The 12 Best Cat Trees, Tested by Our Editors' Very Own Kittens (2024)

One of the heaviest cat trees on our lineup, Armarkat's five-level, 68-inch tree boasts an impressive 4.7 rating from thousands of Amazon customers. It has everything cats could want in cat tower: multiple places to curl up and rest (including one cave), several flat perches, built-in scratching posts, and a hanging pom-pom for playtime.

This one arrived in a giant box and took around 30 minutes to assemble. (Admittedly, I had my husband do it, as I've been known to irreparably damage Ikea furniture.) Murphy couldn't wait to get his paws on it — literally. He climbed in and explored the product through every part of the building process, from bottom to top. He's a hefty boy but he fit handily inside the cave. My toddler, who climbed it the next day, could not say the same.

My experience reflected the reviews I read; this tower is sturdy and not altogether unattractive. Of all the cat towers I tested, this one had the best quality of fabric; soft and carpet-like, it's not easy for kitty's claws to tear apart.

If you get the sense your cat would like the opportunity to physically lord over you, then this cat tree from Chewy's in-house brand Frisco will be his or her top pick . This six-foot-tall behemoth of a cat tree features two condos, two scratching ramps, 10 scratching posts, and two hanging mice.

It's the second-heaviest cat tree on our list, so take caution if you're not able to handle heavy, unwieldy objects. I, a mere pedestrian, put it together in one hour and 10 minutes, meaning someone more qualified could probably do it in about 40 minutes. While perusing the reviews for this, I noticed some complaints about the sturdiness of the tree, while other praised it for being surprisingly solid. In my experience, this entirely comes down to the assembly process. Consumers need to thoroughly screw the posts in, otherwise the tower will become wobbly after a few weeks of use.

Don't be fooled, folks, Lesure's cat tree is more than just a cutesy, bunny-themed tower: it's a tower and a removable bed. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Weighing in at 11.4 pounds, this is one of the lightest trees we tested. It was a cinch to put together — my 5-year-old even helped me — and took around 10 minutes for the finished product to be ready for action. The boards and scratching posts are sturdy, but the most exciting part is the bed on top. Ours has a minimalistic bunny design (there's even a tail on the backside) but there's also a cow print and a pig pattern.

I'm selecting this as our winner in the kitten category for three reasons: First, it's petite. It won't be too hard for a kitten to get on the top of this thing, and its size isn't overwhelming. Second, the bed is removable. That means kitty can stay and play in it during the day, then be transferred to sleep alongside you at night. (No, you're weird for thinking your new kitten won't want to sleep right next to your face.) Finally, the floppy ears are fun to play with. They'll love it!

We get it: cat trees aren't exactly the most stylish piece of decor in a home. If you're looking for one that fits the definition of truly beautiful, then look no further than this one from Mau Lifestyle.

With faux branch posts and hyacinth leaf perches, this cat tree will fit right in to any space in your home. "I love the look of the natural tree branches and the fact that this brand plants a new tree for every cat tree sold," our testing editor said. "There’s not a room in my house I wouldn’t mind putting it."

Sadly, most cats don't base their opinions on aesthetics, but this cat tree also got a five-star rating from our feline tester. The twine-wrapped branches are perfectly places for a good stretch and scratch, and the basket-style perches are lined with a cozy faux fur that provides optimal nap support. "It has all their favorite things: Perches, dangling toys, scratching posts, a cubby to hid in," our testing editor said of her furry family member.

This cat tree is also fairly easy to put together — if you follow the video of assembly instructions, that is. It took our tester around 40 minutes with two people to assemble, but, she admits, it could've gone by faster had they started with the video.

The only major downside to the Mau Lifestyle cat tree is the price. At $289, it's nearly $100 more than the second most expensive cat tree on this list. However, nothing can replace the value of a cat tree that you truly don't hate to look at.

Chic and modern aren't two words we'd usually bring out when describing cat trees, but this PetPals option fits the bill. The black and cream color palette along with the sleek lines lend it a modern look that other cat trees just aesthetically can't compete with.

As much as humans love this cat tree, we know the opinion that really matters is the cat, and our tester gave this one two paws up. "I find her on it all the time," our testing editor said of her cat. "She has a favorite bed, and I think she’s using this cat tree more than the bed now."

Each pole of this cat tree is completely wrapped in twine, so every spot is an ideal scratching post. The two perches are also wrapped in a comfy and plush carpeting and the top basket makes for the perfect cuddle spot. Some owners might have issues with lighter colored cat fur showing up on the black perches, but our tester noted that fur lifts quickly and easily with a lint roller.

We also give this cat tree two thumbs up when it comes to assembly. It took our tester just 20 minutes to put together by herself. However, we should not that this cat tree doesn't have a way to secure it to a wall or the ground. "It’s got a wide platform at the bottom, so it would behard to tip it over, but it’s a little shaky when my cat jumps to the different levels and when she jumps down from the basket at the top," our testing editor said. "Having a way to secure it to the wall would make it a little sturdier."

Priced at a mere $30, Yaheetech's 54-inch cat tree seems too good to be true. Featuring two condos, several perches, scratching posts, a ball, and a ramp for chonky boys and girls, it has everything cats need. So what's the catch? According to tens of thousands of Amazon reviews, there isn't one — well, not a major one, anyway.

"Great service from seller, easy to assemble, and best of all, it’s cat-approved," raves one review. "We’re pleased with the looks, quality, and stability of it. Great value for the size and features. My grand-kitties love the height to climb, the scratchers to scratch, and all the cozy spots to sleep."

While there are many great reviews, a handful do state that "you get what you pay for," and this tree isn't as well-crafted as its pricier competitors. "The ball toys did end up ripping off and the material comes off over time almost as if the cat tree is shedding," wrote one buyer, who says he would still recommend it, just "don’t expect it to last years."

Amazon reviewers praise Feandrea's cat condo for its simple setup, compact nature, and quality parts, but what sets this model apart is that it comes in four sizes. I don't just mean that the next size up has another level or another condo, I mean the next size has parts that are slightly bigger, but it's the exact same design. The retailer describes the sizes as being for kittens (up to 7 pounds), medium cats (up to 11 pounds), large or chubby cats (up to 16 lbs), and extra large cats (up to 44 lbs). No matter which size you go with, you'll get the same model with two condos, two scratching posts, and a pillowy bed on the top. Reviewers love the oversized model so much that several are in the comments asking the brand to make its other models with similar dimensions!

"This is the perfect cat tower if you want something fairly compact and not too tall, but still want good height for your cat," writes one reviewer. "I got the large size and the bed and cubbies have plenty of space for my 15-pound cat. The bed is thick enough that she is comfortable laying on it for hours at a time, and it was easy to put together."

While we gave another cat tree top honors in the "large cat" category, this is a solid runner-up for Ragdolls, Maine Coons, and other large breeds.

Floor-to-ceiling towers are a unique option for those who want a large play area for their cats, but don't have the square footage to dedicate much room to a giant cat tree. These towers depend on a tension rod to keep their height and notoriously, it's hard to find a well-reviewed model at a decent price.

PAWZ Road seems to have the design that works the best, and the company boasts two variations on its cactus-themed tower. The basic model (pictured), consists of a single pole with five levels and can be extended to 108 inches. Need to size up? Check out the two-pole version with a small condo, which goes up to 112 inches. (There's also, hilariously, a gothic version.)

"Overall, this is a fantastic cat tree," reads one review. "It is a reasonable price, easy to assemble, and my cat loves it ... The one issue is that the bottom tends to slide on hard floors, so occasionally needs to be adjusted. The support beam that extends to the ceiling is also plastic (not metal or a more firm material), so it is a little wobbly."

Anyone with cats has probably seen the Instagram ads for Happy & Polly. Hands down, this company makes some of the cutest cat trees around: piranha plants, flower petals, celestial dreamlands. As reviews put it, the fruit-themed tree is "adorable," "sturdy," and "worth the price."

Assembly for this one is especially easy because the parts are relatively light; the entire structure is under 19 pounds. One review noted that the assembly only took 20 minutes and her cats instantly took to the tree.

As a few people noted, the tree isn't meant for large cats. It's a medium-sized structure and the platforms aren't particularly big. The per-cat weight limit is listed at 12 pounds, so this one is probably best for kittens and smaller breeds.

For those simply looking for a small structure where their cat can play 'n' lay, Amazon Basics has the perfect option. This platform tree comes recommended by thousands of buyers who are impressed with its price tag and durable design. They say it takes under 10 minutes to put together — one capable buyer even said they did it in three minutes total.

This structure is perfect for older kitties and larger cats, who may not have the strength or desire to scale a 6-foot tree but still want a little space to scratch and sit. With two scratching poles anchoring it to the base, the top platform is really sturdy and capable of holding a cat who weighs up to 25 pounds. No wobbles here!

The one drawback is that a couple reviews note that the platform doesn't have much padding, so owners may want to put a blanket on the top.

Tucker Murphy Pet's Degolier cat tree is one of those rare products where the consumer photos look exactly like the promotional ones. Crafted using natural wood, premium polyester fabric, and cotton rope, this large tree is built to last. There's an extra-large hammock on the bottom for bigger boys and girls, a condo, and two padded platforms at the top. Those two dangling balls also have bells attached to them, for added sensory play.

While the green is a playful look, this tree also comes in beige, which looks to be the most popular color. The company doesn't list a per-cat weight total, just a 100-pound limit. (Maybe that means four 25-pound cats can comfortably rest?) Reviews say this one takes about 30 to 45 minutes to assemble, which is pretty good for a tower of this size.

Buyers really love the look of this "upscale" tower, which is a step up from the "typical, hideous" cat trees. One review even gives it extra high marks for its easy-clean exterior: "The best part is it cleans like a dream. My cat even threw up on it and it dried, and when I went to clean it, it just wiped right off with a paper towel and didn’t even leave a stain on the white fabric!" Gotta love it.

So, you have several cats and they're not exactly into snuggling with each other? Hey-brother's extra-large cat tree has three separate "luxury" condos and three plush beds — your cats don't even have to look at each other! Available in six colors and two sizes, this tower has an average 4.6 rating from thousands of Amazon reviews.

That said, reviews on assembly are mixed. Some say the instructions are easy and it took 30 minutes, others say it was a confusing process that took two hours. Once it's all together, though, it's solid as a rock. Due to its large base, this tree has far fewer complaints about being wobbly than its competitors. That's a good thing because this tree is huge — it's over six feet tall and almost 57 pounds — so if it were to tip, it could be disastrous.

"My kitties have gone through numerous cat towers and trees in their short three years on this earth," writes one buyer. "This one has by far been the best. It’s been the easiest to assemble, best quality; I’ve bought more expensive ones and had them destroyed within a month. This one has been up for several and still looks brand new. The rope has held up well from stretches and scratches, and the SOFTNESS I genuinely cannot get over! This thing feels better than most blankets."

How much should I spend on a cat tree? The cost of a cat tree will heavily depend on the size of the tree and the quality of materials used. A small cat tree with one of two scratching posts and a perch may start at $30, while a large cat tree with premium fabric will run up to $500.

What physical characteristics should I consider about my cat before buying a cat tree? "Age, mobility, and any health conditions/injuries that may affect mobility should be considered before buying a cat tree," says Dr. Palermo. "For example, a cat with arthritis may have a harder time getting onto high cat trees, so ensuring there are steps to get onto the cat tree, multiple levels/areas that make it easier for them to climb, or a shorter cat tree may be best for those cats."

How long does a cat tree typically last? A good cat tree will hold up for years before it needs to be replaced, but its lifespan is affected by how durable its materials are, how much cats are using it, and how much those cats use it — particularly the scratching posts.

To find the best cat tree on the market, I spent hours researching and combing through reviews of top-suggested trees. As a cat owner myself, I also considered my top requirements in a cat tree. Ease of assembly, sturdiness, ease of cleaning, and level of engagement were all factors that I determined were of utmost importance.

From there, I had my cat, Murphy, as well as two of our Country Living Pet Lab kitties, Olive and Chester, test out a variety of different cat trees. Over a matter of a couple of months our feline family members got very well acquainted with their new trees, making it obvious whether or not they were impressed (if you know anything about cats, you know this is a tough feat). Combining their paw-pinions with our editors', I then formulated this list of the best.