The Very Best Cat Trees, According to Cat People

Height:5 feet, 3 inches tall |Construction:Engineered wood, fabric, sisal

It’s easier than you’d think to spend hundreds of dollars on a cat tree. But there are plenty of budget-friendly options available that cost less than $100. When my husband and I first adopted our kittens at the beginning of the year, his parents kindly gifted us this Yaheetech cat tree. I watched my kittens grow from just over two-month-old babies who could barely climb up to the first step to now seven-month-olds who leap up and down its many levels to their hearts’ content.

It’s very tall — just over five feet — but the two-footed design keeps it stable while they are playing. Their favorite spot is the bed at the top, where they love to snuggle up together and look out the window. They also love the sisal scratching posts (and previously loved the dangling ball at the top, but tore it off early on). My in-laws have the exact same cat tree at their house, where it’s a preferred place for their 15-pound Maine coon mix to lounge, so I can attest that it holds up to larger cats too. According to the brand, it can support cats up to 22 pounds.

The cat tree is made from particleboard and does require assembly, but it’s not overly complicated. (As part of the gift, my father-in-law also put ours together, but I’d say it took him less than 30 minutes.) I have the beige, it also comes in a range of other neutral and fun colors, including dark gray, green, and pink. And while I haven’t tried other towers from the same brand, I perused theirofferingsand saw that they make similar styles with alternative features and different heights, so I’d suggest checking those out if this isn’t exactly what you’re looking for.

Height:Approximately 4 feet tall |Construction:Wood, sisal

After reading former Strategist writer Karen Iorio Adelson’sreview of this Frisco cat tree, writer Kitty Guo tested it with Harry, a former roommate’s cat. Assembly was quick and straightforward, though Guo had to rearrange some furniture to fit the cat tree into her space. “After an initial cautious inspection, Harry gladly took advantage of the rope toy and the scratching posts,” Guo says. Since Harry is more of a “lounger” than a “leaper,” he did have some trouble jumping onto the middle and top tiers — though she notes that a more athletically-inclined cat would likely do fine. Guo and her roommate ended up placing the tree by a window, where Harry “seemed to like lording over the passersby on the street.”

Height:Approximately 4 and a half feet tall |Construction:Wood, sisal, particleboard

For another stylish but less splurge-y option, Samantha Rober, owner of “catfluencers”Pesto and Tessie, recommends this Feandrea cat tree. “It’s not like one of those classic ugly cat trees, where it’s super-obvious that I have cats running around everywhere,” Rober says. Both of her cats like to nap in the cave and avail themselves of the different perches. “It’s so cute when they’re on two different levels and they’re both looking outside,” she says, adding that they also enjoy lolling in the hammock and sharpening their claws on the scratching posts.

Rober did mention, however, that it’s not the most “playful” cat tree and is suited for more sedate older cats. For something that’s a bit more kitten-friendly, Alyssa Bourget, cat mom toWilbur, Tuffy, and Solomon, owns a differentFeandra cat treethat’s a bit more whimsical and outfitted with a pair of pom-poms. “When Solomon was a kitten, he would bat at the little dangling balls,” she says, to the point where she had to reinforce them.

Height:Just under 2 feet tallConstruction:Recycled cardboard

At approximately 23 inches tall and 21 inches in diameter, this double-decker tower has similar dimensions to a small end table, making it perfect for those without much room to spare. It comes recommended by “Hana,” the anonymous owner of Instagram “catfluencers”DeweyandRudy. Even though it’s made entirely from recycled cardboard, she’s found it to be “quite sturdy,” and the lounging platforms have a comfortable concave-bowl shape that her cats enjoy sleeping in: “It’s so cute when they stack on top of each other,” she says. The entire tower can double as a scratcher, and once the scratcher pads start looking a bit worse for wear, “you canreplacethem, which is nice and sustainable,” Hana advises. “My boys are quite picky, but they immediately took to this, which I think says something.”

Height:2 feet, 4 inches tall |Construction:Wood, faux fur

Mau was easily the most-recommended brand from the experts I spoke to when I asked about good-looking cat trees. The brand makes a wide range of cat furniture, but is best known for “modern cat trees that double as modern art,” as the website copy states. Though they are pricey, Mau’s trees are made with high-quality materials, like real wood, and can be customized with different colors and styles of cushions. Many of the parts, like cushions, baskets, scratching surfaces, and dangling toys, can also be replaced once your cat has thoroughly destroyed them, as cats are wont to do. Leicester owns the Castillo, which she appreciates for its clean and simple look. “That height is perfect to be aligned close to the windowsill height, which makes it a really good choice,” she says, which is why it’s her cat’s favorite spot for an afternoon nap.

Height:Approximately 3 feet, 8 inches tall |Construction:Wood, jute, rattan, faux fur

Michelle Humphrey, owner of “catfluencer”Rosie, bought Mau’s Cento model when looking for a sleek, chic cat tree that would be a good-looking addition to her space. “Rosie’s obsessed with it. She seems to gravitate toward the basket design — she’s always napping and cuddling up in them,” Humphrey says. “I think she feels really snug and secure.” ActressMidori Francisis also a fan: “My partner is an amazing artist and makes our home look beautiful. She does not always find the cat products I buy beautiful until we found Mau Pets,” Francis told us.

Height:Just under 4 feet tall |Construction:Wood, rattan, jute, faux fur

Senior editor Jen Trolio owns the Mau Uni cat tree, which likes for its combination of form and function. The tree is designed to look somewhat like a real tree, with a woven basket bed at the top, a soft platform at the lower level, and jute wrapped around the “trunk” to provide a scratching post. As with Humphrey’s cat Rosie, Trolio’s almost-one-year-old kittens gravitate toward the basket bed and spend lots of time lounging there, while the platform is mostly a step on the way to the basket, rather than a space where they actually hang out.

Height:4 and a half feet tall |Construction:Wood, rattan, jute |Features:Scratching pad, beds, platforms

Trolio also owns the Reiya tree, which is one of her cats’ favorite places to scratch, thanks to the lengthy scratch pad on one of the legs. Like many of Mau’s design elements, the scratching pad can be replaced when the cats have worn it out. The entire tree is made from solid oak, but includes woven baskets with beds and wooden platforms for the cats to play or lounge on. One of Trolio’s cats prefers hanging out in the top basket in particular, but she likes that there’s one for each of them when they’re not in a cuddling mood. She also cautions that the Reiya’s smooth wood platforms, while beautiful, can be a bit slippery as the cats jump up and down.

Height:2 feet tall, just over 3 feet tall, or 5 feet, 4 inches tall depending on the model you buy |Construction:Wood, engineered wood, sisal, memory foam

Koski recommendsCatit’s Vesper lineof trees and condos, which come in a variety of sizes, so there are plenty of options to choose from. “They’re not terribly expensive, but, for the people’s side of things, they’re a little bit more stylish than your average gigantic carpeted cat tree,” Koski says. She appreciates how many features the trees have, like cubbies, platforms, and scratchers. She also notes that the carpeted pads can be removed for easy washing, and that you can replace the pads if they get too scratched up.

Height:4 feet, 8 inches tall |Construction:Wood, latex foam, cotton, hemp

While searching online for attractive cat trees, I stumbled upon Purrsona’s Heritage Tree and was immediately intrigued. The company sent me one for my kittens to test and in the month or so they’ve had it, they’ve absolutely loved it. The Heritage Tree is made of solid maple wood, and there’s even a stamp on the bottom stating it’s made in the USA. The larger pole features a hemp rope scratcher and the two beds are made of latex foam covered in cotton. As far as high-quality cat trees go, this is among the best I’ve found. It shipped to me in two large boxes, and was easy to put together by myself, though I did need my husband’s help to move it into place — it’s heavy! The heft is beneficial though, considering the tree’s highest point is about four and a half feet off the ground, making sturdieness extra important. Even when my kittens are in full zoomies mode, running and jumping off the tree, the wide base and strong build keep the Heritage Treehouse from wobbling. They love to lounge on the beds, as well as to scratch on the post or climb it like a tree to get onto the beds. Best of all, the Heritage Tree is beautiful to look at. I placed it next to the window in my dining room and it almost looks like sculptural art. This tree will likely be out-of-budget for many cat owners, but I do think the quality and craftsmanship make it worth the price.

Height:Just over three feet tall |Construction:Wood, suede

My kittens have also been testing Catenary’s Sundial, which is made of mango hardwood and designed to look more like a traditional piece of furniture than a traditional cat tree. I like the minimalist design, and the three tiers of beds offer multiple spots for my kittens to lounge. Each tier has a white suede bed, which looks stylish and clean without sacrificing comfort for the kitties. However, the material definitely holds onto my cats’ black fur.

The Sundial was slightly tricky to put together — I ended up needing a second hand from my husband, as well as a power drill borrowed from a friend to get all the pieces aligned and screwed together — but once it was assembled, the Sundial felt very sturdy. I placed it next to a window in my home office and it’s quickly become a favorite spot for my kittens to hang out, especially while I’m working at my desk nearby. Like the Heritage Tree above, it’s especially nice-looking; it’s also considerably shorter, just over three feet tall, and considerably less expensive. However, the Sundial is manufactured in batches available for preorders; Catenary schedules regular drops throughout the year, so take note of the upcoming schedule if you want to order one. You can also add on a“sundial disc,”which is a circle of corrugated cardboard sized to fit on the platforms, if you want to add a scratching element.

Height:Two feet tall |Construction:Plywood, faux shearling

I’ve only had the Grove tower for a couple of weeks, but it’s been a nice addition to my apartment (yes, my cats are extremely spoiled for cat tree options now). This tree is not made of solid would — it’s plywood covered in ash veneer, with cozy cushions for napping — but it feels very sturdy, and as someone who isn’t a carpenter or woodworker, I wouldn’t know the difference just from looking at it. The Grove comes fully assembled, so I simply had to pull it out the box and I was done with set-up. It’s fairly short, at two feet tall, but does include an inner and upper cushion, so there are two spots for kitties to lay. At 18 inches wide, it does take up a good chunk of floor space, but also provides plenty of room for lounging.

Height:Approximately 3 feet, 2 inches tall |Construction:Jute, PVC, chipboard, steel wire, polyester fabric

Jessica Strika, owner ofBeans Cat Cafe, recommends Vetreska as one of her favorite brands for cat trees that offer a more interesting look than “beige squares” without being too expensive. Kalb also likes Vetreska’s trees, citing their colorful designs; he has a few different designs from the brand at his cat cafe. Trolio has been testing three models from Vetreska with her kittens, and their favorite is this Cactus Cat Tree. Most of the structure is a scratcher wrapped in jute rope, with a flower-shaped bed on top. Trolio placed the Cactus Cat Tree by a window and her cats have enjoyed lounging on the flower bed and watching birds outside. She says they also love to scale and chase each other up and down this tree, and one kitten in particular loves digging his claws into the rope to roll around the base or dangle from the cactus’s arms.

Trolio also tried Vetreska’sChroma Cat ClimberandCherry Cat Tree. The Chroma model has been popular with her cats for scratching, and they seem to appreciate the enclosed cubby at the top, but the platforms seem to hinder them from racing up and down it the way they can on the Cactus Cat Tree. The Cherry Cat Tree, while adorable, has been less popular than the other designs, possibly because it is fairly short.

Height:Approximately 3 feet, 8 inches tall |Construction:Plywood, foam, sisal/ABS plastic blend

While many of the trees I’ve included on this list have a scratching element, this tower is more specifically dedicated to scratching — almost a scratching post/cat tree hybrid. The tall scratching post allows cats to scratch vertically and stretch out. It earns a spot on this list as a great cat tree thanks to the bed on top. Trolio has this tower in front of her window, next to the Vetreska Cactus, and says her cats enjoy sitting on top to gaze out the window.

Height:Varies |Construction:Steel, bamboo

Koski told me about Omlet, a brand that creates customized floor-to-ceiling cat trees. “You can decide what elements you think your cat would like and put them on the cat tree,” she says. Options include hammocks, bridges, ramps, beds, steps, platforms, and even a cat-grass holder. The brand has a few preset designs you can choose from and customize, or you can start fully from scratch and design a cat tree exactly how you want. Pricing varies depending on the pole height and which elements you select, but a basic tree starts around $200. The poles are made from steel and bamboo for a sturdy build. You can also add more elements later, or connect multiple poles to create a cat jungle gym. The Omlet Freestyle Tree is a great solution for small spaces, as it takes up very little floor space. However, be aware — especially if you’re a renter — that it needs to be secured to both the floor and the ceiling.

Height:Varies |Construction:Carpet, sisal, faux fur

For a cat tree that can double as a sculptural statement piece, art curator Celine Wong Katzman, owner of a cat named Melon, suggests the customizable cat furniture from Hollywood Kitty Company. “They’re just insane. They havea lot of different designs, but they’re all ridiculously ornate,” Wong Katzman says. In addition to this sweet heart-themed tree, there arerustic driftwood trees,enchanted forest trees, and even aTitanic-shaped onethat will run you around $4,000. “You can also custom-order if you want your tree to have toys attached, or they’ll make it with your cat’s name on it,” she says. “I mean, it’s expensive, but amazing. It’s art!” All of Hollywood Kitty Company’s products are made to order and, depending on the complexity of the design, may take anywhere between a month and a year to complete.

Height:Varies |Construction:Wood, carpet, sisal

Cat behaviorist Ingrid Johnson fromFundamentally Felinerecommends New Cat Condos for durable, well-built cat trees that are made in the United States from solid wood. Tthe company is based in Arizona and offers a dizzying array of different styles, sizes, colors, and designs to choose from. You can even put in custom orders to have New Cat Condos create the exact tree you want, in nearly any color you could want. Johnson also mentions that she appreciates the easy assembly.

Height:5 feet, 3 inches tall |Construction:Bamboo, canvas, sisal, rope

If you’re low on floor space but can drill into your walls, a wall-mounted tree is an excellent option. Leicester recommends Catastrophic Creations — she used theirwall bridgeat her cat cafe and says it was a hit with the cats there. Some of the brand’s more elaborate products, such as the Juggernaut, include platforms, scratchers, and hammocks, just like a traditional cat tree would. Musician Elizabeth Patton splurged ontwoJuggernauts when she adopted a litter of five kittens. “The attention to detail and quality of the little things is impressive,” Patton says, singling out the wood’s satin finish, which “provides a decent grip for the cats”; the “incredibly well-designed” mounts that “can take a beating”; and the sturdy canvas fabric, which “holds up well to the wear and tear” and is easy to replace or wash. Wall-mounted cat trees are definitely more of a commitment than a freestanding one, but for especially curious cats or owners in small spaces, they can be a good solution to providing vertical play space.

Height:19 inches tall |Construction:Felt, steel, suction cups

Another option for those working with a tight space is a window perch, which allows for all the same lounging and birdwatching as a traditional freestanding cat tree but with a much smaller footprint. We first heard about this window perch from communications manager Carolyn Rehm, owner of two social-media-beloved cats namedBroccoli and Dilly. Rehm says her kitties loved this Tuft + Paw perch so much that she bought a second so “they can each have their own.” They’ll hang out together on the perches at all times of the day: in the morning “as the sun is rising, in the afternoon to watch birds and our neighbors, and for a long nap in the evening after dinner.” Galaxy also recommended the Cloud Nine hammock to me, saying it’s the only suction-cup style hammock he’s ever known to stay up long term.

Three Strategist staff members, including myself, have also tested it out. I’ve been testing this hammock with Soot and Smudge for a few weeks and I’ve been seriously impressed with how sturdy it is. They are two seriously rambunctious kittens, so I’m always worried about ways they may get hurt. But when they jump onto the Cloud Nine window hammock, it doesn’t budge a bit. The suction cups are massive and, when applied as the instructions say, they don’t budge. Guo tried the Cloud Nine Window hammock with her roommate’s cat Harry and also says it stayed sturdy on the window, even though Harry is a decently hefty adult cat. While my kittens haven’t taken to lounging on the hammock much yet (I need to change it’s location so they can get onto it more easily), Guo says it became a favorite spot for Harry to watch pigeons in the alleyway outside her apartment. Trolio has also been testing the Cloud Nine Hammock and been impressed with its sturdiness so far.

Height:12 inches tall |Construction:Plastic, faux fleece, foam

For a less-expensive window perch, consider the K&H Kitty Sill. It also comes recommended by Galaxy, and doesn’t require any tools or suction to attach to your window — you just need at least two inches of windowsill to hook it onto. If you can drill into your window and want some extra stability, that is an option too. This perch features a cushioned bed to make it an extra-appealing place for a cat to hang out.