Krabpalen voor Maine Coon
& grote raskatten
Maine Coons are the largest domestic cats and need a cat tree built to match. At Bopets you will find cat trees with extra thick sisal posts, wide platforms and ceiling mounts, specifically suited for cats up to 15 kg.
Why does a Maine Coon need a special cat tree?
Maine Coons and similar large pedigree cats easily weigh 8 to 10 kg or more. Their longer body and powerful jumps put much more stress on posts, platforms and the base. A standard cat tree simply is not built for that: thin posts bend, narrow platforms offer too little support and a light base tips over as soon as your cat jumps on it.
That is why a good Maine Coon cat tree is built heavier, with thick sisal posts, larger resting surfaces and preferably a ceiling-mounted tree or wall anchoring. Every scratching furniture piece in our range features robust scratching trunks and is a sturdy cat tree also suitable for other large pedigree cats. At Bopets we only select cat trees that meet these requirements. Looking for cat trees for other large breeds too? Check our overview of cat trees for large cats. All details and tips below ↓
Technical requirements for a Maine Coon cat tree
A cat tree that is truly suitable for a Maine Coon differs on several points from an ordinary cat tree. Below are the reference values we check at Bopets.
| Criterion | Standard cat tree | Large cats | Maine Coon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post diameter | approx. Ø 8 cm | approx. Ø 12–15 cm | from approx. Ø 15 cm, towards Ø 20 cm |
| Platforms | approx. 30 × 30 cm | approx. 40 × 40 cm | approx. 50 × 50 cm or larger |
| House opening | approx. 18 cm | approx. 22–25 cm | approx. 27 cm or larger |
| Recommended height | from 80 cm | from approx. 120 cm | approx. 150 cm or ceiling mount |
| Base plate | approx. 3–4 kg | approx. 6–8 kg | approx. 10 kg or more, or ceiling mount |
| Load per platform | approx. 5 kg | approx. 8 kg | approx. 12 kg or more |
Classic thin sisal posts offer insufficient grip for the large paws of a Maine Coon and bend under the weight. Choose posts from approximately Ø 15 cm, preferably towards Ø 20 cm, for a longer lifespan and better scratching experience. A heavy, wide base plate is equally crucial: the wider the surface and the heavier the base, the less chance of tipping. For the heaviest cats, ceiling support or wall mounting is virtually always recommended.
Maine Coon, Ragdoll or Norwegian Forest Cat?
All three are large, heavy breeds that require a sturdier cat tree. Yet the ideal type of cat tree differs per breed.
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is a large, muscular cat with a heavy bone structure that loves climbing and jumping. This breed benefits most from a ceiling cat tree or a tall floor model with multiple climbing levels and wide platforms. The jumping power and weight demand the sturdiest construction. A cat climbing wall is an excellent addition if you have multiple Maine Coons.
Ragdoll
Ragdolls are somewhat calmer than Maine Coons, they climb less enthusiastically but love resting at height. Choose a sturdy cat tree with soft, wide beds and hammocks at different heights. A combination of a medium to tall cat tree with a cosy scratching barrel as a hiding spot suits the Ragdoll character perfectly.
Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is an excellent climber with a strong urge to sit high. A tall cat tree with multiple climbing levels or a modular climbing wall is ideal for this breed. Norwegian Forest Cats are slightly lighter than Maine Coons, but their active climbing style demands the same sturdy construction. Consider a wall-mounted system for extra vertical challenge.
Combining a cat tree with other essentials for large cats
Large breeds need more than just a sturdy cat tree. A spacious cat bed provides an extra resting spot beside the cat tree, choose a bed large enough for a sizeable cat. Invest in sturdy cat toys that do not break under the strength of a large cat: thick wand toys, sturdy tunnels and catnip toys keep your Maine Coon mentally sharp.
Do not forget the basics either: adapted cat food for large breeds supports the joints and impressive coat, and good cat litter is essential for these sizeable cats. All these categories are easily found via our cats hub.
New cat tree or replacing parts?
Sisal posts and platforms wear out faster with heavy cats. When only the covering or posts are worn but the frame is still sturdy, it is more affordable and sustainable to replace individual cat tree parts, a new sisal post costs a fraction of a complete cat tree.
If the cat tree itself has become unstable, the base wobbles, screw holes are worn out or platforms creak, then it is safer to invest in a completely new heavy-duty model. Check our overview of cat trees or specifically the cat trees for large cats for the full range.
Frequently asked questions maine coon cat trees