Quick answer
Buy the part that matches the wear you can actually see. If the scratching surface is frayed, replace the post or refill first; if the resting spot is the problem, upgrade the bed or perch. For Bambu owners, the 2x Bambu Refills are the cheapest way to restore scratching. For Lua owners, the Lua Scratching Post is a direct replacement. For Zen owners, a Cushion (For Zen) refreshes the seat without replacing furniture.
Bambu
Start with wear, not with a wish list
Most cat tree upgrades fail because the buyer replaces the wrong layer. Look at three zones in order: the scratching surface, the resting surface, and the structural connection. A loose perch is a hardware issue, not a fabric issue. A shredded post is a scratching issue, not a bed issue. Buying by zone keeps you from spending on a full replacement when a single part solves the problem.
Mau parts are designed as direct replacements for specific models, so the model name on your tree matters more than the color you want. Check the original product page or the label under the base before ordering. If you cannot identify the model, measure the perch diameter and the post height, then compare against the part listing.
Replacement scratching posts vs. refills
A replacement post is the right call when the core is unstable, the sisal is worn through to the backing, or the post no longer screws tight. A refill is the right call when the frame is solid and only the scratching material is spent. Refills cost less and take minutes to swap, but they only work on the model they were cut for.
The Lua Scratching Post is a direct replacement part for the Lua cat tree. It restores a familiar scratching surface and extends the life of the existing tree. The 2x Bambu Refills are cardboard inserts made specifically for the Bambu scratcher: remove the old insert, place the new one, and the scratching surface is fresh again. If you own both models, budget for the refills first because they are consumable, and keep a post on hand only if the Lua post shows structural wear.
When a cushion or perch is the better upgrade
Cats often stop using a tree not because it is damaged but because the resting surface has flattened, holds odor, or no longer feels supportive. A new cushion or perch changes the daily experience without changing the footprint of the furniture. This is also the upgrade to choose when your cat has grown, gained weight, or started avoiding a spot that used to be a favorite.
The Cushion (For Zen) is a replacement cushion for the Zen side table and comes in multiple colors. It refreshes the seat and keeps the sculptural frame in use. The Ivy 3 (Lower Trunk) is a round bolstered perch with raised sides and a pom-pom ball toy, suitable for cats weighing under 15 lbs, with a roughly 16-inch total diameter and about 11-inch inner diameter. It installs in about two minutes by unscrewing the previous perch and screwing on the new one. If your cat likes to lean against raised sides, the Ivy 3 perch is the more supportive choice; if your cat prefers a flat, low-profile seat, the Zen cushion is the better match.
Ivy 3
Fit checks before you click buy
Every Mau part is model-specific, so the safest purchase is the one that names your model. If the listing does not name your model, treat that as a decision limitation rather than a universal fit. Measure the mounting point, the perch diameter, and the post height, and compare them to the part dimensions. A perch that is too large can overhang the frame; a post that is too short will not reach the platform.
Weight matters too. The Ivy 3 perch is rated for cats under 15 lbs. If your cat is above that, choose a different resting surface or contact support before ordering. For refills, confirm the scratcher model, because a Bambu refill will not fit a different scratcher frame. For cushions, color is the main variable, but confirm the Zen model name so the cushion shape matches the seat.
Decision rules for your next Mau purchase
- Scratching surface is frayed or shedding: Replace the scratching layer first. For Bambu, use 2x Bambu Refills. For Lua, use the Lua Scratching Post if the post itself is worn or loose. Fix scratching before buying anything else; it is the most common reason cats abandon a tree.
- Cat avoids the resting spot but the frame is solid: Upgrade the resting surface. Choose the Cushion (For Zen) for a flat seat refresh, or the Ivy 3 (Lower Trunk) perch if your cat likes raised sides and weighs under 15 lbs. Match the resting style to how your cat actually sleeps, not to the color you prefer.
- Frame is wobbly, cracked, or missing hardware: A replacement part will not fix a structural failure. Check the mounting point and hardware first; if the frame is compromised, replace the tree rather than the surface. Parts solve wear, not structural damage.
- You cannot confirm your model name: Measure the perch diameter, post height, and mounting point, then compare against the part listing. If the listing does not name your model, do not assume universal fit. Model-specific parts are the norm for Mau; when in doubt, ask before ordering.
Key parts at a glance
- Lua Scratching Post: Replacement scratching post designed as a direct replacement part for the Lua cat tree. Restores a familiar scratching surface and extends the life of the existing Lua tree instead of replacing the whole unit.
- 2x Bambu Refills: Includes two cardboard refills for the Bambu scratcher, installed by removing the old insert and placing the new one. The lowest-cost way to keep a Bambu scratcher usable, and a two-pack means you have a spare before the next worn-out surface.
- Cushion (For Zen): Replacement cushion for the Zen, available in multiple colors. Refreshes the resting surface of the Zen without replacing the sculptural side table frame.
- Ivy 3 ( Lower Trunk ): Round bolstered perch with raised sides and a pom-pom ball toy, suitable for cats under 15 lbs, about 16 inches total diameter and about 11 inches inner diameter, with a two-minute screw-on installation. A supportive perch upgrade for cats that like to lean, with a clear weight limit and a simple swap that does not require rebuilding the tree.
Who these parts are for
Best for
- Owners of a Lua, Bambu, Zen, or Ivy 3 who need to replace one worn component instead of the whole piece
- Cats that have stopped using a scratching or resting spot because the surface is spent
- Households that want to keep a familiar tree in place and refresh it with a direct-fit part
Not for
- Cats over 15 lbs if you are considering the Ivy 3 perch
- Owners who cannot identify their model and need a universal-fit part
- Trees with structural damage, where a replacement surface will not solve the problem
