Alba vs. Ivy Cat Beds: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Quick Answer

Choose the Alba if your cat loves a cozy hideout and you want a compact, two-tier tower. Choose the Ivy if your cat is an active climber who craves height and multiple perches. Both are modern, luxury cat beds from Mau, but they serve different feline personalities.

When you're choosing between Mau's Alba and Ivy cat beds, you're really deciding between two different philosophies of cat furniture. The Alba is a two-tiered luxury cat tower with a hideout at the base, while the Ivy is a taller, multi-perch climber with four baskets up to 73 inches high. Both are beautiful, sculptural pieces, but they fit different cats and different rooms.

This side-by-side comparison breaks down what each bed offers, who it's best for, and the honest tradeoffs you should consider before you buy. We'll use only the facts Mau provides, so you can decide with confidence.

Size and Height: Cozy vs. Vertical

The most obvious difference is height. The Alba is a two-tiered tower with a hideout at the base, making it a compact piece that works well in smaller spaces or as a secondary perch. The Ivy, on the other hand, offers four cozy baskets at varying heights up to 73 inches, which is a significant vertical footprint. If your cat loves to climb and survey the room from above, the Ivy delivers that experience in spades.

But taller isn't always better. A 73-inch tower may not suit every room—especially if you have low ceilings or limited floor space. The Alba's lower profile is easier to tuck under a window or beside a sofa, and it still gives your cat a place to retreat and observe. Think about your home's layout and your cat's confidence at heights before you choose.

• Measure your ceiling height before committing to the Ivy.
• If you have a kitten or a senior cat, the Alba's lower perches may be easier to access.

Comfort and Hideouts: The Alba's Cozy Base

The Alba's base hideout is a standout feature for cats that love to feel enclosed and safe. The catalog describes it as a cozy hideout where a cat can escape and contemplate life's important concerns. This is ideal for shy cats or those who like to nap undisturbed. The hideout also gives the Alba a dual purpose: a sleeping cave and a perch on top.

The Ivy, by contrast, focuses on open baskets at different heights. It doesn't offer an enclosed hideout, so it's better suited to cats that prefer to lounge in the open or watch the room from a high vantage point. If your cat is a burrower, the Alba's hideout will be a daily favorite. If your cat is a lookout, the Ivy's baskets will be the main attraction.

• Watch your cat's napping habits: do they prefer caves or open perches?
• The Alba's hideout can also serve as a quiet retreat in multi-cat homes.

Design and Aesthetic: Sculptural Statements

Both the Alba and Ivy are designed as sculptural furniture, not just cat accessories. The Alba is described as a real tree cat furniture piece that's so comfy it's like curling up in a soft blanket. Its two-tiered design is a natural, organic statement that blends with modern interiors. The Ivy features a uniquely curved trunk that entices natural climbers, adding an artistic, flowing line to your room.

Your choice here is about style as much as function. The Alba's lower, rounded silhouette might fit better under a low window or beside a reading chair. The Ivy's tall, curved trunk becomes a vertical focal point, drawing the eye upward. Consider which shape complements your existing furniture and the overall vibe of the room.

• If you want a piece that blends into the background, the Alba's lower profile may be better.
• If you want a statement piece that anchors a corner, the Ivy's height and curve will stand out.

The Tradeoffs: Alba vs. Ivy

• Height vs. Accessibility: The Ivy's 73-inch height is great for climbers but can be a challenge for kittens, seniors, or cats with mobility issues. The Alba's lower profile is easier to access for all ages. If you have a young or very active cat, the Ivy's height is a plus. For a senior or less agile cat, the Alba is safer.
• Hideout vs. Open Perches: The Alba offers a cozy, enclosed hideout at the base. The Ivy provides open baskets at various heights. Cats that love to burrow will prefer the Alba; cats that love to lounge in the open will prefer the Ivy. Match the bed to your cat's napping style: cave-lovers choose Alba, perch-lovers choose Ivy.
• Footprint vs. Vertical Statement: The Alba has a compact, two-tier footprint that fits easily in smaller rooms. The Ivy's tall, curved trunk makes a bold vertical statement but requires more floor and ceiling space. Measure your space first. The Alba is the safer bet for tight quarters; the Ivy is the showstopper for larger rooms.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Alba: This two-tiered luxury cat tower features a cozy hideout at the base, where your clever cat can escape to contemplate life’s important concerns. The hideout gives shy or burrowing cats a secure, enclosed space to nap, while the top tier offers a perch for watching the room.
• Ivy: With four cozy baskets at varying heights ranging up to 73” and a uniquely curved trunk that will entice any natural climber, Ivy is a beautifully balanced... The multiple high perches suit active climbers who love to jump and survey their territory, but the height may not be ideal for every room or every cat.

Which One Fits Your Cat?

Best for

• Cats that love to climb and jump to high perches—the Ivy's four baskets up to 73 inches will keep them entertained.
• Homes with high ceilings and enough floor space for a tall, sculptural piece—the Ivy makes a statement.

Not for

• Cats that prefer enclosed, cozy spaces—the Alba's hideout is a better match.
• Small apartments or rooms with low ceilings—the Ivy's height may be impractical.

Both the Alba and Ivy are beautiful, functional cat beds from Mau, but they serve different needs. The Alba is a cozy, compact tower with a hideout—ideal for shy or burrowing cats and smaller spaces. The Ivy is a tall, multi-perch climber built for active cats that love to be up high. Consider your cat's personality, your room's dimensions, and your style preference, and you'll choose the piece that brings years of feline happiness.