For anyone who shares their home with feline companions, the struggle to find pet furniture that isn’t an eyesore is real. Traditional cat trees, often resembling carpet-covered monstrosities, can clash with even the most forgiving home decor. As someone who has spent years caring for cats and previously reviewed pet products for Wirecutter, I’ve seen countless unattractive cat trees. That’s why brands like Mau, specializing in design-forward cat accessories, are a breath of fresh air. They offer visually appealing alternatives that outshine the typical, bulky cat trees found in mainstream pet stores.
Mau’s Cento cat tree has been in my home, tested by my cats Pyke and Holt, for a full year. After this extended period, I can confidently assess whether this stylish piece is worth its premium price tag. The answer is nuanced: it’s a worthwhile investment, but only if your cats take to it as much as you appreciate its design. Fortunately, Mau provides a 45-day trial, giving you ample time to gauge your cat’s interest.
Staff pick
Mau Cento cat tree blends seamlessly into a modern home interior, offering cats a luxurious and aesthetically pleasing climbing and lounging space.
A Cat Tree That Elevates Your Home Decor
The Mau Cento cat tree reimagines the humble cat tree as a sophisticated statement piece. It features natural wood wrapped in jute, creating a striking, treehouse-inspired design. The soft, easy-to-wash faux-fur cushions add a touch of luxury and comfort for your feline friends.
Buying Options
$289 from Chewy
$289 from Amazon
$289 from Walmart
Initially, I hesitated to review the Mau Cento. Given their higher price point (the Cento is just under $300) and the notoriously unpredictable nature of cats, I was wary of recommending something that might be quickly dismissed by my own pets. Like many cat owners, I’ve experienced the disappointment of introducing new cat furniture, only to have it briefly sniffed and then permanently ignored.
However, the Cento has become a beloved fixture in my cats’ daily routines. They enthusiastically use it for lounging, playing, and surveying their domain.
The design of this cat tree is undeniably distinctive. With its unique marshmallow-shaped base and two woven baskets, lined with plush white faux fur and nestled amongst real branches, it evokes a whimsical, almost fantastical aesthetic. It’s reminiscent of something you might expect to find in a magical setting.
This particular style resonates with my personal taste, but it’s certainly not a neutral piece. If the Cento’s unique look isn’t quite right for your home, Mau offers a range of alternative designs within their collection of stylish cat trees. When exploring different models, pay close attention to the weight limits. The Cento’s baskets are built to safely hold cats up to 23 pounds each, while models like the Ivy are designed for slightly lighter cats, with baskets stress-tested for pets up to 18 pounds.
For cat owners seeking a cat tree that is both functional for their pets and aesthetically pleasing for their homes, the Mau Cento is a strong contender. Its unique design and quality materials justify the investment, particularly when considering the 45-day trial period which minimizes the risk of purchasing furniture your cat might ignore.
