The 7 Best Cat Trees of 2023 for Large Cats and Kittens

Madeleine Burry, Product Reviewer for The Spruce Pets By
Madeleine Burry
Madeleine Burry, Product Reviewer for The Spruce Pets
Madeleine Burry
Madeleine Burry, a freelance writer and editor, has written about how to care for pets for more than 10 years. Her articles have appeared in AAA's Via Magazine, PetCareRx, and other outlets.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process
Updated on 11/29/22

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Best Cat Trees

The Spruce / Sabrina Jiang

Cat trees are big (or, sometimes not-so-massive) structures that your cat can use for several purposes: scratching, lounging, and climbing. These are all activities that appeal to your cat’s instincts — that is, cats like to climb and scratch, and a cat tree provides a way for them to do it without leaving fur or claw marks on furniture. To make the cat tree even more appealing, set it up so it has a view (preferably out a window, so your cat can gaze upon the neighborhood birdies).

Here, the best cat trees to make your feline family member comfortable.

Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
FEANDREA Cat Tree at Amazon
Jump to Review
Best Budget:
Trixie Baza Grande Cat Tree at Amazon
Jump to Review
Best Splurge:
Go Pet Club Cat Tree at Amazon
Jump to Review
Best Multiple Cats:
VESPER V-High Base at Amazon
Jump to Review
Best for Large Cats:
Armarkat Cat Tree and Condo at Amazon
Jump to Review
Best for Apartments:
Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo at Chewy
Jump to Review
Best for Scratching:
AmazonBasics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts at Amazon
Jump to Review
In This Article

Best Overall

FEANDREA Cat Tree with Sisal-Covered Scratching Posts

Feandrea Cat Tree

Amazon
View On Amazon View On Chewy View On Walmart
What We Like

  • Has multiple levels

  • Sisal-covered posts

  • Easy assembly

  • Sturdy

What We Don't Like

  • May be difficult to keep clean

This four-level cat tree has tons of options, and is bound to appeal to your cat. First, although cats can jump onto the perches, the levels are staggered a bit, making it easy for both kittens and older cats who may have mobility issues to engage with this cat tree. Plus, there are plenty of resting spots, including a soft hammock, a partially enclosed cave, and a padded perch at the tippy-top of the structure. 

Along with plenty of places to climb, the Feandrea Cat Tree also provides a place to scratch, with several sisal-covered posts. The structure is easy to assemble, and although it’s tall, doesn’t take up too much floor space. It's also quite sturdy, so if your cat is a jumper, it's unlikely to wobble too much.

Capacity: Not listed | Dimensions: 19.7 x 15.7 x 43.3-inches | Weight: 22.9 pounds | Frame Material: MDF | Covering Material: Plush fabric

The 11 Best Cat Toys of 2023 That Your Cat Will Love

Best Budget

Trixie Baza Grande Cat Tree with Hammock

4.9
trixie-baza-grande-cat-tree-with-hammock

Amazon
View On Amazon View On Walmart View On PETCO
Trixie Baza Cat Hammock Review
What We Like

  • Soft, plush fabric

  • Sisal-covered posts

  • Includes toys

  • Great for small spaces

What We Don't Like

  • May topple over with aggressive play

Looking for a simple—and wallet-friendly—option? This Trixie Baza Grande hits the spot. It’s got just one level, but both the base and elevated ledge are covered in a soft, super cozy fabric. Plus, it has four sisal-wrapped posts for your cat to claw up. One of the posts also has a toy attached, which your cat will love to bat at. 

This is the perfect pick if your cat just wants a spot to call their own, but isn't a climber or in need of lots of different hiding places. It's definitely best for a one-cat household, and is a good pick for kittens or older cats who may not be interested in (or capable of) lots of climbing and jumping.

Capacity: Not listed | Dimensions: 16 x 20 x 16-inches | Weight: 8.02 pounds | Frame Material: Wood | Covering Material: Carpet

Trixie Baza Cat Hammock

 The Spruce Pets / Joy Merrifield
What Testers Say

"Whereas most cat trees are designed for interaction, the Baza Hammock is designed for clawing and lounging. Pinky spent entire days nestled in there, cupped perfectly in the little sling."— Joy Merrifield, Product Tester

Best Splurge

Go Pet Club Cat Tree

4.5
Go Pet Club 62-Inch Cat Tree

Courtesy of Amazon
View On Amazon View On Chewy View On Walmart
Go Pet Club 62-Inch Cat Tree Review
What We Like

  • Great for multiple cats

  • Raised edges prevent cats from falling off

  • Soft, plush fabric

What We Don't Like

  • Large footprint

If you have more than one cat, you’ll want to give them options. With this cat tree from Go Pet, you can do so—along with multiple scratching posts, it also has an almost endless-number of spots to perch on. There are baskets, caves, hammocks, ledges, and even a jelly-roll tube for cats to occupy. 

It’s covered in a cozy faux fur fabric, and has raised edges to the perches, so cats won’t accidentally roll off. It's great for multi-cat households (as long as no one cat is too territorial), since there are plenty of spots on which to lounge.

Capacity: Not listed | Dimensions: 27 x 38 x 62-inches | Weight: 40.8 pounds | Frame Material: Wood | Covering Material: Plush fabric

Go Pet Club 62-Inch Cat Tree

The Spruce Pets / Sage McHugh
What Testers Say

"Over the next week, all of the cats—even our shy one—went up on the tree multiple times a day. They didn’t use the scratching posts that much, but they loved climbing around and sleeping on the platforms. The hanging rope was also a big hit; they were constantly playing with it."— Sage McHugh, Product Tester

Best Multiple Cats

VESPER Cat Furniture V-High Base

4.2
VESPER Cat Furniture V-High Base

Courtesy of Amazon
View On Amazon View On Chewy View On Walmart
Vesper Cat Furniture V-High Base Review
What We Like

  • Made with memory foam

  • Includes toys

  • Easy installation

What We Don't Like

  • Expensive

Here’s the unfortunate reality about cat trees: They’re not always very elegant or attractive. But this Vesper cat tree is a possible exception—its three wood levels each are topped with a small memory foam cushion. Not covering the whole unit in plush fabric elevates the appearance, so it looks more like a piece of furniture than an oversized cat toy. 

And this cat tree doesn’t just deliver looks: It’s also practical and fun for your cat. Toys on a string dangle from the top level for your cat’s playtime, and as well as plenty of scratching areas, there’s also an enclosed cave-like area for snoozing. 

Capacity: Not listed | Dimensions: 2.1 x 22.1 x 47.9-inches | Weight: 40.5 pounds | Frame Material: Wood | Covering Material: Memory foam

Vesper Cat Furniture

The Spruce / Avery Stone
What Testers Say

"For its sleek and unobtrusive design, this product feels worth the price—though, to be perfect, it would have to be a bit more stable."— Avery Stone, Commerce Editor

Best for Large Cats

Armarkat Cat Tree and Condo Pet Furniture

Armarkat Cat Tree and Condo

Courtesy of Chewy
View On Amazon View On PETCO View On Brylanehome.com
What We Like

  • Sturdy

  • Has multiple levels

  • Soft, plush fabric

What We Don't Like

  • Expensive

A larger cat needs a cat tree that’s big enough to fit. But with heavier cats, it’s also important that the structure be sturdy, so that leaping on it doesn’t knock it over, potentially causing injury. 

This Armarkat cat tree offers plenty of space for larger cats and plenty of stability to withstand playful antics. There are lots of levels and nooks and crannies for cats to spend time in, too, including two cat caves that felines who love playing in boxes may find extra comforting.

Capacity: 80 pounds | Dimensions: 31 x 36 x 77-inches | Weight: 58 pounds | Frame Material: Manufactured wood | Covering Material: Faux fleece

Best for Apartments

Frisco 28-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo

4.8
frisco-28-in-faux-fur-cat-tree--condo

Chewy
View On Chewy
What We Like

  • Has multiple levels

  • Small footprint

  • Sisal-covered posts

  • Includes toys

What We Don't Like

  • May be too small for larger cats

Not a lot of space, but still want to treat your fluffy pal? This cat tree and condo has several levels, but at 28 inches tall, and 17 inches wide, doesn’t have too big of a footprint for apartment dwellers who are tight on space. Although, like with most cat trees, you will need to assemble it, this one won't take hours or cause exasperation before it's complete.

This tree offers two comfy, plush-covered perches, along with sisal-wrapped posts for clawing and scratching. There’s even a toy hanging from the top perch for cats to play with, as well. The covering on the tree is super soft, and cats will love snuggling up with it.

Capacity: Not listed | Dimensions: 23 x 17 x 28-inches | Weight: 15 pounds | Frame Material: Engineered wood | Covering Material: Sisal

Best for Scratching

AmazonBasics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts

4.9
amazon-basics-cat-activity-tree-with-scratching-posts

Amazon
View On Amazon
What We Like

  • Sturdy

  • Affordable

  • Small footprint

  • Has multiple levels

What We Don't Like

  • Top level bed runs small

If your cat can't get enough of scratching at your furniture, try this tree, which is built to withstand cats with even the most persistent claws. Each column of the tree—there are seven—is wrapped in jute, so your cat can knead and scratch to their heart's content.

This budget-friendly pick has a square base and doesn't have many parts that stick out, so it's great for tucking into the corner of a room or directly next to a couch or window without blocking and views. The lounging surfaces are mostly flat, so this pick isn't the best for cats that prefer enclosed sleeping set ups, like boxes.

Capacity: Not listed | Dimensions: 17.72 x 17.72 x 45.88-inches | Weight: 24.25 pounds | Frame Material: Fibreboard | Covering Material: Not listed

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is the FENDREA Cat Tree (view at Amazon), which has four staggered levels that appeal to cats of all ages and sizes. If you're looking to splurge, check out the Go Pet Club 62-Inch Cat Tree. It's large enough to accommodate multiple cats and has plenty of fun accessories.

What to Look for in a Cat Tree

Size and Shape

Cat trees come in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from small, one-level trees to complex, sprawling jungle gyms. Depending on how big your home is and where you plan to put your tree, you may need a smaller or larger design. Keep in mind that some cat trees are more vertical while others take up more floor space.

Cat Size

The best cat tree for your home often depends on how many cats you have and how big they are. It goes without saying that bigger cats need a larger, sturdier tree. Plus, if you have multiple furry friends, you’ll want a design that gives them ample space to play and lounge. Consider the size of the cat tree beds, condos, and climbing poles when choosing the best tree for your cat, especially if your cat is large or heavy.

Toys

Many cat trees include a variety of scratching posts and toys integrated into the design. If your cats have been clawing the furniture, you should definitely find a product with a built-in scratching post. If your cats are playful, find them a model with hanging feathers or other accessories. You can also entertain your cat by placing favorite toys, such as catnip mice, balls, or feathery "birds" into the cat tree rooms or beds.

FAQ
  • How do I get my cat to play on the cat tree?

    Most cats will take to their tree right away, and you might even find your feline scampering up the poles before you finish assembly. But if your cat seems reluctant or uncertain about the tree, it might help to sprinkle a bit of catnip onto the various levels or try a cat-attracting catnip spray. You can also gently lift your cat up onto the tree and provide it with a treat. By creating positive associations, your cat likely will soon come to enjoy spending time climbing and perching on the tree's upper levels.

  • How do I keep a cat tree clean?

    Most cat trees are covered with carpet, which can quickly become covered in cat hair, dust, and dirt. Vacuum the cat tree at least once a month to remove the hair and other grunge. Should your cat have a hairball or other accident while on the tree, immediately remove any solids and blot away liquids to prevent stains or odors from developing.

  • How do I keep the cat tree from tipping over?

    You don't want your cat to be injured or frightened by jumping onto the cat tree, only to have the whole thing come tipping over. To prevent this, many taller cat trees come with straps that can be attached to a nearby wall for security. If yours doesn't have such a strap, you can purchase one, or even make one yourself, by nailing one end of a strong length of material to an upper level of the cat tree and the other end to a nearby wall.

    Be sure that any tree you are considering is sturdy and stable, and that the design doesn't make it too top-heavy. Long poles extending above the base of the cat tree can make it likelier to tip, so avoid these designs if your cat is especially large or heavy.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

This article was written and researched by Madeleine Burry, a freelance writer who's covered a variety of home topics for The Spruce. Previously an editor, her work has appeared on several leading publications. To make this list, she considered each pick's size, shape, toys, and cat size. In addition, several product testers shared insight.