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Oct 19, 2024

The 12 Best Cat Trees of 2024, Tested by Our Cats

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The Tucker Murphy Siegfried Cat Tree is the winner In This Article People / Sarah

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The Tucker Murphy Siegfried Cat Tree is the winner

In This Article

People / Sarah Schuster

Cat trees, cat condos, and other types of feline furniture are ideal for pets that spend all or most of their time indoors.

"Cats love being in high places and love scratching, too," says Dr. Hunter Finn, veterinarian and founder of Pet Method Animal Hospital. "Scratching is a natural behavior for them, and it allows them to stretch their digits."

Whether you want to ensure that your pet gets enough exercise and has a designated nap spot, or you just want to keep them off your furniture, the perfect cat tree is out there. We tested 31 models with our own fur babies and evaluated each on setup, quality, size, and overall value. Our favorite was the Tucker Murphy Cat Tree because it provides many different scratch posts and nap spots for your feline friends.

These are the best cat trees that PEOPLE (and our feline friends) tested.

Sturdy yet lightweight

Multiple perches and nooks

Scratching posts and furballs

50-minute assembly

Earning perfect scores for setup, quality, size, and value, the Siegfried Cat Tree was, by far, the best option we tried. While assembly took about 50 minutes, the directions were clear, and the process was straightforward.

This cat condo has two padded perches, two roomy nooks for curling up, a soft hammock, six sisal-wrapped scratching posts, and two detachable furry ball toys. We were impressed with the thoughtful design and sturdy construction. All the materials seem high-quality, but the unit is still lightweight enough to move around as needed. You can make minor adjustments, like turning the caves, so they are positioned better for your furry friend.

It took our cats a couple of days to get acquainted with the structure, but once they were familiar, they used it daily. We loved that it gave them several safe places where they could look into the room and out of a nearby window. In the end, we think the price is on point for a large cat tree and would recommend it to anyone with active indoor cats.

Dimensions: 62 x 24 x 19.5 inches | Material: Manufactured wood, polyester, sisal | Colors: Black, charcoal, gray, beige, pink

Large platforms

Sturdy construction

Three tall scratching posts

Bulky

40-minute setup

The Frisco Cat Condo has a sturdy yet aesthetically pleasing design with two spacious platforms, three long sisal-wrapped scratching posts, and a cozy private condo. Our 15-pound tester’s cat loved napping on the roomy top bed — which is removable and washable — and swatting at the dangling pom toy underneath. Despite lots of jumping, scratching, and playing, we never worried about the tree wobbling or toppling over.

Assembly can take roughly 40 minutes, and while a buddy isn’t required, extra hands can speed up the process. The footprint may also be slightly bulky for apartment dwellers or those with limited space. Still, we love the sturdy, safe construction and think the quality is impressive given the budget-friendly price.

Dimensions: 42 x 23.5 x 21.5 inches | Material: engineered wood, faux fur, sisal | Colors: Gray, cream

Simple setup

Sturdy construction

Plush hammock

Rope frays easily

Amazon makes a great cat tree budget option. This tree has just a few parts and took only 10 minutes to put together. We are fans of the sturdy construction and soft, scratch-friendly outer materials. It has a carpet-covered base, two jute-wrapped scratching posts, a plush hammock on top, and a ball toy for curious cats to paw at.

The jute ropes frayed pretty quickly after our two cats started scratching them — this isn't really a design flaw, though, but rather the nature of the material. The cats love lounging in the hammock and sometimes fight over who gets to lay there. While this compact cat condo might be too small for some households, it's ideal for apartments.

Dimensions: 20 x 16 x 16 inches | Material: Chipboard, jute, carpet, plush | Colors: Charcoal, beige

Contemporary aesthetic

Durable and sturdy

Easy assembly

Small top basket

Looking for an alternative to the standard carpeted cat condo? This boho-chic option — with its sleek, two-toned, modern design — can add an aesthetic appeal to any room. Boasting a handwoven condo and top basket, five sisal-wrapped scratching posts, a feather toy, and two felt-covered perches, the PetPals Cat Tree offers ample activity features and space for your kitty to curl up for a midday nap. Plus, the assembly only takes between five and 10 minutes.

The top basket may be a bit small for larger cats, but the long platforms provide plenty of space for kitties to stretch out. While this tree is pricier than other options on our list, we can’t say enough about its beautiful design and superior quality.

Dimensions: 49 x 27 x 19 inches | Material: Manufactured wood, handwoven paper rope, felt, sisal | Colors: Black/white

Stylish aesthetic

Intuitive setup

Great price for a modern design

Slightly large footprint

This cat tree has a classic elegant look that can easily be incorporated into your home’s decor. Cat owners familiar with the tedious cleanup of carpeted trees will appreciate the faux fur-wrapped platforms and handwoven baskets. The multiple levels and tall scratching posts encouraged our cats’ natural instincts to climb and jump — and the hanging pom toy was a bonus.

While the tree appeared larger than in its product photos, it’s still compact enough to fit within smaller spaces. The engineered wood frame withstood our tester cat's playful activities, and the materials showed no signs of wear and tear. Compared with other modern cat trees, it’s very reasonably priced, especially considering its sturdy build, durability, and high-end design.

Dimensions: 39 x 23 x 19 inches | Material: particle board, faux fur, plush, sisal | Colors: Cream

Small footprint

Soft and inviting

Non-shedding materials

Only one color

Our favorite hammock-style unit is the Trixie Baza. This compact piece of cat furniture sits just 20 inches tall and has a notably small footprint of less than 2 square feet. With just four pieces to attach and all the hardware and tools included, it was easy to assemble and took less than five minutes.

The plush cream-c lining and faux fur accents are incredibly soft, making for a very inviting nap spot. There are also two sisal-wrapped scratching posts and a dangling pom toy. Cats love the design, and owners love that the materials don't shed. We appreciate the super sturdy engineered wood frame that doesn't budge when our cat jumps on or claws at the posts. However, it only comes in one color (cream) which could be a deterrent if you're worried about dirt and stains showing.

Dimensions: 20 x 16 x 16 inches | Material: Engineered wood, plush, faux fur, sisal | Colors: Cream

Minimal hardware

Sturdy and durable

Multiple platforms and scratching posts

Only one color

Exposed bolt on base

Considering the multi-tiered design of this cat condo, it was surprisingly easy to assemble. The only tools and hardware you need are two bolts and a wrench (both included), and the instructions are straightforward. We set it up in under five minutes, but that's not the only thing to love about this unit.

The engineered wood construction seems solid and can withstand years of daily use. With cream-colored faux fur-wrapped platforms, a cozy covered nook, two scratching posts, and a dangling plush toy for good measure, your cat will be entertained and have a designated spot to curl up. However, like the previous tree, the light color could show dirt more easily. Another thing to note is that a bolt is left exposed on the base, which could be an issue for wood floors. Still, we think the price is more than reasonable.

Dimensions: 28 x 23 x 17 inches | Material: Engineered wood, faux fur, sisal | Colors: Cream

Seven jute-wrapped posts

Small footprin

Stable and durable

Only one color

We also like this taller option from Amazon Basics. Designed specifically for satisfying the claws of curious cats, it has a whopping seven jute-wrapped scratching posts, plus four carpeted tiers that double as scratching surfaces, lookout perches, and nap spots.

This vertical cat tree stands nearly 4 feet tall and has a small footprint of just over 2 square feet. It was easy to assemble (it took only 15 minutes), and it didn't wobble when our cat hopped on. While the only available color is beige, the simple design is a welcome addition to most apartment styles.

Dimensions: 46 x 17.5 x 17.5 inches | Material: Engineered wood, carpet, jute | Colors: Beige

Three-story design

Plush lining

Decorative appeal

Only one color

Cumbersome

Looking for something your cats can take a snooze in? Go with the Trixie Lilo Condo. The three-story stacked design has — yes — three cushioned nooks your cats can cozy up in. It's made of engineered wood, wrapped and lined with ultra-soft plush fabric, and accented with sisal for scratching.

With only five pieces to attach, it was easy to assemble this cat tower in just 15 minutes. But bear in mind the unit is nearly 60 pounds, so you'll want to put it together where you plan to keep it. Still, it's decently sized and very sturdy, making it an excellent choice for multiple cats of any weight. The price is slightly steep, but since it has a modern, decorative appeal, think of it as both a cat tower and an accent piece for your home.

Dimensions: 48.5 x 18 x 18 inches | Material: Engineered wood, plush, sisal | Colors: Brown/white

Multiple perches and scratching posts

Small footprint

Straightforward assembly

Small platforms

Somewhat wobbly

Limited style options

Whether you’re looking for a litter box or cat carrier, finding a product that will make your cat happy is no easy feat — and even harder if you have more than one fur baby at home. This multi-tiered cat tower by Go Pet Club offers a little something for every cat, young or old, playful or mellow. It features two ramps for climbing, two hideaway napping spots, two dangling mouse toys — which our curious tester’s cat loved — and 10 (yes, 10!) scratching posts. Even with all these components, assembly was fairly quick and straightforward.

The tower, despite being 6 feet tall, took up surprisingly little floor space. We did, however, notice some slight wobbling when our tester’s 14-pound cat jumped on and off, and some of the resting areas were a little small for a cat of his size. But if you’re in the market for a high-quality multi-cat condo, this is a great option for a reasonable price.

Dimensions: 72 x 33 x 22 inches | Material: MDF board, faux fur, plush, sisal | Colors: Beige, beige/black, black, black/brown, brown, slate gray

Small footprint

Multiple perches and nooks

Good for scratching and napping

Two-person assembly

Apartment dwellers may want to consider something smaller, like the Feandrea Cat Tree. It's less than 3 feet tall and has a footprint of just 2.5 square feet. But despite the compact size, it has everything cats need to nap, perch, scratch, play, and hide. This includes an upper bed that doubles as a perch, two covered nooks, a middle platform, a plush hammock, and two sisal-wrapped posts.

It took roughly 30 minutes to set up, and while the instructions were easy to follow, we recommend recruiting a buddy to help. Once assembled, our cat took to the tower quickly and was particularly fond of the top bed. This unit isn't exactly budget-friendly, but it might be worth the investment to keep your cat entertained and off your nicer furniture.

Dimensions: 33 x 23.5 x 15.5 inches | Material: Engineered wood, plush, sisal | Colors: Charcoal, gray, beige

Durable and well-made

Multiple nooks and perches

Good for napping and scratching

75-minute assembly

Not ideal for small spaces

The Frisco Cat Tree & Condo is just the thing for large cats. It stands 6 feet tall and has a considerable footprint, so make sure you have the space for it. And while setup wasn't hard per se, it took an hour and 15 minutes to assemble. Still, this is a durable, well-made product with a reasonable price tag. More to the point, cats love it.

This tower has seven tiers, including two covered nooks and three perches, plus several sisal-wrapped scratching posts, two ramps, and a few dangling toys. It's ideal for homes with multiple large cats because they will always have a place to lounge, play, and exercise indoors.

Dimensions: 72 x 23 x 21.5 inches | Material: Engineered wood, faux fur, sisal | Colors: Black, brown, gray, blue, cream, cheetah

PetPals Group Catry Gum Drop Interactive Tree with Condo: This unique, nature-inspired cat tree features brightly colored flowers, a sisal-wrapped scratching post, and a spacious hut for a cozy respite. Our tester’s cat loved napping on the plush flower perches and batting at the dangling bee toys. While this option can double as a functional cat tree and fun home accent (it’s especially nice in plant-filled spaces), its size and shape may be too bulky and awkward for tight quarters. We also noticed quite a bit of shedding from the stems and flowers, and wish there was more than one scratching post.

People / Nathaly Martinez

When buying supplies for your cat, whether it be an automatic litter box, cat toys, a cat bed, or a cat tree, functionality for your feline is key. Think about what you envision your cat using it for, whether it's napping, climbing, scratching, or a little of everything. According to Dr. Finn, a multifaceted unit is ideal. "Cat furniture should include multiple levels for climbing and perching, as well as hiding places," he says, adding that most cats appreciate scratching posts, too.

Other items like toys to swat at and ramps to dash up and down are also features to look for that your cat may enjoy. "Focus on what will work best in your space, and give your cats what they need." The Amazon Basics Cat Tree has multiple levels and is one of the more affordable units we tested.

You'll also want to make sure the cat tree fits in your home. Apartment dwellers may want to look for a compact unit like the Feandra Cat Tree, whereas those with large living rooms might consider something more substantial. And vertical towers often sit tall with a small footprint, which can help save space and leave you more room for other necessities, like an air purifier.

Cat trees are available in a variety of heights — generally between 3 and 6 feet. According to Dr. Finn, a taller design is ideal. "A basic scratching post should be at least 3 feet high, so your cat can stretch out his/her whole body," he says. "It's good exercise, and it just feels good." Consider the personality of your cat as well. Some cats love to climb and have a good view of their environment, while others are happy to nap in a cozy corner.

Having put together over two dozen cat trees ourselves, we can tell you assembly times vary greatly. Some are easy to assemble and can be set up in under five minutes, while others take over an hour. Make sure you're up for the time commitment and have all the necessary tools and hardware — and think about recruiting a buddy for an extra pair of hands.

Taller towers may need to be installed or mounted with an anti-tip kit to prevent them from toppling over. "I recommend using appropriate wall anchors to secure freestanding furniture, such as cat trees, to the wall," says Dr. Finn.

People / Katlyn Moncada

Our testers, and seven feline companions, put 31 highly rated cat trees to the test. Over a two-week period, testers carefully monitored which features their cat seemed to like best and use the most. Each tower received a score based on the criteria below, with 12 making our list.

Carpeted cat trees are often preferred, as the material is soft enough to curl up on but also good for scratching. But many feature a combination of materials to cover all the bases. For instance, a cat condo might have a carpet-covered base and upper perch, rope-wrapped scratching posts, and a plush-lined hammock.

Cat trees are good for cats’ overall well-being, and most cats enjoy them. They give cats a safe space to explore their natural climbing and hiding instincts and also provide places to play and nap. The right cat tree will also offer enough activities to prevent your cat from being bored—not to mention keep them off other pieces of furniture, like your nice leather sofa.

The sturdiest cat tree is likely one made of solid wood, such as the Frisco 72-inch Cat Tree & Condo, which also comes with wall anchors for additional stability. Other than that, shorter and more compact designs are typically pretty sturdy, though they often don't have as many features.

Cat trees can cost anywhere from $25 to $400 or more. Budget-friendly units are generally smaller with fewer features, whereas pricier ones often have various tiers, posts, perches, and nooks.

"To extend your investment, look for cat furniture with replaceable parts, like scratchers, pads, etc.," says Dr. Finn. "This way, you can just swap out worn parts without needing to dispose of the entire piece."

People / Sarah Schuster

Theresa Holland is a commerce writer with PEOPLE. To compile this review, she consulted our testers about the features and uses of cat trees, as well as size, installation, and assembly. While researching cat trees, she also spoke with Dr. Hunter Finn, a veterinarian and the founder of Pet Method Animal Hospital. Trina Gray, a cat mom and contributing shopping writer, updated this story with new product picks and insights from the PEOPLE Tested team.

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