Is there a way to tighten the tower so that it doesn't collapse easily when my cat sits on it?
1728093
I haven't had any trouble with mine collapsing when my cat sits on it. He is 13lbs and I haven't had it try to fold up on him. Is it extended out all the way? Sorry I couldn't be more help.
1728094
I am not sure, mine is wobbly, too. I know I will eventually figure something out. I have put a very heavy weight(s) inside the bottom area - your cat won't be able to us that part but it will stabilize it.
1728095
I placed a thin piece of board under the hammock so my cat could have a flat area to lay on (for fish tank viewing) and I haven't had any issues with it. I would recommend this my cat loves it and it has held up to all of the abuse she can dish out.
1728096
I have never had that problem, even with a very fat cat who likes to lie on the top. I suspect that the stability of my tower is enhanced by being pushed up against a wall... I just went out and checked my tower and I am not able to "collapse" it without picking it up and pushing the ends of the cross pieces together. The way it's constructed, I can't figure out how it could collapse on it's own, as the cloth across the top and bottom prevents collapse. However, it might be pretty easy for a cat to knock it over, which is why I also have the side against a flat piece of furniture. My cats still use it to sleep on top and they use the scratcher and occasionally swat at the balls, but the novelty of the hiding place has worn off completely.
762097
It's a little less stable when completely folded to 7", especially in areas where the floor is not 100% level. Mine won't fall over by itself, but a good-sized cat launching off of it would probably knock it down.
1266596
My cat just stands entirely on top of it, or braces his back legs against it so it doesn't slide. You could probably try putting something heavy inside or one of those non-slip mats for rugs underneath it!
864988
I keep my against a wall or in a corner (two walls). I also made sure I had an 'L' shaped base. For a while I had a large 'infinity' shaped scratching post thing that was heavy and I place it inside like a ramp. If your joints are loose, a little electrician's tape can help, or make a joint frozen. Consider also a heavy weight on the base frame for a week or two 'til the cat forgets about knocking it over. Hope this helps.
800177
I have two cats - total weight 16 pounds. It is fortunate that the cat tree is against a wall as they tend to push off it when they get rambunctious. It would surely topple over if not for that. I have had to retighten the screws as they have come loose so keep that key handy. Otherwise plenty sturdy for holding weight (I just sat on it to be sure!). Just wish it had a broader base for when they jump off.
81327
Yeah but you need a place to caddy it in the corner to be safe. It's tall so it could be top heavy. My cat is maybe eight pounds or so. He loves it. It's like 4.5 feet tall. Never had an issue with it being wobbly. :)
20803
It's on a 19 x 26 platform. Covered with the same material as the entire tower. It's not wood (maybe MDF?) but it is heavy enough to support the whole cat tower. I've never had problems of it tipping or moving and my kitty is wild with it.
309778
Your assumption is correct. A definite design flaw. My cats access the top by leaping from a nearby chair or other tall object. Once there they love napping on the top three perches. Very sturdy design so no risk of it tipping over.
116648
I don't know because mine does not have that feature. My cat is 20 lbs. and races all over it and it occasionally shakes but it is very sturdy and has never tipped in any way. Sorry I can't be of more help.
1920956
I'm sure that by nailing some boards to the pokes you could make it a bit sturdier but I would wait to see how yours holds up. Mine has been up since about November and I haven't had any issues with 4 (2 are quite large) cats climbing on it all at once. Keep in mind the height will make a difference in that a little wobbly would be normal. There seems to be mixed reviews on this.
1317554
I have reversed a couple of the tower pieces because my cat has very sharp claws. I would try to reverse the right n left perches. it can't hurt and you may find another configuration. if it doesn't work, you can just put it back. yes, the second perch from the bottom does overhang. it looks like a small spiral staircase leading to the top. I can't answer your question on measurements as I did put it together by eye. I can usually judge that way and so far it hasn't failed me. I'm out of tape measures. My kids seem to help themselves to any and all of my tools when they miss something. I haven't replaced tape measures in a long time. I have reversed a couple of the tower pieces because my cat has very sharp claws. I would try to reverse the right n left perches. it can't hurt and you may find another configuration. if it doesn't work, you can just put it back. yes, the second perch from the bottom does overhang. it looks like a small spiral staircase leading to the top. I can't answer your question on measurements as I did put it together by eye. I can usually judge that way and so far it hasn't failed me. I'm out of tape measures. My kids seem to help themselves to any and all of my tools when they miss something. I... » Read More I have reversed a couple of the tower pieces because my cat has very sharp claws. I would try to reverse the right n left perches. it can't hurt and you may find another configuration. if it doesn't work, you can just put it back. yes, the second perch from the bottom does overhang. it looks like a small spiral staircase leading to the top. I can't answer your question on measurements as I did put it together by eye. I can usually judge that way and so far it hasn't failed me. I'm out of tape measures. My kids seem to help themselves to any and all of my tools when they miss something. I haven't replaced tape measures in a long time. « Show Less
1808182
Sometimes....Buy the side wall. It protects against that. The dome maybe Too, but my cats found it too confining I think. The side wall raises the edge about 3-4 inches and keeps that from happening.
1559602
My cat is about 14 pounds. The upper perches rock when he stands or moves on them, but there's no indication that the structure is unstable. The bottom part of the tree is very stable. I think the bigger issue is that my cat (who's not as heavy, but is very long and tall) barely fits on the perches, can only sit on top of the first cat condo because I've moved the stairs, and never ventures into the condos because they're simply too small. He uses the tree all the time, but it's slightly difficult for him to use it for napping.
1895972
I haven't observed any unstableness whatsoever. My cats reach high up and get a good stretch each time, but the unit has maintained stability. The base is pretty heavy, and fairly large. I ordered second one for another part of the house...they like it that much!
1900332
My puppy (6 lbs) was able to collapse it and tip it over to escape, so I would say your cat could do the same.
800176
It totally won't break, but your cat might not feel super secure. My guy is probably only 9.5 lbs, and there's no shaking at all when he sits on it or jumps around, but I can tell the top level makes him a bit nervous...even when he does go up there, it seems like it feels wobbly to him.
724706
I got this a few weeks ago, and have another similar one, and we have not had a problem. I was concerned that the cat would be able to get up it due to how the shelves are arranged, but she has no problem at all. It is a good tower.