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The best cat trees ward off boredom for our feline friends by providing indoor playgrounds, 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 an appropriate surface in the home.
After interviewing three cat behavior experts, rigorously testing nine cat trees, and observing two cats playing, scratching, and napping on the trees, I chose the 65-inch-tall Armarkat Classic Cat Tree as the best cat tree overall. With a hammock, cubby, sisal scratching surfaces, faux-fur-covered platforms, and two beds, this tree has something for every cat for under $200.
Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.
Best overall: Armarkat Classic Cat Tree A6501 - See at Chewy
Best modern: Mau Lifestyle Cento Cat Tree - See at Chewy
Best customizable: Petlibro Infinity Cat Tree Castle - See at Amazon
Best for large cats: Frisco 72-in Faux Fur Cat Tree and Condo - See at Chewy
Best hammock: Feandrea White and Brown Large Cat Tree with Hammock - See at Amazon
Best budget: Frisco 48-in Faux Fur Cat Tree and Condo - See at Chewy
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 provides an ideal combination of cat-friendly features experts prefer, even incorporating a conveniently placed platform that may assist seniors and kittens in accessing the fun. Yet, it's only 28 inches wide, making it compact enough to fit in smaller spaces. While this tree's size and combination of features make it a good fit for multi-cat households, experts recommend placing at least two cat trees in different locations of your home, even if you only have one cat, to give them choices.
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. Even when enjoying their respective territories, there are more features to enjoy. The tent hideaway has a soft exterior and a silky second lining inside, although large cats may find the cubby small. Additionally, the tree has a looped sisal rope attachment, which both cats deemed a worthy chew toy.
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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.
The exceptional quality of the Mau Cento has us overlooking some of its shortcomings. It stands out as the most sturdy and aesthetically pleasing among the cat trees I tested, being 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 baskets' undersides 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.
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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 construction easy. For every cat tree purchased, Mau plants a tree in its place.
The reconfigurable 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. The tree offers a variety of materials for cats to scratch, a sought-after feature in the best cat trees, according to Watson. She explains 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. You can also purchase replacement scratching boards in various materials from the brand.
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 for the base. I reconfigured the tree multiple times, settling on a 48.5-inch-tall design that works as a perfectly placed extension to my window cat solarium. Lyra and Atlas delighted in zooming up the tree to watch the early morning birds. The elongated corrugated scratching board was their preferred scratching choice. The tree comes with two clip-on toys resistant to aggressive biting and batting, and you can replace or add toys, which are available in six charming designs.
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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.
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 multiple platforms and beds for cats to lounge, including a large second-tier platform and three high-rise bolster beds. Geller recommends choosing a cat tree that offers multiple tiers, platforms, and cubbies for households with one or more cats, even if they tend to get along.
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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 the 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.
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 boasts modern, clean lines, removable ultra-plush fabric, and three color options, including a rich walnut brown. It's a stylish and budget-friendly addition to any cat-friendly space.
I appreciated the clear labeling of parts and hardware for easy assembly, a rare feature among the tested trees. Despite a thread snagging on the hammock during durability testing, overall the tree held up well to wear and tear testing. This proved especially true for the cubby, which is constructed from manufactured wood rather than fabric.
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The cubby (10.2" tall x 13.4" wide x 11.8" deep) may be a tight squeeze for large cats. 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 for stability.
The Frisco 48-inch cat tree is a budget option that doesn't skimp on cat-friendly features. Although not as tall as some of my other picks, my cats didn't seem to mind. Many mornings, they eagerly climbed to the top bolstered 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 for one person to assemble. 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.
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Watson recommends offering one cat tree per cat plus an additional one, but this can get pricey while taking up valuable floor space. As a compact, cost-effective solution, this cat tree delivers multiple features, sturdiness, and durability.
Based on input from my experts, research, and personal experience, I compiled the following criteria to consider when shopping for one of the best cat trees.
Cat-friendly features: Watson says you'll need to understand your cat's preferences to select a tree that appropriately aligns with them.
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.
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.
You should select a tree that best fits your cat's needs, preferences, and abilities. The best cat trees have a variety of features, including at least one scratching surface and a bed or platform for climbing and resting. Typically, they are at least 2 feet tall but can extend to heights of 7 feet, depending on how much space you have in your home 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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
