Indoor cats live a life of pampered leisure, adored by their families and spoiled with treats and cuddles. But all cat breeds benefit from other forms of physical and mental stimulation, and a cat tree can help provide all of that.
“Cat trees have both physical and mental benefits,” says Susan Sikule, DVM, a veterinarian and owner of Just Cats Veterinary Clinic in Guilderland and Saratoga Springs, New York. “They provide a way for your cat to get exercise by jumping and climbing vertically, and they offer a space to explore, which is mentally stimulating. Enrichment activities are essential to the well-being of indoor cats.”
Best Cat Trees of 2024
- Best Cat Tree OverallVESPER High Base Cat TreeRead more
- Best Modern Cat TreeMau Lifestyle Modern Cat Tree TowerRead more
- Best Budget Cat TreeFeandrea Cat TowerRead more
If you’re looking to buy one of the best cat trees for your feline friend, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve talked to vets, tested popular cat tree items, and evaluated many product reviews from pet owners to find you the most durable, comfortable, and safe cat trees for indoor cats of all sizes to enjoy.
Depending on the size and layout of your home or apartment, you may be shopping for a tricked-out cat tree with all the bells and whistles, or a more streamlined version that attaches to a window or wall. Whatever your specific needs, keep scrolling to discover our favorite cat trees for your precious pet, with criteria from Dr. Sikule, the American Association of Feline Practitioners, and feedback from in-home testing with real cats.
For more of the best products for cats, browse our other pet guides:
Best Cat Harnesses | Best Water Fountains for Cats | Best Cat Backpacks
Best Cat Tree Overall
VESPER High Base Cat Tree
$175 at Amazon$185 at ChewyCredit: Vesper
Pros
- Easy-to-clean surfaces
- Replacement parts available
Cons
- Pricey
This sturdy unit has no carpet or faux fur, which is a smart option if your cat likes to claw up those surfaces. The base is easy to wipe clean, while the memory foam cushions and scratching posts can be replaced as needed. The hiding cubby is open on both sides for easy access. A dangling rope toy is the finishing touch.
One of the over 1,500 pet owners who gave this a five-star review on Amazon wrote in part: “This truly is one of the best cat trees currently on the market. Many of the aesthetically-focused contemporary cat trees lack real scratching surfaces, but the sisal poles on this one are pleasing to the cats without being an eyesore. The exterior surface is solid, and the fabric is removable, so cleaning this tree should be easy.”
Dimensions: 22.1″L x 22.1″W x 47.8″H | Weight: 40.5 pounds | Colors: Black
Best Modern Cat Tree
Mau Lifestyle Modern Cat Tree Tower
$289 at Amazon$289 at Walmart$289 at ChewyCredit: Mau
Pros
- Stylish appearance
- Washable cushions
- Replacement parts available
- Quality construction
Cons
- Pricey
- Assembly required
Like Taylor Swift, this writer is widely known for her cat obsession. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my Jazzy — which is why I brought this cat tree home for her to test out. It’s a standout in terms of both quality and design, with a solidly made construction and a modern, stylish look (and a splurge price point to match).
My cat is 13 years old, and not so much eager to try new things. But she immediately took to this cat tree, attracted to the ultra-soft and plush furry fabric as well as the woven construction, which appeared to provide nice scratches for her neck when she draped it over the edge of the elevated tiers.
This cat tree is substantial in weight and size; it’s meant for cats up to 23 pounds (Jazzy is only 11 pounds). And I’d say it would work well for multiple cats given it has three distinct places to sleep.
It features two scratching posts, dangling pom pom balls, and a cozy fur-lined cave on the ground floor. The cushions are removable and machine washable, a rare bonus. It’s also long-lasting as every part can be independently replaced when worn if needed.
I only have two complaints: One is that this tree did require some assembly, to the tune of about 40 minutes. And the other is that my cat loved this tree so much she slept in it from the very first night, instead of in bed with me (and I missed her)!
Dimensions: 18″L x 24″W x 46″H | Weight: 38 pounds | Colors: White, Brown, Bullet Gray
Best Budget Cat Tree
Feandrea Cat Tower
$55 at AmazonCredit: Feandrea
Pros
- Lots of levels and activities
- Budget-priced
Cons
- Does not have replacement parts
If you’re looking for an affordable option, this cat tree packs a lot of features in for the price point. With multiple platforms and levels, a hammock, a cubby, and a few dangling toys, it’s a fun choice for the active cat. Ideally, it should also be anchored to prevent tip-over (anchors included).
“Tall and great! Not the sturdiest but great for the price! Best for small/medium-sized cats (mine are under 10 pounds and this is perfect for them). The cream is a nice color and it doesn’t look or feel too cheap. Takes a while to put together though,” one five-star reviewer wrote on Amazon.
Dimensions: 17.7″L x 13.8″W x 44.1″H | Weight: 22 pounds | Colors: Beige, Light Gray, Smoky Gray
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Best Cat Tree for Multiple Cats
Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo
$100 at ChewyCredit: Frisco
Pros
- Ideal for more than one cat
- Multiple scratching posts, cubbies, and platforms
Cons
- Large footprint
Got a few kitties? This 72-inch cat tree has plenty of room for everyone to climb, perch, nap and just hang out. With 10 sisal scratching posts, multiple platforms, and dangling toys, this is a dream condo for cats. Ideally, it should be anchored to prevent tip-over (it comes with an anchor kit).
Over 11,000 pet parents have given this model five stars. “My cat spends 90% of his day at the top of this tree. It was pretty simple to assemble – it has a lot of parts so it took a while but it was pretty easy. Truly a game-changer for my cat,” wrote one happy customer.
Dimensions: 23″L x 21.3″W x 72″ H | Weight: 55.7 pounds | Colors: Cream, Brown, Black, Blue, Gray, Cheetah
Best Cat Tree for Small Spaces
Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree
$38 at ChewyCredit: Frisco
Pros
- Budget-priced
- Small footprint
Cons
- Very lightweight
- Best for single cats
If your cat isn’t into heights but likes a cozy napping place, this small cat tree is a great option. With a hammock-type bed, two scratching posts, and two dangling pom pom balls, it’s a petite and affordable option for one cat.
“This bed was literally an instant hit with my girl once I got it assembled. It’s definitely her new favorite napping spot! She also utilizes the scratching posts & the two hanging toys. At times she just likes to lay on the bottom portion. So glad that I got this for her! She is 11.3 lbs & is able to comfortably curl up in the bed with a bit more room available if she grows more,” one customer wrote.
Dimensions: 22″W x 22″L x 20″H | Weight: 7.28 pounds | Colors: Ivory, Gray, Black, Cheetah
Best Cat Window Perch
K&H Pet Products Kitty Sill Window Perch
$33 at Amazon$71 at WalmartCredit: K & H Pet Products
Pros
- Requires no tools to install
- Doesn’t take up any floor space
- Removable washable cover
Cons
- No add-ons like scratching posts or toys
If your cat loves looking out the window but you have limited space for a stand-alone cat tree, this perch gives your pet a great view and a place to nap. There’s even a heated version for kitties who love to curl up in a warm spot.
“This seat is a great size for two cats. Easy to install and sturdy. Cover is easily removed to wash,” one satisfied Amazon reviewer wrote.
Dimensions: 24″L x 14″W x 12″H | Weight: 3.75 pounds | Colors: Fleece (heated or unheated), Zebra (unheated)
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Best Wall-Mounted Cat Tree
Tucker Murphy Pet Multi-level Wall-mounted Cat Tree Shelf
$70 at WayfairCredit: Tucker Murphy Pet
Pros
- Doesn’t take up floor space
- Provides lots of options for activities
Cons
- Installation can be a little tricky
- Best for small cats because perches are not large
Have a bare wall? Turn it into a cat playground with this wall-mounted cat tree set which includes multiple perches, a house, a cat bridge, a scratching post, and a scratching board. You can use all of the pieces or only the ones that you think will appeal to your cat.
“Good pricing. My cats immediately took to it. The ledges are small and are really for the cats to travel across. There is only one ledge large enough for them to nap on. Overall, I like this and would recommend,” one cat parent wrote.
Dimensions: Variable, largest perch is 12.5”W X 8”D; condo interior is 12.3”H X 12.3”W | Weight: 16.09 pounds | Colors: Black, Gray, Beige, Pink
Best Door-Mounted Cat Tree
K&H Pet Products Door Mounted Cat Climber Cat Wall
Now 40% Off
$80 at Amazon$94 at Walmart$78 at WayfairCredit: K & H Pet Products
Pros
- Requires no tools for installation
- Folds flat for storage
- Removable washable fleece covers
Cons
- Does not include cubbies, scratching post or toys
If space is at a premium in your home, this door-mounted cat tree is a great option. Hang it over the back of a door, and it can accommodate up to 50 pounds. With four levels and little holes to pass through to the next, it’s a fun option for kitties if you’re tight on space.
“My cat loves this! It has become her favorite climbing toy. She enjoys reaching through the holes, dropping toys from it, playing on different levels, etc. It encourages her to climb and be active,” a reviewer wrote in part.
Dimensions: 22″L x 12″W x 80″H | Weight: 8 pounds | Colors: Black
Most Unique Cat Tree
On2Pets Cat Tree With Faux Leaves
Now 34% Off
$109 at Amazon$92 at Walmart$121 at ChewyCredit: On2 Pets
Pros
- Appeals to cats who enjoy hiding
- Replacement parts available
Cons
- No scratching post, cubbies or toys included
How cute is this? A cat tree with faux leaves! This stand-alone unit is made by a small business in the USA of pet-safe materials. With several levels of platforms to climb and leaves to hide behind, your cat will enjoy exploring this unique cat tree.
“Really easy to put together! As soon as I took it out of the box my boys knew it was for them! Only problem I had was trying to put it together with them on it! They love it,” one cat parent wrote in part.
Dimensions: 24″L x 24″W x 60″H | Weight: 30 pounds | Colors: Mixed Maple, Orange Blaze, Plum, Zen Green
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Best Portable Cat Condo
Kitty City Portable Outdoor Cat Condo
$73 at Amazon$73 at WalmartCredit: Kitty Claw
Pros
- Inexpensive outdoor cat condo
- Replacement parts available
Cons
- Time-consuming to assemble
- Cat should not be left unsupervised outdoors in condo
If you want to give your cat some fresh air, this fully enclosed cat condo is a lightweight solution that won’t break the bank. This allows you to set it up on your patio or balcony so your kitty can watch the world while staying safely inside. Add-ons, such as a tunnel, can be purchased separately. One note: Do not leave cats outdoors unattended in this condo, as it is not meant to be used without supervision.
“This is a great way to allow your kitties to enjoy the fresh air and safe outdoor playtime. There are multiple levels to jump on, peek holes to jump through, a nice bed at the highest level,” one five-star Amazon reviewer wrote in part.
Dimensions: 47.25″L x 33″W x 46.75″H | Weight: 11.8 pounds | Colors: Black
RELATED: Best Outdoor Cat Houses
What to look for when shopping for a cat tree
Knowing your cat is important when it comes to choosing a cat tree. “While plenty of cats like to be high up, others prefer small spaces to hide,” says Dr. Sikule. “When choosing features, pay attention to your cat’s comfort level and where he or she naturally likes to hang out, whether it’s on the back of the sofa or behind the sofa.” Features to consider include:
✔️ Sturdiness: A stand-alone cat tree should not fall over easily; for safety, anchor it to the wall to prevent tip-overs, says Dr. Sikule.
✔️ Height: Many cat trees range from two to a maximum of about seven feet tall. Know your cat because some cats like to climb, while others don’t, says Dr. Sikule.
✔️ Cubbies: Places to hide and nap are appealing to many cats. Look for multiple cubby opening sizes to accommodate different cat preferences.
✔️ Multiple climbing and perching surfaces: If you have more than one cat, make sure there are multiple ways up and down a cat tree so one cat isn’t stuck at the top if the other is blocking the way down. You also should look for a wide top perch, for example, so it’s not always a battle about who gets the highest perch if they both like to sit high up.
✔️ Scratching posts: Cats need to scratch to stretch and hone their natural hunting skills. Look for a post that’s taller than their body length, since most cats like to scratch vertically. Sisal rope, cardboard, or carpet are all good options. Some units have replaceable parts, which is helpful for extending the life of the cat tree.
✔️ Toys: Dangling ropes, ladders, bouncing toys, and other attachments provide additional mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.
✔️ Replacement parts: This will help your cat tree last longer.
FAQ
- Does my cat need a cat tree?
Most indoor cats benefit from having a cat tree to emulate their natural environment in the wild. “Cats are healthiest when they’re getting physical and mental stimulation,” says Dr. Sikule. “A cat tree keeps them from getting bored and lets them do all the things they would outdoors such as climbing, jumping, hiding, and exploring.” - Should I have more than one cat tree if I have multiple cats?
It really depends on your room because the stand-alone units can take up a lot of floor space. Generally, cats are content to hang out together and share cat trees, says Dr. Sikule. Just make sure there are multiple places to hide and access to get up and down so more than one cat can play or rest on the cat tree at a time. You can also add a window hammock or wall unit to add to expand their play and resting options. - How do you clean a cat tree?
Most cat trees have surfaces that can be vacuumed, while some have removable pads that can be hand-washed. A handheld lint roller also helps remove the inevitable dust and fur that builds up.
