Treat My Cat
This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.
In this guide
Cats feel safest when they can climb up and look down on their world. For an indoor cat, a cat tree is the easiest way to give it that height, plus a place to scratch, stretch, nap and hide. The quick answer: choose the most stable tree you can fit, with sisal-wrapped posts, platforms big enough for your cat to lie on fully, and at least one perch near a window.
What to look for
Stability comes first. A tree that wobbles when your cat jumps on it will be ignored, and a tree that tips over can hurt your cat. Look for a wide, heavy base, thick posts (3 inches (8 cm) or more for big cats), and an anti-tip strap to fix tall trees to the wall.
Platforms your cat fits on. Many cheaper trees have perches far too small for an adult cat. Your cat should be able to curl up or stretch out without hanging over the edge. Large breeds like Maine Coons need extra-wide platforms and beds.
Sisal for scratching. Sisal rope or fabric on the posts gives your cat a good scratching surface and helps protect your furniture. Carpet-covered posts work less well.
The right height. Taller trees give more climbing and a better view, but most cats are happy with 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m). Kittens and young cats love tall trees. Senior cats need low, easy steps.
Hiding spots and beds. A condo (enclosed box) gives shy cats a safe retreat. Hammocks and padded beds make the tree a favorite nap spot.
Easy to clean. Removable, washable cushions are a big plus. Replaceable sisal posts make a tree last much longer.
Types of cat tree
| Type | Best for | Good to know | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tall multi-level tree | Active and young cats, multi-cat homes | Lots of perches and room for several cats. Anchor it to the wall. | Tall cat trees |
| Cat tree for large cats | Maine Coons, big or heavy cats | Thick posts, wide platforms and extra-large beds | Large cat trees |
| Small or compact tree | Apartments, kittens, single cats | Takes little floor space, but check the platforms aren't tiny | Small cat trees |
| Modern wooden tree | Homes where looks matter | Sturdy and stylish, usually costs more | Modern cat trees |
| Floor-to-ceiling tree | Small spaces that need height | Held up by tension against the ceiling. Check your ceiling height. | Floor-to-ceiling trees |
| Low tree with ramps or steps | Senior and arthritic cats | Gentle climbs and low, padded beds | Senior cat trees |
Popular picks
These are popular, widely recommended examples of each type, picked from well-known brands that appear again and again in cat tree round-ups. We haven't tested them ourselves, so check the reviews and sizes on Amazon before you buy.
- Armarkat 77-Inch Cat Tree. A tall, multi-level faux fleece tree with condos and plenty of perches, often named a top pick for active cats and multi-cat homes. Check price on Amazon
- FEANDREA Cat Tree for Large Cats. A sturdy tree with thick sisal posts and roomy platforms and beds, built for big cats. Check price on Amazon
- Go Pet Club 48-Inch Cat Tree. A classic, mid-height tree with sisal posts, a condo and perches, at a modest price. Check price on Amazon
- Catit Vesper Cat Tree. A modern, wooden-look design with cushioned perches and a hideaway, for homes where style matters. Check price on Amazon
- Amazon Basics Cat Condo Tree Tower. A budget-friendly, compact tree with a hammock and scratching posts, good for kittens and small spaces. Check price on Amazon
Where to put it
- Next to a window. A view of birds and passing people is the best entertainment an indoor cat can have.
- In a room where your family spends time. Cats like to be near their people, so a tree hidden in a spare room often goes unused.
- Against a wall or in a corner for extra stability, and use the anti-tip strap on any tall tree.
- Away from heaters and drafts, and not right next to the litter box or food bowls.
In multi-cat homes, give each cat its own high spot so nobody has to compete. Two smaller trees in different rooms can work better than one big one.
How to get your cat to use it
- Put a favorite blanket or a little of your cat's bedding on a platform so it smells familiar.
- Rub some catnip or silver vine on the posts and perches.
- Play with a wand toy up and around the tree (see our guide to the best toys for indoor cats).
- Give treats on the platforms, and let your cat explore at its own pace.
What to avoid
- Wobbly or lightweight trees. If it rocks when you push it, it will rock when your cat lands on it.
- Tiny perches that your cat can't lie on.
- Dangling strings and toys that your cat could chew off and swallow. Swallowed string can cause a serious blockage, so supervise play and remove damaged toys.
- Loose staples, splinters or shedding fabric on cheap trees. Check over the tree from time to time and tighten the screws.
- Tall jumps for older cats. Cats with arthritis often hide their pain. If your cat has stopped jumping up, or hesitates before it jumps, see your vet. Pain relief and a lower tree with steps can make a big difference.
Common questions
Do indoor cats really need a cat tree?
Not strictly, but most indoor cats benefit. Vets and feline welfare groups list height, hiding places and scratching surfaces among a cat's basic environmental needs, and a cat tree provides all three in one piece of furniture.
How tall should a cat tree be?
Most cats are happy with 4 to 6 feet. Young, active cats and multi-cat homes enjoy taller trees. For senior cats, choose a lower tree with steps or ramps.
Why won't my cat use its new cat tree?
It may be wobbly, in a quiet room, or simply new and strange. Move it next to a window in a busy room, add familiar bedding, and use treats and play to make it inviting. Many cats take a few days to warm up to it.
How do I stop a cat tree from tipping over?
Choose one with a wide, heavy base, place it against a wall or in a corner, and use the anti-tip strap or a furniture anchor to fix it to the wall. Check the screws regularly.
Is a cat tree enough for scratching?
Often, if the posts are tall and covered in sisal. But many cats also need a scratcher near the furniture they like to scratch. See our guide to choosing a scratching post.
The short version
Choose the most stable cat tree you can fit, with sisal posts and platforms big enough for your cat. Put it by a window in a room your family uses, anchor tall trees to the wall, and pick a lower tree with steps for older cats.
Sources
This guide is based on published guidance from:
Written from published veterinary guidance. How we write our guides.
