8 Best Cat Trees, Tested With Real Cats

Cat trees combine multiple ways for your cat or cats to play, socialize, and relax. They can offer elevated observation posts, scratchers, places to nap, and multi-level exercise spaces. The best cat tree will fulfill a wide range of your cat's instincts for climbing, scratching, and play. They may even spare your furniture.

We conducted research into more than 50 bestselling, highly rated, and popular cat trees, then bought 28 of the most promising and shipped them out to the homes of volunteer testers and their cats. After setting up each cat tree, our testers took photos, made observations, and followed a methodology written to provide detailed feedback. After a two-week testing period, each tester submitted their thoughts and provided scores across four different attributes. The cat trees then stayed with them and their cats for future follow-up, so we can see how each cat tree performs over time.

After testing, our favorite cat tree is the Catit Vesper High Base, which ditches the carpeting for attractive wood surfaces, easily replaceable components, and memory foam cushions.

1. Catit Vesper High Base Cat Tree - Best Overall 👉 BUY HERE 🛒

PROS

✅ Memory foam pads are removable for cleaning

✅ Replacement components available

✅ Good mid-size for apartments

✅ No carpeting to get torn apart

✅ Easily assembled with an included hex key

CONS

❌ ARemovable pads are not machine washable

❌ Seagrass rope may need more frequent replacing

Dimensions: 22.1"x22.1"x47.9"

Weight: 40.5 pounds

Colors: Oak, walnut, black

Frame Material: MDF

Covering Material: Memory foam

• Most standard cat trees have carpeting on their platforms to provide cozy spots for your cat to relax, but they're also tempting targets for cat claws and can look ratty or worn very quickly. The Catit Vesper High Base offers many of the same features as a traditional cat tree design, but in a more attractive package with laminated MDF surfaces and removable memory foam pads.
• The Vesper High Base is named for its top observation platform, which is 47.8 inches off the ground-a maximum height usefully in between more compact and much larger cat trees. Beneath the top platform is a "cubed den" middle level, a lower cushioned platform, and the 22.1-inch square base, which provides access to four wrapped pillars for scratching. Rather than the more commonly found sisal, the posts on the High Base are wrapped in seagrass, which is generally regarded as softer and more stain-resistant. While your cats will love scratching it, there's a good likelihood that you'll need to re-wrap the legs of the Vesper High Base sooner than you would with a sisal alternative.
• We previously tested and reviewed the Catit Vesper High Base in 2019 (you can find a link below), and had only one complaint: It didn't feel very sturdy. It seems as if Catit has upgraded more than its packaging since then, because in our most recent round of testing, the Vesper stood out for its stability, and we gave it the highest possible rating for sturdiness. This time the High Base was tested with a 16-pound calico cat, who would frequently jump from her beloved window hammock onto the cat tree-it never shook.
• We also like the included memory foam pads, which attach to the top and bottom platforms with strips of hook-and-loop tape. These pads are cozy and conform well to your cat's body, plus you can remove them for washing or spot cleaning. Unfortunately, the pads are not machine-washable. There's also a removable sisal scratch pad and a dangling rope with three rattan toys. Another appreciated feature is that all of these accessories are easily replaceable, with Catit selling separate plush pads, rattan ball toys, scratchy sisal pads, and even replacement seagrass-wrapped posts.
• Cats who love hiding will appreciate the cubed den (which has another removable memory foam pad inside), and there's an entrance on either side, so they won't feel trapped. But while we think the Vesper High Base is an excellent all-around cat tree for most cats, we wouldn't recommend it for older cats, since there are no ramps and the cubed den requires a dexterous little leap to enter.
• The Catit Vesper High Base cat tree is available in three different colors. There is also a wide range of smaller and alternative designs in the Vesper line.

2. Go Pet Club 72" Tall Extra Large Cat Tree Kitty Tower Condo - Best for Multiple Cats 👉 BUY HERE 🛒

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PROS

✅ Fully featured, with multiple platforms, scratchers, and cat condos

✅ Available in six different colors

✅ Includes an optional wall mount for extra stability

CONS

❌ Laborious (but uncomplicated) setup, with many pieces

❌ Too heavy to move around easily

Dimensions: 33"x22x72"

Weight: 52 pounds

Colors: Gray, brown, black

Material: Engineered Wood, Faux Fur, Sisal

• ULTRA-DURABLE: All scratching poles and boards are completely hand-glued with thick natural sisal ropes and skin friendly plushy faux-fur fabrics, strong enough to hold up against even the most aggressive scratchers, condo walls build with MDF board holds the shape of the cat tree, this cat furniture investment will last a long time.
• SAFETY FIRST: Crafted with heavy weight, durable and environmentally friendly 0.6-inch MDF boards for overall balance. Scratching posts made with extra strong plastics for stability and longevity, and the minimal use of well-hidden staples will keep your loved one’s paws well protected.
• RELAXATION AND FUN: Tall cat perches that give your cat the best view, dual condos provide fun spaces for hiding out and as cozy beds for napping, ladders that allow even the smallest kitten to climb up and down with ease, and two hanging mouse toys encourage your kitty to play, lounge and perch on this all-in-one activity structure.
• SAVE YOUR FURNITURE: This kitty tower will entertain the restless claws to prevent them from ruining your furniture. The simple design fits perfectly at the corner of any indoor space that will easily blend in with the aesthetics of your home. Available in beige, beige/black, black, black/brown, brown, paw print, or slate grey.

3. Feandrea Cat Tree - Best for Small Spaces 👉 BUY HERE 🛒

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PROS

✅ Multiple levels and hiding spots

✅ Extra-large top perch, suitable for big cats

✅ Compact

CONS

❌ Not a lot of tall scratching surfaces

Dimensions: 23.6"x15.7"x33.1"

Weight: 24 pounds

Colors: Beige, light gray, smoky gray

Frame Material: Particle board

Covering Material: Plush, sisal rope

• 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.
• The Feandrea Cat Tree is available in three different colors.

4. Go Pet Club Cat Tree - Best Budget 👉 BUY HERE 🛒

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PROS

✅ Tall and sturdy tree

✅ Provides three levels with multiple areas to lounge

✅ Sisal rope scratching posts throughout

CONS

❌ The condo area is a bit small for larger cats

Dimensions: 38"x27"x62"

Weight: 39 pounds

Colors: Beige, black, navy, brown

Frame Material: Compressed wood

Covering Material: Carpet, sisal

• The Go Pet Club Classic Cat Tree is an affordable option that stands 62 inches in height and offers multiple platforms, cubbies, and scratching posts for your cat to traverse. It took a little over an hour to assemble, but the process did not require an intense amount of physical exertion, and all hardware and tools needed were provided. The setup time was spent arranging and securing two hammocks, a condo, a ladder, and four perches for three levels of kitty-cat amazement. Plus, each level of this cat tree is equipped with sisal rope scratching posts.
• Covered in fluffy faux fur and carpet, our 14-pound cat was immediately drawn to the structure, and they put the sturdy cat tree to the test. Alas, the Go Pet Club Classic Cat Tree stood strong as our cat made themself comfortable in each perch before ultimately finding their favorite spot to be the very top. If your cat is on the hefty side, the condo might be a tight squeeze, but there are plenty of other spots for unobstructed lounging.
• The Classic Cat Tree from Go Pet Club comes in four colors, beige, black, blue, and brown, but with a width of 37 inches, this cat tree will likely command attention in any space.

5. AmazonBasics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts - Another Great Budget Option 👉 BUY HERE 🛒

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PROS

✅ Top platform has raised sides to act as a bed

✅ Small footprint, ideal for a corner or small apartment

✅ Comes with all the tools you need for easy assembly

CONS

❌ Top level is a little small for large cats

❌ No hiding place

Dimensions: 17.7"x17.7"x45.9"

Weight: 24.25 pounds

Colors: Beige

Frame Material: Engineered wood

Covering Material: Carpet, jute

• This budget-friendly option from AmazonBasics 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. The round top platform has raised sides, so your cat can use it like a bed or a crow's nest.
• In our testing, the Cat Activity Tree didn't shake at all while in use, and its components fit together well. While we're always wary of the relative durability of carpeted cat trees, the seven different scratching posts should keep your cat's claws in the right place.
• 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.

6. On2Pets Modern Cat Tree - Best Faux Plant 👉 BUY HERE 🛒

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PROS

✅ Foliage is replaceable and available in multiple colors

✅ Leaves are silk and safe for a cat to munch

✅ Artificial turf base is good for scratching

✅ Looks even better in person

✅ Cats love hiding among the leaves

CONS

❌ Top platform isn't as stable as lower two

❌ Branches pop out during rough-housing sometimes

Dimensions: 24"x24"x60"

Weight: 30 pounds

Colors: Zen green, mixed maple, orange blaze, deep plum

Frame Material: Engineered wood

Covering Material: Silk, carpet, artificial turf, PVC

• 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.

7. Trixie Lilo Three-Story Cat Condos - Best Cat Condos 👉 BUY HERE 🛒

PROS

✅ Easiest setup of any cat tree we tested

✅ Pads are removable for cleaning

✅ Sturdy

✅ Can be configured differently, depending on your space

CONS

❌ Top condo can be a little tricky to access, especially for older cats

❌ Only available in one color

Dimensions: 18"x18"x48.2"

Weight: 60 pounds

Colors: White, light brown

Frame Material: Engineered wood

Covering Material: Faux fleece, sisal

• 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.

8. Trixie Baza Grande Cat Tree - Best Hammock 👉 BUY HERE 🛒

PROS

✅ Great for small spaces

✅ Comes in two different sizes

✅ Cozy hammock space

✅ Durable sisal scratchers

✅ Very easy to assemble

CONS

❌ Hammock cover can't be removed for cleaning

❌ Big cats might be able to topple the smaller version

Dimensions: 16"x16"x20"

Weight: 8.02 pounds

Colors: Light beige

Frame Material: Engineered wood

Covering Material: Plush, sisal rope

• If even our compact pick is a little too much cat tree for your space, then consider the Trixie Baza Scratching Post with Hammock, which offers the bare minimum elements: a place to scratch and a place to chill. The Baza balances a hammock between two sisal-wrapped scratching posts. Suspended nearly 20 inches above the base, the hammock has a sturdy metal rim, with a plush faux-fur "bucket" for flopping cats.
• The only real downside is that the hammock cover isn't removable for washing, so it's definitely going to accrue a lot of cat hair over time.
• We also recommend that anyone with a big cat-about 14 pounds or more-consider the large version of the Baza Scratching Post, which has a larger hammock and an 18-inch square base for additional stability.
• Trixie also offers a version of the Baza Scratching Post more suitable for senior cats, with two broad steps helping them up to the hammock.

What to Look for in a Cat Tree

Every cat tree has a different suite of features, but here are some of the most common ones:

• Scratching posts
• Dangling toys
• Climbing ropes and surfaces
• Cat condos
• High perches
• Cushioned areas
• Cat hammocks
• Ramps

By identifying the features your cat is most likely to use, you can narrow down your search. For example, 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

Entrance Sizes

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.

Source: thesprucepets