Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
Last Updated on April 4, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team Bed Dog
Cat trees are an amazing invention that can instantly transform a space. A good cat tree can blend in seamlessly with your decor, it can give a cat a castle to hide in, and it can prevent your cats from jumping on your furniture or scratching up your shoes. Cat trees come in all shapes and sizes, and there are designs to fit apartments, houses, multiple cat families, and more. But which cat trees are the best?
Here are the ten best cat trees on the market this year, including reviews, top picks, and a buyer’s guide. By the end, you will feel confident in clicking buy on the perfect cat tree for you and your feline friend.
The Go Pet Club 72-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo is a large and complex cat tree that has every feature that you could want for you and your kitties. This is a tall cat tree, standing 6 feet tall, giving your cats plenty of room to survey your house from a safe height. It also includes two ramps, three platforms, two condos, a dangling toy, and a whopping ten scratching posts. This tower is strong and made out of quality materials. It can support a maximum weight of 70 pounds which is more than enough for multiple cats to enjoy at once. This cat tree has everything any cat could want in one single purchase making it the best overall cat tree available.
This is a very large cat tree, and not everyone will need a tree of this size. It is also heavy and requires some assembly. Despite that, this is a great cat tree that is sturdy, large, and has a plethora of quality features for your cats to enjoy.
Some cat trees can cost a lot of money. Some of the most expensive cat trees can go for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If you are looking for the best cat tree for the money, you will be happy with the Frisco 20-in Faux Fur Cat Tree. This cat tree is very affordable and perfect for a single cat. It has a small footprint allowing you to stash it in almost any corner of your house or apartment. It features a cozy hammock that your cat can lie in, two dangling toys, two scratching posts, and a solid base. It has a very simple design. It is easy to assemble and can blend in due to its small profile.
This cat tree does not have any enclosed condos. It also is not meant for more than one cat, and even some large cats might struggle to find use with this cat tree. However, the Frisco 20-in Faux Fur Cat Tree is extremely affordable and will work for most medium and small cats.
The Omlet Freestyle Cat Tree is a game-changer for any feline household, offering unparalleled versatility and durability. Who knew a cat tree could be completely customizable to fit your cat’s needs while also complimenting your household? With multiple platforms, hammocks, scratching posts, and colors to choose from, it provides endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation for your kitties.
If you’re in an apartment, create a sleek design that can easily be mounted in the corner. If you have more space, feel free to go crazy and add multiple poles and platforms to create the ultimate playground for your feline companion. With sturdy, aluminum core poles that extend up to 14.50ft, this cat tree is ready to handle even the most rambunctious cats. Combine that with durable bamboo platforms and hand-woven fabrics, this product was designed to be the last cat tree you’ll ever need to buy.
What truly sets the Omlet Freestyle Cat Tree apart is its thoughtful inclusion of removable pieces, allowing you to simply recycle and replace the cardboard scratching pads once your cat’s claws have worked through them. Whether your cat is a climber, a lounger, or a scratcher, this tree offers something for every feline family member.
If you are looking for a premium option, you need to look into the MAU 73″ Tall Modern Cat Tree Scratching Tower. This cat tower is a piece of art. It is stylish and modern and will look good in almost any space. It does not look like a cat tree at first glance. The frame is made from wood with metal connectors, and each section has a sturdy woven basket that can fit a cat up to 17 pounds. The MAU 73″ Tall Modern Cat Tree Scratching Tower looks like a piece of furniture or decor. Every part of the tree can be replaced, meaning you can keep the same cat tree for years to come. It also comes with a one-year warranty that will guarantee any replacement parts for the first year. All of this together gives you a stylish cat tree, with quality materials that are able to be maintained for years to come.
The downsides to this product are the price (this is the most expensive option on this list) and assembly. This tower is tricky to put together, and if you do not do it properly, it will be wobbly and unstable at the top. Otherwise, this cat tree oozes quality from top to bottom, and it can be maintained for years to come.
Not everyone can fit a massive cat tree in their house. Some people live in small condos, apartments, or townhomes that cannot accommodate large cat trees. That is where the Frisco 24.8-in Heavy Duty Faux Fur Cat Tree comes in. This cat tree has a very small footprint. It only takes up 2.5 square feet and only stands 2 feet tall. This cat tree is very simple, and due to its small size, it’s also great for kittens! It contains one central trunk that doubles as a scratching post. It also includes a wide upper basket that is 16 inches across and 5 inches deep, which is large enough to accommodate most cats.
Some people consider the Frisco 24.8-in Heavy Duty Faux Fur Cat Tree to be too small. It fits most cats snugly and should offer plenty of room for kittens. It does not have a lot of extra room for playing as your cat reaches their full size, though. Other owners were not big fans of the color.
The Yaheetech 51-in Plush Multi-Cat Kitten Tree & Condo is an excellent medium-sized cat tree. This cat tree has a lot of features without taking up an overwhelming amount of space. It retains a small footprint on the bottom while adding some height. This tree is covered in a plush carpet and made from a compact particle board. It features a ramp, a condo, a hammock sling, a platform, and a tube. It also features two scratching posts.
This tree only has a weight limit of 10 pounds per section. That means it is good for small cats, young cats, and light cats. It can accommodate two to three cats that weigh 10 pounds or less. Those constraints might not work for every buyer.
The IMUsee 68 Inches Multi-Level Cat Tree for Large Cats is a large cat tree that is designed to accommodate multiple small cats or a couple of large cats. This cat tree is very large and packed with quality features. This tree includes two condos, six platforms and open sleeping areas, a ramp, multiple scratching posts, three dangle toys, and a large base. The base is thick and measures 20 x 24 inches, giving you a firm foundation to build your cat tree. This tree is perfect for a room dedicated to cats or for a family with multiple cats. This tree can accommodate cats of all ages and sizes. Despite its large size, it is relatively easy to assemble and great value for the money.
One of the biggest complaints is about some rare but significant quality control issues. This product is made somewhat cheaply, and some of the predrilled holes are shallow, and some boxes were missing parts. Again, these issues are rare but notable.
The Yaheetech 76.5in Cat Tree Cat Tower with 3 Condos is an extremely tall cat tower that is great for a variety of different cat owners. This tower can fit multiple cats, or it can be used by a cat to get a great vantage point. Some cats love to be up high, and this tree has three separate platforms that stand over 6 feet in the air. This keeps your cats on the cat tree and off the top of your cabinets or antique shelving. This large cat tree has multiple condos, platforms, toys, and scratching posts.
The biggest complaint about the Yaheetech 76.5in Cat Tree Cat Tower with 3 Condos is the longevity. Some people claim that their towers started to break down after less than a year of heavy use. That is something to keep in mind before investing.
Many cat owners have a taste for cute things. Cute cats, cute decor, cute clothes, cute cat trees. If you want an adorable cat tree that will enhance your personal style, you want to look at the Yaheetech Cactus 42-in Plush Cat Tree. This cat tree is designed to look like a plushie cactus. Each part is cactus green, and it has cute arms and a visible texture. The aesthetics are notable but not overwhelming. It has a great contrast of greens, tans, and browns. This cat tree can add a burst of color and texture to your room, and it is a cat tree your cats will love. It includes a ramp, a condo, two platforms, and multiple scratching areas. Each section can handle an 11-pound cat and can accommodate multiple cats.
This cat tree won’t be for everyone. Not everyone is going to want a large cactus tree in their living room. The price is also a bit high compared to other similar cat trees.
For a wooden option that eschews particle board and plywood, there is the Tangkula Modern Cat Tree, Multi-Level Large Cat Tower. This tower has a modern design, quality materials, and tons of features, and can hold multiple cats at once. The frame is made from durable pine wood and medium density fiber (MDF) board. Both of which are better than press wood and particle board. This cat tree has five separate levels, and each level can hold up to 30 pounds. That means that you can fit four or more cats on this tower without worrying about the structure or integrity. This tower also features a variety of different areas for your cat to enjoy, including platforms, hammocks, condos, and slings.
The biggest downsides to the Tangkula Modern Cat Tree, Multi-Level Large Cat Tower are the weight (77 pounds) and the assembly. This large tree can be difficult to assemble, and each part has to be fitted together perfectly, and some minor quality control issues can throw off assembly.
Here are some things to consider when choosing the right cat tree for your home.
There are a large number of different sized cat trees on the market. Some of them have a footprint as small as 2 square feet. Other cat trees can stand 6 feet tall or more and can take up a large section of your room. It is a good idea to pick out the area where you want to put your cat tree before buying one so you can measure it and make sure it fits. You want to measure the floor space so you can pick a cat tree with a base that will fit, and you want to measure the overhead area to ensure that the tree is not too tall. Always be sure to double-check the dimensions of any product before buying it.
Cat trees have a very wide range of prices. The most affordable cat trees can cost as little as $30, while the most expensive cat trees can cost $400 or more. There are even some cat trees that cost thousands of dollars. Set a firm budget before you start shopping so that you can easily narrow down your options to fit your budget. If you don’t want to spend more than $100, you can easily tailor your search to fit your budget to ensure that you get what you need without breaking the bank.
There are multiple materials that cat towers can be made out of and covered in. Some towers are made from compressed wood or thin plywood. Other towers are made from sturdier wood or composite materials. Some towers are covered in carpet or wrapped in special scratching materials. Each type of material has its own set of pros and cons. Some are cheaper than others, some are more durable than others, and some are heavier than others. Real solid wood and woven scratching materials like sisal are typically the strongest and the most expensive materials.
Cat towers have a plethora of extra features to consider, including ramps, scratching towers, toys, condos, and more. Not every cat will need every feature, and most cats won’t use most extra features. Some features are meant to make the tower look better. Other features are primarily for the cats alone. Extra features can add to the size and price of the cat tree, so try and choose the features that you know you will use and appreciate the most.
Every cat is different, and every household is different. You should tailor your cat tree purchase to fit your cat (or cats) as much as possible. Some cats need a scratching tower, others will never touch it. Some cats like to be exposed when they sleep, while other cats like being in the cat cave. Some cats want to sleep up high, others like to sleep near the ground.
Knowing what your cat’s preferences are and what they will respond to the best will help you get a cat tree that will be utilized the most. The last thing you want is to do a bunch of research and spend a bunch of money only to find out that your cat hates the tree you bought. (And that has happened before.) Your needs and your space constraints are important, but your cat’s needs are also important.
This list features a ton of amazing cat trees of all shapes and sizes that will work for a variety of different homes and situations. For the best overall cat tree, you need to check out the Go Pet Club 72-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo, which is expansive, feature complete, and available for a fair price. If you are on a budget and looking for something more affordable, try the Frisco 20-in Faux Fur Cat Tree. If you are looking for a premium choice or something to fit your individual style, you need to look at a modern cat tree like the Omlet Freestyle Indoor Cat Tree. Whatever your needs or your situation, there is a phenomenal option on this list that will work for you, and we hope our reviews helped you find the perfect one!
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
Mouse House Cat Toy Grant is a freelance writer with years of experience writing about a diverse range of topics. He currently lives in his native Florida with his wife. His days are spent writing, raising a rambunctious son, and caring for eight animals (two horses, two donkeys, two goats, and two dogs). In his free time he enjoys slowly carving out a quaint hobby farm from the Southern scrub.