed or bedding so your cat has a cosy spot to settle into after a climbing session: Pet Bedding at EasyMart
Buying the right cat tree is only half the job. Where you put it matters just as much.
Put it near a window. Cats are natural observers. A cat tree positioned beside a window gives them a front-row seat to birds, passing cars, and garden activity. This is one of the single most effective ways to get a cat using their tree consistently.
Place it in a room where the family spends time. Cats are social on their own terms. They want to be near people, even if they are not interacting directly. A cat tree tucked away in a spare room will be ignored.
Position it near the furniture they are already scratching. If your cat has a favourite corner of the sofa, put the scratching post right next to it. Once they start using the post, you can gradually move it to a more convenient spot.
Make it appealing from day one. Rub a little catnip on the scratching surfaces, hang a toy from one of the platforms, or place a treat on the top perch. A positive first experience goes a long way.
A good cat tree or scratching post is one of the best investments you can make for an indoor cat. It protects your furniture, keeps your cat physically active, and gives them a space that is genuinely theirs. The key is matching the size, material, and style to your cat's needs and your home's layout.
Browse EasyMart's full PaWz cat tree and scratching post range here: Cat Trees and Scratching Posts
Looking to complete your cat's setup? Explore the full cat supplies range or add some cosy pet bedding to go alongside the tree.
Have a question before you buy? Our team is ready to help via the contact page.
How tall should a cat tree be for a large cat?|||For large breeds such as Maine Coons or Ragdolls, look for a cat tree at least 150 cm tall with wide, sturdy platforms (30 cm or more). The base should be broad enough that the tree does not tip when the cat jumps to the top.@@@Are cat trees easy to assemble at home?|||Most cat trees require around 30 to 60 minutes to assemble with basic tools. EasyMart's PaWz range includes assembly instructions, and the process is manageable for most people. Reading through the instructions before you start makes the job noticeably smoother.@@@What material is best for a scratching post: sisal, carpet, or wood?|||Sisal rope is the preferred choice for most cats and lasts the longest. Carpet is softer but wears faster. Natural wood is appealing to some cats but less common in commercial cat trees. If your cat has a strong preference for a particular texture, match the post material to what they are already scratching at home.@@@Does EasyMart deliver cat trees to rural New Zealand addresses?|||EasyMart offers free shipping across the NZ mainland. For rural or remote addresses, delivery times and conditions may vary. Check the FAQ page or reach out via the contact page for specific delivery queries.@@@Can I use Afterpay to buy a cat tree?|||Yes. Afterpay is available on eligible EasyMart orders, letting you split the purchase into four interest-free fortnightly payments. It is a practical option if you are kitting out your pet's space all at once.@@@