Many owners in America opt to keep their furry felines as indoor cats. This is to protect the cats from the average 60 million disease-carrying feral and homeless cats in the US. In addition, it helps protect pets from: parasites, traffic, animal cruelty, wild animals, poisoning, accidents and more.
Indoor cat owners have to go the extra mile to keep their cats happy, healthy and stimulated, and purchasing the best cat tree can be an essential aspect of that happy, healthy indoor cat life.
Cat trees come in a huge range of shapes and sizes and provide kitty with all kinds of benefits like; somewhere to feel safe above the ground, somewhere to sleep, scratching surfaces for good nail health, playtime and general stimulation. Cat trees can also be great structures for outdoor cat runs, cattery pens and for outdoor cats when they come inside for some much needed R&R.
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Last update on 2023-12-05 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
If you’re considering enriching your cat’s life with a cat tree, you probably feel a little overwhelmed by the choice out there. What kind of tree would your cat most appreciate? What size is right for your cat? Which products are good quality?
Don’t worry, we have you covered. We have all the information you need to get the best cat tree for your beloved feline friend including tips on products, Q&A’s, and advice on choosing the best cat tree. Let’s help you get started kitting your kitty out with the perfect perch:
How To Choose The Best Cat Tree
When you’re browsing the various products on offer, it helps to know what kind of features and considerations to keep in mind. Here are some handy tips to help you select the best cat tree for your cat:
Stay Open-Minded With Design
There are so many different cat tree designs to choose from, you can get a design to suit your needs. Try to stay open-minded about what might work in your house. Browse all options with stackable options, different perches, places to sleep, toys and layouts before making any decisions.
Will It Fit?
Some cat trees go all the way up to the ceiling. Some have a footprint as big as a sofa. It is a good idea to pick a spot for your cat tree and take the measurements so you know how much space you’re playing with.
What Does Your Cat Need?
A cat tree should suit the cat it is purchased for. The age, weight, overall size, activity level and ability of the cat should all come into consideration. Is your cat more of a snoozer? You’ll want a tree with lots of sleeping spots. Is your cat a climber? Go tall. Is your cat a big fan of cubby holes? Look for plenty of hiding spots in the tree.
Is It For Multiple Cats?
If the tree is for multiple cats you should allow enough perches or sleeping spots to accommodate all of your cats. Alternatively, you could have a couple of trees, which might work better if your cats are prone to squabbles and literal catfights.
How Does Your Kitty Like To Scratch?
Cat trees often have several areas to encourage the cat to scratch. They double up as a scratching post and climbing/ sleeping construction in one. Some have carpet to encourage scratching, whereas others have rope twined posts and ramps. If your cat likes to stretch when he scratches you should ensure there is a tall post with rope for them to use. If your cat is prone to attacking the carpet, then flat sections with carpet on may well be a good choice.
Pay Careful Attention To Safety
Cat trees aren’t really monitored by anybody to check they are safe. If a cat gets spooked by a cat tree they may never use it again. Worse, they could hurt themselves if it isn’t safe. The best thing you can do is use your best judgment and give it lots of wiggles and pushes when you construct it at home before allowing your cats on it.
Aesthetics
There is nothing wrong with buying a cat tree that is ugly because it suits your cats. There is also nothing wrong with paying more for a nicer looking cat tree that suits the aesthetic of your home. There are many different types available to choose from, usually with a range of carpet or faux fur colors. Some even have clear plastic sections so you can enjoy that ‘cat on a glass table’ type moment.
Do browse and do try and meet your needs and your cat’s needs. Although kitty comes first, if the furniture looks nice then you’re likely to enjoy having it around to keep your cat happy even more.
Thinking carefully about what you need in a cat tree will help you choose the perfect product for your cat. If you’re struggling for inspiration, don’t worry. We’ve lined up some of the best cat trees around for you to take a look at.
Best Cat Trees
Go Pet Club Cat Tree F2040-Beige
High Rise Kitty Tree for Fun Climbing and Snoozing
The Go Pet Club cat tree is a solid 72 inch high tower with three perches, two cubby hole boxes and no less than 10 natural sisal rope scratching poles. Playful cats aren’t left out either, with two play danglers to enjoy on level one and two. Two step ramps help less agile kitties find their way up the tree with ease.
Customers will love the luxurious fancy faux fur adorning the entire product. Even better, it’s easy to put up with full instructions and tools included in the price.
Why We Like It:
- Big enough for multiple cats
- A good selection of perches and cubby holes
- A huge amount of scratching posts to encourage healthy nail maintenance
- Step ramps help less agile cats use the tree
What We Don’t Like:
- Boxes and their entrances are not suited to larger cats
- Areas with pressboard may not be extremely durable to boisterous cats
FEANDREA 67 inches Multi-Level Cat Tree for Large Cats
A Scratching Success for Kitties Nail Health
The 67-inch Feandrea cat tree is a faux fur covered play center designed for large cats. It offers two roomy cubby hole boxes, three perches, three danglers and various landing and climbing floors and sections. For your cat’s nail health, the sisel rope covered posts making up the entire structure are more than ample. Even better, the entrance ramp to the higher levels is a sisal covered slope for even more scratching fun.
Customers will love that the tree is constructed with CARB-certified natural particle boards, anti-toppling fittings and battens at the bottom for extra strength. For extra-large, boisterous kitties, the tree could be the perfect piece of furniture.
Why We Like It:
- Stable and durable
- Lots of sisal rope for scratching
- Suitable for multiple cats
- Supports napping, playing and scratching
What We Don’t Like:
- Scratch poles are only half covered leaving faux fur vulnerable to being pulled off
- Design doesn’t support easy movement and travel around the tree
Vesper Cat Furniture Cat Tree High Base
Luxurious and Beautiful for Fancy Cats
If you’re looking for a cat tree with a gorgeous aesthetic, then the 47.9 inch high Vesper may be the right choice for you. It brings a touch of luxury with its elegant cube shapes, exposed New Zealand pine MDF styling and darker, more opulent tone of natural sisal rope.
The luxury goes far beyond the look of the Vesper though. Cats love the removable luxurious memory foam cushions inside and on top of the cubby hole and two perches. There’s also a fun dangler from the top of the triple level tower for kitties who like to play.
Why We Like It:
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Memory foam cushions
- 6 sisel scratching posts
- Compact
What We Don’t Like:
- Exposed MDF can be slippery
- Not suitable for larger cats
Frisco 72-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo
Perfect for Multi-cat Households
The Frisco faux fur covered 72 inch tall cat tree provides kitties with the perfect spot to perch, snooze, play, scratch and climb. It has three high perches, two cubby holes, several play danglers and two ramps for easy climbing.
Owners will love that there are 10 sisal rope covered scratch posts to encourage kitty away from scratching the furniture. Even better, there’s plenty of room for multiple cats to explore, so you can accommodate several cats with just one piece of furniture.
Why We Like It:
- Suitable for multiple cats
- Accommodates napping, perching, playing, snoozing and scratching
- 10 scratching posts
- Step ramps for easy access to different levels
What We Don’t Like:
- Thin faux fur on perches
- Areas used regularly may wear quickly
AmazonBasics Multi-Level Cat Tree with Scratching Posts
Great All-in-one Tower for Budget-friendly Cat Care
The Amazon Basics cat tree is perfect for one cat, providing the perfect piece of furniture for relaxation and play. It is 56.3 inches high and contains one cubby hole, play strings, one perch and several hangout platforms. Kitty’s nails also benefit from the several sisal rope towers for scratching.
Customers will appreciate the neutral color, durable materials and easy construction all for a budget-friendly price.
Why We Like It:
- Budget friendly
- Easy to assemble
- Several scratching posts
- Sturdy
What We Don’t Like:
- Fabric covering is thin
- More suitable for smaller cats
Go Pet Club Cat Tree Condo House F32
Compact Cat Tree Designed for Smaller Cats
If you are looking for a simple and compact cat tree then the Go Pet Club condo house could be the right choice for your home.
The product is 51 inches high and covered in a soft faux fur, for kitties comfort. There are also an ample three towers covered in sisal scratching rope and a further three shorter scratching posts at the bottom for more choice.
Cats can also snooze and hide in the cubby hole, or perch on the two towers. There’s even a little dangle play toy if your cat feels a little playful.
Why We Like It:
- Compact and actively designed for smaller cats
- Simple and effective design
- Multiple scratch, play, sleep and perch points
- Easy construction
What We Don’t Like:
- Faux fur sheds
- A little wobbly and unstable
Trixie Baza Grande
The Best Cat Tree for Small Apartment Dwelling Kitties
If you are avoiding more elaborate cat trees and want something simpler, then the Trixie Baza Granda could be a good choice for you.
It has three sisal rope covered towers for scratching, two steps, which can be used as perches, and a sleeping hammock at the third level. The wood it is made from is covered in faux fur for kitties comfort.
Why We Like It:
- Compact
- Simple design
- Comfortable faux fur platforms
- Ample sisal rope for scratching
What We Don’t Like:
- More suited to smaller cats
- Difficult to clean
FEANDREA Cat Tree for Large Cats With 2 Condos and Sisal Posts
Spacious and Sturdy Cat Tree Perfect for Bigger Cats
If you have a gorgeous chonk of a cat that needs more sleeping space than you usually find with cat trees, then you will love the Feandrea cat tree for large cats.
The product features thickened scratch posts, roomy double nap nooks and most importantly, a widened top perch with cushioned edges, to accommodate larger kitties.
Customers will love that their heavy furbabies won’t be at risk of the tower topping as the product features anti-toppling fittings and strengthened battens at the base.
Why We Like It:
- Extra-sturdy for chonky kitters
- Extra-wide top perch
- Thickened scratch posts
- Comfortable covering
What We Don’t Like:
- Older cats may struggle to reach top platform
- Sisal and fabric coverings quite thin
FAQ
If you have further questions about purchasing the right cat tree for your cat, we’ve answered some of the most common inquiries to help you:
Why does my cat need a cat tree?
A cat can benefit from a cat tree because it encourages exercise, play, scratching, perching and elevated snoozing. Cats enjoy being high up and exploring trees in the wild, so an indoor cat tree replicates these natural urges.
How can I encourage my cat to scratch a cat tree and not the furniture?
There are a wide range of methods to help a cat stop scratching furniture, many of which you can find in this handy article.
Cat trees help your cat to stop scratching furniture because they give him an enjoyable alternative to use.
What is the difference between a cat condo, cat tower and cat tree?
They all mean the same thing which is a climbing structure for a cat to enjoy climbing and exploring.
Can I build my own cat tree?
If you are quite handy there are lots of ways to make your own cat tree. Here’s a great DIY video example of how to make a great cat tree yourself.
If you aren’t very handy though, it is best to buy a well-designed cat tree as a safe climbing option for your pet.
Are the danglers on cat trees dangerous?
Sadly there are stories of some cats hurting themselves by getting parts of their body entangled in danglers on cat trees.
If you are concerned that your pet is at risk from a dangler toy, you can simply snip the toy off and let them play with the mouse or ball on the end separately. Alternatively, you can buy safe cat toys separately from your cat tree.
Why buy a cat tree and not a scratching post?
A well-made cat scratching post is a great item of furniture to encourage cats to take care of their nails without ripping up your furniture. A cat tree can be purchased in addition to a scratching post, or as an extra piece of furniture offering more height, hangout areas and sleeping spots.
Why is a cat tree better than buying a separate cat bed?
Cats will love sleeping on a cat tree because they naturally like overseeing their area and being out of the way of danger. Cats climb and sleep high up if they can naturally. They may well enjoy a separate cat bed, but a cat tree usually offers multiple areas to sleep and so, provides them some stimulation and choice.
What is the best cat tree for large cats?
The best cat tree for big cats will usually be very sturdy to accommodate the extra weight. You should also look for extra wide perches, large cubby holes, and thicker scratching posts. Do check the dimensions before purchasing to check it will be large enough for your cat, especially if your cat is a very large breed like a Maine coon.
If you can’t find the right cat tree, consider having one made especially for your cat. It will cost more than a generic cat tree but if it is high quality, it will last the lifetime of your cat which is well worth the investment.
Your Cat Can Have The Perfect Cat Tree
Cat trees are not small pieces of furniture, so it makes sense for practicality, aesthetics and your cat’s needs, to research this kind of product well before making a purchase.
Using our tips and advice above, your pet can have the perfect cat tree for hours of snoozing, scratching, playing and perching for a very happy kitty indeed.
One Reply to “The Best Cat Trees in 2022”
Hey Anneka, Despite the fact that my two cats, Doogle and Roger, aren’t particularly large felines, they do enjoy a larger and sturdier cat tree. Love the Go Club Pet product line. Thank you for the detailed review, it’s much appreciated.