10 Best Cat Trees: Elevate Your Cat’s Playtime

Cats are curious creatures that love to climb, scratch, and lounge in cozy spaces.

That’s why a cat tree can be a great addition to your home, providing your feline friend with a dedicated space to play, rest, and satisfy their natural instincts.

But with so many options available, how do you choose the best cat tree for your pet?

We’ll explore the top picks for the best cat trees on the market, from budget-friendly options to high-end models.

Best Cat Trees At A Glance

• Winner: Go Pet Club Classic Cat Tree
• Runner-up: FEANDREA Cat Tree
• Best for Budget: Armarkat Cat Tree

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.

1. Go Pet Club Cat Tree

One of my favorite cat trees for the average house cat is the one I have now: the Go Pet Club 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 we 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. FEANDREA Cat Tree

It is a best cat tree for large cats for so many reasons.

features

• 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 our requirements! It’s stable thanks to the added features, versatile, and surprisingly affordable!

3. FEANDREA Multi-Level Cat Tree

FEANDREA wins again as the best cat trees for older cats choice!

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)

Your senior cat will definitely enjoy play time using this tree.

4. HOPERAN Floor-to-Ceiling Cat Tree

I am crazy in love with the HOPERAN 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.

Features

• 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.
• 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!

5. Majestic Pet 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.

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

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

6. KATRIS Modular Cat Tree

Our 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.

This one remains one of our all-time favorites and is quite possibly number one pick.

7. Armarkat Cat Tree

Armakat makes some fabulous options in all shades of blue, but we 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. Cat Tree King

We discovered the Cat Tree King when writing about cat trees for Maine Coons & other big cats.

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.

9. TRIXIE Cat Tower

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. 

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

10. Go Pet Club Corner Cat Tree

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.

What I Look For in the Best Cat Trees

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!

Are they wide enough to support the perches?

Do they screw in tightly or do they wiggle and jiggle like Santa’s belly?

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.

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. There are some great smaller trees that look unassuming but do all three!

Wrap-Up

Investing in a cat tree can provide endless entertainment and comfort for your feline companion.

By selecting a sturdy, well-designed model that suits your cat’s needs and preferences, you’ll be providing them with a safe and fun space to explore and relax.

From cozy perches to scratching posts and hiding spots, there’s a cat tree out there that’s perfect for your pet.

We hope our guide has helped you find the best cat tree for your furry friend, and that they’ll enjoy their new playtime haven for years to come!

Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API