Harmony has two new cat furniture designs with some interesting features but they could use a few tweaks. First, is the Ladder Cat Scratcher, a two-tiered climber with a large scratching surface on the front at the bottom. I like the concept here, it can be propped up against a wall or under a window to ease cats up into the vertical world, but I’d definitely like to see some non-slip pads on those steps. Also, the scratching surface is nice and wide and makes good use of the area under the first step, but it doesn’t really give cats a good stretch when scratching. I have a couple of cats who like to scratch down low, so this would work for them, but the rest of my crew likes to scratch up a little higher. I’d have to see one of these in person to assess the quality and stability, but $59.99 with free shipping on Amazon seems like a reasonable investment.
Next, there is a new Accent Table with Cat Scratcher, a side table with a cardboard scratch pad on top for lounging and scratching, and sisal rope wrapped around two of the table legs. The table measures 28.5″ tall, a good height for a cat perch, but the sisal rope looks really thin and cheap. Plus, they say that the lower shelf is for decor? Do the designers even have cats? Put a soft bed on that shelf, but not decor! I like how the cardboard pad is integrated into the top, but you’d definitely have to replace that sisal rope with something more substantial. Also at $59.99 with free shipping, this could be a good piece with some modifications, or you might find something equally functional at the thrift store and make one yourself.
I give them a B+, good try, but keep working on the details!
Agree with you on both of these, judging by the photos alone. Good ideas, though, if they could be upgraded just a bit!
I wish more designers would realize not every one is into dark woods. I would like to see things in a white option.
Love your comments! Very few ask the same thing I find myself asking: “have you ever met a cat?” I would like to see the “designers” also realize that most cats are not permanently under 9lbs and the size of a squirrel.
These 2 items do look good but would need improvements to withstand actual use.
I bought the ladder one. My cat won’t go near it. She was curious about while I was building it, but then completely ignored it. The shelves are far too narrow for a cat to sit or climb on. It’s more useful as a book/plant stand.
I have the accent table. I bought it from Petco about 6 mo ago but just put it together yesterday. I got it clearance for $15 so I figured it was a good deal if it was halfway decent. I must say I am pleasantly surprised because it is extremely solid and well made- nice heavy wood pieces. It was easy to put together, but I did have trouble with the final 2 screws in the top lining up right but when i sat it upright and worked from that angle, it was good. The sisal is good quality, around it very tight and doesn’t slide around. The sisal is actually applied better than any other cat item I have had. All day yesterday my smaller cat laid on top when she wasn’t scratching it. My larger cat enjoyed laying on the bottom shelf and dangling over the edge.