KATRIS Modular Cat Tree Review

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Summary

The KATRIS Modular Cat Tree is definitely one of the coolest and most versatile cat products we’ve seen. The novelty of the KATRIS system is so appealing that cat owners are forking over hundreds of dollars to purchase additional pieces to configure the perfect tree for their cats. The KATRIS Modular Cat Tree might outlast your carpeted monstrosity, but it won’t stand a chance at outliving the furniture-grade wooden cat trees. We’ll take a look at the KATRIS functionality and let you decide if it lives up to all the hype.

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Product History

KATRIS has been on the market since 2014. Modeled after the popular game Tetris, these blocks are fun for both owners and cats. KATRIS is manufactured in Taiwan.

Description / Specifications

The KATRIS Modular Cat Tree includes 5 blocks (1 of each style: I, T, Z, O, L) and 10 clips to secure the blocks together in the configuration of your choice. Additional blocks can be purchased separately. The blocks are made of heavy duty corrugated cardboard and can be used for climbing, lounging and scratching. The blocks can also be used as a bookcase, coffee table, or organizing shelf. The material is 100% green (recyclable), natural, and non-toxic. The color options available are, Original Kraft, Black, White, Teak, Maple, and Multi-Color.

Overall Dimensions: Depends on configuration

Item Weight: 43 pounds total, approximately 7-9 pounds each piece

Individual Pieces: 8” wide

“I” Block Dimensions: 32”L x 8”W x 8”H, 9.1 pounds

“T” Block Dimensions: 24”L x 8”W x 16”H, 9.2 pounds

“O” Block Dimensions: 16”L x 8”W x 16”H, 7.2 pounds

“L” Block Dimensions: 24”L x 8”W x 16”H, 8.9 pounds

“Z” Block Dimensions: 24”L x 8”W x 16”H, 8.9 pounds

Weight Limit: up to 300 pounds

Assembly

The KATRIS Modular Cat Tree arrives in some heavy duty packaging. Assembling the KATRIS system can be a lot of fun for owners. You can use your creativity to arrange the blocks in several different configurations. The blocks can then be secured using the clips/fasteners. In our experience, these clips didn’t do a very good job. Some customers have recommended using tape.

Appearance

The KATRIS Modular Cat Tree doesn’t really have the look of high-end furniture. It actually looks like cardboard. But what makes this product so appealing is the cool and novel design. It is definitely a one-of-a-kind product that is sure to attract attention. It doesn’t look like a cat tree and it can be used for all kinds of other purposes. So in that regard, it is quite versatile in form and appearance. After a bit of wear and tear this KATRIS system starts to look pretty rough. It also leaves quite a mess of cardboard flakes if your cats are aggressive scratchers.

Cat-Friendliness

And now for the true test. Do your cats think KATRIS is as cool as you think it is? There are several different configurations that you can make with the 5-block system. Stability is definitely a concern if you’re attempting to construct something with height. We found that the best configuration for rambunctious cats is keeping the structure about waist high and placing it in a corner or against a wall.

The width of the individual blocks is quite thin at only 8”. This width is fine for climbing and sitting, but not ideal for scratching or lounging. The shapes themselves are cool-looking, but unless you have a kitten, there’s little chance your cat will be able to utilize the inner crevices. They will most likely spend their time sitting on top of it.

Cardboard is typically a big hit for cats that like to scratch. It’s more rewarding to scratch than sisal because it leaves more visible signs for marking territory. The KATRIS Modular Cat Tree is essentially a giant scratching post since it is made entirely of cardboard. Sprinkling a little bit of the provided catnip on the cardboard and scratching it with your fingers should entice your cat to scratch it. If cats are accustomed to using cardboard scratching posts, it might take a bit of time before they warm up to the KATRIS Modular Cat Tree.

Quality

KATRIS blocks are made of high-quality cardboard. We agree that the quality of cardboard used is about as good as it gets. But it is only cardboard which means it’s not meant for longevity. Depending on the number of cats, the amount of use, and how aggressively your cats scratch, the KATRIS Modular Cat Tree could wear out in just a year. Replacement blocks can be purchased when the old ones wear out. But that can get very pricey.

The other quality complaint that we have is with the fasteners. They do not securely fasten the blocks together as they are supposed to. The clips easily come off and they do very little to improve the structural stability of the system.

Pros

Cons

Price

The retail price of the KATRIS Modular Cat Tree, consisting of 5 blocks is $200 for the Original Kraft color, which looks like cardboard. Each additional block costs $50. The other colors cost about $50 more for the 5-Block Bundle. In our opinion that’s a lot of money to spend on a product that isn’t designed to last very long.

Improvements

Our main complaint with the KATRIS Modular Cat Tree is the price. If the blocks were affordably priced, this cat tree system could be exceptional. As it stands now, you’d have to pay over $400 to get a really stable structure with double-wide thickness, and decent height. And we think that’s way too much to pay for a product that isn’t guaranteed to last more than a year. Prospective buyers will have to see how much they’re willing to pay to have the coolest novelty on the cat tree market.

Original Post Date: 8/16/16