Cats are natural hunters climbers and scratchers but these needs can rarely be met indoors, hence the expectation that a new feline owner will have to be prepared to sacrifice a couple of pieces of furniture to keep their cat happy. Cat condos or cat trees are a great way to give your kitty their own playground and sway them away from the clawing at the couch.
Cat trees are somewhere where they can exercise their natural climbing instincts as well as allow them to perch and scratch to their heart's content. With various nooks and crannies for privacy, kitty condos are also great for providing your cat with a little bit of privacy and security. Listed below are 10 of what we believe to be the best cat trees available on the market today.
Key Takeaways:
- Tall cat trees should always be placed in a secure area where they can be fixed to the wall.
- Always try to pick the cat tree best suited to your cat's size and needs.
- Stick with a cat tree that has at least one scratching post for your cat to clean its claws.
- Cat trees with additional entertainment features are great for energetic young kittens.
- Not all cats will take to a new cat tree immediately and may require some training.
- Always ensure your cat tree has at least one place for your cat to rest.
The 10 Top Rated Cat Trees
1 Go Pet Club 62-In Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo
- Made of compressed natural wood and faux fur
- Includes condo, ladder, tunnel, basket, top perch, and hanging toys
- Multiple sisal rope scratching posts
- Suitable for kittens and adult cats
If you’re looking for a quality cat tree condo that doesn’t cost a fortune, definitely check out Go Pet Club’s Cat Tree. With several tiers where your feline companion can play and relax, as well as a few scratching areas for claw sharpening, this condo offers great value for money. The tree is made from durable compressed wood and is wrapped with faux fur covering material which will keep your kitty cozy and warm.
To keep your pet active and entertained, this 62-inch model of cat tower has a condo, ladder, tunnel, hanging toys and top perch – basically, everything a cat needs to enjoy for hours on end. It’s great for both small and big cats as the construction is quite sturdy. The model comes in four colors, so it’s easy to pick one that complements your interior.
- The faux fur cover material provides plenty of warmth and comfort.
- Contains an eclectic mix of entertainment features including tunnels and toys.
- Not designed to be durable enough to withstand use by bigger cats.
2 Amazon Basics Cat Activity Tree
- Made of compressed wood, covered in carpet
- 3 levels plus 1 round top platform for sleeping
- 7 scratching posts
- Suitable for kittens and adult cats
Featuring a basic but highly effective design, the Cat Activity Tree by Amazon Basics is the tree to get if you live in a smaller apartment. With three platforms and seven scratching posts wrapped in jute, this cat tree will allow your pet to exercise their natural impulses and desires without taking up much space.
The tree is made of compressed wood and covered with carpeted surfaces, so it’s sturdy enough for both kittens and adult cats. Besides several scratching posts and three levels in a tiered effect, this condo has a round-top platform that makes for a great cat sleeping bed. While pretty sturdy and durable, this cat tree is not recommended for multiple large-sized cats as they can break the top tower. That said, kittens and regular-sized adult cats are more than welcome.
- The high sided top bed provides additional security.
- The shape of this cat tower allows it to fit easily into corners.
- Better suited to homes with one cat as opposed to multiple.
3 TRIXIE Miguel 25.5-In Plush Cat Tree
- Foldable but sturdy X-shaped design
- Best tall cat tree for entertainment
- Removable and machine washable cushion
- Not suitable for larger cats to use
Whether you live in a small apartment or you need an affordable portable cat condo, the Trixie Miguel Fold and Store Cat Tower fits the bill. This top-rated cat condo is simple, compact, and easy to store, but offers a great way for your cat to safely play, scratch, and of course, relax. The condo has a convenient x-shaped construction with a hammock on top and a tent-like area on the bottom with hanging ball toys on the side.
There is also a scratch pad covered with a natural sisal surface and a removable cushion insert that can be machine washed. Basically, there is everything your kitty needs to play, explore, scratch, and relax. Thanks to its unique design, the condo can also fold shut for quick and easy storage – perfect for small spaces!
- A simple but effective design that provides both comfort and entertainment.
- Carefully designed to be easy to store when not in use.
- The design of this cat tree is not as sturdy as some others on the list.
4 FEANDREA Cat Tree With Hammock
- Made of CARB-certified boards for stability
- 5 levels, 2 perches, 1 hammock, and 1 condo
- Various toys and ropes, multiple scratch posts
- Covered in pet-friendly, plush material
If you have multiple adult cats, you need a spacious, super-engaging cat tree. Feandrea Cat Condo is the perfect choice as it’s quite complex, with multiple levels and toys for play, scratch posts for claw sharpening, and comfy areas for relaxing. Specifically, there are five platforms, all padded with plush material. Additionally, there are fur balls and play ropes for entertainment, two perches, a cozy cat hammock for napping, and one spacious condo for privacy and sleeping.
As for scratching areas, there are 9 sisal rope-covered posts that are resilient and strong enough to withstand constant scratches. All in all, this cat condo offers fantastic opportunities for play, exercise, mental stimulation, and relaxation, making it one of the best cat trees listed, hands down.
- The multitude of areas to play and rest make this a great choice for cat foster homes,
- An anti-toppling fitting is also included for additional stability.
- This is quite a bulky design that can take up a lot of space in a room.
5 Yaheetech Multilevel Indoor Cat Tree & Condo
- Three sisal rope scratching pillars
- Two covered rest areas
- Made from soft plush and particleboard
- Skin-friendly and heavy duty
For households with multiple cats, or homes with cats that love nothing more than to play, the Cat Tree Kitten Scratcher Play House Condo is a fantastic choice. The multi-tiered design, with two different dens, provides fun-loving cats and kittens with plenty of room to stretch their legs and really let their natural instincts out to play.
The two dens are joined by multiple platforms, perches, and beds, with the highest perch at an impressive 53-inches. Constructed using soft plush and particleboard, the condo is skin-friendly and great for cats up to 22lb. With the addition of hanging balls and scratch posts covered in sisal rope, there is plenty for your cat to explore with the Cat Tree Kitten Scratcher Play House Condo by Yaheetech.
- Ideally suited for use in most multi-cat households.
- Multiple cat condos provide kitties with the option to hide themselves away.
- The assembly of this cat tree can be quite time consuming.
6 The Catit Vesper Base Cat Tree & Condo
- 3 tiers with rounded edges, a cube condo, and a dangling ball
- Multiple scratching posts wrapped in rope
- Removable memory foam cushions
- Suitable for multiple kittens or adult cats
If your feline companion is a fussy one who is only pleased with the best, the Vesper Cat Tree may be just the product you need. This cat tree satisfies the important daily activity needs of cats without ruining your decor, as should any good piece of cat furniture. It comes in many shapes and colors, but this V-High Base model is perfect for households with more than one cat as it’s tall and slim with several scratching poles that encourage proper claw sharpening.
The tree has three levels with rounded corners, including a spacey cave condo with a removable memory foam cushion for napping and relaxing. There is also a fun dangling ball for playing, which, coupled with multiple scratching posts, makes for a perfect condo that two or even three cats can play in.
- A simple and minimalistic design that could suit most homes that it’s put in.
- Made using especially strong materials that are able to withstand daily wear and tear.
- The smooth wooden surface of the platforms can be slippery for some cat.
7 Go Pet Club Cat Tree
- 72-inches high with two ladders
- 3 perches, 2 condos, 10 scratching posts
- Covered in faux fur covering material
- Made from compressed wood
Cats love to climb. Towering over much of the competition at 72-inches, this enormous cat tree from Go Pet Club would make for a wonderful addition to any home with one or more active cats. Covered in faux blue fur, and with an outstanding number of levels for your furry friend to explore, and 3 high perches each with a small border, this is an outstanding option for adventurous cats.
The stylish design is also practical, with each of the 10 pillars being covered in sisal scratching rope, making the cat tree ideal for keeping your furniture safe. With the addition of multiple hanging toys, this cat condo is perfect for active kittens and older cats who just want plenty of space to relax.
- multiple colour options available to suit most households.
- The ladders make it easier for cats to be able to transfer from one platform to the next.
- Not suitable for heavier cats due to the collapsible frame design.
8 Frisco 24.8-in Heavy Duty Faux Fur Cat Tree
- Designed for single-cat households
- Thick and sturdy central sisal post
- Bed is removable and washable
- Built-in fluffy cat toy included
This simple, but effective high-quality adult cat tree is ideal for keeping your feline friend in the lap of luxury in their downtime. The stability of this cat tree makes it one of the best cat trees for large cats, as the bed provides plenty of room for them to rest comfortably and the wide double-layered baseboard provides solid grounding.
As an added bonus not only is the central stem made using durable sisal rope wrapped securely around the entire pillar, but Frisco has also included a free fuzzy stuffed toy. The fluffy toy hangs from the top removable and machine washable bed as an additional source of entertainment to keep your kitty occupied.
- Ideal for keeping nervous the ground and feeling more secure.
- Bed can be easily removed and washed if needed.
- Not suitable for senior cats owing to lack of ramp.
9 FEANDREA Dual Condo Cat Tower
- 2 x bed spaces on various levels
- Open top bed for elevated relaxation
- 2 x sisal scratching post legs
- Suitable for multi-cat households
this soft textured light grey tower provides ample room for more than one cat to stay comfortable. It is a heavy-duty design weighing 24 pounds meaning it cannot be easily tipped over by the wild antics of your feline friends.
The two sisal rope scratching posts provided as part of the design help to redirect your cat’s energy from the furniture to something more suitable. This allows your cat to keep their claws clean without wreaking havoc on the house. This is a super-stable cat tree with a comfortable wide-top plush bed to enable your cat to feel both comfortable and safe whilst they take a break.
- The material covering this cat tree can be easily cleaned.
- The overall design of this cat tree is kitten friendly and especially sturdy.
- This is a simple design that does not provide as much entertainment as some others.
10 Bewishome Cat Tree House
- Sturdy support posts with plush coverings
- 5 levels, 2 condos, 2 platforms, 1 hammock
- Multiple scratching posts and rope
- Suitable for several cats at once
Roomy, cozy, and fun, the Bewishome Cat Tree is a great choice for multi-cat households, as long as your feline pets are not super-big. This condo comes with 5 levels in total, where 2 cushioned platforms are for climbing and perching, and 2 hideaway condos are for napping. There is also a cozy little hammock above the base platform for comfortable relaxation.
To satisfy cats’ needs for claw sharpening, the tree has several sisal scratching posts that are quite durable. What about playing? With two jingly and plush balls and one sisal twine, your pet(s) will have a great time exercising their natural hunting instincts. Although quite big and sturdy, this cat tree is best suitable for kittens and small to regular-sized adult cats.
- Soft fuzzy covering material helps to keep cats warm and comfortable.
- The five levels provide plenty of space for exploration.
- not ideally suited for use with large cats as the frame may struggle with the weight.
Best Cat Trees: Buying Guide & FAQs
Whether you live in a big house with multiple cats or a smaller apartment with one kitty, having a cat condo can make both of your lives easier. A nice cat tree will allow your pet to play, exercise, scratch and relax in one place, promoting their health and well-being while keeping your furniture intact. But how to pick the best cat tower for your budget, space, and your cat’s needs? Take a look at our buying guide to find out what to look for and what to avoid.
What to Look for in a Cat Tree
A cat condo should provide your pet with levels to climb and perch from, surfaces to scratch, toys to play with, and, yes, a nice place to relax and nap. With that in mind, here are the two most important things to focus on when selecting a condo for your cat.
A Proper Size and Construction
Size matters when it comes to cat trees. A cat tree should first and foremost be able to fit into your house or apartment. This means that you should pick the size of the condo depending on your living space: smaller condos for smaller apartments, and bigger condos for bigger living spaces. Take your cat’s size into consideration too: if your feline friend is quite large, you’ll definitely need at least a slightly bigger condo with a sturdy and stable construction.
Similarly, if you own multiple cats, make sure the condo can actually withstand the weight of several cats at once. On the other hand, if you have one kitten or a regular-sized adult cat, smaller cat trees are perfectly fine. As long as they’re properly constructed, the portable and easy-to-store ones are also great for small apartments.
Plenty of Opportunities for Playing and Exercising
One of the most important reasons pet parents buy cat trees is so their feline companions can safely play and exercise. Look for pieces with multiple levels for your cat to climb and perch from, as well as a few scratching areas so they can safely exercise their natural behavior. A nice little condo or a private area for napping can’t hurt either.
Of course, the number of platforms and other accessories should depend on the space you have available – if you live in a smaller apartment, even one platform plus a toy and a scratching post are great; certainly, better than none. If you can fit larger cat trees though, definitely go for them as they typically provide plenty of fun and exercise, even for multiple cats.
Why You Should Invest in a Good Cat Tree
Having a cat condo comes with a host of benefits. For one, instead of scratching your furniture, your kitty will have a convenient and safe place to sharpen its claws. They’ll also have proper mental and physical stimulation, which, we’re sure all apartment dwellers would agree, can sometimes be hard to provide for a cat living in a small space. Not to mention, a cat condo will give your pet some seclusion and privacy when they need some “me time”.
So, to sum up, here are the most important reasons why you may want to purchase a cat condo:
Scratching
Like it or not, all cats have to sharpen their claws. It’s a good idea to have something dedicated to your pet’s little claws so they don’t end up sharpening them all over your furniture.
Exercising
All indoor pets require regular exercise in order to be healthy, cats included. Since daily walks are not particularly practical for most owners, cat condos make for the second best. With platforms for climbing and perching from, condos let cats exercise their natural behavior, which is good for their mind and body.
Playing
Most cat trees come with cat toys such as balls and ropes, which provide plenty of fun for both young and old cats. Small hideaway areas and levels with comfy materials are also great for keeping them entertained.
Relaxing
Finally, a cat condo will provide a safe and secluded area for your pet to relax and nap. Similar to humans, cats sometimes need some privacy in order to relax and sleep, and cat condos are perfect for this.
How to Train a Cat to Use a Cat Tree
Like anything new, your cat may be reluctant to accept their new condo. Thankfully, you can train your four-legged companion to use and like their new furniture in a few simple steps:
Choose the Location Carefully
Place the cat tree in a room or area your pet spends most of its time. If this is not possible, make sure you don’t place it in an area they don’t frequent much. Furthermore, the best cat tree location is somewhere where it is less likely to be knocked over – ideally the corner of the room where it can be supported on multiple sides.
You’ll also find that an especially tall cat tree will come with supporting mechanisms such as tabs that can be secured to the wall to prevent toppling. Therefore, you should always try to place a tall cat tree against the wall in order to make use of this feature.
Reward Spending Time in a Condo
To first lure your cat to the cat tree, place some cat treats or catnip onto the tree itself. Then, whenever your kitty spends their time on their new climber, reward them by offering their favorite food or some more treats. Don’t forget to pet them and shower them with affection too!
Make the Tree Inviting
Sometimes, a cat doesn’t like new furniture because they find it uncomfortable. To make the condo a little more inviting, try putting cushy, soft bedding (preferably their favorite material) in certain areas, which will encourage them to relax there.
Common Cat Tree Materials
There are three main material areas that are normally considered when designing cat furniture; the material that the base and platforms are made from, the material for pillars, and the covering used. Normally, there are additional materials used to create the attachments, such as scratching posts, which are generally wrapped in sisal.
Commonly, cat trees are constructed from either compressed wood or particleboard, with the pillars often made from strong and durable cardboard. There is a lot more variance in the fabric coverings of most cat towers, with common materials including; faux fur, carpet, faux fleece, or plush, with some towers also featuring ultra-soft versions of the materials.
Common Activities & Features Included
While the design of each cat tree is generally quite different, there are many similar activities and features that carry through the different cat tower designs. One of the main ones is the sisal scratching post, which helps your cat to stay groomed and keep its claws sharp. Some designs feature only a few scratching posts, whilst others can feature 10 or more.
Other Common Activities and Features Include:
- Perches
- Toys
- Condos
- Ladders
- Hanging rope
- Hanging balls to bat at
- Lounging platforms
- Sleeping tunnels
How many features are included will generally depend on the size of the condo. Larger condos are likely to feature most of the common activities, and in volume, which makes them very suitable for multiple cats or those who like plenty of variance in their play. Smaller condos may only feature a couple of the common activities listed above.
Sources:
- Matt Wildman, Cats: Destructive Scratching, The Humane Society
- Mikkel Becker, How Can I Teach My Cat to Love Her Cat Tree?, Vet Street
Frequently Asked Questions
A cat tree/condo is a piece of furniture that allows cats to play, exercise, relax and sleep on. Whether big or small in height and width, cat trees help satisfy natural feline instincts, especially if they come with scratching areas or posts. As a bonus, they’re perfect little hiding places for when your kitty needs some alone time.
If your pet suddenly stops using their cat tree, including sleeping in their little condo, they may find that something is “off” with the furniture. There are a few reasons why this can happen:
It’s not sufficiently clean: super fussy cats will often require super clean condos. If you notice a lot of hair or stains on the carpeted areas, make sure you clean them thoroughly. Also, if any cover/cushion is machine washable, wash it on the delicate cycle to get rid of most dirt and hair.
It smells funny: sometimes, a cat will stop using their favorite toy or a piece of furniture if it starts smelling funny. The “strange” smell may be due to dirt or excess hair, or, more commonly, due to other pets. If you have more than one cat or other small animals who also use the condo, your kitty may not appreciate their scent.
It’s too hot: while it’s wonderful to have a thickly padded, cushioned little condo in the cold months, it may be too much in summer. If you find that your cat avoids the tree during high temperatures, try removing the cushions to allow for more air circulation. Speaking of which, consider moving the entire tree to a more ventilated and cooler room during the summer months.
If your cat tree comes with removable covers that are washing machine safe, definitely toss them in the machine from time to time to keep everything clean and tidy. If the materials are removable but cannot be machine washed, soak them in a mixture of warm water and mild detergent and give them a little scrub. If none of the materials are removable, you can always vacuum the tree first and then use a damp microfiber cloth with a pet-safe cleaning agent to remove any dirt and hair. There are also special pet hair removal brushes that are highly effective at removing fur hairs from carpets and other textiles.
This really depends on the cat in question. Generally speaking, yes. Most cat trees are loved by cats as they typically love to have an area that they can call their own and a cat tree is a perfect way to provide that. Additionally, a cat tree condo has multiple platforms to allow a cat to find a higher perch which heightens their sense of security.
If possible it’s best to keep the cat tree in the corner of the room where it can be supported on more than one side. This will keep it from tipping over when the cats jump on it and generally keep it more secure for day-to-day use. Alternatively, your cat may prefer to be kept somewhere near sunlight so that it can bask during the day. In which case, you may prefer to place the cat tree near a window to provide them with the desired sunlight.
The size of the cat tree you decide to purchase will depend very much on the space that you have and the needs of your cat. If you have more than one cat you may wish to purchase a tall cat tree with multiple platforms in order to allow all of your feline friends plenty of space to call their own. If you have a single low-maintenance cat, you may not need to be quite as extravagant, meaning a simple small cat tree should suffice.
Related Posts
