The Evolution of Cat Furniture
A Brief History of Cat Furniture
Before we can really tackle the history of cat furniture, we need to step back a bit and consider the history of domesticated cats. No, we’re not going all the way back to Ancient Egypt and their worship of kitties as divine creatures, but to a more recent century, when cats truly began to take over American homes. And, if you’re not already around 90 years old, you’ll probably be surprised to find out when this was.
When?!
Cats have been claimed by humans for millennia, but they didn’t regularly begin to live indoors full-time until the late 1940s, and there’s one very good reason for that: kitty litter hadn’t been invented yet. Up until the middle of the 20th century, plenty of cats spent their days lounging on sofas and beds indoors, but they typically spent the nights and any necessary potty breaks outdoors. But this single invention allowed our feline friends to stay inside 24 hours and thus began a boom in advancing the interest in and caring for fully domesticated cats. Still, it would be quite some time before the pet care industry was introduced to the first piece of dedicated cat furniture.
When?!
In 1968, Frank Crow unveiled the first official cat tree, and it was designed to meet a few specific needs. For human benefit, it was intended to provide a scratching surface that was attractive to cats. For their benefit, it was also structured to allow for some climbing to promote exercise, and it was additionally advertised as a place for indoor cats to play, sleep, and even eat. While our understanding of cat care and cat behavior has come a tremendous way in the 70+ years since they moved into our homes full-time, Crow was spot-on with his relatively early assessment of what a good cat tree should offer, even by modern standards.
Have they changed much?
Yes and no. That first cat tree was a combination of soft perches, a box for hiding, and some slopes for stretching, which should sound a lot like the average cat trees you see in big box pet stores today. Since their basic functions are still understood to be just about the same today, it follows that the design of basic models is also nearly the same, though the types of woods (often plywood now) and fabrics have changed with the times, and modern trees tend to incorporate more sisal rope surfaces for better scratching. At a quick glance, though, not much has changed for the average indoor cat. But there are better options today.
Tell me more!
It’s no secret that today’s pet pawrent is a proud one, and many modern cats (and dogs, of course) are treated like full-fledged family members, or even children. This means they have far more of their own belongings than the pets from previous years, and that often includes furniture. With kitty goods making their way into homes in greater abundance, it follows that discerning cat “owners” began aiming to incorporate these additions thoughtfully into their home design rather than have disruptive eyesores cluttering up their rooms. With this has come a greater focus on luxury cat trees that are as visually intentional as they are practical and incorporate natural and quality materials that blend into modern home design. A top-notch modern cat tree is as much art and a true piece of furniture as it is a mere exercise necessity for your furball. And, since every family and every home is different, the best pieces are also customizable cat trees that adapt to your design goals while serving whatever fur-family size you happen to nurture.
And there’s more
While the most basic cat trees may not have changed much, the cat furniture industry has evolved far beyond this single piece. Today, you’ll find everything from wall-mounted shelves and window perches to full-on aerial walkways and bridges adorning the most cat-centric homes. Even human furniture is being adapted to include hollowed nooks for discreet uses like hidden litterboxes and clever cat nap caves. Speaking of caves, the modern variety of cat caves and beds is practically endless and equally runs the gamut from basic to pure luxury, with the most ingenious examples veering into the world of art and design just as impressively as the best cat trees.
And it’s still evolving
As we learn more about cat psychology and cats’ physiological needs, we can continue to refine cat furniture to satisfy these finer points, improving both their health and happiness. That’s precisely what Mau is working on, with an increasing focus on mindful cat furniture. But please don’t think we’re giving up on style!
We’ll never accept the stereotypes and stigmas of being a “cat person,” like having a messy home overrun with torn-up furniture and floors littered with cardboard boxes and crumpled balls of paper. Mau was founded on the idea that cat furniture is real furniture and should fit seamlessly into a gorgeous, modern home, and we’re doubling down on that philosophy. As we continue to roll out exciting new products for feline friends, expect them to become even more dazzling to you and your guests, not just your cat. We believe in comfort and style for everyone, no matter how many legs you have. We started a cat furniture revolution with our innovative designs, and we’re not done yet.
Is cat furniture completely necessary?
Is human furniture completely necessary? No, but it sure does make life a lot better for us, and so does something as simple as a cat tree for cats. A tree not only provides the benefits Crow described (like exercise and a scratches-allowed zone), but it helps cats become more confident and engaged in family life by providing elevation, which brings added security and visibility and offers a real sense of ownership within the home, which is invaluable for an animal as territorial as a cat. Strictly speaking, while cats don’t need cat trees to live healthy, happy lives, they do require ways to satisfy all the evolutionary needs a quality cat tree addresses. So if you’re not a carpenter, interior designer, and kitty fitness coach all in one, or you don’t have the time to devote to regular exercise and dedicated play with your furball every day, you should have one. And, if we’re being honest, it’s worth the purchase to spare your human furniture from unwanted scratching alone.