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Cat trees are phenomenal sources of entertainment for kitties of all ages. They offer a secure high-up spot away from the hullabaloo, a perch to watch the world, and a host of opportunities for healthy exercise like scratching and climbing. They’re a great place for a cat to, well, be a cat!
The good news for cat parents is that today’s cat trees have expanded well beyond the bland sea of beige carpet we’re all familiar with. Now you have options galore, from simple towers to attractive statement pieces to massive jungle gyms with all the bells and whistles.
We’ve rounded up the best cat trees for all kinds of cats, from athletic climbers and big-boned sprawlers to tiny kittens and slower seniors—and everything in between.
Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree and Condo
Cover your bases with a cat tree that has it all. Your cat(s) will love the many scratching posts, ramps, perches, toys, and condos that this Frisco model offers.
Our Picks
Best “All-In-One” Cat Tree: Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree and Condo
Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree and Condo
Cover your bases with a cat tree that has it all. Your cat(s) will love the many scratching posts, ramps, perches, toys, and condos that this Frisco model offers.
If you want to provide your cat with an array of enrichment options in one fell swoop, the Frisco model is hard to beat. This wildly popular 72-inch cat tree has a lot of everything, making it ideal for your highly active cat or for a multi-cat household (provided you have the space). It includes ten sisal-wrapped posts, two ramps for scratching, and many opportunities for leaping from level to level. Your cat will stay busy with dangling toys, leaping to the top tower for the best view, or napping in a cozy condo.
Tools for assembly are included.
Dimensions: 72”H x 23.2”W X 21.3”D
You and your cat will like:
- Available in six colors (including cheetah!)
- For safety, dangling toys release with extra pressure
You and your cat may NOT like:
- Unlabeled hardware and sometimes confusing instructions
Best for Large Cats: Prestige Maine Coon Cat Tree Tower
Your kitty doesn’t have to be a Maine Coon to appreciate this traditional-style 65-inch-tall tower. However, it’s designed for large cats, with a focus on stability and spacious lounging areas. The solid wood structure weighs a substantial 75 pounds, so it can support heavier felines without the risk of toppling over. Generously sized platforms give your big kitty room to stretch their limbs.
The sturdy construction and wide base also make this tree suitable for homes with multiple cats.
Dimensions: 65″H x 24″W x 24″D
You and your cat will like:
- Plush, household-grade carpet
- Natural un-oiled sisal rope
- Easy, no-tool assembly
- Multiple levels
You and your cat may NOT like:
- Only one scratching post
- No enclosed sleeping areas
- Reviews mention loose carpet strands
Best for Kittens: Go Pet Club Cat Tree with IQ Box and Hammock
Go Pet Club Cat Tree with IQ Box and Hammock
Channel your kitten’s playful energy with dangling toys, scratching posts, and a puzzle box.
Curious kittens with energy to spare need outlets for blowing off steam. Enter the Go Pet Club Cat Tree. This all-in-one feline playground has perches for jumping, dangling toys for swatting, hammocks for swinging, and even a puzzle toy for sharpening young kitten minds. It’s covered in faux fur, which is soft for snuggling. And as your kitten grows into adulthood, they can continue to benefit from using this tree.
Dimensions: 70”H x 44”W x 22”D
You and your cat will like:
- Built-in feeding bowl
- 10 sisal-wrapped scratching posts
- Includes wooden IQ Busy Box, dangly toy mice, and hanging rope
- Various lounging options: open perches, enclosed condo, and swinging hammock
You and your cat may NOT like:
- Takes up a lot of space
- May not work for very large cats
Best for Multiple Cats: Armarkat Classic Cat Tree
If you’re lucky enough to have more than one cat at home, you need a tree that can support the weight of multiple pets (and withstand the ensuing horseplay that’s likely to follow). And you definitely want several platforms to prevent fighting among cat siblings.
The Classic is one of the most popular cat towers from the Armarkat pet furniture company, and we think it’s a good choice for multi-kitty households. At 74 inches tall, it’s plenty roomy and incorporates ten sisal-wrapped scratching posts. With ramps and dangling toys, the Armarkat is well-suited for all types of cats, whether you have kittens, seniors, or a combination of both.
Dimensions: 74”H x 50”L x 26”D
You and your cat will like:
- It’s very sturdy
- Carpeted ramps allow easy access for non-jumpers
- Variety of neutral colors
You and your cat may NOT like:
- This thing is HUGE
Best Cat Tree for Small Spaces: Trixie Pet Products Fold-and-Store Cat Tower
Looking for a petite cat tower that can be stashed out of sight when company comes over? This cute X-shaped mini-tower takes up minimal space while still meeting your cat’s needs. It has two lounging options, a scratching post, and a dangling toy. Plus, at only 11 pounds, it’s easy to carry when you need to put it in storage.
Dimensions: 25.5”H x 20.25”W X 13.75”D
You and your cat will like:
- Small footprint perfect for smaller homes or apartments
- Foldable design
- Condo for privacy and hammock for napping
- Removable cushion for easy washing
- Budget-friendly
You and your cat may NOT like:
- Not for cats over 10 pounds
- Not much space for sprawlers
- May not fare well with super-scratchers or overly rambunctious kitties
Best Affordable Cat Tree: Yaheetech 3-Tier Tower
A cat tree may easily be the most expensive piece of pet gear you’ll need to buy. Unfortunately, sometimes a cheaper price tag means corners have been cut in terms of quality and materials. Not the case with this Yaheetech tower, which is both budget-friendly and highly rated. The considerably lower price point will keep your wallet happy—and the scratching surfaces, dangling toys, and varied tiers will keep your kitty happy. Everybody wins. (Love when that happens.)
Dimensions: 42”H x 24”W x 18”D
You and your cat will like:
- Anti-toppling band secures tree to the wall
- Four neutral colors: light gray, dark gray, black, and beige
- Corners are rounded for safety
You and your cat may NOT like:
- Poles are only partially covered with sisal (which might hinder comfortable scratching)
Best Modern Cat Tree: Refined Feline Lotus Cat Tree
If you have discerning taste and would rather not crowd your pad with unsightly cat furniture, here’s a design-conscious model from Refined Feline. With its streamlined silhouette and several climbing platforms and scratching pads, it offers both style and function.
Made of sturdy plywood with oak veneer, the 69-inch-tall Lotus cat tower can stand up to the energetic antics of most cats. It’s definitely pricey, but reviewers praise the engineered-wood construction and durability—and love that it’s easier to keep clean than carpet-covered trees.
Dimensions: 69”H x 20”W x 20”D
You and your cat will like:
- Elegant, sleek design
- Platforms are lined with Berber carpet (which can be removed and replaced)
- Small footprint
- Cushioned condo on ground-floor
You and your cat may NOT like:
- Steep price
- Potentially challenging to climb (for older or mobility-impaired cats)
Best Furniture-Grade Cat Tree: Tuft and Paw Grove Cat Tower (Verified Review)
Tuft and Paw Grove Cat Tower
If price isn’t an issue, and you’re as finicky as a cat about the things you like, this multipurpose cat tower might just be your next Instagram post to go viral.
A cat perch and bed in one, this gorgeous cat tower attempts to make up for its jaw-dropping price tag with a cat-friendly form and a clean, design-forward look.
A fleece-lined, high-walled bed at the base offers a cozy nook for cat napping; another fleece-lined pad makes up a large perch at the top (for lounging, reclining, or just watching the world go by).
Overall, we liked the beautiful design: the piece does not immediately register as “cat furniture.” As cat furniture goes, it’s above-average quality, constructed of real plywood (as opposed to cheap particle or fiberboard). And it’s available in different finishes (natural or grey) and sizes depending on your tastes and needs.
We weren’t wild about the fact that it requires a lot of assembling and comes in styrofoam packaging. Once assembled (about 20 minutes), screw holes are visible in the bed area, detracting a little from the clean, flush look.
Dimensions: 41”H (or 24”H) x 18”W x 17”D
You and your cat will like:
- Slatted design
- Comes in short and tall sizes
- Bottom half can be used to stash cat toys
You and your cat may NOT like:
- Assembly required
- Very expensive
- Not great for sprawlers
Best Carpeted Cat Tree: Frisco Real Carpet Tree
Frisco Real Carpet Tree
For cats who like the feel of real carpet, this Frisco tree is a dream.
Many cats like the texture of carpet over faux fur or fleece (plus, it tends to hold up better with heavy scratchers). Here’s a tree wrapped with the good stuff: plush, household-grade carpet. Solid wood posts keep it grounded, so your kitty can scratch away without worrying about it tipping over.
Dimensions: 65”H x 24”W x 24”D
You and your cat will like:
- Quality materials: solid wood, real carpet, sisal rope
- Long-lasting and durable
You and your cat may NOT like:
- No condos or enclosed areas
Best Wooden Cat Tree: Vesper Modern Cat Tree and Condo
Not a fan of carpet-covered furniture? This wooden Vesper offers a modern take on cat trees. It boasts a sleek look and comes in several attractive color combos, including black and tan, walnut, and oak.
But just because it’s not covered in carpet doesn’t mean it’s not comfy or practical: there are memory foam cushions that can be removed for laundry day. And unlike a tree covered entirely in plush carpet, this solid piece is easy to wipe down.
Sisal-wrapped legs provide multiple scratching opportunities, and three platform perches give your cat plenty of levels for pouncing and jumping. A cozy cubby to nap in and a dangling ball toy both sweeten the deal.
Dimensions: 47.9”H x 22.04”W x 22.04”D
You and your cat will like:
- Cushions are removable and washable
- The base is a space-saving 22 x 22 inches
You and your cat may NOT like:
- Third shelf may be hard to reach for less-abled jumpers
- Hanging toy is fairly easy to tear off
Best Cardboard Cat Tree: FurHaven Tiger Tough Scratcher House
Is your cat eco-conscious? This sturdy corrugated scratcher house is cute, fun, and completely recyclable. Each perch is equipped with a scratching surface, but the levels are spaced fairly close together—which is great for non-climbers, but less so for cats who need space to jump.
Reviewers recommend it for smaller cats (weight limit is 35 pounds).
Dimensions: 33”H x 22.83”W x 17.72”D
You and your cat will like:
- Catnip is included (great for encouraging use)
- Easy to assemble
- Great for cats who like coverage and privacy
You and your cat may NOT like:
- Not ideal for heavier cats
- No toys included
Best Wall-Mounted Cat Tree: CatastrophiCreations Deluxe Playplace Hammocks for Cats
When floor space is in short supply, a blank wall can be brimming with potential. Satisfy your cat’s desire to climb and explore with this multi-level jungle gym for your wall. It includes fabric for lounging and climbing and comes fully assembled. The brackets are hidden to give the effect of a free-floating shelf.
This set holds up to 85 pounds in total. We love that you can easily add to this with more mounts, creating your own kitty obstacle course. Just a head’s up: you might need a second pair of hands to install this.
Dimensions: 11”H x 51”W x 48”D
You and your cat will like:
- Fabric is removable and washable
- Can be combined with additional wall mounts for a customized course
- Great for cats who like to be up high
You and your cat may NOT like:
- No scratching surfaces
- Not for cats who can’t jump or climb
Best Outdoor Cat Tree: Petsfit Outdoor Cat Condo
Petsfit Outdoor Cat Condo
Give your outdoor cat a place where he can rest, play, and keep watch over his domain.
It’s not exactly a tree, but this outdoor cat condo functions the same way, offering spots for jumping, napping, and observing the world. For protection against the elements, it’s crafted with Finnish spruce and thick panels. Multiple escape holes keep outdoor cats safer from predators. And the top level provides your kitty with some security, which is especially nice if there are dogs running around in the yard.
Dimensions: 56.4”H x 30.3”W x 28.7”D
You and your cat will like:
- Attractive “cottage” design
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
- High level provides sense of security and safety
You and your cat may NOT like:
- May take some time to assemble if you’re not handy
- No scratching surfaces
- Cubby holes are on the small side
Best Cat Tree for Climbing: PetFusion Ultimate Cat Climbing Tower
If you often find your cat climbing up curtains or scaling your kitchen cabinets, this 76-inch activity tree provides a better alternative. At more than six feet high, this modern climbing tower gives your cat the space to do some serious tree-climbing. It comes with drywall anchors, so you can secure it against a wall for added stability.
Note that this tree requires leaping and climbing skills—so it’s definitely for the agile kitty.
Dimensions: 76.8”H x 24”W x 20.8”D
You and your cat will like:
- High perches give your kitty levels to climb and observe
- Cushioned pads can be removed for cleaning
- Replacement sisal posts available
You and your cat may NOT like:
- Not the best choice for less agile cats
- Not for cats who like private enclosures
Best Cat Tree for Heavy Scratchers: Amazon Basics Cat Activity Tree
Amazon Basics Cat Activity Tree
If you’re looking for something simple that gives your cat a spot to scratch and perch, this could be it.
If your main goal is finding a tree that satisfies your cat’s need to scratch, this Amazon Basics is a good option. The large size offers seven pillars wrapped in jute rope for your scratch-happy kitty. Reviewers love how easy it is to assemble, and it’s hard to beat the price. On the downside, your larger feline may find it’s not sturdy enough to support their weight.
Dimensions: 45.9”H x 17.7”W x 17.7”D
You and your cat will like:
- Good starter tree
- Easy to assemble
- Affordable price
- Top platform has raised sides, doubling as a cat bed
You and your cat may NOT like:
- Not for very large cats
Best Cat Tree for Hiding: Trixie Lilo Modular Three-Story Cat Tower
Have a cat who values their privacy? Plush on the inside and scratch-friendly on the outside, your cat won’t mind being boxed in with this modular cat tower. This mid-size tree provides three cat caves for peaceful napping. Plus, the durable sisal exterior is perfect for relieving stress.
Each box is lined with faux fur and includes a removable (and washable) cushion for lounging. Made of engineered wood, the 48-inch-high tower weighs a hefty 60 pounds and can stand up to a lot of cat activity. It gets excellent reviews from multi-cat families.
Dimensions: 48.25”H x 18”W x 18”D
You and your cat will like:
- Furniture-sparing sisal exterior
- Three lined cat caves for privacy
- Straightforward assembly that’s novice-approved
You and your cat may NOT like:
- Top perch can be hard for less agile cats to reach
- Sisal exterior eventually wears out
Best Extra-Large Cat Tree: Feandra Cat Tree for Large Cats
Feandra Cat Tree for Large Cats
Here’s a tree that can support your giant Maine Coon, with generously-sized platforms for napping.
If you’re shopping for your Maine Coon, you need a tree that won’t buckle. This solid tree from Feandra will give your gentle giant a place of their own. Anti-toppling fittings are included, and the condos are roomy. The top platform is extra-large, making it perfect for big cats who like to sprawl.
Dimensions: 33.1”H x 23.6”W x 15.7”D
You and your cat will like:
- Large platforms and condos
- Stable design
- Three neutral colors
You and your cat may NOT like:
- Pillars are only partially covered in sisal rope
How To Choose a Cat Tree
With all the different kinds of cat trees out there, how do you decide which type of tree will be a success with your own cat?
First up, consider the size of your kitty—and the space you’re working with. Naturally, heavier cats will need a tree made of solid materials that won’t topple under their weight (solid wood works well, in this respect). Big cats will also appreciate wider platforms for sprawling their long limbs. If you have more than one cat, you’ll want a tree that can accommodate two pets at once (especially if you anticipate them fighting over a solitary perch or condo).
Secondly, consider your cat’s style of play: athletic climbers will appreciate a taller tree with staggered perches for leaping, whereas older or more sedentary cats might prefer a tree with a shorter profile and covered condos for privacy.
Design-wise, you’ve got a few options. Free-standing trees are easy to find, but if you’re short on floor space, you might be better served with a wall-mounted model. These modern cat playgrounds are great for agile kitties who can leap and climb with ease. In addition, many cat trees incorporate “extras” that might appeal to your particular pet: dangling toys, puzzle boxes, scratching posts, tunnels, and hammocks are great perks if you don’t have them already.
Lastly, ask yourself what kind of materials make the most sense for your cat. A lot of cats like the feel of carpet on their claws, but you can also find wooden trees and trees covered in faux fur or fleece. Typically, wooden trees are easier to keep clean, but fur-covered trees offer the softest surface for cats who like a gentle touch.
How We Chose
The cat trees featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. We prioritized cat trees with quality materials, stable design, and aesthetic appeal. In addition, we considered the number of condos, perches, and extras like scratching posts and toys. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated cats, who are never stingy with their feedback.