For cat owners, finding a cat tree that balances functionality with home decor can feel like a never-ending quest. Enter the Mau Cat Tree, a standout in the world of pet furniture that promises to be both a playground for your feline friends and a stylish addition to your living space. Available on Amazon, the Mau Modern Cat Tree Tower, Natural Branch Luxury Wood Cat Tower, Cat Scratching Tree, Cat Condo, by Mau Lifestyle, is designed to cater to cats of all sizes while elevating your home’s aesthetic. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the features, benefits, drawbacks, and comparisons of this premium cat tree, helping you decide if it’s worth the investment for you and your furry companion.
Why Choose the Mau Cat Tree?
The Mau Cat Tree is not your average pet furniture. Crafted with real wooden branches, woven rattan baskets, and plush faux fur cushions, it’s designed to blend seamlessly into modern homes. Unlike traditional carpet-covered cat towers that often clash with home decor, this luxury cat condo offers a natural, minimalist look that doubles as an art piece. But does it deliver on functionality as well as style? Let’s break it down.
Key Features of the Mau Cat Tree
- Premium Materials: The Mau Cat Tree is handmade with sustainably sourced wood, treated for durability, and paired with high-quality rattan baskets and sisal rope scratching posts. The faux fur cushions are soft, cozy, and machine-washable.
- Aesthetic Design: With its natural wood branches and neutral color palette, this cat tower complements modern, farmhouse, or minimalist decor styles.
- Multi-Cat Friendly: The Cento model, one of Mau’s most popular, features two baskets and a cozy condo, making it ideal for households with multiple cats.
- Sustainability Focus: Mau Lifestyle plants a tree for every cat tree sold and donates 5% of proceeds to animal welfare and environmental causes, adding a feel-good factor to your purchase.
- Replaceable Parts: From cushions to rattan baskets, every component can be replaced individually, ensuring the cat tree stays fresh for years.
- Easy Assembly: The tree comes with clear instructions and assembly videos, taking about 10-30 minutes to set up without specialized tools.
In-Depth Review of the Mau Cat Tree
Design and Aesthetic Appeal
The first thing you’ll notice about the Mau Cat Tree is its stunning design. Unlike the bulky, carpet-covered towers that dominate the pet market, this cat condo uses real wooden branches and woven rattan baskets to create a sculptural, organic look. The Cento model, available on Amazon, features a 46-inch tall structure with two basket perches and a cozy condo at the base. The neutral tones—available in shades like alpine white, brown, and gray—blend effortlessly into any room, whether placed in a living room, bedroom, or home office.
The aesthetic cat furniture is a game-changer for pet owners who prioritize home decor. As one reviewer noted, “There’s not a room in my house I wouldn’t mind putting it”. The natural wood and plush cushions add a touch of luxury, making it a conversation piece rather than an eyesore.
Functionality for Cats
While the Mau Cat Tree scores high on style, its primary purpose is to keep your cats entertained and comfortable. The Cento model offers multiple levels for climbing, scratching, and lounging, catering to cats’ natural instincts to explore vertical spaces. The sisal rope-wrapped posts are perfect for scratching, protecting your furniture from claw marks. The hangingMuhanging pom-poms and plush cushions provide interactive play and cozy napping spots.
In testing, cats took to the tree quickly. Reviewers report their cats climbing into the baskets and condo within minutes of assembly, with some cats claiming specific spots as their own. The tree supports cats up to 25 pounds, making it suitable for most breeds, though some owners of larger cats noted it may not be ideal for very heavy kitties.
Durability and Maintenance
The Mau Cat Tree is built to last. The treated wood and sturdy construction ensure stability, though some users reported minor wobbling issues, particularly with the Alba and Cento models. These issues can often be resolved by tightening bolts or adding a stabilizing pad. The machine-washable cushions and wipeable baskets make cleaning a breeze, and replacement parts are available for purchase, extending the tree’s lifespan.
Assembly Experience
Setting up the Mau Cat Tree is straightforward, with most users reporting assembly times of 10-30 minutes. The included instructions and YouTube videos guide you through the process, though some noted that assembling the condo can be tricky due to the plush fur obstructing bolt holes. A second pair of hands can make the process smoother.
Pros and Cons of the Mau Cat Tree
Pros
- Stylish Design: Blends seamlessly with modern decor, unlike traditional cat trees.
- High-Quality Materials: Durable wood, rattan, and sisal rope ensure longevity.
- Cat-Friendly Features: Multiple perches, scratching posts, and interactive toys keep cats engaged.
- Sustainable and Charitable: Supports environmental and animal welfare causes.
- Easy to Maintain: Washable cushions and replaceable parts make upkeep simple.
- Multi-Cat Support: Suitable for households with multiple cats.
Cons
- Pricey: At $299-$399, it’s a significant investment compared to budget cat trees.
- Wobbling Issues: Some models may wobble, especially for larger cats, requiring additional stabilization.
- Size Limitations: May not accommodate very large cats comfortably.
- Minor Assembly Challenges: The condo’s fur lining can complicate setup.
Comparison with Other Cat Trees
To help you decide if the Mau Cat Tree is right for you, let’s compare it to two popular alternatives available on Amazon: the Armarkat 68-Inch Cat Tree and the Amazon Basics Cat Tree.
| Feature | Mau Cat Tree (Cento) | Armarkat 68-Inch Cat Tree | Amazon Basics Cat Tree |
| Price | $399 | ~$150 | ~$50 |
| Height | 73 inches | 68 inches | 31 inches |
| Materials | Wood, rattan, sisal, faux fur | Faux fur, pressed wood, sisal | Faux fur, particle board, sisal |
| Design | Modern, natural, artistic | Traditional, carpet-covered | Simple, compact |
| Assembly Time | 10-30 minutes | ~30 minutes | ~10 minutes |
| Weight Capacity | Up to 25 lbs | Up to 50 lbs | Up to 25 lbs |
| Features | Baskets, condo, pom-poms, replaceable parts | Multiple perches, cave, pom-poms | Platform, scratching posts |
| Sustainability | Plants a tree per sale, 5% to charity | None | None |
| Best For | Style-conscious owners, small to medium cats | Multi-cat households, large cats | Budget-conscious owners, small cats |
Mau Cat Tree vs. Armarkat 68-Inch Cat Tree
The Armarkat is taller and more affordable, making it a great choice for multi-cat households or larger cats. It offers more perches and a higher weight capacity but lacks the Mau’s aesthetic appeal and sustainability focus. If style and eco-consciousness are priorities, the Mau Cat Tree is the better choice, but the Armarkat is more practical for bigger cats or tighter budgets.
Mau Cat Tree vs. Amazon Basics Cat Tree
The Amazon Basics model is a budget-friendly option for small cats or owners looking for a simple, no-frills tower. It’s compact and easy to assemble but lacks the durability, style, and features of the Mau Cat Tree. For those seeking a premium, long-lasting cat condo, the Mau is worth the splurge.
FAQs About the Mau Cat Tree
1. Is the Mau Cat Tree worth the price?
The Mau Cat Tree is a premium product with a price tag of $299-$399, which is significantly higher than many competitors. However, its high-quality materials, stylish design, and sustainability efforts justify the cost for pet owners who value aesthetics and durability. If budget is a concern, more affordable options like the Amazon Basics Cat Tree may suffice.
2. Is it suitable for large cats?
The Mau Cat Tree is designed to support cats up to 25 pounds. While most cats fit comfortably, very large breeds like Maine Coons may find the baskets cramped, and some owners reported wobbling with heavier cats. Larger cat trees like the Armarkat may be better for big kitties.
3. How do I clean the Mau Cat Tree?
The faux fur cushions are machine-washable on a cold cycle without detergent. The rattan baskets can be wiped clean, and replacement parts are available for worn components.
4. What if my cat doesn’t use the tree?
Cats may take time to warm up to a new tree. Try using catnip spray or treats to entice them. Most reviewers report their cats quickly adopted the Mau Cat Tree, but individual preferences vary.
5. Does it come with a warranty?
Yes, Mau offers a one-year warranty and a 45-day risk-free trial. If you encounter issues, their customer service team is responsive and may require photos or videos to diagnose problems.
Tips for Getting Your Cat to Love the Mau Cat Tree
- Introduce Gradually: Place the tree in a familiar area and let your cat explore it naturally.
- Use Catnip: Apply catnip spray to the baskets and scratching posts to attract your cat.
- Position Strategically: Place the tree near a window for bird-watching or in a quiet corner for napping.
- Add Toys: Attach favorite toys to the pom-poms to spark interest.
- Stabilize if Needed: If wobbling occurs, add a felt pad under the base or tighten bolts regularly.
Customer Feedback and Insights
The Mau Cat Tree has garnered positive reviews for its style and functionality. Customers on Amazon praise its “visually appealing” design and sturdy construction, with many noting their cats’ immediate love for it. However, some negative feedback highlights wobbling issues, particularly with the Alba model, and concerns about the synthetic fur shedding slightly during shipping. Mau’s customer service is noted for being responsive, offering solutions like rubber legs or refunds within the 45-day return period.
One Reddit user expressed frustration that negative reviews were not posted on Mau’s website, suggesting potential bias in their review system. However, Amazon reviews provide a more balanced perspective, with the Cento model earning high ratings for its aesthetic and cat appeal.
Is the Mau Cat Tree Right for You?
The Mau Cat Tree is ideal for cat owners who:
- Prioritize home decor and want a cat tower that looks like furniture.
- Own small to medium-sized cats (up to 25 pounds).
- Value sustainability and charitable contributions.
- Are willing to invest in a premium, long-lasting product.
If you’re on a tight budget or have very large cats, alternatives like the Armarkat or Amazon Basics may be more suitable. However, for those seeking a balance of style, quality, and cat comfort, the Mau Cat Tree is a top contender.
Where to Buy the Mau Cat Tree
You can purchase the Mau Cat Tree on Amazon or through Mau’s official website. Amazon often offers faster shipping and competitive pricing, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, which helps support this blog.
Conclusion
The Mau Cat Tree redefines what a cat tower can be. Its blend of luxury materials, modern design, and cat-friendly features makes it a standout choice for pet owners who refuse to compromise on style. While the price and occasional wobbling issues may deter some, the tree’s durability, ease of maintenance, and eco-conscious mission make it a worthy investment. Whether you’re upgrading your cat’s current tower or outfitting a new home, the Mau Cat Tree delivers a purr-fect solution for both you and your feline friends.
Sources
- Mau Pets Cat Tree Review
- Mau Cat Tree Review
- Mau Ivy Cat Tree Review
- Amazon.com
