Cat trees keep cats comfortable and safe. Design and stability are essential in these products. When properly made, they’re online and offline bestsellers. Offering strong and stylish cat trees builds trust with buyers.

When launching into the custom cat tree market, importing products from China is a smart move. You can find factories that take bulk orders and offer fair prices for quality products in China. These suppliers also help with custom designs.

But the big question is, where do you find the right wholesalers for custom cat trees in China?

Here, you’ll discover the answer to this big question and more.

Are Chinese cat tree wholesalers reliable for large orders?

Yes, many Chinese wholesalers are reliable for large cat tree orders. But you must choose experienced factories with strong systems. Look for those that offer OEM or ODM services. 

They have teams trained to handle bulk needs and custom specs. These factories have better tools, clearer timelines, and high safety standards. Before placing orders, ask for past client reviews and bulk production photos. 

Note: You can hire a China sourcing agent to guide you through this process. They’ll help you contact Chinese manufacturers and confirm their experience. With help from a reliable global sourcing expert, your bulk order will be successful.

What Makes a Cat Tree “High-Quality”?

Several pointers confirm the quality of a cat tree. See them below:

1) Stability test

Cats enjoy jumping and climbing. They need stable trees to play safely. Cat trees may topple if the base or wall is too weak. They should be strong and big enough for at least two cats. Ensure the boards are thick and the poles are strong. It should also be able to support weight.

A China product sourcing agent can help with factory testing. Quality control in China matters when importing products from China. So, their checks prevent you from buying weak or subpar products.

2) No shortcuts

Low-quality cat trees may look good, but they have weak materials. The boards should not have any lingering odour. It should also have strong sisal ropes and reinforced joints. With these in place, the cat tree will last longer. Cats scratch a lot, so it will peel off fast if the rope is weak.

Reinforced corners prevent breaking. A sourcing agent can check the materials. Before you buy, ask to see real samples of the product. You can request a third-party quality inspection in China to ensure nothing is missed.

3) Visual appeal

Looks matter when people buy cat trees. The style should match modern homes. Some buyers want cat trees that blend with sofas or walls. Others like wooden finishes. Good designs use calm colours, clean lines, and also look like real furniture.

If it looks cheap, buyers may skip it even if it works well. To win more sales, invest in the look. A custom subscription box supplier can even help design boxes to match.

4) Functionality

A good cat tree must not only look nice but also be fun. Cats like trees with many levels. They like places to nap, jump, and scratch. A cat tree with toys, holes, and soft pads is great. Also, it should be easy to clean.

Look for washable pads or smooth wood surfaces. You can ask manufacturers to add these during new product development. Remember, useful trees make cats and owners happy and boost your brand.

3 Tiers of Cat Tree Wholesalers You’ll Find in China

China has tiers of cat tree wholesalers meeting different needs. Below are the 3 tiers you’ll find in China:

1) Full-Facility Cat Tree Manufacturers (ODM+OEM)

These factories build cat trees from start to finish. They create new designs and build them in-house. This is perfect for brands that want custom products. They offer full control over size, shape, and material. You get exclusive items made just for your store.

These suppliers usually stay in big factory zones. You can find them in places like Guangdong. 

Moreover, a China sourcing agent can help you get reliable suppliers. You can start with these top-tier manufacturers to build a strong brand.

2) Mass Cat Tree Wholesalers with Light Customisation

These suppliers use pre-made moulds but allow some changes. You can choose the colour and even the fabric. This option is great for sellers who want to explore new markets. It costs less, and you don’t have to place big orders. In addition, they ship faster.

You can easily find most of them on Alibaba or Made-in-China. A sourcing agent on Alibaba can assist you with inspection before shipping. They can offer extra sourcing services like custom packaging or price negotiations. This makes it easier to enter the market with lower risk.

3) Cat Tree Workshop Clusters

These are small workshops that hand-make or build with modular parts. They are more adaptable and let you have low MOQs. They often let you tweak designs during production. You can change the shape, fabric, or wood finish.

These businesses are mostly in rural Shandong, Hebei, or Fujian. It’s harder to find them online. Having a good China sourcing service can help you reach them. If you want to buy a small batch of unique cat trees, these sellers are the best option.

Hidden Spots to Discover Cat Tree Wholesalers

Aside from those easily accessible, some wholesalers are located in hidden spots. Here’s how to find reliable China suppliers selling from hidden spots:

1) Offline Pet Industry Fairs

Trade shows are full of cat tree suppliers. Many mid-sized factories attend these events. You get to see products in person and meet the producers. Top fairs include CIPS and Pet Fair Asia. At these fairs, you can ask questions, feel the materials, and compare quality.

Attending fairs helps you find suppliers not listed online. You also build trust faster via this channel. Many factories bring real samples to show. Go with your China sourcing agent to verify the China vendor on the spot.

Upcoming Trade Fair Schedule:

1) CIPS – China International Pet Show

Date: November 13 to 16, 2025

Location: China Import and Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou

2) Pet Fair Asia 2025

Date: August 20 to 24, 2025

Location: Shanghai New International Expo Centre

2) Cross-Factory Industrial Parks

In some parts of China, there are factory zones where only pet goods are made. It’s easy to find several Chinese suppliers in one place at these parks. In Dongguan, you’ll find pet-focused factory zones.

Most of the cat trees are grouped by style or material. You can tour multiple suppliers in one visit. A sourcing agent can guide your visit and compare options. You can get better deals and save time this way. It also lets you see the supply chain and product quality up close.

3) Domestic Platforms + Agent Access

Not all suppliers list their products on Alibaba. Some lists on Alibaba alternatives, like 1688 or Global Sources. Most of the time, these sellers have even better prices. But they usually don’t speak English.

So, you’ll need a sourcing agent to reach them and initiate contact. This is a smart way to unlock hidden pricing and options. You can also bundle orders to save more. This strategy works best for long-term sellers building custom product lines.

4) Local Maker Villages

In some villages, locals focus on one part of the cat tree. They make the wood frame or build base parts. Then the rest is added by partner workshops or agents. These areas don’t always appear on maps or search sites. But they offer value. You can get strong, simple frames and add features later.

This is where a reliable product sourcing service can help. They can assist you in handling finishing touches and logistics. You get better control and pricing in the full global supply chain.

How to Vet and Compare Two Similar-Looking Cat Trees Wholesalers

Even if two cat trees look the same, their quality may differ. Here’s how to vet and compare similar products:

1) Price Your Own Sample

Send a sketch or photo of your design to both sellers. Ask each one to give a price or quote. This shows who understands your needs better. It also helps you see who is more flexible with custom orders.

It’s also essential to compare their questions, too. The better supplier will ask helpful questions and suggest ideas. It’s an easy way to test. This way, you’ll know if the seller is serious and experienced in custom product development.

2) Compare Packaging Specs

Packaging adds value and protects the item. Ask both suppliers what they offer. Check if they include spare parts, user manuals, or your logo. Good packaging also means fewer returns and happier buyers.

If one seller offers branded boxes and the other doesn’t, that matters. A custom shipping box service matters here, too. A local sourcing agent can help you plan packaging and compare costs. They’ll also offer a better China shipping service that fits your box size and weight.

3) Ask for Side-by-Side and Inner Structure Photos

Some trees may be identical, but use different materials. Ask suppliers for clear photos of the frame and parts. Focus on joints, base thickness, and post filling.

Are they using solid boards or cheap filler? Do posts have real sisal rope or paper wrap?

These things affect price and strength. A reliable China sourcing agent can compare samples for you. You’ll avoid hidden weaknesses and get the best deal for your money.

4) Ask for Scratch or Weight Test Videos

This is a fast way to check product strength. Ask each supplier to send a short video. It should show their team doing a scratch test or a weight test. Watch how the tree moves.

Does it bend or shake? Does it hold a heavy object well?

This gives proof of build quality. Videos are better than words. Use these tests as part of your product inspection in China to avoid surprises later.

The “Test Batch” Approach in Action

Many first-time cat tree importers think they must place a large order right away. That’s risky. One proven method is starting with a test batch from two different suppliers at the same time.

Here’s how it works: You order 20–30 pieces from each supplier, using the same design specifications. Each batch is shipped separately. Then, you compare the products for build quality and packaging inspection.

In one instance, a brand followed this method and discovered something unexpected. The cheaper supplier actually had better custom packaging. It reduced damage rates during shipping from China. This insight shifted their decision on the main order.

It helps you.

• See real-world quality, not just factory samples.
• Test how each supplier handles deadlines and communication.
• Find out unseen points that photos can’t reveal.

This move often leads to a better sourcing experience. A sourcing agent can coordinate the entire sample sourcing process. It ensures all batches arrive on schedule for fair comparison.

What’s the Usual MOQ and Price Range from Wholesalers?

Most Chinese cat tree wholesalers offer low minimum order quantities (MOQ). Some accept just 50 pieces, especially for basic or semi-custom models. This works well if you want to start small or test a market.

Cat tree prices are not fixed. Size, material, and style all play a role in determining prices. A simple, small cat tree might cost $8 to $12 each.  It can cost $20 to $40 for a taller one with better wood, thicker posts, or soft fabric. When you buy in bulk, the prices can go down. Wholesalers can give better prices if you buy more or return often.

How much customisation can I ask for in a cat tree?

Most cat tree suppliers in China allow some level of change. You can ask for different colours, fabric types, or logo tags. These are simple changes as they are easy and fast to do. If you want to change the size or add new shapes, this may cost more.

Full customisation, like your sketch or structure, is only possible with big manufacturers. Small factories may not have the capacity or tools to handle it. But they can adjust small things like colours, scratch post height, or toy add-ons. 

Ask what they can do and show a photo during the sourcing process. Always check their custom product options beforehand. Be clear on what you want to make things smooth for both sides.

What’s the best shipping method for bulky pet furniture like cat trees?

Cat trees are big, so shipping needs care. If you’re ordering many pieces, sea freight is best. Sea shipping from China may be the slowest, but it saves money. You can ship by shared load (LCL) or a full container (FCL). The former is fine if your order is small.

Another option ideal for bulky furniture would be using global rail freight out of China. It’s faster than the sea but not as fast as the air. 

Ask the supplier which method they use most. They’ll tell you what’s best for your size and budget. It’s smart to compare prices from two or more freight options before paying.

How a Unique Shape Can Make Your Cat Tree a Recognisable Brand

I still remember the first time I saw the Hollywood Kitty Company online. I wasn’t looking to buy from them. I was just browsing different global brands selling cat trees and relevant products.

I came across their heart-shaped “Sweetheart Scratcher” while browsing unique pet furniture online. At first glance, it didn’t even register as a cat tree. It looked like a piece of art you’d expect to see in a boutique home décor store.

That’s when I found their entire range is built around this idea: cat trees as statement pieces.

They make forest-inspired towers, rustic driftwood models, and even a Titanic-shaped design. Every piece has a personality. Every silhouette tells a story.

What struck me most wasn’t just the creativity, it was the strategy. Those distinctive shapes have become their signature. If you saw one of their heart or treehouse designs in someone’s living room, you wouldn’t need a logo to know who made it.

That’s the power of turning a functional item into a visual identity.

The reason I’m telling you about this brand is simple. If you are importing products from China, you don’t just have to compete on price or quality. You can compete on recognizability.

Work with a sourcing agent like OwlSourcing. Our team will find an OEM/ODM supplier that can create something that tells your brand’s story. When your cat tree’s design becomes its own calling card, you are no longer selling a product – you are selling a brand.

Read More:

• The Best Methods to Ship Your Product Directly from China
• How to Find Reliable Christmas Decoration Suppliers in China?
• Top Chinese Boutique Clothing Wholesalers
• China Pet Furniture Manufacturers and Suppliers

Final Thoughts!

If you understand the sourcing process, buying cat trees from China is easy. Chinese manufacturers provide low MOQs and competitive costs.

Some do full custom work, while others offer fast changes. There are also more than one way to find these suppliers. Chinese wholesale websites, local zones, and trade fairs in China offer alternatives.

China’s cat tree market has many opportunities for buyers. So, stay sharp and do your checks before importing products from China.

Our team is ready to help you find the right cat tree suppliers in China. Work with a trusted sourcing agent who understands your needs. Contact us today and let us handle your sourcing process.