First, a couple of notes regarding the accuracy of this product's listing. It boasts "assembles in minutes" and "Titan Strength, Stability and Construction." The latter claim isn't exactly inaccurate... I don't worry that my cats will knock this thing over. That said, "titan" is overstating the case. The last piece of cat furniture we owned was sturdier and more stable than this one. As for the former claim, well...
The huge piece of cat furniture arrives in a surprisingly small box, thanks to the fact that it's disassembled into as many component pieces as one could possibly manage, pretty much. The "step by step assembly instructions" consist of a single sheet diagram of the multitude of parts and screws, numbered but with no written instructions whatsoever. Parts of it seem ambiguous and difficult to interpret, and there are no numbers on the pieces, so you spend a while trying to match everything up exactly. It took more than an hour and a half to assemble the thing, despite the fact that we've assembled what should have been far more complicated pieces of furniture with far less trouble. Parts of it ended up being disassembled and then reassembled multiple times because it was so easy to misinterpret the "directions." All of this could have been avoided by including an accurate photo of the finished product and a sheet of step-by-step written instructions, in which case I expect this wouldn't have taken all that long to assemble--maybe 20 minutes?
Also, the dangling rope toy included is about half the length of the one in the photo. However, they did include a fuzzy mouse on an elastic string hanging from the second-highest perch that also isn't in the photo, and this is our cats' favorite part of the whole contraption.
Our cats love the height of this thing so much that so far they've largely ignored the lowest two levels. Unfortunately the only real way through the front door of the "house" on the third level is via a small step that isn't well-placed, so they're a little reluctant to use it. However, while many cats would be too large to use the diamond cutout in the side of the house as a door, luckily ours aren't. If you have generously proportioned cats then I wouldn't recommend buying this model.
Ultimately, if I had this to do over again I'd buy a piece from a different company or pick it up from a store pre-assembled or assembled in several major pieces. The company could do so much to raise customer satisfaction simply by producing a good set of instructions, which really wouldn't take much time and effort given how much it would improve things, so I have no idea why they don't do it. As our friend who helped out commented, "If I'd bought this I would have it packed back up in the box and waiting to be shipped back by now." However, I can marginally recommend the piece just because once it's assembled it really does entertain the cats--particularly if your cats love heights!
Product DescriptionKitty-Cat HaciendaGreat for Countless hours of cat knapping, climbing and playing! Specifications: * Finish: Elegant Faux Sheepskin * Color: Swiss Cream with Sisal Rope wrapped Posts (as pictured). * Overall Size: o Height 78" o Length 23.5" o Width 27.5" * Size of Entry Way (Base plate): This beautiful residence features a 23" x 19.5" main entry (Base plate) covered in an elegant faux fur finish. * Size of Main Residence (cat house): Situated on the 3rd. level with a magnificent 360 degree view and spacious quarters at 14" x 14" x 14". This floor also features a spacious viewing area matching the size of the ground floor at 23" x 19.5". * The views of this spectacular residence do not stop with the main cat house. They move up to a higher level with two magnificent lofts (perches) high above the main house where you can relax for a mid afternoon siesta or just chill out to see whats going on with the family. * The lofts (perches) measure 14" x 14". * 6 Month Warranty! (see below) * 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed! (see below).Guarantee Policy:100% satisfaction guaranteed! * Product may be returned within in 7 days of receipt of item if in original box and in new condition. * Refunds are made after item is inspected and determined to be in new condition. * Buyer pays all shipping and fees for returned merchandise.* Shipping costs to you will NOT be refunded!!!6 month warranty on all parts!If for any reason a part has broken due to a manufacturing defect, it will be replaced free of charge within 6 months of purchase date. We do not warranty standard wear and tear "scratching".
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78" Cat Furniture Tree Condo
.. but this is a solid piece of cat-furniture.Scamper has owned this "tower" since Christmas of 2007 and slept on it a handful of times.He avoides the lower "Cave" mostly due to his own personality Im sure, and thats a good thing since it has since broken.Otherwise, well made, and pretty.
