When should I stop using a damaged cat tree?

Stop using a cat tree when damage affects support, creates sharp or loose hazards, or leaves you uncertain about a load-bearing component. Examples include cracked platforms, failed inserts, bent brackets, torn hammock attachments and parts that no longer connect securely. Restrict access while you contact the supplier and assess an approved remedy. Do not wait for the cat to avoid the tree, because continued use does not establish that it is sound.

Cosmetic wear may be manageable, but distinguish it from deterioration underneath the covering. If you cannot inspect the relevant area or identify a compatible replacement, replacing the tree may be more practical. Keep photographs and model details for the enquiry. The important decision is whether the product can still function as designed, not whether it remains attractive enough to leave in the room.

Tell the supplier whether the fault is in a supporting post, an elevated bed or a removable decorative cover. The function of the damaged part helps determine the response; two similarly sized tears may have very different consequences in different components.