do I need a cat tree?

[TheGirlOnTheLanding]

I've seen a few threads recently about the best cat tree and I'm tempted but DH says it's a waste of space and money and BiteyCat will probably just ignore it. If he was indoor-only I'd definitely get one, but he has free access to outdoors via a cat flap (though isn't going out much at the moment - who can blame him, it's chilly!) plus access inside to a very high bunk bed and a variety of window ledges, and makes full use of them. He also has loads of toys (though seems only to play with them with us - not sure if he's just humouring us or if he's not sure what to do with them without a human at the other end.) So do any of you with indoor/outdoor cats have cat trees and are they worth it?

When he stays, The Lodger has plenty of high places and warm dark places and can go outside to play if he wants to. My cc still bears the scars of useless cat purchases in times gone by so for myself, I wouldn't bother with a tree. That's just me though.

OUrs have a simple scratching post (but a tall one) which I spray with catnip. They do use it but it doesn't stop them from having a go at the carpets or sofa when they think I am not looking.

It was more useful when they were tiny and before they had access to the garden.

He loves his

He's almost edible in that picture. Great photo.

he is lush! Have only got it as he is an indoor cat, I haven't had one before.

Mince, what a cutie! BiteyCat has a horizontal cardboard scratcher and - amazingly! - actually uses it (dear old LandingCat preferred the stair carpet, which still bears the scars.) But I think on balance a cat tree might be as functional as the rowing machine DH has in our bedroom.

Mince oh my god how cute is he!

Mince pies we have that tree in blue!

We have one, it's about 7 foot tall and she likes to perch on it to survey her kingdom and give me stares like she would cheerfully hook out my eyeballs. She does her daft half hours on it.

Wolfiefan, has your cat got its tongue out? My old boy used to keep his out for ages I'm impressed 2 can squeeze in the crows nest! W does like it, I thought it'd be a waste of money but I'm glad I got it

She was yawning in that pic and only a kitten. They don't both fit now. Not that they don't sometimes try!

If your cat likes being Up or if there is anything going on that might freak them out from time to time (eg a baby or toddler), I'd recommend a tree. If it's too big for your space see if a wellplaced shelf might help them up to a bookcase top or similar. Same effect.

Wolfe - I love your Torties, so gorgeous.

My boys love their cat tree but to be honest now they are huge ginger monsters they could do with a bigger one but we don't really have room. They have scratched it almost bald in some places and fight over the top part. Here's my two looking like butter wouldn't melt when, in fact, they had been almost tearing each other apart a few seconds earlier!

Gorgeous pics. I wish I could have persuaded DH to have two again, but one it is for now. BiteyCat has DD's very high loft bed when he feels the urge to get up high and out of sight and no toddlers to contend with. I'm still a bit tempted but will content myself with some more fishing rod toys for the moment.