The Frisco 72-Inch Large Base Faux Fur Cat Tree and Condo was the tallest product the cats tested, and its oversized form is spacious enough to accommodate two or even three cats at a time.
As you might expect, assembling this cat tree takes longer than others, as there are many pieces that need to be screwed into place. It took over an hour to put together by myself, but overall, I was impressed with the quality and size of this product, especially for such a reasonable price.
Best Cat Tree For Large Cats
An Oversized, Extra-Sturdy Tree For Big Breeds
Cat Tree King Cat Trone XXL
Our score: 9/10 | Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 47 inches | Weight: 55 pounds | Materials: Engineered wood, sisal, faux fur | Colors: Cream, dark gray or light gray | Care: Spot-clean base and hand-wash pillow
Best for:
- Large, heavyweight cats
- Oversized scratching posts that cats love
Skip if:
- You’re short on space
One of the biggest problems with cat trees is that most are too small for breeds like Maine coons or rag dolls, so I wanted to test an option that would work for bigger cats. The Cat Trone XXL fit the bill; this oversized cat tree was designed specifically for big, heavy animals, and the construction is extra sturdy, with plenty of room for even the largest felines to lounge.
This oversized option is ideal for comfortably accommodating larger cats.
This cat tree has a basic design, with a jump-up platform and bed on top, but the brand does offer other designs with features like condos and hammocks. Because there were just a few pieces, the tree was quick to assemble, and I was impressed by the thick sisal-wrapped support poles, which are a whopping 8 inches in diameter and extremely sturdy. The pole also proved to be a great scratching post—Sophie loved that she could wrap her paws around it to sink in her claws. Despite being a smaller cat, she loved curling up on the spacious top platform to sleep, and it could easily accommodate an animal twice her size.
Best Cat Tree For Small Spaces
A Simple And Sleek Option For Cats To Climb
Amazon Basics Cat Tree Indoor Climbing Activity Tower With Scratching Posts
Our score: 7.5/10 | Dimensions: 17.7 x 17.7 x 45.9 inches | Weight: 22.2 pounds | Materials: Engineered wood, jute, carpet | Colors: Beige | Care: Spot-clean only
Best for:
- Smaller homes
- Multiple height options
- Carpet-covered platforms
Skip if:
- You have a larger cat
- You want something stylish
If you’re short on space, this basic cat tree from Amazon has a small footprint that fits neatly into a corner, yet it was a favorite for Piper and Henry. It comes in either a three- or four-tier design, with the taller version being ideal for cats to perch and gaze out of a nearby window. The carpet-covered tree provided ample traction for climbing, and Piper often napped in the round top area, perfectly sized for her to curl up in.
This sturdy and simple option is best suited for cats under 10 pounds.
The cat tree is quite sturdy, with all posts wrapped in jute for scratching. However, the beige carpet fabric may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option available. It’s best suited for cats under 10 pounds; Henry, who weighs around 12 pounds, found the top bed a tad cramped.
Best Modern Cat Tree
A Stylish Pyramid For Climbing Cats
Litter-Robot Cat Pyramid
Our score: 8/10 | Dimensions: 39 x 17.2 x 63.8 inches | Weight: 38.9 pounds | Materials: Composite wood, metal frame, sisal, felt pads | Colors: Walnut | Care: Spot-clean only
Best for:
- A stylish design that looks like furniture
- Cats who like climbing
- Quick and easy assembly
Skip if:
- Your cat likes a cozy place to sleep
- You’re shopping on a budget
If you want a cat tree that’s stylish and modern, we recommend the Cat Pyramid from Litter-Robot, the brand known for its self-cleaning litter boxes. At first glance, you could easily mistake this cat tree for a contemporary shelving unit—it has a sturdy metal frame and walnut-colored shelves that make it a sleek addition to any living space. However, it’s actually a playground for cats, featuring plush felt-lined shelves and holes so they can climb up and down the levels.
This cat tree could easily be mistaken for a contemporary shelving unit, but it’s actually a playground for cats. It features plush felt-lined shelves and holes, allowing them to climb up and down the levels.
While aesthetics are always nice, this tree also got the seal of approval from our cats in terms of functionality. Because Piper loves climbing, she would scuttle up the shelves to sit on the very top perch and look out over the room. The bottom shelf is also covered in a sisal scratching pad, where she would frequently sharpen her claws. The only major downsides are that this cat tree lacks a bed for your cat to sleep in and that the brand doesn’t accept returns.
Best Cat Tree Condo
A Modern Option With A Spacious Bed
Catit Vesper High Base
Our score: 9/10 | Dimensions: 22.1 x 22.1 x 47.8 inches | Weight: 40.5 pounds | Materials: MDF, memory foam, seagrass | Colors: Black, oak or walnut | Care: Wipe down base and spot-clean cushions
Best for:
- Sleek modern design
- Large condo area that will fit most cats
- Extra-tall scratching post
Skip if:
- Your cat likes carpet-covered trees
- You want an option that’s easy to assemble
The Catit Vesper High Base cat tree is another option with a contemporary design, and it has one of the biggest enclosed “condo” areas of all the trees the cats tested. The square hideout area has openings on both the front and back, and it’s around 15 inches wide and deep, lined with a plush memory foam pillow. (For comparison, many other trees have condos that are only 10 to 12 inches wide, which may be cramped for some animals.) I also liked that it has an extra-tall scratching post that gives bigger cats like Henry a place to stretch as they sharpen their claws.
The Catit Vesper High Base cat tree is has one of the biggest enclosed “condo” areas of all the trees the cats tested.
While this tree is more stylish than most, it was also more time-consuming to assemble. The process was akin to putting together IKEA furniture, with lots of cam locks and dowels to put in place. I also needed a power drill to attach the hanging toy, as the holes weren’t predrilled. Still, once it was together, the design was sturdy and attractive, and it would fit right in to a contemporary living space.
Best Designed Cat Tree
A Modular Design That Snaps Together
Petlibro Infinity Cat Tree Villa
Our score: 8/10 | Dimensions: 30.7 x 30.7 x 40.9 inches | Weight: 45.3 pounds | Materials: Plastic, felt, hemp, jute | Colors: Natural | Care: Wipe down base and spot-clean cushions
Best for:
- Fast, easy assembly
- A modular design that can be reconfigured
- Replaceable components
Skip if:
- Your cat likes soft beds or carpet-covered trees
Most cat trees are quite similar in construction, but the Petlibro Infinity Cat Tree Villa stood out during testing thanks to its modular design. Not only can this cat tree be assembled in different configurations and rearranged as often as you want, but its pieces snap together for quick and easy assembly. After spending weeks using tiny Allen wrenches to assemble other trees, the innovative design of this product was a refreshing change.
This cat tree can be assembled in different configurations and rearranged as often as you want.
Most of the Infinity Cat Tree Villa is made from thick plastic, with felt pads on its perches to make them more inviting, along with a felt bed for napping. Since Piper prefers carpet-covered trees, this model wasn’t her favorite, but she did try it out a few times and even took a nap on the bed. The brand also offers replacement pieces and add-on components, including various styles of beds and hanging toys, allowing you to customize the tree to suit your cat’s preferences.
Other Cat Trees I Tested
I tested a variety of other cat trees, and while they didn’t end up in my top picks, many of them are still worthwhile options to consider for your pet.
How I Tested Cat Trees
I began my search for the best cat trees by researching top-rated products from brands like Mau, Frisco, Tuft + Paw and Amazon Basics. I also consulted with three cat behavior experts to determine which types of cat trees provide the most engagement. While there are countless cat trees available today, I narrowed down my selection to 17 contenders, encompassing various styles, sizes and prices.
Upon receiving each cat tree, I assembled the pieces, noting the ease of assembly and any challenges encountered. I carefully assessed the quality of materials used and the stability of the tree once assembled. Following this, I enlisted the help of my cat, Piper, who is 2 years old and weighs approximately 9 pounds. Additionally, I involved a few other cats of different ages—11-year-old Sophie, 12-year-old Henry, 3-year-old Luna and 4-year-old Noodle—to gauge how the trees appealed to a range of animals.
Two-year-old Piper was one of the primary testers for the best cat trees.
Over a month, I observed which trees the cats used the most and which features they preferred. To explore their preferences further, I rotated the location of the trees every few days to see if this influenced their interest. At the conclusion of testing, I ranked the products based on their quality, performance and overall appeal to cats.
My Expertise
I’m a professional product tester with eight years of experience reviewing various lifestyle products, and I specialize in pet products. Cats have been a constant presence in my life—I’ve been a cat parent since forever, except for my college years. Having a feline companion at home brings me great joy, and I’ve tested numerous cat trees over the years, ranging from excellent to disappointing and even downright unattractive. Home and kitchen editor Sholeen Damarwala oversaw the in-depth testing and edited the story.
For additional insights on the benefits of cat trees, I spoke with three cat behavior experts while researching and writing this article. Joey Lusvardi is a certified cat behavior consultant at Class Act Cats; Albert Colominas is a cat trainer and behaviorist who runs OutdoorBengal; and Gwendolyn Mathers is the executive director at adoption organization Tail Town Cats.
How To Pick A Cat Tree
While testing cat trees, I discovered that many models are disappointingly small and suitable only for kittens or cats in the 8 to 10 pound range. “Always double-check the dimensions,” advises Mathers. “Some of the cutest cat trees are only suitable for kittens and will be quickly outgrown.” If dimensions aren’t listed, it’s wise to contact the manufacturer for clarification. Pay particular attention to the size of any beds or enclosed spaces, which often prove cramped for larger animals.
You’ll also want to consider the height of the tree, and when possible, choose one that’s at least 4 feet tall, suggests Colominas: “Select a cat tree that offers ample space and varying heights. Cats love to climb and perch, so choose one with multiple levels, platforms and perches.”
As with any pet product, ensuring the safety of your cat tree is crucial. “Safety should be the top priority when choosing a cat tree,” advises Lusvardi. “Check for any parts that your cat could ingest or that could potentially harm them. It should also be sturdy enough to support the combined weight of all your cats if they use it simultaneously.”
Keep in mind that extra-tall cat trees, such as the Frisco 72-inch Large Base Faux Fur Cat Tree and Condo, can be prone to wobbling. To prevent tipping, it’s advisable to anchor them to the wall. All the extra-tall cat trees we tested included anchoring hardware for this purpose.
Cat tree frames are commonly crafted from real wood, engineered wood or plastic, and Mathers notes that real wood is often most appealing to cats: “Wood is nature’s scratcher and enticing for even the pickiest cat. Natural materials feel nicer for the cat and avoid leaving bits of plastic floating around your home.”
Consider the material used to cover the tree and whether it will appeal to your pet. “Carpeted cat trees are economical and come in playful, colorful styles,” explains Mathers. “However, they tend to shed excessively and trap dust, litter and dander, creating a mess and quickly showing wear.”
Alternatively, look for trees with a wood or laminate finish, which are easy to clean, and consider options with removable or replaceable pads.
“Cats will like different features depending on their mood, so a tower with a variety of places to rest and play will be more popular all through the day as their mood and activity level cycles,” explains Lusvardi. Some features you may want to look for include:
- Perches: Perches are flat, elevated surfaces where your cat can sit or lie. Ideally, you’ll want a tree with multiple perches at different heights.
- Beds: Many cat trees have padded beds where your cat can sleep—you may want to look for an option with a machine-washable pad for easy maintenance.
- Condos: Some cats prefer enclosed sleeping areas, also called “condos,” which provide a sense of security as they nap: “If your cat has anxiety, a tree with a cubby will make them feel safe. A confident cat may prefer room to sprawl and stretch across a platform,” explains Mathers.
- Scratching posts: Most cat trees have incorporated scratching posts or pads: “Jute rope and sisal are favorites for scratching,” says Colominas. If you have a big cat, a taller scratching post will allow them room to stretch while clawing.
- Hanging toys: Dangling pompoms or toys are great for keeping cats engaged throughout the day. Some are even filled with catnip for extra appeal.
- Ramps: “If you have cats with mobility issues or senior cats, a cat tree that has ramps can allow your cat to still enjoy being up high without it being a challenge to get up and down,” says Lusvardi.
In terms of features to avoid, Colominas notes that most cats don’t like bridges or other elements that move.
With frequent use, cat trees can get dirty and worn down in areas. If you choose a fabric-covered model, you’re often limited to spot-cleaning stains, but models with a veneer finish can be wiped down with soap or disinfectant as needed. If you want to keep your cat tree looking good for as long as possible, you may want to opt for a tree like the Mau Cento, which has detachable pads that can be machine-washed.
If your cat is rough with their toys, it’s also worth looking for a tree with replaceable components. For instance, Mau sells all the pieces of the Cento cat tree individually, so you can replace the baskets, rope and/or hanging pompoms if they get ripped or otherwise ruined.
Most cat trees ship flat-packed, requiring significant assembly. Many models use screws tightened with an Allen wrench or twist into place easily. However, modern designs such as the Catit Vesper High Base often involve more complex assembly. Models with engineered wood cubbies typically use cam locks and/or dowels, similar to inexpensive furniture, and may require additional tools for installation.
Prefer avoiding furniture assembly? Consider options like the Whisker City 37-Inch Faux Fur Cylinder Posh Pad Cat Tree, which comes fully assembled, or the Petlibro Infinity Cat Tree Villa, which snaps together without any tools.
