The Best Cat Trees in 2022
Do you often find your inquisitive feline lounging around in the craziest of places? Whether it's on top of the fridge or perched high on a cabinet, pet owners tend to assume that their feline friend climbs so they can enjoy a bird's-eye view over their subjects as king or queen of the household. Actually, a feline's tendency to perch up high is less to do with your cat viewing themselves as royalty (although they probably still do) and more to do with the fact that cats enjoy being in high places for their own self-assurance. Securing themselves a spot with good vantage points allows your cat to be the first to spot any potential dangers.
So, why not purchase them a less precarious vantage point that will allow your cat to feel comfortable while looking over their kingdom? Not only do pet trees contain perches usually lined with faux fleece, the best cat towers also boast built-in toys for your cat to play with. If this sounds right up your cat's street, you've found yourself at the perfect place. We've narrowed down our buying guide to ten of the best cat trees of 2020 - each model boasting an array of features for your cat to enjoy.
The Best Cat Tree
1. Go Pet Club Cat Tree
Key Features
Available in five colors to suit any space
Roomy condo makes for the perfect napping place
Sisal posts provide a way for your cat to exercise
Hanging rope toy will be a hit in multi-cat households
First up, Go Pet Club’s Cat tree has received five star ratings from felines all over the world. Made of compressed wood to guarantee durability, this tree for large cats is more than capable of holding multiple cats at one time. Boasting a ladder to help older felines with stiff joints up, an assortment of hanging toys, and a spacious top perch with raised edges to stretch out on, cats can’t ask for much more.
Cat owners who purchase this purrfect product are equally as excited as their cat. Why so? Thanks to this 62-inch cat tree’s reinforced sisal rope posts, their furniture is finally safe from harm! Plus, it’s always nice to watch your cat enjoy a new toy.
2. YAHEETEC Cat Tree
Key Features
Cat ear design feels soft against your cat’s face
Detachable fur ball toy, made of faux fleece, will grant your cats hours of endless fun
Sisal rope-covered poles help satisfy cats’ instinctual scratching habit
Reinforced bottom base and anti-toppling fittings guarantee YAHEETECH cat towers’ stability
Yaheetech’s luxurious cat tree tower is soft, plush, and ready to purchase at your convenience. If multiple cats in your household enjoy using Yaheetech’s cat tree, the two spacious hideaway houses and three perches should allow every cat to fit in.
Like countless other customers, our favorite feature just has to be the top perch boasting a cat-eared design. These reinforced edges, whilst looking adorably cute, stop your cat from falling off the top of their tower. Combined with the roomy condo designed for catching some zzz’s and the accessible ladder, this practical design sells itself.
3. Trixie Cat Tree with Hammock
Key Features
Long-haired plush cover is lovely for cats to brush up against
Inoffensive white design allows cat condo to blend into interior design
Cat tree with sisal makes posts durable for instinctual scratching
String toy will mentally stimulate your feline friend
Although the Trixie pet scratching post is indeed small, it’s small for a reason: to accommodate senior cats whose stiff joints don’t allow them to climb. Senior cats can finally become involved in the activities younger cats are renowned for, such as scratching natural sisal rope posts but without the arduous climb!
The cream, long-haired plush covering this comfortable cat tree is inviting and usually prompts cats to stay relaxed in the hammock for hours on end. If they’d rather relax in a darker space, the built-in cat cave will make for a great place to snuggle up in. Trust us when we say that your older feline will love it.
4. Vesper Furniture Cat Trees
Key Features
Multi cat playhouse features comfy top perch aligned with memory foam
Premium cat tower is very easy to assemble
Heavy-duty cat tree features removable mats to avoid odors
Modern cat tree includes blunt edges on every scratching cat post
Now, don’t run screaming when you see the price of Vesper’s Cat Tree quite yet. This modern cat tree, made from high-quality MDF wood, is unmistakably one of the best cat trees we’ve ever reviewed. Boasting a sumptuous interior, the modern cat cube cave with a build-in exit will soon become your cat’s favorite place to be.
No matter what perch your cat chooses to sit on, it will be covered in incredible memory foam pads that we wish they made in human-size. Unlike other lesser models, if your cat decides to compromise their pet furniture by moving their bowels far away from where they should, all you’ll have to do is chuck the removable memory foam mats in the washing machine to clean.
5. Furhaven Pet Tiger Tough Tall Cat Tree
Key Features
Can be purchased in multiple colors to match the decor of your home
Scratch post is wrapped in sisal fiber to satisfy cat’s instinctual need to claw at material
90-day limited coverage covers any material defects your Furhaven cat tree may have
Luxury faux fur protects cats’ delicate noses and paws
Recommended for felines who don’t have much space indoors, Furhaven’s compact cat playground includes all forms of entertainment that an average-sized cat tree playground would but takes up half the space. The sisal rope scratching post is designed to focus your cat’s natural tendencies on it instead of your expensive furniture. This post holds up a sizeable platform for your cat to lounge out on, lined with luxury faux fur so your cat can comfortably rest their delicate face and nose directly on the fur rather than their arms when snoozing.
While one cat is happily perched up high, another cat can make use of the Cat-IQ busy box base. Featuring two jingle balls, cats can engage in a spirited, one-player game of cat and mouse. If they get tired of this pursuit, a kitty can turn their attention towards the spring-loaded ball dangling from the top platform for even more play. It’s got all the features a full-size cat tree does, but the brilliance of cheap cat towers is that they come at a fraction of the price.
6. Go Pet Club Cat Tree
Key Features
Available in many striking shades and patterns including royal blue, beige, and leopard
Two condos are spacious enough for a cat to fit comfortably yet cozy enough for them to feel safe
Sturdy construction means cats of all shapes and sizes can use this Go Pet Club’s cat tree
An incredible deal for the price!
Available in a brilliant shade of blue, beige, or even leather, Go Pet Club’s cat tree constitutes a maze of perches, condos, and sisal posts. This tree for large cats offers plenty of room for lounging, especially in the two huge cat condos. Both condos even have two exits, allowing your feline to observe what’s going on below.
Differing from the standard hanging balls found on other pet products, the cat toys on Go Pet Club’s design are soft rattle mice that are stapled to the underside of the pieces. Just like mice in the wild engaged in a game of cat and mouse, these cat toys can tolerate extreme amounts of abuse from your cat without falling apart.
7. On2Pets Cat Tree House
Key Features
Life-like green tree house made of pressed wood and artificial leaves
Designed for cats weighing up to 32 pounds
Takes less than 15 minutes to assemble with no tools
Square base is disguised with artificial shrubbery
If you haven’t yet been enamored by any of our cat trees, On2Pet’s Tree House Tower will be sure to win you over. Comprising of compressed wood, a base carpet, and artificial leaves, each tree is incredibly life-like and made right here in the USA. Due to its high production value, the tree is easy to clean and assemble at home, with assemblage only taking less than fifteen minutes with no tools required.
And, as if this tree for large cats couldn’t get better, it just did: now, you can choose which season you love the most and enjoy it all year round, as these trees are available in Fall, Plum, Summer, and standard Green, too. This tree is the perfect piece of cat furniture for any kitty to test out their climbing skills thanks to the astute positioning of the three platforms. Plus, it satisfies a cat’s instinctual urge to shelter amongst nature.
8. BEWISHOME Cat Tree
Key Features
Plush covering is comfortable for a cat’s skin
Roomy cat tree condo contains two spacious hideaway homes for your cat to snuggle up in
Available in Brown, Light Grey, and Smokey Grey
Wall anchor strap can be attached to your wall to guarantee stability
Boasting two comfortable, large platforms with raised edges, two roomy hideaway houses, countless sisal scratching posts, a cozy hammock and so much more, BEWISHOME’s cat tree condo is adored by felines everywhere. Don’t worry about assembling this cat tree condo, as every tool you could possibly need to get it ready to go is included in the price, along with a detailed instruction pack to keep you on the right track. The strong P2 grade environmental board combined with the plush fabric coverings make for a trustworthy model that small and large cats alike can enjoy.
One common worry that cat owners have concerns the prospect of their cat tree falling over due to their feline’s weight, consequently harming their cats. There are two principal reasons why you shouldn’t worry about this; firstly, wild and domestic cats alike are experts at controlled falls, and that Bewishome’s cat tree condo even comes with a wall anchor strap to attach to the wall to prevent this situation from ever occurring.
9. AmazonBasics Cat Activity Tree
Key Features
Nothing complicated in relation to product assemblage, as all tools are included alongside a detailed instruction manual
Square-shaped base able to fit snugly and discreetly into corners of your home
Circular top platform can double as a cat bed
Triple-platform cat tree maintains cat’s mobility
Upon first glance, AmazonBasics’ Cat Activity Tree may appear to be, well, basic in terms of appearance. But the abundance of scratching posts and platforms on offer beg to differ. Each of the seven sisal posts are wrapped in jute – an eco-friendly and sustainable fiber. Combined with the compressed wood with carpeted surfaces, your cats will feel at ease by virtue of the excellent traction for climbing these carpeted surfaces offer. Besides, this surface provides a place for your cat to scratch and sharpen their claws, so your couch gets off scot-free.
Never underestimate how good a square-shaped base will be for your space. Instead of sticking out like a sore thumb, your cat’s activity tree can be slotted into the corner in the evening so it doesn’t look out of place (or block the television!). During the day, however, it can be placed squarely in the center of the room so your cat can enjoy jumping or climbing from one of the three platforms to another. If your bold feline is feeling brave, they can even attempt to jump up to the round top platform that doubles as a cat bet thanks to its curved top rim.
10. Armarkat Cat Tree
Key Features
Made of faux fur and fleece to maximize durability
Built-in scratching post allows cat to carry out natural instincts elsewhere than your couch!
Easy assemblage thanks to detailed instructions for each of Armakat’s specific cat trees
Company provides replacement parts within the first six months free of charge
As our last of our cat trees, Armarkat’s product has a lot to live up to, given the array of splendid designs we’ve previously reviewed. Yet their twenty years in the business and international reputation precedes them. This cat tree will take, on average, fifteen minutes to assemble before it’s ready for your cats to enjoy thanks to the detailed instructions the company include for all their pet products. Cat lovers will be particularly delighted by the hanging toy that their cats must traverse various condos and perches to reach.
If any part of your cat tree suffers damage within the first six months, AeroMark – the manufacturer of Armarkat’s sturdy cat trees – will replace it free of charge and hassle. The beige color is ideal for owners and is the perfect shade for subtly fitting into a lounge area. However, all your cat will care about is how soft this carpet feels on their face and their proximity to the cotton balls hung from the top platform!
Best Cat Tree Buying Guide & FAQ
Why Cats Need Cat Trees
Cat tree condos make your cat feel secure: Cats hate feeling as though they may be sneaked up upon when carrying out daily survival tasks like eating or sleeping. Built-in cat condos, with their four comfortable furry walls, will allow your cat to feel tucked away and safe while they snooze.
This piece of cat furniture will provide them with mental stimulation throughout the day: Interactive play is essential for keeping indoor cats physically healthy and happy. However, individuals who are part of the workforce know that it's impossible to provide your cat with the stimulation they crave during working hours – even for people who are lucky enough to work from home. A cat tree, equipped with various hanging toys, will allow them to keep active without their playdate buddy for now.
The sisal rope will act as a scratching substitute to your couch: There are so many reasons why cats scratch. This natural, healthy activity is a way of marking their territory, releasing hormones from their bodies, and helps them feel safe in their surroundings. Providing your cat with a sisal rope surface on their pet tree to scratch will protect your furniture – and therefore, your sanity!
Related Post: Outdoor Cat Houses
What to Look for in a Cat Climbing Tree
What material is my prospective cat tree made out of? The base and overall structure of the tree should be made from a durable material like medium-density fibreboard (MDF). Customer demand for this kind of wood has soared in recent years and is now considered to be a level above plywood due to MDF being able to cope with extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity and a smoother finish as a result of its construction from very fine particles.
Can I remove the faux fur to be washed? Although this may seem like the last thing you'd look for in a cat tree, having removable covers is an invaluable perk when your kitten inadvertently pees all over their cat tree.
Getting Your Cat to Use a Cat Tower
After hearing your friends express just how much their cats love scrambling up and down their cat towers, you eventually caved and purchased such a toy for your feline. However, contrary to reviews suggesting that your cat would take to their new toy like a fish to water, they just don't appear to be interested. How can you coax them towards their new toy?
Change the location of the activity tree: If their brand new cat tower is tucked away in a spare room of your home that your cat never frequents, they'll be highly unlikely to venture there to try out their new toy. Moving the cat tree to an area nearby your cat's litter bowl and food bowls will surely pique their interest in this interesting structure.
Coax your cat to climb higher with the help of other trusted toys: Your kitty surely has toys that they consider to be their favorites. Use these to your advantage during your next playdate with them. Situate their playtime around the structure to build positive associations with their new cat tree. One particular toy that entices them is a rope that can be dangled above each level of the cat tower. Before your cat knows it – after all, they'll be too focused on catching their rope with their paws – they'll have reached the top of their tower.
Get creative with treats: Why not, when it's time for your cat's daily treats, sprinkle them along their new cat tower? Their cravings will prompt them to climb their new cat tower, resulting in them discovering that they really do enjoy being the queen/king of the castle after all.
You may also like our articles on Cat Toys and Food Bowls For Cats
Our Top Pick
Each of our ten products has one particular feature that allows them to stand out from the crowd. However, our top pick, Go Pet Club's 62-inch Cat Tree, has several unique characteristics that has resulted in it becoming our personal favorite. Among these include the unique ladder so elderly cats don't have any difficulty climbing onto the tree, the countless reinforced posts wrapped in sisal, and the basket that cradles a cat's body, allowing them to drift off into a peaceful sleep. Quite simply, it's a splendid product that grants cats a space to lounge about without disruption.
FAQ
Q: What size cat tree do I need?
The answer to this question entirely depends on your budget, needs, and available space. If you're wishing to purchase a cat tree for multiple cats, don't decide to opt for a cat tower with only one level, as this will ultimately end in a battle to see who is queen/king of the condo. A multi-tiered modern cat tree in this instance is the way forward. One model among the best cat trees for this situation is our highly acclaimed top product, Go Pet Club's 62-inch Cat Tree, that includes a roomy condo for well-needed naps, raised perches, and plenty of sisal ropes to go around.
On the other hand, if you own one small cat who simply requires a cozy resting spot to snuggle up in, a 16-inch model exactly like Furhaven's Cat Tree should suffice.
Q: Does my cat condo need to be secured to a wall?
Although a cat condo doesn't need to be secured to a wall, this set-up sure does help alleviate any worries you may have about it toppling over when multiple cats are at play. Besides, cat condos that have the ability to be attached to the wall feature square base boards that are designed so your cat tower can discretely live in the corner of your living space. This certainly beats cat condos with circular bases that tend to stick out like sore thumbs in the middle of a room.
Q: When should my cat tree be replaced?
A number of factors influence how long a cat tree is able to survive for. What we regard to be the defining and most obvious factor is the number of cats that are in your household, which directly impacts the lifespan of a cat tree. Think about it: a cat tree that is cherished by one small female cat is bound to survive longer than a cat tree used by four large male felines.
Another factor in the lifespan of a cat tree is how big or small this pet furniture is. Smaller cat trees are bound to deteriorate quicker, given the concentrated amount of scratches they receive over any given time period.
Finally, it may be that your cat doesn't even acknowledge the existence of their cat tree and only decides to check it out a couple of times a year.
To that end, a cat tree may last from a few months (in multi-pet households) to a few years (singular pet households). Just make sure you purchase a high-quality cat tree to guarantee that it lasts!
Q: How do I clean my cat activity tree?
Stage 1: Removing cat hair
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First thing's first, you cannot start cleaning the cat activity tree if you haven't removed the colossal amounts of cat hair. With your favorite stiff cleaning brush at your disposal, use short and heavy strokes to remove the cat hair. Ensure a waste bucket is nearby so it's possible to dispose of this hair immediately.
However, try as you might to remove all cat hair with a brush, there are always a few pesky pet hairs that remain on your pet furniture. This very situation is when a vacuum comes in handy. Using the attachment, cover every inch of the scratch posts until all hair is removed.
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Stage 2: Disinfecting the cat activity tree
In preparation for this critical part of the cleaning process, you must have on hand an pet odor neutralizer and a disinfectant.
We recommend investing in an odor neutralizer to spray all unfavorable scents away. Although you can find an adequate odor neutralizer down at the pet store, the best models on the market can be found in our 2020 review.
If there is a specific stain you're wanting to remove, begin by blotching up the stain with paper towels before using the spray. After spraying, most odor neutralizers work best when left for a couple of minutes to guarantee for maximum saturation.
Now it's time to cover your cat's activity tree in disinfectant. Before you choose what disinfectant to buy, it's important to ask yourself two principal questions; what kind of surfaces am I cleaning (carpet, fur, or rope scratchers), and how much do I need to clean every inch of the multi-level cat tree?
Stage 3: Give the cat tower time to dry
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Now that you've disinfected the cat climber within an inch of its life, it's time to let it dry out. Although your cats may be at a loss without their trusty cat tower, don't give in to their pleading eyes. Giving the tower back to your cats in its damp condition will only undo your hard work removing odors. Putting your cat tower out in the sun will keep your cat's favorite toy hidden from them, and the sunlight will lightly disinfect the tower.