The 10 Best Cat Trees, Tested and Reviewed

Cat trees are purpose-built cat activity centers with built-in features like cat caves, staggered platforms, scratching posts, and lounging spaces. They are great for giving your cat their own personal space to relax and help fulfill their natural instincts to climb, scratch, play, and seek privacy.

We tested 34 cat trees to help you pick the best cat tree for your house and your cats. 

We tested this tree in a multi-cat household with four cats, ages two, five, and seven. Our tester reported that all four cats were huge fans of the tree, and could even safely and securely play or lay on the tree at the same time. After a solo 45-minute assembly requiring an included hand tool, the tree was standing tall and sturdy at six feet tall. Our tester did note that the two ramps appeared to be loose, but it didn’t impede on the cats’ experience of the tree. 

This tree has six levels, including two boxy cat houses with multiple entry points, small platform perches, and three rimmed circular platforms at the top. The posts are wrapped in durable, extra-thick sisal and the rest of the tree is covered in plush faux fur.

Most cats love being as high up as possible in order to survey their kingdom and keep an eye out for threats, so we’re big fans of the 72-inch height this tree provides while still being very sturdy, even with four cats on the top. Plus, it’s a great pick for cats of all ages and abilities thanks to the two ramps and plentiful places to scratch, jump, rest, and lounge. Our tester placed this tree in front of a window and found it gave each of their cats a spot to watch the action outdoors from their preferred space on the tree—no fighting for the best view required. 

Some downsides our tester noted were that the platforms and perches seemed a little narrow and small for their longer-bodied cats, and they’re not sure this would be the best tree for someone with very large cats. They also mentioned that the included hanging mouse toy, unfortunately, was “murdered” after just three days of playtime between their four cats (RIP). The rest of the tree appeared to be extremely well-built and durable enough to last a decent amount of time, making this a great bang-for-your-buck tree, especially if you have a very active kitty or multiple cats. 

Available in beige, beige-black, and black

Mau offers a modern take on the traditional cat tree with design-forward cat trees for contemporary spaces. I was originally drawn to the Mau line of trees because of their stylish, nature-meets-minimalist aesthetic, but it won me over because of how accommodating it is for Bo, my large, particularly long cat that weighs about 17 pounds.

At about 18 months old, Bo quickly outgrew his traditional, mid-height multi-level cat tree and could no longer fit in the hammock bed or cat cave, and the top platform wasn’t big enough for him to lie down. The Centro’s 17-inch-wide baskets are wide enough for him to nap and stretch out in, while the sides are high enough to give him a comfy cradle yet shallow enough for him to hop into. 

Each tree is handmade with a frame made of sustainably-sourced wood branches, so essentially one-of-a-kind. The Centro has three levels: a base level with a plush fur-lined cat cave and two levels with a single, shallow, woven rattan basket with removable faux fur cushion. The posts are wrapped in sections of natural sisal. The tree is sturdy, though sometimes it seems to shake, and it is a breeze to drag across my hard floor when I move it from the window to the corner. He’s also a medium-haired cat with a double coat, so I appreciate that I’m able to toss the plush circular pads into the wash, no problem. I have the white version, which is very smooth and soft, but it’s worth noting that the gray and brown versions look like they are a different plush material. 

A word of warning, however, these trees can be a painstaking process to put together, and I wish the roomy cat cave (which is fully lined on all sides, inside and out) had padding or a removable pad. 

Modern design with replaceable parts

More We Recommend

If you’re looking for a big, fully featured cat tree, the Frisco 72-Inch Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo has it all: toys, ramps, scratching posts, a dangling rope, elevated platforms, and multiple “cat condo” hiding spots. And while we’re not the biggest fans of giving over a part of our living space to a giant, carpeted, traditionally designed cat tree, this Frisco cat tree is available in six different color schemes (including a cheetah print version!), so you can pick one that will stand out the least (or the most) in your space.

The Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo has a whopping 10 scratching posts, two condos, and three high-up perches. Crucially, while there is a single, highest perch, there are two additional perches that are nearly as elevated, so multiple cats will be less likely to constantly fight over a single perch. As the name would suggest, this cat tree towers at 6 feet high, satisfying your cat’s instincts to attain the high ground to observe their surroundings.

_{Provides multiple spots to hide, climb, scratch, and relax}

The marquee feature of the Feandrea Cat Tree for Large Cats is its massive, cushioned top perch, which is 22 by 16 inches—plenty of space for big cats. But what we also love about this Feandrea cat tree is that it crams a lot of useful features into an approximately 24-inch by 16-inch footprint, making it an excellent pick for small apartments or spaces, particularly those with multiple cats.

The Feandrea Cat Tree for Large Cats boasts two “condo playhouses”—which provide enclosed spaces for your cats to hide, play, and nap—in addition to the perch on top. The higher of the two condos includes two exits/entrances, so that your cat can zoom through on their way to a different platform, or simply have a place to hide where they don’t feel cornered. Between the two condos, the base, and the top perch, there are four different elevation levels available on a cat tree that’s only 33 inches high.

In our testing, we found the Feandrea cat tree to be sturdy enough to hold up to a cat jumping in and out of the condo doorways, with a usefully compact size comparable to a small accent cabinet.

The only real downside is the scratching posts. Though beefy, with a 3.4-inch diameter, the sisal rope is only wrapped around the middle portion of each post; the rest is carpeted. This provides less opportunity for your cat to stretch out fully when scratching. Still, our tester cat didn’t seem to mind, and eagerly used the scratching posts.

Available in three different colors

The Refined Feline Metropolitan Cat Condo looks like a bookshelf, with platforms arranged in a stepped pattern, making it easy for multiple cats to hop between levels. Each platform is ample, with a 13-inch by 18.5-inch surface large enough for any size of cat to lie down. But our favorite part is the sheer number of options, including four different frame colors and a wide range of ways to customize each of the five platforms.

After choosing between gray, gold, white, and black frames, your Cat Condo can be further customized with multiple shelving configurations. In addition to white, black, or walnut platform color options, your primary choice is between a configuration that includes four platform cushions and a scratchpad, and a second configuration with five faux fur covers, which make it look like your cats are napping on clouds.

After that, you can customize even further with optional parts and accessories, like a platform with a built-in food bowl or replacement sisal scratch pads. Most platform accessories, like the cushions and scratchers, are secured to the platforms with Velcro-like strips, making it easy to swap out replacements or remove cushions for cleaning.

But the Refined Feline’s Metropolitan Cat Condo is a sturdy and useful option even without its impressive customization options. It’s got a 31- by 15-inch footprint, which keeps it steady all the way to its 62-inch top. Designed to hold multiple cats, the Metropolitan Cat Condo also includes a wall anchor for additional security.

Available in gray, gold, white, and black

You can rotate the three Tuft & Paw Frond Cat Tree perches around its sisal-wrapped pole for endlessly unique jumping and climbing challenges. While the Tuft & Paw Frond Cat Tree looks modest—especially considering its high price—its combination of practical features and considerate design makes this one of the most attractive cat trees available.

The Frond’s perches are plywood with an ash veneer and are shaped like petals, with curves that make them look more like curio shelves than a cat toy. However, the Frond also isn’t trying to disguise what it is—it looks like a cat tree, just an attractive one. Plus, it’s easy to assemble and finds a nice middle ground size, with a 24-inch diameter base and a height an inch over 4 feet tall.

While the rotating perches let you turn the Tuft & Paw Frond Cat Tree into a new challenge every day, the perches are limited a little by their size, since they aren’t really large enough for naps. This is more of an active cat tree, suitable for high-altitude surveillance more than snoozing.

Easy to wipe clean

The On2Pets Modern Cat Tree may not look real, but it does look fun. Plus, it’s available in a wide range of configurations, with swappable leaves that you can update with the seasons.

The Modern Cat Tree is built atop a sturdy base, which is available in either square (24 by 24 inches) or round (26-inch diameter) foundations that look like a patch of grass. From there, the cat tree rises to 5 feet tall, providing three carpeted shelves at various heights. While the Modern Cat Tree feels completely stable from a safety perspective, the highest perch sometimes got a little wobbly, and our cats mostly stuck to the lower two levels.

Each platform has little plastic ports—or holes—where you insert the branches. The branches themselves are about 18 inches long and made from PVC, with non-toxic silk leaves that cats can munch on without shedding plastic shavings. These modular branches can be easily replaced; On2Pets offers 8- and 24-branch bundles. Leaves come in ovate “Zen Green” or in multi-season maple leaves, with “Mixed Maple,” “Orange Blaze,” and “Deep Plum” allowing you to choose between your favorite shades of autumn. Overall, we felt the On2Pets Modern Cat Tree looked even better than in product photos, and the flexibility of the branches had us spreading and dressing them for maximum verisimilitude.

While the ease with which you can change out one or every branch on the Modern Cat Tree is one of its coolest features, it also means that active play will sometimes shake a branch or two loose. While never a major annoyance, we did begin to anticipate needing to reinstall a branch or two whenever our test cats got the zoomies or pounced on each other through some leaves.

We had two cats try out the On2Pets Modern Cat Tree, and both of them loved the combination of perch and hiding spot provided by the foliage—”it seems to make them feel more in touch with their wild instincts,” our tester noted. Our cats also loved the artificial turf base, and, despite using it as an occasional scratch pad, we’ve yet to notice any wear and tear.

While our test cats took to the On2Pets Modern Cat Tree immediately, we could imagine it being more daunting for older or more cautious cats, who typically like an unobstructed view of exactly where they’re leaping. In these situations, one or two branches on the On2Pets tree can be removed individually—or even just flexed to one side—showing your cat a clear pathway onto the cat tree. On2Pets also recommends a maximum weight of 32 pounds.

Despite some small weaknesses, the On2Pets Modern Cat Tree excels at capturing the appeal of real foliage. If your cat can’t resist messing with your houseplants, then this is likely to become their new favorite hang.

While we tested out a large, 5-foot version of the Modern Cat Tree, On2Pets also offers 4-foot and 2-foot versions.

Available in zen green, mixed maple, orange blaze, and deep plum

Each of the three cat condos in this stackable tower arrives pre-assembled and includes a removable cushion, plus carpeted and sisal surfaces. The bottom and top condo boxes have one opening, while the middle cat condo has an entrance on each side, allowing cats to pass through.

Totaling 4 feet in height, the Trixie Lilo Cat Condos uses a combination of Velcro and a bolted surface to hold the three units together. They can be arranged with staggered entrances—providing more surfaces for your cat to find their footing and climb—or with the boxes squared off, requiring them to jump to higher condos. This also makes it a good option to place against a wall or even in a corner.

At 60 pounds, the Trixie Lilo isn’t easy to move around once assembled, but it is extra sturdy. The interiors are plush too, making these cat condos a place your cats will seek out, and will be able to rely on for years. We do wish it came in a few more color options, though.

Easiest setup of any cat tree we tested

For decades, the standard cat tree has been covered, often completely, in carpeting or faux fur. These materials are soft, hide cat hair fairly well, and tend to hold up longer than other soft materials, but they can become unhygienic or ratty over time. Luckily, there are non-carpeted options out there, like the Catit Vesper High Base Cat Tree. We’ve tested this tree (and its updates) over the last five years, and it constantly comes out on top. 

We like this tree because it has a lot of the tried-and-true features of a traditional cat tree (like staggered platforms and a dual-entry cat cave), but with an updated look with laminated MDF platforms and seagrass-covered posts. Removable—and replaceable—memory foam pads will also keep your cat comfy and the cat tree cleaner. 

We also appreciate the 47.8-inch height of the top observation platform since it falls between the maximum height of smaller, more compact cat trees and the larger, tallest trees. The removable pads attach to the inside of the square cat cave and the top platform via hook-and-loop tape and can be spot-cleaned or hand-washed. The tree also comes with a removable sisal scratching pad and a dangling rope with three rattan balls. One of our favorite things about this tree is that you can individually replace the parts, including the seagrass posts, as needed, making it more sustainable and cost-efficient than some competitors. 

We’ve found this tree to be sturdy and good for multi-cat households, but we caution using it for anyone with a senior cat since there aren’t any ramps and the cubed cave requires a dexterous little leap to get into. If this size is too big or you’re interested in a different layout, the Catit Vesper is also available in smaller sizes and alternative designs. 

Replacement components available

We tested this cat tree in a multi-cat household with four cats. All the cats were American shorthairs, ranging from five to nine pounds. According to our tester, the tree was easy to assemble with an intuitive design and image-led instructions.

This cat tree ends up being fairly heavy, likely because of the double-layered baseboard, which seemed to give the tree a nice, sturdy base. Although our tester didn’t feel the need to use them, there’s also an included set of wall anchors.

Our tester said the tree stood steady, even when one of their more rambunctious cats, Dave Grohl, would run and jump onto the tree. They also said that all four—!!!—of their cats would occasionally lay in the top padded bed at the same time. This tree has three levels, including a cat cave on the base level, an open platform on the second, and the roomy plush bed at the top.

Its three posts are completely covered in scratchable sisal, there’s a dangling faux fur ball for swatting, and the entire tree is covered in faux fur (though our tester noted this felt thin). They also mentioned the weight (slightly over 40 pounds) and dimensions made it more difficult to move than other trees. 

Covered with fabric and sisal rope

How We Tested the Cat Trees

Tests were conducted with real cats in real homes, with over 40 tester cats lending their expertise. We purchased 34 cat trees and sent it to a volunteer’s home, along with a written methodology that guided them from assembly through long-term testing.

Testers first documented ease of setup, using a stopwatch to determine how long it took them to set up their new cat tree and taking photos along the way. Testers then evaluated each cat tree’s quality for themselves, wiggling to determine its stability, recording how easy it was to move from spot to spot, and answering a bevy of additional questions.

Finally, our testers observed how their cats interacted with the tree over a two-week period. They noted any wear and tear while also recording which features of the tree their cats used and didn’t use. After providing detailed feedback and numerical scores across four different categories, each cat tree stayed in its new home for ongoing testing.

What to Look for in a Cat Tree

Appealing Features

Every cat tree has a different suite of features, but the most common ones are scratching posts, dangling toys, climbing ropes and surfaces, cat condos, high perches, cushioned areas, cat hammocks, and ramps.

If you hope a cat tree will alleviate furniture scratching, then scratchers should be an obvious priority. Similarly, if you have multiple cats, you’ll want to select a cat tree that includes duplicates of some features. A cat tree with a narrow top perch might become a permanent battle for king of the hill—better to find a cat tree with multiple elevated spots, so all of your cats can feel like royalty.

Replaceable Components

Almost all cat trees feature scratching surfaces somewhere in their design, most commonly pillars wrapped in sisal rope. While extremely durable, your cats will eventually pull apart the rope’s threads, or even unbind the sisal from its surface. Replacement sisal is widely available in a variety of thicknesses and colors. Once purchased, it’s relatively simple to re-wrap pillars for a fresh round of scratching. To wrap a pillar, begin at the bottom, using a staple gun, hot glue gun, or a combination of both, to secure the first loop of rope or twine around the base. From there, wrap it as tightly as possible, all the way to the top, then lock it in with additional staples and/or glue.

Other cat tree components may be a little trickier to replace, particularly if the manufacturer uses proprietary panels, unique scratching surfaces, or other uncommon parts. We have noted throughout when one of our favorite cat trees also has replacement parts available—a cat tree with modular components can greatly extend its useful lifespan.

Entrances

Whether it’s inside a cat tree or a cat house, cats love hiding places, as long as they feel like they can safely escape. But just because your cat tree has a built-in cat condo doesn’t mean your cat will use it. To maximize the chance that your cat will use every feature of your cat tree, including its hidden nooks, you can measure your cat in advance, using the standards developed for pet doors.PetSafe, the maker of some of our favorite dog doors, advises anyone installing a cat door to first measure the height of their cat’s body, from the top of the shoulders to the bottom of their chest. Add two inches, and you have the proper height for a cat door. Similarly, an opening for a cat should be two inches wider than their body. While cats are individuals, and some are more nervous entering enclosed spaces than others, picking a cat tree with size-appropriate hiding spaces will make it more likely that your cat will use every feature.

Other Cat Trees We Tested

Here are some more cat trees we tested and liked, but for one reason or another, they either weren’t up to snuff or didn’t quite make it onto our above ‘best of’ list. 

• AmazonBasics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts: This budget-friendly option crams a lot of cat tree on top of its 17.7-inch square base, providing multiple jute-wrapped pillars for scratching and four different carpeted levels. Its compact form combines enough height to intrigue cats (it tops out at just under 46 inches), while still being easy to tuck into a corner or in front of a window without blocking the view too much. There’s also a smaller version of the AmazonBasics Cat Activity Tree with one fewer platform, though we prefer the larger version, since it does such a good job at providing your cat with an elevated spot without taking up too much space.
• Frisco 28-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo: This faux fur-covered cat tree provides a bottom cat cave, sisal-covered scratching posts, and dual-level platforms, without taking up a lot of space. It’s an affordable option for anyone who doesn’t want their cat tree to be a main room feature. 
• Feandrea Cat Tree for Large Cats: For multi-cat households or particularly active cats, this cat tree has the classic cat tree look, with sisal-wrapped posts, plush faux fur covering, and a relatively slim profile. The tree offers six levels, four platform perches, a scratching pad ramp, two plush cat caves, three top-level perch beds, and 15 scratching posts. 
• PetFusion Ultimate Cat Climbing Tower: Most cats are innate climbers and this 6.5-foot tree is essentially one long sisal-wrapped post for your cat to climb, but it needs to be mounted to a wall to keep it secure. There are two perch platforms with thin removable pads, one about halfway and one at the top where your climber can (theoretically) rest and reap rewards for its hard work. Unfortunately, our tester’s cat found out the hard way that the platforms’ smooth surface made it extremely hard to pull up onto. 
• Catastrophic Creations The Grotto: This box-style cat tree is more of an activity cube. It packs a bunch of features into its compact design—the zigzag canvas fabric provides climbing space and three resting hammocks on different levels, and the sides are covered in textured bamboo for scratching. It was a bit snug for our medium-sized cat tester, so we think this cat tree is better suited for kittens.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

I’m K. Alex Beaven, a writer for The Spruce Pets, a lifelong cat owner, and current butler for my cat, Bo. Bo is a social but independent cat who loves jumping, climbing, and having his own space. He is large and long, so finding a cat tree to accommodate his needs, the Mau Cento Cat Tree, required a significant amount of trial and error.