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Posts: 9
From:OH
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-28-2004 05:11 PM         

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I bought Zeke a cheap cat tree this past weekend at Wal-Mart. I'm planning on building him a real nice carpeted playground like this one: example. Like the ones being sold on eBay for $200-$300. Anyways, Zeke loves the el cheapo I bought him. He'll shoot straight to the ceiling in almost one stride and then sit on the top perch like he's King. He's a goof ball, like his daddy!

In case ya can't tell, I love taking pictures.

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Posts: 84
From:Ontario Canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 01-28-2004 06:01 PM         

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How much was the one you bought? The Walmarts around here only have the 2-foot posts and I would love to find a floor-to-ceiling one. BTW, your kitty is beautiful, he looks just like my Bonnie.

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Posts: 701
From:CA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 01-28-2004 06:19 PM         

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That example pick was really nice. $200-$300 doesn't seem like much for what you're getting. I went to Petsmart and they have some okay ones (not nearly as cool as the example one you posted) and those were between $170-$200. I think making your own would be a fun project. Another member here last year posted a site on how to make your own. I'm sure you can find a site that tells you how to make one, unless of course you already know how to. You're pics of Zeke are great.

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Posts: 9
From:OH
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-28-2004 07:32 PM         

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Dolly, The one I have cost me $30 at the local Wal-Mart here in Cincinnati, Oh. It comes in 4 pieces, it has 3 platforms and is spring loaded to adjust for 7'6" to 8'6" ceiling heighths. If I think about it, I'll go by the Wal-Mart and get the name of the manufacturer and maybe you can find it online. Take care.

Chessmind, yeah, I saw the ones at Petsmart and didn't care for them...haha. I was thinking about getting some paper tubes(like my Wal-mart cat tree) and continue building onto the one I already have. Heck, I might even fill up half the living room with Zeke's jungle jim...lol! I do think it'll be a fun project that can get pretty creative.

Thanks everyone.....

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Posts: 10
From:SanJose, California
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 01-30-2004 09:10 PM         

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Oh My God!!!
I love your wonderful, lovable, adorable cat. My cat is exactly like that. She is my queen. I bought her one but I got it for 50% off on ebay for $100. She loves it like her very own kingdom.

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Posts: 275
From:My IQ is higher than yours, I guarantee it.
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 01-31-2004 05:00 PM         

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Oh wow that is a fabulous cat tree!! Walmart you say? I'm headed there now!!! I love the floor to ceiling thing! My cats are OBSESSED with climbing....and they only hang out downstairs with me when they can get on top of something to avoid the dogs

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Posts: 240
From:Campton, NH USA
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-31-2004 05:39 PM         

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I've seen those at WalMart and they look pretty good. Last year I got my cats a tree from Fosters and Smith for a little over $100 (income tax refund...they got it) it has a crow's nest on the top and one of my meezers has claimed it as her own. She loves it

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Posts: 275
From:My IQ is higher than yours, I guarantee it.
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 02-01-2004 01:43 PM         

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5 minutes after I posted that I ran off to my local walmart =) To my shock they had it! I live on the other side of the country and figured with my luck they didnt carry the product. Its PERFECT. It was in a white and pink box on the very top shelf so that you couldn't tell at all what it was. Anyways..I set it up in the corner of the room so it would have more support ..my cats are young and wild. It is working out much better than the fake plant that was originally planned for that corner =)

Only downside...the box didnt say what color it was and all I could find were all tan ones. Oh well =) For 30 bucks its more than great! Thanks Zeke so much =)

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Posts: 64
From:Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 02-01-2004 02:36 PM         

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those look really great!

i found a small space at the corner of my studio i could probably convert to a kitty playground/climbing area.

thanks for the idea zeke!

///ej

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New Member

Posts: 9
From:OH
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 02-01-2004 04:55 PM         

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haha...glad you'll like the cat tree. It really is a great bargain for the purpose it serves. I know my cat loves his. As a matter of fact, he's sitting on the top level right now watching the Super Bowl game.

BTW, Zeke is my cats name. My name is Aaron. I just use Zeke's name on the internet to keep from using my own.

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Posts: 152
From:Ottawa, Ontario
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 02-01-2004 05:27 PM         

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I have a mini one, but my cat is gettin big!

Does it attatch right to the ceiling?

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Posts: 9
From:OH
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 02-01-2004 07:31 PM         

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It has a metal rod that slips into the very top of the cat tree. When you slip the metal rod into the hole, it is met with a spring; thus making it spring loaded. The cat tree is adjustable from 7'6" to 8'6" ceiling heighths, I believe. Get one, your cat will love you even MORE for it!

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Posts: 75
From:Sydney,NSW,Australia
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 02-01-2004 07:41 PM         

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[img]http://www.msnusers.com/_Secure/0RACz*y0VHOivx6ZZIICl3JKPVY5yyc!a2ZW*ECfthT18hwEsBmEFa0l0N!J1TnCLgNN8RCyJ*J!!wGI!4LzOAt1JpHeLCPv37qJzBjd4zRY/cattree.jpg?dc=4675458075823784103 [/img]
this is the biggest post i have bought so far, and have in fact been on the internet all day looking at all the different scratching posts, trees and condos out there. Some are just facinating ! with fake branches and silk leaves ( i really liked those) i have been toying with the idea to make a post of my own design for years, and now that i am on holidays, have begun sketching out a design. I would LOVE one that reached to the ceiling, but think hubby might think i am being far too adventurous.
we'll see.

[This message has been edited by Yahdah (edited 02-01-2004).]

[This message has been edited by Yahdah (edited 02-01-2004).]

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Posts: 75
From:Sydney,NSW,Australia
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 02-01-2004 07:46 PM         

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why wont my photos work ? is the address too long ?

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Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 02-01-2004 08:02 PM         

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I've got a tree from Walmart as well....my cats love it. I plan to buy a few more soon since they've really tore up this one.

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Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 02-01-2004 08:03 PM         

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Yahdah: It seems like pictures from certain websites don't allow for the pictures to show up if you try to copy them...Im not sure why though.

[This message has been edited by nern (edited 02-01-2004).]

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Posts: 80
From:Vancouver,WA. USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 02-01-2004 10:44 PM         

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I've given up my kitchen cable to my cats. It has 2 cubbies for them to hide in sittting on it, a cat track that has the cardboard scratching center, and a giant bowl of food and water, then there is a huge 6 foot tall wooden cat tree with like a zillion purchase on it sitting next to the table. all looking out into the backyard with the birdfeeders. The I store the cat and dog food under the table. I also have another cat tower in the garage. I saw a cat tower in a dumpster that I almost made my husband go back and get after dark lol. My cats get way too wild and would knock down the one thats shown from wal mart. Even the heavy wood ones start swaying once in a while.
Jenny

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Posts: 84
From:Ontario Canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 02-02-2004 08:06 AM         

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Aaron,
Did you find out the manufacturer of the scratching post?

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Posts: 996
From:sheridan, wy
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 02-06-2004 01:34 AM         

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My Wal-Mart had it too. I've never noticed it before and I'm in the cat aisle all the time. It was up on the top and not labeled very well.

My question to other people that have it is how did you make it steady? It took me 3 hours to put it together, I finally called in reinforcements. I put in extra screws and attached the black ceiling piece to the ceiling to try to make it more sturdy but it still shakes when you move it or a cat gets on it. Anyone have any ideas?

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Posts: 275
From:My IQ is higher than yours, I guarantee it.
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 02-06-2004 08:16 AM         

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Mine is only steady because it is in the corner of the room so when the cats jump on it...it leans on the two walls =D

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Posts: 23
From:NY
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-06-2004 10:49 AM         

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Wow! Cute pics! What a gorgeous kitty! I have a Calico that looks like yours, except she has orange/tan in her as well. What type is your cat?

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Posts: 9
From:OH
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 02-06-2004 01:52 PM         

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Dolly, sorry about not responding quicker. Nope, I haven't been to Wal-Mart since I bought the cat tree, but when I go, I'll look for you.

fleafly, hahaha, Zeke has knocked his cat tree over twice scaring the crap out of the both of us. Zeke can get pretty wild and run up the thing in a single stride....it seems..haha! When I started putting mine together, I goofed up and started hacking on the piping that comes with the kit and cut too much off. The spring doesn't force the pipe hard enough against the ceiling to hold it sturdy. I'm gonna go buy another pipe, cut it more accurately and do some brute forcing to stabilize it more.

iluvmykittys, I really don't know what type of cat Zeke is, but I do know he's a VERY special type! When I got out of college and moved away I wanted a companion that was easy maintance. I love dogs also, but they require more 'human assistance' if you know what I mean..haha. Anyways, I bought Zeke at the local SPCA. It was really fate that brought me to him. I believe I rescued him, literally. I'll tell you the story. I went into the room looking at all the kittens. I went to the SPCA looking for a tiger striped(tally?). I walked into the room and instantly heard a kitten just begging and pleading to be held. I look over and saw Zeke who was very scrawny looking. There were 3 couples of people in the room who were ignoring little Zeke as he was begging for attention. None of the other kittens were making a sound. Well, I looked over and saw three Tally kittens that I came for, so I venture over to check them out. I pull them out one by one and all of them seemed to have an attitude with me, so I put them back with no hesitation. I didn't want a cat with a permanent chip on it's shoulder. I looked back over at Zeke and he was crying at the top of his lungs to be held, so I go over to check him out. I open the cage and Zeke about leaps into my arms. I had NEVER seen or been around such an anxious, to be held, cat in all my life and I had grown up around many cats. I noticed something that really DISTURBED me about Zeke. His ID tag that was around his neck was way too tight and had actually grown into his neck. It's a wonder he could even breathe and didn't suffocate. His neck was nothing but bare skin and it was raw. This REALLY disturbed me and I decided right then and there that Zeke was MINE....he was my boy! I took him up to the front counter and filled out the paper work, paid my donation and left the lady with a piece of my mind of how UNhumane Zeke was treated!! I can still remember that day like it was yesterday and it's been about 3 years ago. Anyways, Zeke is a very unique cat in the way he acts and some of his personality traits. I love him with all my heart and couldn't have found a better kitty cat! Sorry for the long paragraph, but I like telling my story!

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Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
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posted 02-06-2004 03:03 PM         

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quote:

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My question to other people that have it is how did you make it steady? It took me 3 hours to put it together, I finally called in reinforcements. I put in extra screws and attached the black ceiling piece to the ceiling to try to make it more sturdy but it still shakes when you move it or a cat gets on it. Anyone have any ideas?

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I put a roll of pennies inside the top of mine and that seemed to keep it really steady. My cats like to run and jump on it at full speed and it has'nt fallen over yet.

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Posts: 996
From:sheridan, wy
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 02-06-2004 10:56 PM         

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A roll of pennies? I'm not sure how that works. I think that the tree that I have is not the same kind that Zeke has. Mine doesn't have a tension rod that goes in it. You screw the bottom pole onto the base, then put a platform on and bracket it to the pole, then set the next long piece on then the platform etc... at the top you extend a white carboard piece till it is an inch from the ceiling and twist a bolt with a black piece on the end until it fits into a block on the ceiling. You really can't get it that tight.

Mine is called a Kitty Tree and it is made by McGuire Industries Inc Temple City, CA- 800-266-4200.

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Posts: 84
From:Ontario Canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 02-07-2004 04:00 PM         

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Thanks so much for all the info. about the cat tree! I went across the US border today and bought the last one at the local Walmart. It's the spring-loaded type and my husband is planning on anchoring it to the wall with a bracket and some wire.

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Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
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posted 02-07-2004 10:40 PM         

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Fleafly: Oh, I did'nt realize yours was different....mine is like Zeke's and I took the tension rod out and dropped a roll of pennies inside to make it tighter.

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From:sheridan, wy
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 02-07-2004 10:55 PM         

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Weird. I think mine would be more sturdy if it was the kind you guys have. It's strange that Wal-Mart carries different ones.

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Posts: 701
From:CA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 02-07-2004 11:00 PM         

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Fleafly, I have the exact same one you do. I wish I had the other kind. I went to Walmart for the first time ever and bought it for Handsome last Friday. Walmart is Huge!

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Posts: 275
From:My IQ is higher than yours, I guarantee it.
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 02-08-2004 01:15 PM         

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It sounds like Walmart sells two different kinds. This one: http://www.geocities.com/mistresskela/tree.html is one kind...and the spring loaded one at the very top of this thread is the second. I make it a point to screw mine tighter at the top every few days now to keep it sturdy because as my cats use it...it unscrews some. Its not the most perfectly constructed thing in the world...but hey...what can you ask for for 30 bucks?

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From:sheridan, wy
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 02-08-2004 10:52 PM         

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How can you just have gone to Wal-Mart for the first time!!!!!!!!! I can't even imagine. I buy almost everything there.

I have the kind that is in samsintentions' link. I ended up putting screws into each post above the platform to make it a little more sturdy. It still wobbles, but it wont fall down.

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From:CA
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posted 02-08-2004 10:57 PM         

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Lol Fleafly. Well, at least I can now say I have been to Walmart! Lol. I can understand why it's so popular. Dang that place is huge! I still can't get over it. I think I must have walked at least a mile in that store looking for the cat tree!

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From:My IQ is higher than yours, I guarantee it.
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 02-09-2004 08:31 AM         

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Walmart is EVIL! It attracts the most annoying of shoppers!! I can see why people avoid it...but its so convenient...that the rest of us just have to put up with the idiots that shop there as well =/ The people who have an ATM card and dont know how to use the little machine...one guy didnt know what a pin was. Took them like 5 minutes to discover it was a credit card not an atm card. Then theres the people that HOG the already too skinny aisles with their carts...UGH! Going to that store is like pulling teeth with me. Maybe its just the location of the one I go to!

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Posts: 9
From:Rosemount, Mn 55068
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 02-19-2004 01:15 PM         

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My Nakita never used a scratching post/climber, she was more like the queen or the duchess. She never ran up and down the stairs, taking each step with great deliberation and purpose. She was 18. But when we had to put her to sleep 2-1/2 weeks ago, Duff the new kitty is very active (wild). We looked at PetCo or PetSmart, their $180.00 5 foot tall 4 level carpeted "cat condo" was very nice. So we measured it in the store, and made one out of lumber and carpet for about $50.00. Duff loves it. We ended up nailing it to the wall for stability.

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Posts: 81
From:Fairfield, CT
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 02-20-2004 09:32 AM         

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Walmart is going to wonder what caused the spike in sales for their Cat Trees...lol Guess what I just bought!? As soon as it was up the kitten ran to the top. For $34.97 you can't go wrong.

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Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 02-20-2004 12:30 PM         

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I just bought 2 new ones yesterday!

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Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
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posted 02-20-2004 12:32 PM         

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BTW, Walmart also has nice 2 and 3 teir cat condos that are pretty cheap....the holes are large enough for most of mine to fit into and they really seem to enjoy them.

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