Last updated Jul 3, 2024
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The best cat trees provide plenty of places to climb, sleep, and scratch. Some cats like to perch up high, while others like to hide out closer to the floor. No matter your cat’s personality, cat trees help to enrich their lives and give them more vertical space in your home.
We tested and reviewed a variety of products to find the best cat trees. Read on to learn what to look for when buying a cat tree.
At a Glance: Best Cat Trees
We highly recommend looking at the comparison product table we have below where we’ve highlighted the features of each product.
Frisco 72-in Faux Fur Cat Tree
- Contains beds, houses, scratching posts, and more
- Great for multi-cat homes
- Works well for large cats
HOOBRO Small Cat Tree
- Made for small cats and kittens
- Ideal for small spaces
- Affordable
CozyCatFurniture Extra Large Cat Tower
- Tall scratching posts accommodate cats of any size
- Multiple places for small and large cats to rest and play
- Sturdy and durable
New Cat Condos Deluxe Cat Tower
- Sturdy base
- Large beds
- Provides a alternative scratching materials
Frisco Star, Moon, and Cloud 25” Cat Tree
- Cute celestial design
- Good for small, playful cats or kittens
- Ideal for small spaces
PAWZ Road Large Cat Tree
- Large, stable cat tree
- Removable beds for easy washing
- Built for large cats
Hey Brother Cat Tree
- Small spaces between platforms for easy navigation
- Includes wall strap for added stability
- Washable bed cover
Yaheetech 34.5-in Plush Cover Cat Tree
- Lots of options for kittens to explore
- Safety strap for added stability
- Affordable
Top Picks Explained
We have updated the article with new products since filming, but we still love Mallory’s picks from the video.
Why Trust Cats.com
I’m a lifelong cat owner who has purchased a plethora of cat trees over the years. When testing cat trees for this article, I considered how easy they were to assemble, observed how each of my seven cats interacted with them, and read through pages of customer reviews.
The cat trees featured here were carefully chosen after looking at reviews and overall star ratings and considering what my own cats enjoy. I looked for cat trees that are versatile, but also chose a few that meet specific criteria in case you need a cat tree for your arthritic senior or your rambunctious kitten.
Based on this extensive research and hands-on testing, we’ve selected the following cat trees as the best you can buy.
The Best Cat Trees, Towers, and Condos on the Market Reviewed
Several factors go into our rankings here at Cats.com. While the Frisco 72-inch Faux Fur Cat Tree is our top pick, you might find that others on the list work best for you and your specific cat. Every cat and household is different, and we aim to provide options for everyone. Our recommendations are broken down into those best for multi-cat homes, large cats, seniors, and more.
#1 Overall Best: Frisco 72-in Faux Fur Cat Tree
- Our Rating: 9.0/10
- Dimensions: 72”x21.3”x23.2”
- Product Weight: N/A
- Weight Capacity: 33 pounds
- Construction: Engineered wood
- Covering Material: Faux fleece
- Country of Manufacture: China
- Color Options: Cream, gray, brown, black, blue, cheetah
The Frisco 72-inch cat tree is everything your cat could want, and is great for multi-cat homes as well. It comes with three beds, two houses, several places to scratch, and two types of toys. My cats especially love lying on the bottom to play with the rope toy, playing with the toy mice, and napping in the top house.
Although the Chewy listing says that the wall mount is optional, I noticed some shakiness when my cats jumped to the top beds. I definitely recommend securing it to the wall for safety purposes. Some reviewers take issue with the quality of the cat tree, with a few saying the quality of the product has dropped over time. I didn’t notice any issues after over a month but it might vary between individual products or depend on how roughly your cat plays.
Overall, I couldn’t find anything to complain about, and if the nearly five-star rating on Chewy is anything to go by, most reviewers agree.
Pros
- Many options for cats to explore
- Accommodates cats of all sizes
- Great for multi-cat homes
Cons
- Some customers have had issues with torn carpeting or broken parts
#2 Best Budget Pick: HOOBRO Small Cat Tree
- Our Rating: 9.0/10
- Dimensions:Â 15.7″ x 11.8″ x 31.5″
- Product Weight:Â 11 lbs
- Construction:Â Solid wood
- Covering Material:Â Plush Fabric, Sisal
- Color Options:Â Dull Blue, Earth Brown, Light Gray, Dark Gray, Beige
The HOOBRO small cat tree is a huge hit with my smaller cats, and even one of my larger cats has curled up in the hammock. It’s a great budget option for small cats and kittens.
It’s a simple cat tree with scratching posts, a bed, hammock, and house. Some reviewers complained about the cat tree falling over when cats jumped onto the top bed, but I noticed this only when my larger cats tried to do so. The bed is off-center, which causes the tree to fall to one side. Since the listing is clear about the 9-pound weight limit, I don’t consider this a great flaw. However, having a wall anchor included would be useful.
Pros
- Great for small cats and kittens
- Ideal for small spaces
- Affordable
Cons
- Not made for large cats
- No wall anchor and an unsturdy design
#3 Best For Multi-Cat Homes: CozyCatFurniture Extra Large Cat Tower
- Our Rating: 9.0/10
- Dimensions:Â 46″ x 25″ x 78″
- Product Weight:Â 110 lbs
- Construction:Â Solid wood
- Covering Material:Â Plush
- Color Options:Â Brown, Beige, Gray
After three years of use, this cat tree has stood up to wear and tear from my seven cats remarkably well. It has a few blemishes now, such as a few small holes in the carpeting and shredded sisal rope that needs replacing.
What I like most about the CozyCatFurniture cat tree is that it accommodates cats of all sizes. My large 20-pound cat loves to curl up in the house at the top or the bed at the side of the tower, while my smaller cats enjoy the top bed and center hammocks. We use the bottom house as toy storage since my cats have largely ignored it.
The assembly process was a nightmare as the instructions aren’t very clear. I remember taking it apart and putting it back together a number of times, but it was worthwhile in the end. The plastic leaves the house came with pose a danger to cats who get tangled or try to eat them, but it’s easy to leave them off while assembling.
Pros
- Tall scratching posts accommodate cats of any size
- Multiple places for small and large cats to rest and play
- Sturdy and durable
Cons
- Plastic leaves are dangerous (but can be left off the tree)
- Difficult to assemble with unclear instructions
- Not suited to small spaces
#4 Best for Napping: New Cat Condos Deluxe Cat Tower
- Our Rating: 9.0/10
- Dimensions:Â 20″ x 20″ x 51″
- Product Weight:Â 47 lbs
- Weight Capacity:Â No established weight limit
- Construction:Â Solid wood
- Covering Material:Â Carpet
- Country of Manufacture:Â USA
- Color Options:Â Green, Beige
The Deluxe cat tower from New Cat Condos is a simple cat tree with three large beds and carpeted and sisal scratching posts. It came mostly assembled with only the top bed unattached. However, what should’ve been an easy assembly was made a bit harder due to the lack of predrilled holes in the bed and post.
The tree itself is sturdy and I can see the base of it lasting a long time. It holds three of my cats at once without a problem, and the beds are spacious. It’s one of my cats’ favorite places to sleep, and my 9-pound cat loves scratching at the carpeted posts.
She was able to scratch a hole into it within two weeks of use, and the carpet sheds heavily—so be prepared for extra cleanup if you go with this one!
Pros
- Sturdy base
- Large beds
- Offers multiple scratching materials
Cons
- Drill needed for assembly
- Carpet sheds and tears easily
#5 Cutest Cat Tree: Frisco Star, Moon, and Cloud 25” Cat Tree
- Our Rating: 8.5/10
- Dimensions: 17.7” x 17.7” x 25.2”
- Product Weight:Â 12.79 lbs
- Construction:Â Plywood
- Covering Material:Â Polyester
- Country of Manufacture:Â China
This Frisco cat tree is adorable, with platforms shaped like a star, moon, and cloud. It’s equipped with two small scratching posts and two hanging toys.
Though it states it can hold up to 20 pounds, I’d recommend this one for small cats as it isn’t very large. It could also be placed side-by-side to another tree or even used as stairs to lead to a higher landing. My cats enjoy playing with the toys and lying at the base, but don’t spend much time on the small platforms.
Pros
- Cute celestial design
- Good for small, playful cats or kittens
- Ideal for small spaces
Cons
- Small platforms that cats don’t seem to enjoy sleeping on
- Not well-suited for large cats
#6 Best For Large Cats: PAWZ Road Large Cat Tree
- Our Rating: 8.5/10
- Dimensions: 21.6” x 17.7” x 72.4”
- Product Weight:Â 39.9lbs
- Weight Capacity:Â 32 lbs
- Construction:Â Board
- Covering Material:Â Plush, Sisal
The PAWZ road cat tree has two beds, two large houses, and several platforms. What caught my eye most were the large hammock in the center and the scratching pad at the bottom. I also like that the top beds have removable covers for easy cleanup.
My two larger girls especially love this cat tree and take turns using the hammock. I’ve found my cats in the beds and houses many times as well. They surprisingly don’t use the scratch pad even when enticed with catnip, but cats that love to scratch carpets might be redirected to it.
I haven’t noticed a lot of instability even without the tree anchored to the wall, but I definitely recommend using the included safety strap to ensure it stays in place.
While some reviewers complain of poor quality and missing parts, I haven’t had either issue. It might depend on the individual product received.
Pros
- Large, stable cat tree
- Removable beds for easy washing
- Built for large cats
Cons
- Some reviewers say the product came with missing parts
#7 Best for Senior Cats: Hey Brother Cat Tree
- Our Rating: 8.5/10
- Dimensions: 27.6” x 19.7” x 35.4”
- Product Weight:Â 16.1 lbs
- Construction:Â Engineered Wood, Paper
- Covering Material:Â Carpet
The Hey Brother cat tree is small and easy to navigate while still providing your senior cat with plenty of options. The top bed has a removable cover and there’s a toy with a bell hanging atop the center hammock. While there are small scratching posts between each level, they all attach to create one big post so that your senior cat can still scratch.
My cats are all seniors and although thankfully none of them suffer from mobility issues, I can see this design coming in handy if they ever do. They especially love laying in the hammocks, but I’ve found them on the top bed several times as well.
Most of the cat tree can hold even my 16-pound cat with ease, but it nearly toppled when she tried the side hammock shortly after it was built. Luckily, I was supervising and caught it, and using the wall mount would solve this problem.
Pros
- Small spaces between platforms for easy navigation
- Includes wall strap for added stability
- Washable bed cover
Cons
- Not the best option for large cats
#8 Best For Kittens: Yaheetech 34.5-in Plush Cover Cat Tree
- Our Rating: 8.5/10
- Dimensions: 20” x 13.6” x 34.5”
- Product Weight:Â 13.4 pounds
- Construction:Â Engineered Wood, Wood
- Covering Material:Â Carpet
- Country of Manufacture:Â China
The Yaheetech cat tree provides many features for small cats or kittens, including a hammock, bed, house, and several scratching posts. The safety strap secures the cat tree to the wall for added security.
This cat tree would be great for someone who fosters kittens or knows their cat won’t grow larger than the weight capacity, which is 10 to 11 pounds. It’s not recommended for large cats. My small cats love laying in the hammock and scratching the posts, but they don’t seem to utilize the house or bed. Every cat is different, though, so don’t be discouraged if your cat tends to prefer beds or houses—I’m sure they’ll love them!
Pros
- Lots of options for kittens to explore
- Safety strap for added stability
- Affordable
Cons
- Not made for large cats
What to Consider When Shopping for Cat Trees
There are several features to look for when shopping for cat trees, from size and sturdiness to features like beds, houses, and hanging toys. Let’s go over them one by one to give you a better idea of what to look for.
Size
The size of the cat tree depends on your cat, your space, and your preferences. In my multi-cat home, I prefer tall cat trees. I appreciate how their scratching posts allow even my largest cats to stretch onto their toes and scratch. Tall, sturdy cat trees make cats much less likely to scratch furniture, while small or unstable cat trees can send them running back for the larger, more stable couch.
You might prefer smaller cat trees for aging seniors that are wobbly on their feet or clumsy kittens. They can also fit into small homes more easily, although I’d opt for a tall, skinny cat tree anchored to the wall if possible.
Durability
Cat trees can be expensive, especially for those of us on a strict budget, so we want them to last. In my experience, you can expect the typical cat tree to last years or even a cat’s lifespan, but you might need to replace the sisal rope and carpeting from time to time depending on the brand.
A flat material covering the tree tends to last longer than plush carpeting, and solid wood is more sturdy than engineered wood. However, it’s also more expensive and difficult to find from large retailers.
Price
We all want to spoil our cats, but we also have a budget! When I’m looking for affordable cat trees, I expect to pay $30 to $60. Larger trees are more expensive and can cost anywhere from $90 to $300 or more.
Material also dictates price, and you’ll find that the sturdiest cat trees are often the most expensive. This can be worthwhile if the product is built to last a lifetime and you might otherwise buy multiple replacements.
If you want a sturdy cat tree inexpensively, your best bet is to make your own using scrap wood, carpeting, and some sisal rope. This also ensures the cat tree is completely customized to your liking.
Aesthetics
Most people want a cat tree that matches their home decor and personal style. Many cat trees come in colors meant to blend in, like beige, gray, or black. Others are meant to stand out with colorful shapes like flowers or stars.
Choose a cat tree that speaks to you while still providing everything your cat needs. After all, your cat doesn’t care how it looks—only that it’s cozy or fun.
Beds
Beds can range from your typical beds with plush edges to more simple, almost platform-like resting places. When choosing a cat tree with a bed, always measure in advance to make sure your cat can fit. Also consider whether your cat enjoys curling up or stretching out when they sleep.
Climbing platforms
Climbing platforms are flat and help your cat navigate a cat tree. They can also provide extra spots to sleep if they’re large enough.
Athletic cats will often skip these platforms entirely, opting instead to climb scratching posts or jump to the top. But as cats age, many of them develop joint issues and can find added platforms useful.
Houses
Houses are typically boxes with two or more holes for your cat to climb in and out of. For multi-cat homes, the more entrances, the better as they prevent cats from getting cornered. Always check the size of the houses before buying a cat tree, as some are very small while others are spacious. Of course, the size of your cat will determine how big you need them to be.
Hammocks
Hammocks come in a variety of styles, from the common circular beds to a simple piece of fabric connected to the tree at two points. Hammocks for larger cats typically have more anchor points to better hold their weight.
I was skeptical the first time I bought a cat tree with a hammock, as I didn’t think my cats would use them. In my experience, though, hammocks tend to be their favorite place to sleep. As with beds and houses, look at the measurements and weight limits before buying to ensure your cat can lounge comfortably.
Toys
Most cat trees have plush, ball-shaped toys that screw or tie onto the bottoms of platforms. Others might have hanging ropes, toy mice, or other toys. Look for toys that are sturdy and durable. Remove toys once they’re damaged to prevent choking or intestinal blockages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big a cat tree should I get?
Generally speaking, the tree should be large enough for your cat to stretch out or climb it and any cubbies or hideaways should be large enough for your cat to comfortably curl up in. If your cat is a climber or if they are young and active, a taller tree is the way to go. For older cats, stick with something smaller.
Is it OK to buy a used cat tree?
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative than buying a new cat tree, you might consider a used one. The trouble with this is that the cat tree will have another cat’s odor all over it, which could stress your cat out—it might even trigger urine marking behavior. Cat trees can also harbor odors and materials from the previous home which might cause an adverse reaction in your cat or other pets.
Where should I put a cat tree?
A cat tree condo should provide your cat with ample place to play, rest, and view their territory. You should place it in a spacious room in a spot where your cat can see as much as possible. Corner locations are usually a good option because you won’t miss the floor space as much.
“Cat Tree King” ? I watch your videos often. I’m getting ready to take delivery of a Savanna in the next few weeks, therefore I was looking for a very sturdy cat tree, as these are on the larger side of cats. I realize that Cat Tree King items are expensive. ,However you named your video, “Top 5 Cat Trees we tried them all” . I’m getting ready to pull the trigger on tree very soon. I believed cat tree king to be the best, but I didn’t do as an extensive research as maybe you did. I was rather shocked that it didn’t even make your top 10. Other videos state this particular tree to be in a different league. As it is $400. Some less some more but the one I was looking at was this price. Please let me know if I missing something. Thank you in advance.
I do value your advice as I watch the channel regularly
As for #8 selection, Amazon makes the same identical product at a better price. My cats love it.
Thank you for sharing, Deborah!
I am also interested if you could review cat tree king cat trees. Most of these trees seem as if they are made for kittens not cats.
Hi Elena, we’ll consider it! Thank you.
How do i go about ordering a extra pouch for my cat tree UPCT52W ferndrea she is in there all the time thanks
Hi Vicki, is this the tree for which you’d like to order an extra pouch? I would recommend contacting the company directly if possible, as this is not the type of request that we can help you with. Wishing you all the best. – Mallory
I have 3 furbabies ranging in weight from 12-17lbs. As my patio faces a wooded area, the boys like watching the birds at the feeders, meaning, more than one cat will be on a perch at a time. I’m looking for a sturdy, multi-cat, cat tree that can tolerate the weight of 2 cats. My Amarakat has held up well for 5 years, however, since I’ve created a cat “super highway” along one wall, rambunctious play has resulted in the 2nd tier base to break that supports that perch. I know I can purchase replacement parts from the company. However, I have found that this is costly, and I’d rather put the money into a tree that meets the needs of my cats.
I appreciate any recommendations. No bells and whistles needed. I like Amarakat but I think some tree condos are not meant to hold more than 1 cat or play.
Hi. You had a little ad for a cat tree in the last few months. I thought I would remember it, but I don’t I think it was noy made by a big company. Any help?
Hi Kathleen, can you share some more details? Unfortunately, I’m not sure where this was posted or which one you’re referring to, but I’m sure I can figure it out if you give a couple more specifics. Thanks for commenting!
The problem with these cat trees especially Frisco and Yaheetech is the material they use, this so called plush faux fur, or faux fleece is pure garbage. I have had to return these because the house part is not solid it is collapsible faux fur and in only 3 weeks’ time the material is shredding and not from the cats. And the sad part is I like the 3 perch top and the scratch post, but the housing part is so aggravating that the material is just garbage too cheap for the prices they want.
Couldn’t find a link for top 10 trees, just the article on 8 from April 2023. I have a new just turned one-year-old feline (approx 7-8 pounds, 15″ “undstretched”) who stretches a lot and needs at least a tall scratching post. However, she is also a leaper and climber, and so am wondering if a cat tree would encourage her to climb up on bookcases — especially some in same room as the tree. . Would appreciate any comments or other product suggestions (don’t have a lot of width available). Thanx!
Hello, I’m looking for some recommendations for some very sturdy, separate cat wood wall steps. I’ve seen a few that come with individual steps to be drilled into a wall stud, making it very safe, and sturdy. I want separate steps so I can place them in my arrangement.
I’ve been searching for several weeks now. I have three adult cats. They’d love wide, stable steps that lead into my other cat shelf. Kind of like a cat walkway.
If you have any great picks, please let me know.
Hello Laurie, thanks for the message. Frankly, I haven’t looked into this very much and don’t have a very good sense of what is available or what may be the requirements of a good product in this category. There are some options available on Etsy, for one, and this product looks pretty good to me.
Hello Mallory, Thank you for your help! That link on Etsy was a great option.
I recently found this product on Amazon, which was all separate except for the tri level sisal steps. At this time, the manufacturer offers a $30 coupon off the price. At this moment, with the $30 discount, this set can be purchased for approx under $120 with tax included.
Perhaps some other viewers here are interested. I purchased it and it’s in my living room in a box. No carpeting is included.
Cat Wall Shelves, Cat Wall Furniture Set, Cat Shelves and Perches for Wall, Cat Climbing Shelf Playground Set, Cat Scratching Post with 3 Steps Wall Shelf for Indoor Wall Mounted Cat Condos House https://a.co/d/7Iqj8cq
Great! Thanks for sharing what worked for you. 🙂
I am looking for a cat tree 60+ “ tall with large 3 sided sleeping platform on top. The width should be 24-29” as my fur baby stretches out. All I see are very small sleeping areas. Help
Hi Judy, good question. The biggest top perches I’ve found are no more than 24″ wide, like on this Frisco bed with one large top platform. Alternatively, you might consider this one from Prestige Cat Trees, which has a 21″ wide top perch. Hope this helps!
I cannot even understand how any cat lover could recommend a cat tree covered in “faux fur.” Cats need carpeted cat trees for better climbing, scratching and padding. The fur gives no padding to the hard wood. Faux fur is attractive to owners & caregivers, but just short of useless for cats.