The best cat trees ward off boredom for our feline friends by providing indoor playgrounds, ideal vantage points, cozy retreats, and scratching posts. They also help indoor cats get much-needed exercise and channel their natural climbing and scratching instincts to appropriate surfaces in the home.
After interviewing three cat behavior experts, rigorously testing nine cat trees, and observing my two cats playing, scratching, and napping on the trees, I chose the 65-inch-tall Armarkat Classic Cat Tree as the best overall. With a hammock, cubby, sisal scratching surfaces, faux-fur-covered platforms, and two beds, this tree has something for every cat.
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Our top picks for the best cat trees
Best overall: Armarkat Classic Cat Tree A6501 - See at Chewy
Best modern: Mau Lifestyle Cento Cat Tree - See at Chewy
Best for large cats: Frisco 72-in Faux Fur Cat Tree and Condo - See at Chewy
Best customizable: Petlibro Infinity Cat Tree Castle - See at Amazon
Best hammock: Feandrea White and Brown Large Cat Tree with Hammock - See at Walmart
Best budget: Frisco 48-in Faux Fur Cat Tree and Condo - See at Chewy
Best overall
With an affordable price point and loads of cat-friendly features, this tree offers a compact solution for cats to climb, play, scratch, nap, and hide.
What we like
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Something you quickly learn about cats is that each one has unique preferences for napping, playing, and even scratching surfaces. The Armarkat Classic Cat Tree offers an ideal combination of cat-friendly features, including a conveniently placed platform that can help seniors and kittens access the fun. And at just 28 inches wide, it's compact enough to fit in smaller spaces.
This tree's size and combination of features make it a good fit for multi-cat households. However, keep in mind that the experts I spoke to recommend placing at least two cat trees in different locations within your home, even if you only have one cat, to give them options.
My 11-pound cat, Atlas, loved spilling over the bolster bed to bat at the dangling toy. Meanwhile, my 10-pound cat, Lyra, often curled up in the double-lined hammock, paw over face, sleeping. While they enjoyed their respective territories, there are more features to entice cats. The tent hideaway has a soft exterior and a silky interior lining inside, but large cats may find the cubby small. Additionally, the tree has a looped sisal rope attachment, which both cats deemed a worthy chew toy.
The freestanding tree lacks an optional wall mount, but it remained stable under the combined weight of my cats. And while it doesn't have removable, machine-washable components, cat trees shouldn't be frequently cleaned, says Laura Watson, a registered veterinary nurse and cat welfare assistant at International Cat Care. She says cats deposit chemical messages in their environment to establish territory and build positive relationships with other cats, which can help them feel secure. Washing them away could contribute to stress or anxiety.
Best modern
This statement piece is crafted from solid wood and has a sturdy design that will last for many cat naps to come.
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The exceptional quality of the Mau Cento has me overlooking some of its shortcomings. It stands out as the most sturdy and aesthetically pleasing among the cat trees I tested. It's also the only one in this guide constructed from real solid wood — the preferred material for cat trees, according to Rachel Geller, a certified cat behavior and retention specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc. However, the Cento lacks a variety of beds and perches, and the sisal rope may not extend high enough for adult cats to fully stretch when scratching. Fortunately, Mau Lifestyle makes other trees with varying perching, playing, and sleeping options that may be more suitable for your cat and household.
Rather than platforms, the Cento features two woven rattan basket beds perched at the top of each sustainably sourced branch. Lyra happily curled up for napping, but the baskets may not be ideal for cats like Atlas who prefer to stretch out. Reaching the toys dangling from the undersides of the baskets can also be challenging. The floor-level faux-fur-covered cubby was a favorite play spot, providing an ideal vantage point for ambushing passing cat teaser toys.
In case of wear and tear or if you wish to change cushion colors, the brand offers replacement parts, including individual platform beds that can be swapped with the baskets. The cat tree's minimal parts made assembly easy. For every cat tree purchased, Mau plants a tree in its place.
Best for large cats
At a towering 6 feet high, this multi-tier tree accommodates cats of all weights and sizes and even has large and extra-large cubbies.
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Large cats will find ample room to stretch out on the multi-tiered Frisco 72-inch Cat Tree, with its six platforms and two cubbies. Lyra liked nesting in the smaller cubby (9.8" high x 12" wide x 12" deep), while the larger cubby (11.6" tall x 19.5" wide x 12.2" deep) offered generous space for Atlas.
I like that the tree offers several platforms and beds for cats to lounge, including a large second-tier platform and three high-rise bolster beds. Geller recommends choosing a tree that offers multiple tiers, platforms, and cubbies for households with one or more cats, even if they tend to get along.
Atlas particularly enjoyed playing in the largest cubby, turning it into a fort to attack toys along the fabric wall. However, her nails caught during play, and the thin fabric tore during my durability test, suggesting that the cubbies likely won't stand up to vigorous daily play. I recommend installing the included wall mounting unit to address a slight wobble.
Best budget
If cost stands in the way of purchasing a cat tree, this $60 model has everything and more your cat needs.
The Frisco 48-inch cat tree is an affordable option that doesn't skimp on cat-friendly features. Although it's not as tall as some of my other recommendations, my cats didn't seem to mind. Many mornings, they eagerly climbed to the top platform to enjoy an unobstructed window view. The tree also has multiple scratching surfaces, including a sisal rope-covered incline, bolstered beds, a cubby, and a dangling toy.
With a modest size and a manageable number of parts, the tree took 45 minutes to assemble solo. Admittedly, it would have been quicker if the parts and screws were labeled — and if my cats didn't insist on prematurely napping in the 12-by-12-inch cubby. As for cleaning up messes such as hairballs, the Frisco cat tree can be spot-cleaned and vacuumed.
Watson recommends offering one cat tree per cat plus an additional one, but this can get pricey and takes up valuable floor space. This tree is a compact, cost-effective solution with multiple features, sturdiness, and durability.
Best customizable
A snap to put together, you can configure the Infinity cat tree to fit almost any space and reconfigure it to pique the interest of finicky felines.
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The modular Petlibro Infinity Cat Tree Castle is ideal for cats who quickly lose interest in their beds and toys. You can customize the tree's platform heights, base dimensions, and the height of the tree itself. It also offers a variety of materials for cats to scratch, a sought-after feature in cat trees, according to Watson. She says that while jute and sisal are durable, senior cats, kittens, or those with special needs may prefer softer scratching surfaces, such as carpet or corrugated cardboard.
The tree took a quick 30 minutes to assemble. It was easy to twist or snap the plastic pieces into place, and I only needed the included hex key to secure the base. I reconfigured the tree multiple times, settling on a 48.5-inch-tall design that worked perfectly as an extension to my cats' window solarium. Lyra and Atlas delighted in zooming up the tree to watch the birds early in the morning. The elongated corrugated scratching board was their preferred scratcher. The tree comes with two clip-on toys that can withstand aggressive biting and batting.
Although weak glue caused one of the scratchers to disconnect from the tree during testing, the company shipped us a replacement part, and I haven't had any issues since. If your cat is easily frightened or dislikes changes in their environment, I don't recommend reconfiguring the tree as Geller says this could stress them out.
Best hammock
This tree's robust hammock is supported by a metal frame, providing ample support for large cats, while the snug plush interior ensures cozy naps.
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My cat Lyra loved the hammock of the Feandrea tree, nestling into the plush fabric for her mid-afternoon naps. With two layers of fabric and a robust metal frame, this hammock provides ample support for even the chonkiest of cats. Beyond its sturdy construction, the tree features modern, clean lines and removable ultra-plush fabric. It's a stylish and budget-friendly addition to any cat-friendly space.
I appreciated the clear labeling of the parts and hardware for easy assembly, a rare feature among the trees I tested. Despite a thread snagging on the hammock during my durability testing, the tree held up well to wear and tear overall. This proved especially true for the cubby, which is constructed from manufactured wood rather than fabric.
The cubby may be a tight squeeze for large cats, measuring 10.2" tall x 13.4" wide x 11.8" deep. During testing with my cats, the tree had a slight wobble, so you'll want to secure it to the wall with the included hardware.
What to look for in a cat tree
Based on input from my experts, research, and personal experience, I compiled the following criteria to consider when shopping for a cat tree.
Cat-friendly features: Watson says you'll need to understand your cat's preferences to select the best tree for them.
- Platforms and perches: Experts told me it's important for platforms and perches to be placed at varying heights because it allows cats to choose perching and resting locations that suit their preferences and abilities while promoting physical activity and a sense of territory.
- Beds: The destination should be just as enticing as the climb to get there, says Stephen Quandt, a certified cat behavior specialist. A bolstered plush cat bed or even hammocks may be more comfortable for rest than a platform. "Materials like faux fur or cotton will be the softest options for your cat," Geller says.
- Scratching surfaces: Geller says scratching surfaces wrapped in sisal rope are the most durable and effective in conditioning a cat's claws. However, preferences in scratching material and positioning can vary by cat and may be influenced by age. "Older cats between the ages of 10 and 14 years show a preference for carpet," Watson says. She explains that the tight structure of sisal requires more strength than carpet or cardboard to pull the claws through, which can prove challenging for senior cats.
- Hideaways: The best cat trees offer privacy because hiding to hunt or relax is part of a cat's day-to-day routine. While some cats prefer hiding in elevated perches with raised edges, others who typically enjoy resting under the bed may appreciate a floor-level hideaway.
Height: Although the best cat trees aren't always the tallest ones, Quandt and Geller recommend trees at least 5 feet tall for cats who enjoy perching and climbing. Cats who dwell under the bed and senior cats may find shorter trees more appealing. If that's the case, Watson says to look for a tree with a height of at least 2 feet to allow an adult cat to stretch. If your goal is to deter unwanted behaviors like jumping on counters or scratching the back of the couch, Geller says the tree should be taller than those spots.
Sturdiness: Quandt says the width and weight of a tree's base should increase relative to the tree's height. For taller trees, a wider and heavier base prevents wobbling and tipping. Many cat trees provide an optional wall mount, similar to anti-tip kits used to secure appliances and furniture in homes. I recommend installing the included wall mounts to improve the stability of some of my top picks. "A nonskid base is another safety feature to keep trees securely on the ground," Geller says.
Durability: For a cat tree to endure the daily wear and tear of cats and ensure their safety, quality materials and craftsmanship are crucial. "Solid wood and metal options are two very durable materials to look for," Geller says. While she favors long-lasting sisal rope for scratching surfaces, carpet or corrugated materials may better suit your cat's needs, although they may not last as long.
Warranty and returns: For this guide, I favored cat trees with accommodating warranty, return, and exchange policies, such as one-year manufacturing warranties and the option to exchange or return them within 30 days of purchase.
How we tested the best cat trees
To ensure the cat trees in this guide can withstand the rigorous wear and tear afflicted by a typical cat, I carried out the following tests and evaluations.
Quality control: Each product was evaluated for its out-of-box condition. Products that arrived in new condition without nicks, shedding carpet, or broken and missing parts were awarded top scores.
Assembly test: Cat trees that include all the necessary tools for one-person assembly received higher scores. Additionally, I timed how long it took to build each tree, pausing my stopwatch when the cats inevitably came to "help."
Scratching test: To mimic the inevitable damage inflicted by a cat's claws, I raked each scratching surface 50 times with a metal fork, looking for any signs of excessive fraying. I extended the scratching test to platforms, cubby walls, and beds, carefully looking for any tears in the fabric, fraying, or other noteworthy damage.
Safety test: I shook the entire tree and its individual parts five times to check for any wobbly parts or instability. Then I cleared the room of any cats and tossed a 10-pound weight onto each platform, surface, and bed, looking for signs of give and listening for any cracking. I also considered how tall the tree is compared to its base size. A lower ratio of 8% or less results in a sturdier tree, although solid, heavy base parts can give you wiggle room.
Cat likeness test: My cats had access to each cat tree for at least two weeks. I observed their curiosity during the assembly process, their interest in exploring the built trees, and their preferences for specific features of the trees. Occasionally, I moved the trees to new locations. None of the trees required attractants such as pheromones or catnip to encourage the cats to try them out.
Cleaning test: For trees that didn't collect fur during testing, I applied dryer lint or cat fur collected from brushes onto their surfaces. Following the manufacturer's cleaning instructions, such as vacuuming, wiping, or machine washing removable parts, I evaluated the ease of hair removal. I also checked for any changes in surface texture, bed shape, and plushness.
Cat tree FAQs
What is the best cat tree for cats?
Choose a cat tree that best fits your cat's needs, preferences, and abilities. The best options include a mix of features, including at least one scratching surface and a bed or platform for climbing and lounging. Suitable trees stand at least 2 feet tall but can extend to heights of 7 feet, giving you plenty of options depending on how much space you have available and your cat's preferences. Watson cautions against choosing a tree based solely on your aesthetic preferences rather than your cat's needs. "This can lead to unwanted scratching on sofas or carpets," she says.
Does my cat really need a cat tree?
"Every cat may not need a cat tree, but every cat needs vertical space," Geller says. That said, cat trees serve as a comprehensive solution for cats to scratch, play, climb, perch, and sleep. The elevated platforms and cubbies in cat trees not only serve as physical outlets for these behaviors but also allow cats to securely observe their surroundings and cozy into hiding spots. This can be particularly beneficial in helping cats feel safe in their environment and cope with stress, according to the Feline Behavior Guidelines from the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). At the same time, they minimize the likelihood of unwanted behaviors such as furniture scratching and jumping on counters.
How many cat trees should I have?
Keep in mind that even if you have a tree with many features, experts recommend having more than one tree in your home. Trees placed in different areas give your cat more choices. Multi-cat households should especially have more than one cat tree to provide felines with separate resources, according to the AAFP Feline Behavior Guidelines.
What kind of cat tree do cats prefer?
The best cat trees allow your cat to act out their natural behaviors in a safe setting. These behaviors include climbing, scratching, hiding, hunting, and resting. To support these needs, cat trees may have scratching surfaces, platforms at varying heights, cubbies, hammocks, beds, and dangling toys. Some cats prefer tall trees, while others enjoy staying close to the ground.
Where should I put my cat's cat tree?
Any place your cat enjoys hanging out is a good location for a tree. Quandt suggests positioning a tree near a window to offer a view of the outside world. A comfortable spot for your cat to watch birds, insects, and squirrels adds enrichment to their life and reduces boredom, according to the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Additionally, Watson says cats scratch to mark their territory. You can help deter inappropriate scratching of furniture and other items by strategically placing cat trees at the boundaries of your cat's territory, such as entrances and exits to your home. If your cat scratches furniture, Watson recommends positioning the tree near or in front of these areas. Once your cat is successfully scratching their tree, you can very gradually relocate it to your preferred location. However, given that cats prefer being close to their humans, I advise against placing them in rarely visited rooms or faraway corners, unless your cat tends to be anxious or shy.
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