Top 10 Best Cat Trees (Complete Buying Guide)

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Choosing the best cat trees for 2019 wasn’t nearly as hard as I thought it would be!

If you’ve been following our posts, you know that I’ve talked about trees for cats of all sizes and ages.

I’ve even covered some great space saving trees!

Throughout all those posts, a handful of brands always seem emerge as the clear winners.

Today, I’m going to round up the top pick in each category (plus some new categories that we haven’t covered just yet)

First, though, let’s look at my criteria for choosing the best cat trees of 2019 (so far).

What I Look For in the Best Cat Trees

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1. Stability

Stability is probably the most important feature of the best cat trees! I want to make sure my cats can climb safely and not knock over the tree!

It also needs to withstand the Fuzz when he does “zoomies,” because he may be lithe, but he knocks into things with the force of a Cat 5 hurricane!

You might think a wide base is enough to make a tree stable, but it’s not. You also need to look at the poles of the tower.

• Are they wide enough to support the perches?
• Do they screw in tightly or do they wiggle and jiggle like Santa’s belly?

Related: best cat trees for apartments

2. Affordability

Once I determine the stability of a cat tree, I ask myself “can I afford it?” You’d think that would be the first question, but if it’s not stable, there’s no need for me to go any further.

Affordability is more than just “how much can I afford to pay right now,” it’s also about value for the money.

Just because you can afford a $700 tree (yep, they exist) doesn’t mean you should. Think about how long that tree will last.

If it’s something that you know will last the life of your cat, then it’s a good deal. If it will fall apart in a few months, skip it.

Even the cheapest tree isn’t really “affordable” if you have to replace it in two months!

3. Versatility

When I look at cat trees, I want something that, at the least, does three things:

• Gives my cats something to climb on (obviously).
• Provides plenty of surfaces for them to scratch, so they don’t claw up my furniture.
• Offers a cozy little nap spot.

It doesn’t have to be a monster of a tree to meet those three requirements. As you’ll see below, there are some great smaller trees that look unassuming but do all three!

There you have it. Think of them as the three “ilities” if you will! 😀 Now, let’s talk top 10 best cat trees of 2019!

Related: Best cat trees with hammock for large cats

Top 10 Best Cat Trees of 2019

Each of these trees meets my top three criteria!

They’re all stable enough for your crazy cat, affordable in the sense that they’re a good value for the cost, and versatile enough to keep kitty happy.
Use the table below for a quick comparison

1. Best Cat Tree for the Average House Cat

One of my favorite cat trees for the average house cat is the one I have now: the Go Pet Club 62-Inch Cat Tree. I have the blue one, but it comes in other great color options.

I have three cats of average weight, more or less. Willow is a bit overweight, but she’s 15 and doesn’t climb as much. Zoe and Alex, though, love this tree!

Features:

• 4 large levels in all, including the base
• A sisal-covered ladder for more climbing fun (although to be honest, my cats don’t use it except as a scratching post)
• A plush top perch for napping (Zoe and Alex fight over this spot!)
• Plenty of sisal-covered posts, which last surprisingly long! Zoe scratches them constantly, and only one has come undone after over a year.

Like I said, we’ve had this for longer than a year. It’s taken some major abuse both from my cats and from my dogs ramming into it while playing, and it’s still standing!

2. Best Cat Tree for Large Cats (like Bengals & Maine Coons)

 

The SONGMICS 68.5″ tree is my choice for the 2019 best cat tree for large cats for so many reasons.

Aside from looking super stylish, features include:

• Strengthened with battens at the bottom and anti-toppling fittings for increased stability.
• Roomy cat cave with a cute little window, and a luxury top perch.
• Large “basket-style” nap spot that’s deep enough even for Maine Coon cats.

This tree definitely meets all of my requirements! It’s stable thanks to the added features, versatile, and surprisingly affordable!

Check out our SONGMICS review for more great trees by the brand.

3. Best Tree for Older Cats

SONGMICS wins again in the “best cat trees for older cats” category!

The Multi-Level Cat Tree with Feeder Bowl is just the right size for achy kitties who can’t climb like they used to.

Features

• 3 levels, including the base, with plenty of leeway for climbing or jumping
• 2  comfy caves to give senior kitties a nice retreat from the noise
• 1 cozy perch for people watching
• 3 sisal scratching posts
• Detachable feeding bowl (so your older cat can grab a drink without walking to the kitchen)

FYI, sometimes this tree isn’t in stock.  If it’s not when you’re ready to buy, this is a good alternative. Don’t miss our detailed guide: Best Cat Trees For Senior Cats

4. Best Space-Saver Cat Tree

I am crazy in love with the Hollywood Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree! It’s a tree that runs from your floor all the way up to your ceiling, yet takes up hardly any floor space.

• The entire thing is modular, so you can put it together exactly how you want it.
• Comes in many different sizes and colors.
• Buy the pole from them or get it separately at IKEA (it’s the same price either way, but if you have an IKEA coupon you may want to go that route).
• The platforms are made in the USA with sustainable materials.

I can think of a few spots in my house where I’d love to put this! I have very little floor space, but I do have some unused corners where it would fit!

Check out my other top picks for space saver cat trees if this one doesn’t fit your needs.

I saw it on CatsPlay Cat Furniture   Hollywood Floor to Ceiling Cat Tower

5. Most Unique Cat Tree

Although it only stands at around 4 feet tall, it packs a lot of fun into that compact size.

Features

• Large scratching posts and pads keep claws off your furniture.
• Soft padded perch on the top of the tree offers up a cushioned spot for a nap. 
• Cute hanging sisal toy gives kitty something fun to play with. 
• The modern design and neutral colors fit into any decor.

I love this one because it doesn’t look much like a cat tree, so it won’t stand out like a sore thumb in my house.

It’s also compact enough to stick in my bedroom where my cats hide when company comes over.

 
Use the table below for a quick comparison

6. Best “Alternative” Cat Tree

My top pick for the best “alternative” cat tree is also the #1 tree on my wish list right now. The  Katris Blocks tree modular cat tree isn’t just stylish, it’s completely customizable!

Features

• The Tetris-like blocks can configured into just about any final size and shape.
• Comes with 5 blocks to get you started, but you can but more sets and expand it as much as you want.
• Assembles easily with the included clips.
• Looks like modern art instead of a cat tree!

The only major drawback is that it doesn’t come with any padded areas, but that’s okay! I could easily add some to the cubes.

Still, it remains one of my all-time favorites and is quite possibly my #1 pick of the best cat trees for 2019.

7. Best Blue Cat Tree

Armakat makes some fabulous options in all shades of blue, but I love the Sky Blue cat tree the best.

Some of the other blues can be a bit too dark for a house that needs a more airy color.

Features:

• At 38L x 24W x 66H Inches, it’s roomy enough for most cats.
• 40-pound weight limit, so it can easily handle two average-sized cats (or one Maine Coon)
• Four levels of fun, and even some cute dangling toys!
• Sisal rope covers the posts, giving cats a great place to scratch.
• Super budget-friendly.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly blue cat house, this is a great pick! If the light blue isn’t your thing, check out their other shades.

8. Best Tree for Multiple Cat Households

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I discovered the Cat Tree King when writing about cat trees for Maine Coons & other big cats. The  Corner Cat XXL tree is my favorite for multiple cat families.

Features:

• Poles are covered with glued-on sisal rope from top to bottom. 
• Top to bottom plush, so you never see unfinished wood.
• Uses the highest-quality plush to provide the ultimate comfort for your kitty.
• Roomy perches and platforms let multiple cats sleep curled up together or play on the same level.

It looks so cozy, doesn’t it? Cat Tree King is popular in the Netherlands, and they follow European standards for pet products, which are a lot stricter than the US laws.

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9. Best “Fold & Store” Cat Tree

Features

• The large measures around 20x14x25, so it’s small enough for even the tiniest space. 
• Open it up for playtime, then just fold it shut to store it. 
• Tepee-style condo and the hammock are wrapped in super soft plush. 
• Natural sisal scratching surface to keep cats from clawing your furniture. 
• Removable cushion insert is machine-washable. 

I’m amazed by how many features they managed to fit into such a small cat tree, and it’s super cute, too!

10. Best Cat Tree for Tiny Budgets

The Go Pet Club 51″ High Beige cat tree comes in well under $100, yet doesn’t look or feel “cheap.”

Features

• Four levels including the base
• All of the poles are sisal-wrapped for plenty of scratching surfaces
• A nice-sized cat condo for nap time.
• Stands at 51″, but takes up less than 2′ of floor space.

Keep in mind that this is designed for small cats, so it’s not a good choice for a Savannah or Maine Coon.

Although we’re only months into the year, I can’t imagine my picks for the best cat trees for 2019 will change much. These are all super solid options!

Still, I’ll keep an eye out throughout the year to see if any new trees come out that are better than my choices! If they do, I’ll update you!

READ MORE: The 10 Best Cat Condos To Buy

Which of these best cat trees for 2019 do you love the most? Share below!

Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API