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Choosing the right cat tree is essential for your cat’s happiness. Depending on their activity levels, your cats may require areas to scratch and sharpen their claws, climb and have elevated hideouts where they can feel safe and comfortable. There are a variety of cat trees you can choose from. How do you know which one is best? Take a look at the best cat trees for spaces of every style and size.
The Best 6 Cat Trees
- Go Pet Club 72″ Cat Tree — Best Tower Cat Tree
- Kitty City Claw Cat Condo Collection — Best Modular Cat Tree
- MidWest Cat Furniture — Best for Small Cats and Kittens
- AmazonBasics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts — Best Corner Cat Treee
- Vesper Cat Furniture — Best Modern Design Cat Tree
- SmartCat Cat Climber — Best Door-Hung Cat Tree
The Best Cat Tree: Key Features
| Height | Number of perches | Cat scratching areas | |
| Go Pet Club 72″ Cat Tree | 72” | 6 | 10 sisal posts |
| Kitty City Claw Cat Condo Collection | 48” | 6 | 4 sisal posts |
| MidWest Cat Furniture | 30.75” | 3 | 1 sisal scratching pad |
| AmazonBasics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts | 46” | 4 | 7 posts wrapped in jute rope |
| Vesper Cat Furniture | 48” | 5 | 6 cat scratching posts |
| SmartCat Cat Climber | 82” | 4 | One full-length sisal scratching post |
Why we chose it
Great for multiple cats
The cat tree has several levels, scratching posts, perches and hideaways to keep cats of all ages and activity levels engaged. If you have more than one cat, each will have plenty of space to roam and play on the cat tree without feeling overcrowded. There are plenty of sisal posts for multiple cats to claw away. The most fearless felines will be pleased with the high platforms where they can look over the room. A stair-like ramp can help older cats not as agile move up the tower levels and hide in the condos.
Vertical design
If you don’t have a lot of space in a room or would prefer to keep the cats away from your sofa or sitting area, the vertical design of this cat tree takes advantage of the unused height in a room. The tall cat tree comes in at six feet high to provide cats plenty of levels to explore, all without interfering with a room’s floor space. Place the cat tree up against the corner or away from a frequently trafficked area so that cats can make the most of this multi-purpose cat tree.
Cat-friendly surfaces
The Go Pet Club 72″ cat tree provides plenty of surfaces cats of all ages and sizes will appreciate. The last thing you want to worry about is your cat sliding or falling off a cat tree perch. All surfaces are covered with carpet and sisal, which provides cats plenty of grip and the opportunity to scratch and claw away. The carpeted condos are perfectly cozy areas for your cats to rest and relax.
Points to consider
Takes up lots of space
Although this cat tower maximizes vertical space to provide more activities for your beloved pets, it takes up a floor space area of 22” x 33”. This may be more area than some cat owners can afford to sacrifice. If you have a small space to work with, you may need a narrower tower.
Older cats may struggle
This cat tower’s height and levels will provide plenty of challenges for active cats, but older cats may struggle to reach the upper levels. It has ramps that help older cats access the lower levels, but unless you have younger cats who would enjoy the top half of the cat tree, it may be too much for an older cat.
Why we chose it
Modular and expandable
The best feature of this cat tree is how changeable it is. The entire cat tree is lightweight and easy to move or change up without too much effort. Create varying designs with the sections or even split them into two different cat trees.
If you feel your cats need more space and activities, you can buy additional modules. Some of the modules available from Kitty City include sleepers, condos, wide scratchers, tunnels, cat cushions and toys you can hang from the different levels. Add as many sections as you’d like — use your creativity to create a cat activity zone your beloved pets will be drawn to. .
Stable design
The lightweight and modular design may present a challenge if your cats tend to play aggressively. Climbing and playing cats could cause the frame to wobble or slide. Fortunately, a couple of design features were added to the construction to keep the cat tree sturdy and stable. Each section features four legs to keep the cat tree stable. Each leg can unscrew to adjust in height on uneven floors to prevent wobbling. Velcro straps are included to attach the sections to each other.
Colorful
Although cat trees are meant for your pets’ enjoyment, they share the same space you live in and therefore, you should enjoy the cat tower, too. Having a cat tree that works with the space it’s in or at least complements your room’s design means everyone can enjoy the cat tower. The Kitty City Cat Tree features splashes of fashionable and washable turquoise fabric that paired with the black frame add a vibrant touch to nearly any room setting.
Points to consider
Best for smaller cats
The lightweight frame and fabric choice is best for smaller, lighter cats. Some cat owners complain that their larger cats fell through the canvas hammock zones or managed to tear them quickly. For your cat’s safety, inspect the fabric areas periodically for any tears or damage and replace them immediately.
Tends to separate if not attached properly
This cat tower may not be ideal for cats that typically play rambunctiously. Although the system comes with velcro straps, some cats manage to separate the sections or cause the whole unit to slide on tile or wood floors. To prevent this problem, add rubber or non-skid pads to all the legs and use velcro strapping in several areas of each section.
Why we chose it
Small size
If you have limited space in the room you intend to add a cat tower to, this may be the best cat tree option of the six best cat trees in this roundup. It’s less than 40″ high, so smaller cats, kittens or aging cats who are not as agile can still have an activity zone for their ability level. Place this cat tree in a corner or place it on a coffee table for your cats to have their area to claw and relax.
Contemporary design
The styling of this cat tree may work with your room’s decor to become a part of it or add an extra design touch your room may be lacking. A black and neutral designer-print floral is fashionable and patterned enough to hide stains or imperfections. The fabric is soft and tactile, which your cats will adore. The cat tree base has an integrated sisal scratching pad in a tone that coordinates with the floral print fabric.
Includes your cat’s favorite activities
Cats have certain preferences that make a cat tree an essential part of your home. Think about your cat’s favorite activities. Your feline friends love to relax in high places, need cozy hideouts where they can groom themselves, take a nap and watch a room’s activity from, and enjoy having a variety of toys to play with.
This cat tree ignites your cat’s natural instincts to enjoy their favorite activities all in one place. The condominium or hideout has cutouts so your cat can feel sheltered while spying what’s going on from the cutout panels. Change up the toys to keep your cat’s natural curiosity engaged.
Points to consider
Pressboard construction
The internal structure of the cat tree is not designed to get wet. If your cats tend to pee, the pressboard construction can swell when wet and lose its structural strength. Besides cat pee, keep this cat tree indoors and away from water sources such as puddles or rain, which could break down the strength of the frame.
Not for larger cats
As mentioned, this cat tree is designed for smaller cats. The manufacturer doesn’t specify a particular cat size or weight, but a larger cat may have trouble fitting in the condominium or even get its head stuck in one of the shelter’s cut out openings.
Why we chose it
Corner design
If you’d like to have a cat tree in your home but have limited space, you’re not alone. Many people choose to have pet cats because they don’t have the space to live with a larger dog. People that live in small apartments or studios will be happy to know there are cat trees designed for tiny homes or smaller rooms.
The AmazonBasics cat activity tree takes advantage of one of the most unused areas in any room – the corner. Place this cat tree in the corner and let your cats enjoy it’s varying levels. The best part of a corner cat tree is your cats get their designated area, so you don’t disturb each other.
Neutral color
Lighter colors normally create a more open space. The light neutral tones of this cat tree are ideal for any room, regardless of design and size. The light beige carpet material may seem like it will get dirty fast, but it’s easy to clean the surface with warm soapy water. The material will be as good as new with a quick touch up. The light sand or beige color coordinates well with the jute roping that wraps the posts to provide scratching areas for your cats.
Plenty of scratching posts
If your cats tend to get destructive about scratching, they’ll have seven legs over three levels they can claw away at. Providing your cats with scratching posts is the best way to keep them from damaging or destroying your furniture. Each leg base of the cat tower is wrapped in jute to double as a cat scratch post.
You may need to encourage your cats to only scratch the posts by monitoring their activities and redirecting them from clawing the side of the sofa or other belongings. But with patience, you may solve the issue.
Points to consider
Lacking toys and hideaways
The minimalist cat tree lacks in a couple of features cats love most. It doesn’t include a cat condominium where cats can hide out and feel safe. It could also use the addition of some toys. If you’re creative enough, you can attach some cat toys from the perches to add extra entertainment for your cats.
Watch for toppling danger on plush carpet
If the room’s flooring features plush and heavily-padded carpet, it may create instability in this cat tree, causing it to wobble or even fall over. The best spot to place this cat tree is on wood, concrete or tile floors. If you’re unable to put this tree on solid surface floors, consider anchoring it to the wall or placing it on a wood platform over the plush carpet.
Why we chose it
Modern design
Many cat trees on the market are not very attractive. They’re designed to provide your cat a spot where they can play and be active. This may be an issue for homeowners that aren’t willing to allow a basic cat tree in their home.
The unique modern design of this tall cat tree is ideal for sleek mid-century modern homes or a more contemporary minimalist space. Cats can be picky, and the Vesper cat tree is for just as picky humans. Discriminating homeowners will appreciate that their cats can have a recreational area that doesn’t clash with their home’s design. In fact, the quality of the construction and wood finish won’t detract from a beautifully designed room. There’s no need to hide a cat tree any longer — the Vesper’s version is like a work of art that can hold its own in nearly any room and elevate it.
Three finishes
Vesper’s cat tree works with many different modern room designs. The poplar wood frame is available in three stain colors that showcase the beauty of the wood. The options are black, cool oak and a warm walnut tone.
Besides the stain options, the cat tree features a two-tone design. The walnut and oak cat trees feature an ivory paint color for the kitty condominium with the natural tone of seagrass roping on the legs to create contrast. The sleek black design may be the best look of all three. It features tinted black seagrass rope legs that double-duty as scratching posts and a warm walnut tone for the exterior walls of the condominium.
Plenty of stylish accessories available
Expand on the cat tree by adding other Vesper cat tree accessories. They include cozy cubes, different styles of platforms and tunnels, and modern scratching areas. The V-High Lounge is a unique observation deck that looks like it came straight out of a cartoon, with its elliptical design and fur interior. The V Cube is inspired by Bauhaus furniture with a combination of wood and tubular steel framing. The scratching mat is attached with straps to the side of the V Cube’s steel frame.
Points to consider
Wood surfaces may be slippery
The sleek wood design features a beautiful satin finish, but the finish does not provide cats enough grip when climbing, potentially causing them to slip and fall. The manufacturer solves the issue by selling cat pads that can be velcroed to each level, but the padding is an off-white color.
Why we chose it
Space-saving design
Tiny house living is a growing trend. Many people are choosing to live in smaller spaces every year. A smaller home saves dwellers money, as well as time in the amount of cleaning and maintenance required. The trade-off is where you’re going to put your cat’s favorite toys and accessories. The SmartCat Climber comes in to solve the issue. Mount the vertical cat tower on nearly any door without any drilling required and your cat will have its very own area to explore.
Easy to install and move
You don’t have to permanently affix the cat tower to a particular door, although doing so could improve the hanging cat tree’s stability to keep it from moving or shifting. You can always move the tree and place it on a different door. The tower mounts quickly and adjusts to doors between 79” and 82”, thanks to the spring-loaded bracket system. It weighs almost 30 pounds, so make sure your door is sturdy enough to withstand the weight.
Carpeted steps
Climbing is a challenging activity for your cats. Make the experience safer for your favorite felines by providing safe climbing opportunities. The SmartCat Climber features carpeted levels or steps that are easier to grip for cats, reducing the chances the cat may slide or fall off one of the levels.
Points to consider
Limited function
The smart design does feature a cat scratching post and four levels, but there’s not much else a cat can do than scratch or climb. There are no cat hideaways or condominiums available, or hanging toys. You could hang a rope toy from one of the levels if you’re creative.
Better for smaller cats
The perches are pretty narrow and measure only 8.5 inches deep, making it difficult for larger cats to lay down and relax. This door tree is best for smaller cats or ones who are attracted to a cat tree to climb, explore and scratch and don’t have the desire to nap from a higher elevation.
Not for high-traffic areas
The cat tree’s smart design makes it a great option to hang on a door, but it’s important to think carefully about which door is best to hang it from. Choose to hang the cat tree on a door that’s not often opened and closed, such as a closet door, to ensure you don’t accidentally open the door while the cat is playing or lounging on one of the levels.
Guide to The Best Cat Tree
Choose a cat tree with many features
To keep your cat engaged, choose a cat tree that has many features. A modular cat tree that can be switched around or reconfigured could keep your cat engaged and interested longer. Look for cat trees with hanging cat toys, varying platforms and perches, and nooks or hideaways where they can hang out.
Consider the space available
Cat trees come in all shapes and sizes. Depending on the amount of space available, consider if a vertical or tower-style cat tree is a better use of a small area. There are different types of cat trees available for all kinds of rooms. Corner cat trees, wall-mounted cat trees and door-hung cat trees are just a few examples.
Look for signs the cat tree is sturdy
Cat trees, especially the taller vertical tower styles tend to wobble. If your cat is rambunctious, you’ll need to focus on the cat tree’s stability. Look for cat trees with a heavy base, more than one post for stability, or styles that can be rested against a wall or stand in a corner, to keep them from toppling over.
Find one with vertical and horizontal features
For a cat tree that will last you longer, find one with plenty of horizontal and vertical areas for your cat to take advantage of. Younger, more active cats will appreciate climbing and using scratching posts while older cats will love areas where they can hide and nest to rest.
About the Authors
The Reviews.com staff is dedicated to providing you with all the deep-dive details. Our writers, researchers, and editors came together from Charlotte, Seattle, San Juan, Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, and Chicago to put this review together.