How We Test

We test cat furniture to answer a simple question: Will this make life better—for your cat and your home? Our approach blends behavior science, engineering checks, and design evaluation so you can buy once and buy wisely.

Test Environments and Panel

We combine in-home testing across varied floor plans (studios, townhomes, multi-level homes) with households that include single cats, bonded pairs, seniors, large breeds, and high-energy climbers. This ensures our results reflect real-life use, not just lab conditions.

What We Evaluate

Safety and Stability: tip-over resistance, base footprint, wall-anchoring options, hardware quality, finish safety.
Enrichment Fit: vertical access, perch variety, hideaways, trackable scratching opportunities, resting comfort.
Materials and Durability: wood species/grade, plywood vs. particleboard, fastener integrity, fabric wear tests, sisal/felt longevity.
Design and Aesthetics: form factor, scale, finishes, colorways, how it integrates with contemporary decor.
Ease of Cleaning: removable covers, hair resistance, wipeability, odor retention.
Assembly and Modularity: clarity of instructions, tool needs, replacement parts, expandability.
Value and Warranty: long-term cost of ownership, support, and return policies.

Procedures and Metrics

Tip Test: progressive lateral force and simulated wall-anchoring to quantify stability margins.
Scratch Cycle Test: repeated surface abrasion on scratch zones to assess fray and fiber breakdown.
Load Testing: static and dynamic loads to validate stated weight limits.
Finish and VOC Check: review of coatings, adhesives, and odor dissipation time.
Long-Term Use: 30–90 day follow-ups for loosening joints, wobble, or fabric pilling.

Scoring and Weights

Typical weights: Safety 25%, Enrichment 20%, Durability 20%, Aesthetics 15%, Cleaning 10%, Assembly 5%, Value 5%. We may adjust weights for specialized categories (e.g., window perches, wall-mounted systems).

Photos, Notes, and Transparency

We capture setup photos, measurements, and room-fit notes. If a sample is provided by a brand, we disclose it. Samples do not guarantee coverage and may be returned or donated after testing.

Limits and Continuous Improvement

No test can predict every household variable. We disclose limitations (e.g., narrow base on thick carpet). We revisit scores as products change or as we collect more long-term data.

Our goal: trustable, repeatable evaluations that help you create an enriching, beautiful space your cat loves.