If I notice a “new item” smell right out of the box, should I let it air out before assembling?

New boards and plush fabrics often carry a slight “new furniture smell” from prolonged, sealed transit. This is typically very normal.

To accelerate the odor’s dissipation, we actually recommend assembling the structure first. Placing the upright, fully assembled cat tree in a well-ventilated room or near an open window for 2-3 days will drastically reduce the smell faster.