Cat trees and scratchers
Cat trees are flat-packed furniture, so stability, panel material and assembly decide quality and returns. Specify the base size and weight, board type, sisal and plush materials, and ask for evidence on wood-based panels for your market.
Models for this category are sourced on request. Describe what you need, or send a reference link, and we will check whether the manufacturer already has a stock mold you can use with your logo.
What buyers source
Common types are multi-level cat towers, condo-and-perch trees, wall-mounted shelves, scratching posts and boards, and cardboard scratchers. Large trees are sold flat-packed with parts, screws and instructions in one or more cartons.
Stock models and customization
Many factories have stock tree designs. You can usually change plush color, sisal color, branding and packaging, and sometimes the number of levels. A new structural design means new cutting patterns and test builds, which raises minimums and lead time. The stock model versus custom mold guide explains when each option fits.
Specifications to define
| Item | What to write |
|---|---|
| Overall size | Height, base width and depth, platform sizes |
| Cat weight | Maximum rated weight per platform |
| Board | MDF, particleboard, plywood or solid wood; thickness |
| Posts | Material, diameter, sisal wrapping method |
| Plush and carpet | Material, weight, color list, flame or odor requirements if any |
| Hardware | Screw type and count, anti-tip fixing for tall trees |
| Assembly | Tools needed, instruction language, estimated assembly time |
| Packaging | Number of cartons, carton dimensions and weight, protection |
Materials and trade-offs
Solid wood is strong and heavy; boards are cheaper and lighter, but thickness and edge sealing matter, and wood-based panels bring emission rules in several markets. Sisal rope wrapping that is glued only will unwind; ask for staples or an equivalent fixing as well. Plush must be firmly attached so a cat cannot pull it off. A wide, heavy base is the simplest way to make a tall tree stable.
Quality checkpoints
- Assemble the sample from the instructions alone, and time it.
- Push on the top platform from several directions; check for wobble and joint loosening.
- Check the sisal and plush at corners and edges after rough use.
- Inspect the cartons after a drop test, and count parts against the list.
Documents worth asking for
Panel material specifications and any emission test report that applies to your destination, plus material reports for plush and finishes. Confirm with a broker or testing lab which rules apply to your product and market. See the import guide for the US.
What drives cost
Board thickness, tree height and number of levels, sisal quantity, plush type, hardware count and carton size. Because cartons are bulky, use the landed cost tool to see the freight effect once you have carton dimensions.
Frequently asked questions
Why do cat trees wobble?
Small bases, thin posts and loose joints. Ask for the base dimensions, post diameter and the assembled weight, and test the sample by pushing the top.
Do wood-based boards need special evidence?
Often yes. If the tree uses MDF, particleboard or plywood, ask about formaldehyde emission evidence for your destination market, and confirm the requirement with your broker or lab.
Why is freight such a big share of the cost?
Cartons are large and heavy for their value. Ask for carton dimensions and weight early, since they decide how many units fit in a container.
Related reading
- Stock model versus custom mold
Stock-mold (public mold) products versus custom tooling for pet products made in China: minimum orders, cost, timing, design exclusivity and IP checks. - How to compare factory quotes
How to compare quotes from Chinese manufacturers fairly: price terms, what is included, sample and tooling fees, minimums, packaging and payment terms. - Landed cost from China to the US, UK and EU
What makes up the landed cost of pet products imported from China into the US, UK and EU: duty, fees, VAT, freight, and what a calculator cannot know. - Importing pet products to the US
What changes when you import pet products from China into the United States: customs value, duty, fees, additional duties, origin marking and product checks.
General information for planning. Not legal, customs or compliance advice. Requirements depend on your exact product and market.