Cat trees are essential for indoor cats, as they provide an entertaining setting that resembles the outdoors. These structures include multiple levels for climbing, scratching posts to keep claws healthy, and cozy hideaways for napping. Cat trees, which simulate a natural environment, help to satisfy a cat’s instinctive need to climb and explore, promoting physical and mental well-being. They also help to alleviate boredom and prevent destructive behaviour such as scratching furniture.
When selecting a cat tree, consider its size and layout to meet your cat’s needs. Look for a sturdy construction made of high-quality materials that can withstand heavy use. Make sure the tree has multiple levels and platforms, as well as scratching posts wrapped in sisal rope or fabric. Additional features, such as hanging toys or cosy beds, can enhance your cat’s experience. This list of the best cat trees includes a variety of options to accommodate different budgets and space constraints. Whether you have a playful kitten or an elderly cat in need of a comfortable perch, this list will help you find the ideal cat tree for your feline companion.
Best Cat Trees 2024:
- Armarkat Classic Real Wood
- Tangkula Multi-Level Cat Tree
- MAU Modern Cat Tree Tower
- Feandrea WoodyWonders Cat Tree
- Catit Vesper High Base Cat Tree
Armarkat Classic Real Wood Cat Tree
Height: 78 inches tall | Aesthetic: Traditional design | Construction: Faux fur, press board | Features: Scratching post, cubby, rope toy, rope ladder
Reasons to buy:
- Real wood construction for durability and a natural look
- Multiple levels and platforms for climbing and lounging
- Sisal-covered scratching posts to satisfy scratching instincts
- Stylish design that fits well in home decor
- Easy to assemble
Reasons to avoid:
- May be expensive compared to other cat trees
- Some users report the platforms could be larger
- Not suitable for larger or heavier cats
Young, spry kittens have a lot of energy and could benefit from cat trees that require them to perform a variety of manoeuvres. “There are trees that are almost connected by extremes,” Dr. Evans states. “They have to walk across ladders and perform large acrobatic feats to get around. “The more chaos you can create for these kittens, the better.” This Armarkat tree, approved by cat behaviourist Jackson Galaxy (of My Cat From Hell fame), features a variety of obstacles; kittens can bat at the hanging toys, scamper up the rope ladder, balance in the hammock, or leap through the air to reach the farthest perch. Benjamin admires the tree’s “modern and streamlined look.”
Tangkula Multi-Level Cat Tree with Scratching Posts and Ladder
Height: 36 inches tall | Aesthetic: House design | Construction: Faux fur, particleboard | Features: Scratching post, cubby, ramp
Reasons to buy:
- Multi-level design provides ample space for climbing and lounging
- Includes scratching posts and ladder for exercise and scratching needs
- Soft and cozy plush covering for comfort
- Easy to assemble
- Affordable price point
Reasons to avoid:
- Some users find the ladder to be too steep for cats to climb easily
- Not as sturdy as more expensive cat trees
- May not withstand heavy use over time
Senior cats, unlike kittens, may be less enthusiastic about having to perform gymnastic feats to get to their favourite resting spot. If your cat is older, choose a cat tree that is lower to the ground, “has platforms that are not as far apart, and more soft places to lounge,” according to Benjamin. This 36-inch-tall cat tree is simple, lined with plush faux fleece for maximum cosiness, and includes a gentle ramp in case your cat struggles with jumping or climbing. It’s also a good choice for cats that are a little heavier or have a more relaxed personality.
MAU Modern Cat Tree Tower
Height: 46 inches tall | Aesthetic: Modern design | Construction: Wood, wicker | Features: Basket perch, cave, ball toy
Reasons to buy:
- Modern and sleek design that complements contemporary decor
- Multiple levels and platforms for climbing and lounging
- Sisal-covered scratching posts to satisfy scratching instincts
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to assemble
Reasons to avoid:
- May be expensive compared to other cat trees
- Some users find the platforms to be too small for larger cats
- Limited availability depending on location
Michelle Humphrey, the owner of “catfluencer” Rosie, was looking for a sleek, chic cat tree that would complement her decor. This Mau tree showed up in her search because “the brand has some really beautiful images” on its Instagram. “They just look really clean and elevated,” Humphrey remarks. Of course, just because a cat tree is visually appealing does not guarantee that your cat will use it; however, according to Humphrey, Rosie took to the tree like a duck to water.”She is obsessed with it. She seems to prefer the basket design; she’s always napping and cuddling in them,” Humphrey says. “I think she feels really snug and secure.” Even after a year of use, the tree shows little wear and tear, with almost no fraying or shedding, and its sturdy construction allows Rosie to easily claw her way to the top to look out the window and observe “the birds, squirrels, and people walking by.”
Feandrea WoodyWonders Cat Tree
Height: 54.3 inches tall | Aesthetic: Modern design | Construction: Wood, sisal, particleboard | Features: Perches, cave, hammock
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable price for a cat tree with multiple features
- Realistic wood grain finish for a natural look
- Multiple levels and platforms for climbing and lounging
- Sisal-covered scratching posts to satisfy scratching instincts
- Sturdy construction
Reasons to avoid:
- Some users find the assembly instructions confusing
- Not suitable for larger or heavier cats
- Limited color options available
Samantha Rober, the owner of “catfluencers” Pesto and Tessie, offers this Feandrea cat tree for less than half the price of the Mau one. Rober possesses “a very specific aesthetic in my house, and the darker wood and clean white matches it really well,” according to her. “It’s not like one of those classic ugly cat trees, where it’s super-obvious that I have cats running around everywhere.” Both of her cats enjoy napping in the cave and using the various perches. “It’s so cute when they’re on two different levels and both looking outside,” she says, adding that they also like lounging in the hammock and sharpening their claws on the scratching posts.
Rober does, however, mention that it is not the most “playful” cat tree and is better suited to older, more sedate cats. Alyssa Bourget, mother of Wilbur, Tuffy, and Solomon, owns a different Feandra cat tree that is more whimsical and has pom-poms. “When Solomon was a kitten, he would bat at the little dangling balls,” she says, so she had to reinforce them. Even though a year has passed and her cats are no longer as enthusiastic about the poms, they still “climb up and sleep on the very top perch at night.”
Catit Vesper High Base Cat Tree
Dimensions: 22.1 x 22.1 x 47.9 inches | Weight: 40.5 pounds | Colors: Oak, walnut, black | Frame Material: MDF | Covering Material: Memory foam
Reasons to buy:
- Stylish design with laminated MDF surfaces
- Removable memory foam pads for added comfort
- Multiple levels and platforms for climbing and lounging
- Seagrass-wrapped scratching posts
- Easy to assemble
Reasons to avoid:
- Seagrass wrapping may require frequent re-wrapping
- Not suitable for larger or heavier cats
- May not be as sturdy as some other cat trees
- Memory foam pads are not machine-washable
Most standard cat trees have carpeted platforms that provide cosy places for your cat to relax while also serving as tempting targets for clawing, which can quickly wear them down. The Catit Vesper High Base has similar features but a more appealing design, including laminated MDF surfaces and removable memory foam pads. Its top observation platform measures 47.8 inches, providing a useful middle ground between compact and larger cat trees. Below, there is a “cubed den” middle level, a lower cushioned platform, and a 22.1-inch square base with four wrapped pillars for scratching. Unlike typical sisal, the High Base’s posts are wrapped in seagrass, which is known for its softness and stain resistance, though they may need to be rewrapped more frequently.
Previously tested in 2019, the Catit Vesper High Base had one major flaw: it did not feel very sturdy. However, recent testing revealed significant improvements in stability, earning it the highest rating for durability. It could easily support a 16-pound calico cat jumping on it from a window hammock. The included memory foam pads, which are secured to the platforms with hook-and-loop tape, are comfortable and conform to your cat’s body. They can be removed for washing or spot cleaning, but they are not machine washable. Other features include a removable sisal scratch pad, a dangling rope with three rattan toys, and accessories that are easily replaced. The cubed den has a removable memory foam pad inside and two entrances on either side, making it an ideal hiding place. While the Vesper High Base is an excellent cat tree in general, its lack of ramps and the height of the cubed den may make it unsuitable for older cats. The Catit Vesper High Base is available in three colours, and the Vesper collection also includes a variety of smaller and alternative designs.