Cat bedThis guide will provide the reader with an understanding of the importance of quality of construction and ease of assembly when considering a pet furniture purchase. 

If you are considering purchasing pet furniture, creature comfort and multi-use options should should be a top priority.  However, quality of construction and ease of assembly are equally important.  For example, If you opt for a pet item made out of cardboard, it's going to be a throw away item near term if your pet is happy with it.  If your pet is not happy with it, it will just collect dust until you throw it away.  If you decide on a multi-use piece that requires a screwdriver, wrench, hammer, ect.. to put together,  consider the complexity of assembly before buying.  Ask yourself if you are physically able to complete the task and if you believe the device will provide a stabile, safe place for your pet to play, nap or just lounge.  If you are assembling multi-tier furniture and are required to drive wood screws, you may have some considerable work to do unless you have a high power drill. 

I have experienced many different types of pet furniture that are constructed with various components.  Hardwood, softwood, MDF, particle board, cardboard, staples, various glues.  Hardwood shouldn't be a requirement for the entire piece (it will make it very heavy) but at least consider it as a requirement in the supports.  Softwood, MDF or particle board should be used in the constuction of bases, platforms or perches.  I prefer platforms made with Softwood or MDF.  Anyplace that your pet touches, should be covered in carpeting or some other pet friendly material.  The carpeting should be glued in those areas that will be in use and glued and stapled in areas that are not in use.  Scratching posts that are cardboard with carpeting simply stapled to it may work.  I believe PVC with carpeting attached with glue and/or staples is a higher quality option.  Make sure the glue in the construction is enviromentally friendly and safe for your pets.  Consider the hardware that is used in the assembly.  As I previously mentioned, wood screws require more effort and are less secure than steel machine screws and bolts.  Wood screws may work fine for smaller pieces but they have a tendency to work themselves out in a heavily used piece.  Once they have, you won't get them as tight when you put them back in a second time and that will effect stability of the piece.    

Here is a quality piece that meets these recommendations.  Assembly hardware is all steel machine bolts and nuts. All assembly is by hand!  Not even a screwdriver is required.  The bolts are built into the furniture.  The completed piece is very sturdy and weighs in at 34lbs.