(Part 2) Best cat trees & condos according to redditors

Jump to the top 20

We found 365 Reddit comments discussing the best cat trees & condos. We ranked the 151 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.

Next page

Subcategories:

Cat houses & condos
Cat activity trees

Top Reddit comments about Cat Trees & Condos:

u/evielynn 路 144 pointsr/cats

Link please? My kittens need this immediately.

Edit: found it myself. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SN8YZ7P/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_t1_fnDwDbN4MC826

u/EmeraldLight 路 20 pointsr/cats
u/hurry_up_meow 路 15 pointsr/cats

We have something called the kitty tube for our semi feral cats. We live in the Midwest and last year our kitties did very well. We do use straw inside of it because I read it keeps out moisture better.

It is expensive and there are tutorials to make something similar online, but I would have cut off one of my fingers trying to make the holes in a plastic tub, so I considered it savings from an ER trip.

Two cats sleep in it. I am pretty certain they were litter mates and were dumped. I can touch them only periodically when their faces are in the food bowls, so bringing them in is not an option at all.

As all ferals seem to have goofy names ours are named Mouthy and Mama (she was pregnant when she first started coming around. I never saw the litter and she was spayed through TNR after)

u/ladycarp 路 9 pointsr/Frugal

That's really cool to customize your own cat tower.

For those who are thinking of doing this to save money, it really doesn't save much.

For <$10 more, you can buy a premade one very similar to this, which doesn't involve the time spent planning, measuring, and gathering all of the assembly materials and supplies needed.

This one is $44: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EPXXM80/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_4BJzub0ATCRYH

This one Is $36 with free shipping: http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=311001618581&alt=web

There are a few more examples on amazon, and even MORE on EBay around this price range.

I know every little bit counts in some cases, and if you're looking to squeeze out every single dollar possible, this can save money, and if you're a handy person, the quality might be better. If you're like me, it'd probably be worse. It's not really enough for me to do this, personally, unless I wanted a craft project.

u/tapetum_lucidum 路 7 pointsr/Pets

Outside is so interesting with its smells and lack of boundaries. I'm not a fan of letting inside kitties roam outside unsupervised, but some people do have indoor/outdoor cats. Even suburbs have dangers like roads and dogs. Fleas, parasites, and feral cats, oh my.

I suggest leash training if you have the time. Install a simple child lock on the screen door. I had to have one on my screen door for my sneaky kitty before I even had kids. My cat got out to fight with the feral cat that roamed the neighborhood. I don't know your living situation but this cage can be hooked up to a window for kitties to go in and out in fair weather. Kinda pricey.

Other than outdoor stuff, play with your kitty. He wants stimulation. Good luck.

u/renegade7879 路 6 pointsr/cats

It's only $60 on Amazon so you might still be in the running. I got one and my Siamese boy promptly destroyed all the moving parts.

u/dnf007 路 6 pointsr/TrollXChromosomes

I had good luck on Amazon. I've bought this one and Go Pet Club Cat Tree.

My little dude loves sitting on these and staring out the window at birbs and squirrels.

u/ch4dmuska 路 5 pointsr/cats
u/milgrams-shock 路 4 pointsr/TrollXChromosomes

I would highly suggest looking on Amazon. They can be outrageously expensive, especially in pet stores. I've seen several under $50 that are 3-5 feet tall just by searching "cat tower."

Other than that, I'd think about what another user suggested about your cat's preferences. Does your cat like climbing, hiding, scratching? I'd try to get one with several different kinds of places to sit, like this kind. I prefer these over ones that are just like three stacked platforms because there's more for you cat to do!

u/SoMuchMoreEagle 路 3 pointsr/Pets

My cat loves just sitting and looking out the window. I set up a 1-story cat condo on top of the dryer so she could see out the laundry room window. She loves it. Make sure there are places where she can lay in the sun, as well. Nothing makes a cat happier than a sunny window.

u/frypincher 路 3 pointsr/cats

Amazon. This one has plenty of platforms and cubbies but I will say that my cat can't really stretch out like he likes and the platforms are rather small.
Yaheetech 51" Multi-Level Cat Tree Scratcher Condo Tower with Scratching Post and Toys https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0794T79KM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_J5dACbRRDGEDS

u/DSEnMe 路 3 pointsr/cats

His name is Oreo :) and this is the cat tree Trixie Pet Products Miguel Fold and Store Cat Tower, 20.25 x 13.75 x 25.5, Gray/Light Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZUC8B2M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_gb.YDbXHF33NW

u/lilbuns 路 2 pointsr/Rabbits

I have a 1 story carpet cat condo and they like to dig up the carpet and chew the cardboard inside. They will also sit on top of it to get my attention or a better view.

u/Rikkera 路 2 pointsr/SupermodelCats

This is the one I got, mostly for the bowl part. It's decently priced but it is quite wobbly now, to be honest. My two chase each other up it so it's taken a beating or two so I'm not too surprised. Maybe something with a solid pole would be more stable, since this one is multiple smaller parts screwed into each other? We've been planning to try to make our own with more bowls and hammocks at some point but haven't gotten around to it quite yet.

u/lazer_potato 路 2 pointsr/catproblems

If you would like him to be an outdoor cat, you'll want to make sure he has a good cat house. Maybe a heated one for cooler weather like this one

K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House, Olive, 20W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ZJOH06/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_YEG3Cb41B3XVZ

Or this one

K&H Pet Products Outdoor Kitty House Extra-Wide (unheated) Olive/Black 26.5" x 15.5" x 21.5" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ECC8CV0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5GG3CbWTZWNQ8

There are a ton of different ones, so even if you don't need something heated you can find a good weather proof option. You also want to look for a way to keep food out for them, but not out for the entire neighborhood, so think about that as well. I'd also suggest a cat water fountain, so that they always have access to a fresh water source. Standing water inside can get gross, but even more so outside.

These things are a bit expensive to set up, but it'll mean your pets will be safe and comfortable while also saving your apartment.

u/Kempii317 路 2 pointsr/Pets

I got my cat an outdoor enclosure from Amazon. She wasn't crazy about it at first but now begs for it since it's gotten warm. Now she can sunbathe, watch birds,etc. It was this but its currently unavailable https://www.amazon.com/JAXPETY-Wooden-Animal-Outdoor-Enclosure/dp/B072C3V5H6

u/imalittlepiggy 路 2 pointsr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

YAY! I love cats, and am commonly described as "a cat lady" if that helps you take my suggestions a little seriously... hehe.

First I recommend figuring out the species of the cat, and look up personality traits of them. Sometimes cats are super attention whorey and some keep to themselves mostly. Just be prepared for whatever yours is, and don't try to force it to be otherwise. Not that you would, of course, but yeah.

My cats loooooooove to play with balls. More so than cat-nip mice and stuff. They like the little tennis balls and basketballs (those are made out of the stress-ball type material) and they like them because they can use their claws to throw it around! Also any wand, but they looove feathers. My cat will eat rubber bands so she's not allowed to play with them. Make sure to keep an eye on what she eats/plays with! Also they love the sit n spin it seriously is their favorite. Our cats also love bags of all types, and boxes of course, but I think they just like small spaces. We usually keep a few of these tent like things around, the ones we get at walmart are less than five dollars and usually last a few months before being destroyed.

Some cats really like to climb or be up high. You just gotta let them. Usually if you have a few spots they can get at, they'll keep away from the no-no zones. Try not to punish the cat for doing cat-things. It's sad when I see friends who I thought were great with animals yell at their cats for just doing their thing. I also recommend getting a specific scratchy thingy for her, whether it's just the cheapo cardboard ones (as low as $3 at walmart) or a fancy pants tree thingy. But usually if they have a designated space they won't scratch much else. If they do instead of spraying them with a waterbottle, pick them up and place them in front of/on their designated scratcher. That's the best way they learn that.

Also cats don't respond well to being punished like dogs do. They don't understand that their actions correlate with what you're upset about. They just think you get scary is all. The best way to "punish" a cat or "train" it to not scratch/swipe/bite is to blow in their face. It's not super threatening but will establish you as Alpha (they do have a "pecking order") and it won't scare them like yelling does. My cat was abused and a little shit to people, but in less than a year she shaped up with the blowing on her face thing. She responds well to it now still, and she's warmed up to people. I recommend you make sure everyone who visits your house knows your rules on how to treat the cats- I've yelled at people before for fucking with my kitties too much, that's how cats get mean!!

Also the cat will probably take some time to get used to you. Don't push it. That's the best way to become besties really fast! Let her come to you, let her decide when she's done being pet or sitting in your lap. It'll build trust between you too. :) And also be careful with picking her up, some cats hate it (my bf's cat haaaates it, when he was a kitten my bf's friends wouldn't let him escape so now he freaks out every time someone grabs him. Definitely should not do that haha).

Also be wary that cats are suuuper allergic to garlic. Therefore people food is extremely dangerous to them. Chocolate doesn't really bother them, but most cats won't eat it. Also lots and lots of cats don't actually like fish or tuna flavors! My kitty only eats chicken flavor treats, but she'll drink the water from a tuna can (not the meat, she's weird) so just be watchful when you start buying her food. They won't eat if they don't like it. Little shits (hehehhehe) Also along that topic, they have super super sensitive tummies and often puke just from eating too fast! So be careful of that too hehe. But treats and nip will make the kitty know you're someone to warm up to really fast, hehe. Even if it doesn't seem like it at first and is shy from you. Also try and get it in the same room as you when you feed it for the first bit, they'll realize you control food then too.

Only other thing I can think of is to "cat-proof" your house. My kitty tears up anything paper, including my ex roommates homework if left out, toilet paper, newspapers, posters, etc. Bf's cat just lays on paper but they both have eaten through plastic bags and attempt to open cupboards and doors, we had to get child locks for our pantry. Consider those things and remember a cat is ornery and mischievous so don't get too mad at it for it's nature. (once again, not that you will, but sometimes people forget!) just blow on it and get it away from the area it's been naughty in if it does get into something. Also if it's a boy and it sprays, ask your vet what you can do to help that. Some cats are hopeless once they start, but some only react when upset/nervous/sad/scared/angry. Also, clean the litterbox as much as possible. even with one cat everyday is best, but every other day or every three days can be enough. cats will poop on the floor only as a last resort, but will as opposed to a messy litterbox. maybe consider even getting two boxes if you have the space! to cut back on smell use extra baking soda in the litter, clean often, and get the tall box covers for the litter boxes. my cats won't poop without them too, they like the privacy as well hehe.

Really cats that young adjust well, and once you build trust they should be pretty great little friends. You should like you're totally set for this, I'm sure you'll be a great kitty mommy!! And holy WOW, Sorry that this is like a hundred years long.... I just really fucking love cats. Also watch "my cat from hell" because it's funny and usually you can learn a thing or two. Also doing any other research on cats/your cat is good. Of course. :) YAY HAPPY NEW KITTY BABY DAY FOR YOU!!!

u/specialgreenonion 路 2 pointsr/RATS

I bought a lot of it off zooplus but you can find pretty much all of it on Amazon! Here's the links:

Carrot treat holder/boredom breaker


Hanging boredom breaker


Boredom breaker net


Wooden stairs/platform - this one isnt exactly the same as the one I have but very close


Wooden bridge #1


Wooden bridge #2


Grass mat


Bird perches or lava ledges, whichever your prefer.


Wooden cabin #1


Wooden cabin #2


Wooden cabin #3


Hanging bridge/ladder


Boredom breaker garland


Silver and pink sputniks but they seem to be unavailable at the moment - keep checking back


Pink and purple sputniks on zooplus


The triple purple/pink hammock I made myself with some fleece and cotton. If you search "diy honeycomb hammock", you'll find lots of easy tutorials on how to make them! It's definitely a bit too small, it was my first attempt. Go bigger than you think you should is my advice lol


This is the fleece I use as bedding


And this


Anytime I get new fabrics, I wash them, dry them, then freeze them for 24-48 hours. I also freeze any new wooden toys, products etc. Prevents a mites problem!


Sputniks are a bit hard to find on amazon, they only come in the smaller sizes it seems like. Zooplus only ships across the EU but Im sending the link anyway in case youre in Europe!


Also it took me around 4 months to build up a collection of this stuff, dont feel pressured to make your cage look pretty or to have lots of stuff all at once! All that matters is your ratties have what they need, and then you can build up from there :)

u/TH3ANGRYON3 路 2 pointsr/lexington

https://www.amazon.com/Kitty-Tube-Outdoor-Insulated-House/dp/B0079RO530/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=kitty+tube&qid=1575046443&sr=8-2

​

You could buy one of these. I have 5 outdoor cats with two of these homes for them. Keeps them really warm in the coldest of nights. I feed them on the porch every morning at 8am and around 4-5 pm. They don't bother any birds or kill any wildlife.

u/sleepykittykat 路 2 pointsr/CatAdvice

Not yet but yesterday when I posted that I got him this huge one from amazon that鈥檚 about 6 feet and has a lot of levels. I鈥檓 hoping it鈥檚 enough! here

u/suburbandust 路 2 pointsr/cats

I bought it. I鈥檓 not a crafts person in the slightest. It was pretty cheap. My friend has one for his monster beast of a cat and it holds up well.
Go Pet Club 72" Tall Beige Cat Tree Furniture https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005R4I7WM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_O5YpDbKFPH11N

u/OhGodAGirl 路 1 pointr/guineapigs

Guinea pigs, much like humans, have food preferences! You want to stay away from the root vegetables - potatoes, spring onions and the like. Here is a food list of what is good, and what's not for pigs!

If they haven't been fed vegetables before in the pet store, start them off with a bit of grated or zested vegetables - paprika (capsicum in some countries), carrot, even some iceberg lettuce (iceberg lettuce is water disguised as a vegetable; great for treats, not great for nutrition!). Once they've gotten used to eating, you can start chopping up into pieces, then slices, and so on and so forth.

This was the hutch I got for my guinea pigs, but I hate it. The size is terrific, but the quality is terrible - cheap fiber board with shitty fittings. But that will give you an idea of the size you'd like. Ideally something with a 'double decker' is best - you can stow it in a corner without it taking up too much space.

My set up is currently this. Sorry for the shitty quality: only got an iPad to take pictures with. Here is the inside view of the top half complete with nesting box, and here is the bottom half, complete with fuzzy wombat.

So, the 'litter' I have up top is just some generic small mammal litter; I live in Sweden, so it's not a brand that most people would recommend. Any kind will do, or even kitty litter. I line the bottom of my trays with it, then put a piece of fleece (I use VetBed, which you can buy here from Amazon, and cut to size) over the top. What the fleece does is 'wick' the urine underneath, to be absorbed by the kitty litter/absorbing material, leaving the fleece dry and the poops on top. Then I just vacuum up the poops every day and ta-da! Cleaning is done.

Once a week I go through and check underneath the fleece for wet bedding. My pigs are toilet trained, so they do their business in a dedicated litter box, so generally there's not a lot of waste.

The fleece is also machine washable, and reusable, so it cuts down costs a lot. You don't have to use kitty litter - I tried towels before - but I find the litter a little easier to manage. With towels, you need to wash them every day or two, and they can get quite funky.

The hay gets...messy. I always find a strand here or there, even if the rest of the house is sparkling clean! But hay, it could be worse (oh-hoh-hoh...).

Guinea pigs love to hide. You want to buy them lots of hiding spots - ideally, your cage should have a nesting box (a sort of separate room), and then you'll want to pick up little wooden houses off Amazon or your local pet store for pigs. I use this kind, but really any one will do. It gives your pig a place to hide as well as something to gnaw on.

u/n54master 路 1 pointr/cats

I got it on Amazon a little over 2 years ago. I think it was about $30 on prime shipping.

Here鈥檚 the exact one: TRIXIE Pet Products Valencia Cat Tree, Chocolate Brown https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EPXXM80/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_OXPSBb5NB9H4C

u/NeighborhoodUnicorn 路 1 pointr/cats

I just buy stuff at the pet store, but I can try and find a few recommendations. You'll want to avoid things with bells or small parts, at least while she's tiny. PetSmart usually has some pretty good stuff, or you can even find a good selection on Amazon. If you're gone a lot, it also might be a good idea to invest in something you can turn on and leave running while you're gone, like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WP7F8YC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2GCMBb2JZP9JV.

Ironically, my cat's favorite toy is a piece of cut up fleece on a stick that I got from the pet store.

Here are a few homemade things that look fun:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/496293492/cat-toy-kitten-toy-kitten-puzzle-cat

https://www.etsy.com/listing/573944129/catnip-toy-medium-kicker-cat-toy-cat

And here are some more things from Amazon that I would recommend:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DT2WL26/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_bLCMBbEDZ585B

And
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QPLUQXY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_dOCMBbRA7B6MM

Just make sure she's careful with the string on this one. As long as she doesn't break it off and swallow it, it should be fine.

Some sort of a laser pointer is always a great toy for kitties, just make sure not to shine it in her eyes.

Finally, make sure to get her a cat tree if you have room for one. Cats like to climb. Something like this would be great:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0794T79KM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ERCMBbM18RTGA

Scratching posts are also important, so here's what I would recommend for a scratching post, if you don't want to get the cat tree:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BY385RX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fTCMBbKA5B15Q

Once you spay her, if she isn't already, feed her adult food so she doesn't gain too much weight. A good kitten food to start her on before the spay is Good Natured, at PetSmart. If she's spayed and you want to start her on adult food, I use this, and my cat loves it, and she's super healthy:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XDQCL13/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_0VCMBbHDBF7XG

If you have any other questions, please feel free to message me. I have had my cat for two years, and raised her since she was three months old, so I can answer a lot of kitten questions.

One more thing, get her a bed. She may not always use it, but she will appreciate it.

u/awhitesuit 路 1 pointr/funny

They don't have to be ugly, but then they have to be expensive:

the national geographic line looks much nicer: http://www.petsmart.com/cat/furniture-towers/national-geographic-trade-nestle-play-perch-cat-furniture-zid36-5216197/cat-36-catid-200085

My sister has a cat tree that looks like stacked boxes: http://www.amazon.com/Bowsers-Cat-Tower-Cool-Hues/dp/B00470VM06


u/realycoldguy 路 1 pointr/projectors

Here ya go.

https://www.amazon.com/Cat-Craft-12400301CHCOM-Ceiling-Charcoal/dp/B074SRLLCZ

I see a lot of these are made of cardboard. If you could find one made of wood or steel, that would be good.

u/ann_nonymous 路 1 pointr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon
  1. [This cat tree] (http://www.amazon.com/Replus-Cool-Hues-Cat-Tree/dp/B00470VM06/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1O5947POAO60A&coliid=I2QDDO3ZBBFIV3)
  2. I am not a big fan of cat trees. I think they look kind of tacky but this one is beautiful and looks great. I also like that it is portable. Also, my cat [Piper] (http://imgur.com/7C5yOJb) deserves a great place to perch. I also think she is watching me sleep as seen in the late night picture I posted.
    Saving Private Ryan
u/scrapcats 路 1 pointr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

I totally misread this when I first commented, so I deleted that and am trying again lol!

It doesn't beat Adeno's, but this is the closest I've got.

Thanks for the chance!

u/AgentDoggett 路 1 pointr/tampa

I had a cat that came with my house. He wasn't neutered, so I did that and then I put him back in the yard. That was about 15 years ago. For the last about 5 years he sleeps on the porch in an Insulated Cat House because he refuses to come in the house. He'll howl and howl.

u/fuggin_tyler 路 1 pointr/battlestations

There you go!

took me a while to find something to match the Karlby's simplicity. the wood finish doesn't match but to me i was more worried about finding a black cat tree with a modern design

u/sneeze042 路 1 pointr/blackcats
u/KatoZee 路 1 pointr/cats

I was planning on purchasing this cat tree and placing it in a corner of the living room where the door to the kitchen will open into it so that it provides almost an enclosed area out of the way so it can have some peace and quiet.

I was thinking of utilising the built in cubby hole as its bed and just using a blanket elsewhere around the house for its other bed, since the blanket is easy to move around.

Something along these lines

u/GoAskAlice 路 1 pointr/Siamesecats

I'd go with the chocolate point if you want an active cat. He's already putting himself forward and wants a lot of attention. Also looking right at the photographer, so that implies more than usual intelligence.

Admittedly, this is a lot to conjecture from a couple pics, but hey, you wanted opinions.

Or, you know, get both of them, why not? Two meezers can keep each other company while you're at work. They do need company, lots of it.

Protip: if you haven't had a kitten before....lock up everything breakable. Kittens gonna kitten.

Cheap thing to keep kittens super happy, get a bunch of boxes, duct tape them together to make a fort, cut holes in them as you go, make a maze. Don't bother making it pretty, they're going to beat it to death anyway. And make sure that every box has a way for you to reach in and grab the cat if it's sick. Sometimes they hide when they're sick.

We did this - thing was hideous, but man, the kittens LOVED it. More than any cat tree, because it had places to hide, which cat trees don't.

Also, if a kitten disappears, don't panic. They are ninjas at finding weird places to nap in. Found ours in the coffee table's drawer one time, astounded that they all got in there. Mama was freaking out yowling, kittens were all, "haha, can't find me". Imagine my surprise when I opened the drawer and it was full of kittens.

EDIT: Meez points develop when they're not wrapped in heated blankets all their lives. They develop on the parts of the body that are most chilled, and it doesn't take much, just everyday walking around. All cats love warmth, and getting them a heated sleeping pad from cozywinters won't affect their color.

Mine got a nasty sinus infection and half his face turned white due to it burning him up inside there, but the other other half stayed dark gray. He looked extremely weird during this phase.

u/redsharpie8 路 1 pointr/cats

I totally agree with TheCatGuardian's post. We just adopted our first cat from a shelter and he is 8 months old, and honestly he's still a bit of a handful at times (but that should be expected with any new pet). Try to get one over a year, if not closer to 2 years, as ours is still learning how to play nice and not nipping our ankles to get attention. My husband has always had cats, but this was my first pet and we adopted because I've always wanted one. I did a ton of research and here's what I would suggest as far as supplies:

A high sided litter box with rim - to keep them from kicking litter around and the high walls help keep everything inside. I didn't waste the money on litter liners. They seem gimmicky to me.

Pooper Scooper - It's cheap and gets the job done. Nothing else needs to be said about it.

Stainless Steel Bowl(s) - This one gets good reviews and is the perfect size for their food. You can get two, one for wet and one for dry food. Though I got this one for dry and got a cute oval dish at walmart for ~$2 for his wet. Whatever you want.

Slightly larger bowl for water - Make sure they have plenty for fresh water. I give him new water in the AM and evening after work. I know a lot of people rave about water fountains...but honestly I didn't want to spend the money initially, and my kitty seems to be perfectly fine drinking from the bowl. It'd be worth it to see how your cat feels about the bowl...esp since they will be drinking from bowls at the shelter...they shouldn't be too picky. You can spoil them later on if you decide to, but definitely not necessary.

A safety collar - Make sure it is either a break-away or elastic to ensure the cat doesn't get strangled if it climbs and gets stuck on something and is hanging by its neck. I liked this one because it didn't have an annoying bell, though some like the bell to let you find your cat in the house. The collar also ensure that if the cat gets out anyone who finds him will know he belongs to someone and isn't just a feral cat that they can take for themselves.

Scratching Board - Simple and good reviews. Seems like it will last. You can also get one or two cardboard cheaper ones and see what they prefer to scratch on. My cat doesn't really scratch that much...he uses the scratching posts that are part of his cat tree.

Cat Perch - This is the one we got so he can look out the window. It seems like a good balance of expense and functionality...especially at first. The cat might not even like jumping up on things, so at least this is a safe buy since it's not that tall but still lets them get up off the floor.

Cat bed - This one is highly reviewed and really durable. It's machine washable and will last forever. I really love this bed.

Simple toys at first: Wand Toy, Jingle Balls, Ball Circle Thing, Little Catnip Critter. He also likes paper bags, toilet paper rolls, and his laser pointer. I highly recommend the laser pointer...ours is green.

Greenies Treats

As far as food, you want to ask what they feed at the shelter and get a bag of that at first even if you read online that it isn't "the best." We wanted to get our cat on a mainly wet food diet, so we left his shelter dry food out at night, and gave him half a can of wet food in the morning before work, and half a can at night beofre bed ~9PM, and took the dry food away while the wet food was out. We feed him Friskies Pate...it's actually pretty good for the price. People will get passionate about cat food. Honestly Friskies is fine for us now...they sell it in bulk at Sam's.

Litter - you want to use the kind they use at the shelter so they have comfort in that. You can switch later if you want.

You might also want to get nail clippers and a brush. Our cat is long haired and I like using a comb, but it's really up to you.

As far as gimmicks I would assume that if it seems like a luxury it probably isn't necessary. Cats are very happy with simple things. The vitals are what I listed...a bathroom, food and water (bowls), a few toys, somewhere to scratch, somewhere to get up off the floor, and a safety collar. The bed isn't absolutely vital, but it's nice for them to have somewhere that they feel secure and happy...even if they don't use it at first.

u/bubonis 路 0 pointsr/AnimalRescue

I am not shaming you or putting you down for your efforts so please don't take this as such.

A lot of what's on your list is superfluous and unnecessarily costly. You could service a lot more cats with a lot less money if you "aimed" better.

For example, those outdoor shelters. You have this one listed. That's a single shelter for $53. You can build at least two shelters of the same volume for the same money: A cardboard box ($2.50) wrapped in heavy-duty plastic (3 @ 59垄, $1.78), lined with sheet foam insulation ($14.98 per sheet = 8 2'x2' panels @ $1.87 each, 6 panels to insulate box = $11.24), with holes cut on either side, clear plastic ($9.98, cut into six roughly-2' squares, two squares per box = $3.33) over the openings, and a moving blanket ($4) for comfort. Add a can of spray foam insulation ($3.78) to "glue" the insulation together and seal the gaps. With that formula you can build a shelter of the same size for $26.63, and that assumes you don't have ANY of those materials on-hand already.

Feral cats also don't need sardines in water or a grooming cat toy, or for that matter pretty much any of the canned foods. They'd be better off with dry food; it lasts longer (less spoilage) and doesn't attract other animals as much. Forget about anything that requires power, like that "heated water bowl", unless you intend on luring the cats closer to your home in which case your neighbors might have something not-nice to say about that.

Cats are excellent survivors. Give them a place where they can be protected from the elements, harness their own body heat, and have a little nosh and they'll be fine.