If you can afford this, get it. The cat's love it and they use it too

Pros: cat's use

Cons: expense

our cats went nuts for this, they have lots of fun

Pros: good for cats to play and sleep

Cons: none

We have one similar to this at the shelter where I volunteer. It great for cats to climb on and scratch. It also provided a spot for cats to relax and have a good vantage point to keep an eye on their territory.

Pros: Fun for the cat

Cons: None

Ok, when I was growing up and had cats my parents could never get them to use the scratching posts-- the cats ALWAYS scratched the furniture; shredded it, even. Now, as a grown-up, I've learned the wonders of positive reinforcement from my partner, who apparently was brought up differently than me (my parents didn't do positive reinforcement for me and my sibs, either). I learned that cats will use a scratching post if you REINFORCE them to do it, they won't just do it because its what you want them to (they can't read your mind, and don't care what you think anyway). So, every single time (in the beginning) you see them use the scratcher instead of your furniture/rugs, you pet them, coo at them and even give them a treat once in a while (intermittent positive reinforcement), and lo and behold, they will use the scratcher preferentially. These big jobbers that also double as cat perches are great because cats can not only scratch them good and forcefully (which they love to do) without them falling over or getting unsteady, but they also can do what cats all over the world love to do, that is, sit and look out a window from them. This ensures that they will even go near the thing, which then leads them to think of scratching it, and then all you do is praise praise praise them and they WILL use it. If you follow these simple instructions, you will never have to worry about getting your furniture shredded again.

Pros: cats can really sink their claws in and use these instead of your furniture to sharpen their claws

Cons: They are not terribly attractive but beat having the cat shred your furniture

This bed and perch is awesome. It satisfies my cat's natural instinct to climb and be high off the ground for some reason. He loves this and doesn't climb onto shelves and counters as much anymore (phew!)

Pros: Great Design

Cons: None