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The very best cat trees provide a place to play, climb, scratch, and nap. Nail Grinders For Pets
While cats that spend time outdoors have plenty of ways to entertain themselves, an easy way to provide a safe, stable surface for your indoor cat is with a cat tree. The best cat trees provide a place to play, climb, scratch, and nap. “Cat trees have both physical and mental benefits,” says Susan Sikule, DVM, owner of Just Cats Veterinary Clinic in Guilderland and Saratoga Springs, New York. “They provide a way for your cat to get exercise by jumping and climbing vertically, and they offer a space to explore, which is mentally stimulating. Enrichment activities are essential to the well-being of indoor cats.”
While cat toys are one way to keep your pet entertained, placing a cat tree near a window allows your cat to see all the activity in your neighborhood and survey his or her turf. “They really enjoy observing any type of movement, including nature, people, and cars,” says Dr. Sikule. If you’re tight on space and don’t have room for a stand-alone cat tree, shelf versions can be wall-mounted or window hammocks can be suspended from the window sill.
Cat trees can also be somewhere your cat learns is his or her special space. For example, if you have a counter surfer, placing the cat tree near the counter may show your cat that this an acceptable spot to hang out instead, says Dr. Sikule.
Ahead, we’ve chosen the best cat trees for your fur baby, with criteria from Dr. Sikule, the American Association of Feline Practitioners, and product reviews.
For more of the best products for cats, browse our top guides: Best Cat Harnesses | Best Water Fountains for Cats | Best Cat Backpacks
If you're looking for an affordable option, this cat tree packs a lot of features in for the price point. With multiple platforms and levels, a hammock, a cubby, and a few dangling toys, it's a fun choice for the active cat. Ideally, it should also be anchored to prevent tip-over (anchors included).
Dimensions: 17.7"L x 13.8"W x 44.1"H | Weight: 22 pounds | Colors: Beige, Light Gray, Smoky Gray
If your cat loves looking out the window but you have limited space for a stand-alone cat tree, this perch gives your pet a great view and a place to nap. There's even a heated version for kitties who love to curl up in a warm spot.
Dimensions: 24"L x 14"W x 12"H | Weight: 3.75 pounds | Colors: Fleece (heated or unheated), Zebra (unheated)
This sturdy unit has no carpet or faux fur, which is a smart option if your cat likes to claw up those surfaces. The base is easy to wipe clean, while the memory foam cushions and scratching posts can be replaced as needed. The hiding cubby is open on both sides for easy access. A dangling rope toy is the finishing touch.
Dimensions: 22.1"L x 22.1"W x 47.8"H | Weight: 40.5 pounds | Colors: Black
Got a few kitties? This 72-inch-tall cat tree has plenty of room for everyone to climb, perch, nap and just hang out. With 10 sisal scratching posts, multiple platforms, and dangling toys, this is a dream condo for cats. Ideally, it should be anchored to prevent tip-over (it comes with an anchor kit).
Dimensions: 23"L x 21.3"W x 72" H | Weight: 55.7 pounds | Colors: Cream, Brown, Black, Blue, Gray, Cheetah
If you want to give your cat some fresh air, this fully-enclosed cat condo is a lightweight solution that won't break the bank. This allows you to set it up on your patio or balcony so your kitty can watch the world while staying safely inside. Add-ons, such as a tunnel, can be purchased separately. One note: Do not leave cats outdoors unattended in this condo, as it is not meant to be used without supervision.
Dimensions: 47.25"L x 33"W x 46.75"H | Weight: 11.8 pounds | Colors: Black
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If space is at a premium in your home, this door-mounted cat tree is a great option. Hang it over the back of a door, and it can accommodate up to 50 pounds. With four levels and little holes to pass through to the next, it's a fun option for kitties if you're tight on space.
Dimensions: 22"L x 12"W x 80"H | Weight: 8 pounds | Colors: Black
How cute is this? A cat tree with faux leaves! This stand-alone unit is made by a small business in the USA of pet-safe materials. With several levels of platforms to climb and leaves to hide behind, your cat will enjoy exploring this unique cat tree.
Dimensions: 24"L x 24"W x 60"H | Weight: 30 pounds | Colors: Mixed Maple, Orange Blaze, Plum, Zen Green
Have a bare wall? Turn it into a cat playground with this wall-mounted cat tree set which includes multiple perches, a house, cat bridge, scratching post, and scratching board. You can use all of the pieces or only the ones that you think will appeal to your cat.
Dimensions: Variable, largest perch is 12.5''W X 8''D; condo interior is 12.3''H X 12.3''W | Weight: 16.09 pounds | Colors: Black, Gray, Beige
This luxury, real wood and wicker cat tree is stylish (for you!) and fun (for your cat!). With two scratching posts, dangling pom pom balls, and a cozy cave, it's ideal for cats up to 23 pounds. Bonus: The cushions are removable and machine washable, which is a feature not often seen with other cat trees. It's also long-lasting because every part can be replaced when worn.
Dimensions: 18"L x 24"W x 46"H | Weight: 38 pounds | Colors: White, Brown, Bullet Gray
If your cat isn't into heights but likes a cozy napping place, this small cat tree is a great option. With a hammock-type bed, two scratching posts, and two dangling pom pom balls, it's a petite and affordable option for one cat.
Dimensions: 22"W x 22"L x 20"H | Weight: 7.28 pounds | Colors: Ivory, Gray, Black, Cheetah
Knowing your cat is important when it comes to choosing a cat tree. “While plenty of cats like to be high up, others prefer small spaces to hide,” says Dr. Sikule. “When choosing features, pay attention to your cat’s comfort level and where he or she naturally likes to hang out, whether it’s on the back of the sofa or behind the sofa.” Features to consider include:
✔️ Sturdiness: A stand-alone cat tree should not fall over easily; for safety, anchor it to the wall to prevent tip-overs, says Dr. Sikule.
✔️ Height: Many cat trees range from two to a maximum of about seven feet tall. Know your cat because some cats like to climb, while others don’t, says Dr. Sikule.
✔️ Cubbies: Places to hide and nap are appealing to many cats. Look for multiple cubby opening sizes to accommodate different cat preferences.
✔️ Multiple climbing and perching surfaces: If you have more than one cat, make sure there are multiple ways up and down a cat tree so one cat isn’t stuck at the top if the other is blocking the way down. You also should look for a wide top perch, for example, so it’s not always a battle about who gets the highest perch if they both like to sit high up.
✔️ Scratching posts: Cats need to scratch to stretch and hone their natural hunting skills. Look for a post that’s taller than their body length, since most cats like to scratch vertically. Sisal rope, cardboard, or carpet are all good options. Some units have replaceable parts, which is helpful for extending the life of the cat tree.
✔️ Toys: Dangling ropes, ladders, bouncing toys, and other attachments provide additional mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.
✔️ Replacement parts: This will help your cat tree last longer.
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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