I also have cats with MAD UPS.

If you're in this boat too and you have an open top with a burning hot pendant above...you want to keep them from getting up there. My couches are strategically positioned to also keep the fur-balls from getting up there. I've seen them try and I amost died laughing.

I was thinking about something in the high range, like maybe 42".... what are the pros and cons of this? Is it safe to say that the tank would be at good eye level when standing with that height of stand?

I'm 6' tall and is great hight for me, but I get a stoll to do tank cleaning. I also biult a canopy to reduse the light spilledge. I also biuld a ledge in front of the tank and book shelfs on each side, for book, cat and Ca reactor.
My stand measure 42" tall by 28"wide and 86" long.