We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Pet Products The 12 Best Cat Trees, Tested by Cats We found the items that pleased our discerning feline family members By Theresa Holland Theresa Holland Theresa Holland is a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with several years of experience covering home, outdoor, pets, travel, and beauty. Her work has been featured in Byrdie, Travel + Leisure, The Spruce, Brides, and more. People Editorial Guidelines and Trina Gray Trina Gray Trina Gray is a writer specializing in beauty, home, celebrity culture, and health. She loves researching the latest beauty hacks and celebrity trends to help readers find the best products on the market. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 17, 2024 01:17PM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Others We Tried What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: 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. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Tucker Murphy Pet Siegfried Cat Tree at Walmart $60 Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-Up: Frisco 42-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo at Chewy $59 Jump to Review Best Budget: Amazon Basics Cat Condo Tree Tower at Amazon $31 Jump to Review Best Investment: PetPals Cat Tree with Feather Toy at Amazon $199 Jump to Review Best Design: KAMABOKO Modern Cat Tree at Amazon $110 Jump to Review Best Hammock: Trixie Baza Grande Cat Tree at Amazon $34 Jump to Review Most Compact: Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo at Chewy $45 Jump to Review Best for Scratching: Amazon Basics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts at Amazon $56 Jump to Review Best for Naps: Trixie Lilo Three-Story Cat Condos at Amazon $115 Jump to Review Best for Multiple Cats: Go Pet Club 72-in Cat Tree Kitty Tower at Amazon $79 Jump to Review Best Overall Tucker Murphy Pet Siegfried Cat Tree PHOTO: Wayfair $60 at Walmart $76 at Wayfair Star Qualities Sturdy yet lightweight Multiple perches and nooks Scratching posts and furballs Red Flags 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 PHOTO: People / Chris Tolan PHOTO: People / Chris Tolan Best Overall, Runner-Up Frisco 42-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo PHOTO: Chewy $59 at Chewy View on Friscopetcats.com Star Qualities Large platforms Sturdy construction Three tall scratching posts Red Flags 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 PHOTO: People / Sarah Schuster PHOTO: People / Sarah Schuster PHOTO: People / Sarah Schuster PHOTO: People / Sarah Schuster PHOTO: People / Sarah Schuster PHOTO: People / Sarah Schuster Best Budget Amazon Basics Cat Condo Tree Tower PHOTO: Amazon $31 at Amazon Star Qualities Simple setup Sturdy construction Plush hammock Red Flags 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 PHOTO: People / Katlyn Moncada PHOTO: People/Katlyn Moncada Best Investment PetPals Cat Tree with Feather Toy PHOTO: Wayfair $199 at Amazon $199 at Wayfair View on Petpalsgroup.com Star Qualities Contemporary aesthetic Durable and sturdy Easy assembly Red Flags 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 PHOTO: People / Niky Cross Taylor PHOTO: People / Niky Cross Taylor PHOTO: People / Niky Cross Taylor PHOTO: People / Niky Cross Taylor PHOTO: People / Niky Cross Taylor PHOTO: People / Niky Cross Taylor Best Design KAMABOKO Modern Cat Tree PHOTO: Wayfair $110 at Amazon $94 at Wayfair View on Kamabokopets.com Star Qualities Stylish aesthetic Intuitive setup Great price for a modern design Red Flags 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 PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts The 12 Best Cat Litter Boxes, Tested by Real Cats Best Hammock Trixie Baza Grande Cat Tree PHOTO: Amazon $34 $33 at Amazon $41 $34 at Walmart $35 $34 at PETCO Star Qualities Small footprint Soft and inviting Non-shedding materials Red Flags 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 PHOTO: People / Erin Conroy PHOTO: People / Erin Conroy Most Compact Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo PHOTO: Chewy $45 at Chewy Star Qualities Minimal hardware Sturdy and durable Multiple platforms and scratching posts Red Flags 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 PHOTO: People / Jessica Millnitz PHOTO: People / Jessica Millnitz Best for Scratching Amazon Basics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts PHOTO: Amazon $56 at Amazon Star Qualities Seven jute-wrapped posts Small footprin Stable and durable Red Flags 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 PHOTO: People / Katlyn Moncada PHOTO: People / Katlyn Moncada The 6 Best Cat Scratching Posts, Tested by the Experts (Our Cats) Best for Naps Trixie Lilo Three-Story Cat Condos PHOTO: Amazon $115 at Amazon $133 $115 at Walmart $131 at Chewy Star Qualities Three-story design Plush lining Decorative appeal Red Flags 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 PHOTO: People / Taylor Thomas PHOTO: People / Taylor Thomas Best for Multiple Cats Go Pet Club 72-in Cat Tree Kitty Tower PHOTO: Amazon $79 at Amazon $92 at Wayfair $79 at Chewy Star Qualities Multiple perches and scratching posts Small footprint Straightforward assembly Red Flags 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 PHOTO: People / Nathaly Martinez PHOTO: People / Nathaly Martinez PHOTO: People / Nathaly Martinez PHOTO: People / Nathaly Martinez PHOTO: People / Nathaly Martinez PHOTO: People / Nathaly Martinez Best for Apartments Feandrea Cat Tree PHOTO: Amazon $70 $65 at Amazon $100 at Target $45 at Chewy Star Qualities Small footprint Multiple perches and nooks Good for scratching and napping Red Flags 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 PHOTO: People / Amber McAden PHOTO: People / Amber McAden PHOTO: People / Amber McAden The 10 Best Cat Brushes, Tested by Our Cats Best for Large Cats Frisco 72-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo PHOTO: Chewy $100 at Chewy Star Qualities Durable and well-made Multiple nooks and perches Good for napping and scratching Red Flags 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 The 7 Best Pet Cameras, Tested by PEOPLE Others We Tried 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 What to Know About Cat Trees Features 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. Size 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. Height 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. Assembly and Installation 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 Behind the Scenes 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. Ease of Setup: Our testers brought the units home, unboxed them, read through the instructions, and timed how long it took to put them together. Next, they placed them in an area their cats frequent and allowed their pets to explore the new furniture. Size: We took note of each cat tree’s size and how well it fit into different spaces. Some models had more height but a smaller footprint, like the Go Pet Club Cat Tree, while others, such as the Frisco 42-inch Cat Tree & Condo, took up more space but had larger perches for our cats to stretch out. We then assessed how easy each cat tree was to move around. Quality: Safety is of utmost importance when it comes to cat trees, so we evaluated each product's sturdiness and build, looking for any signs of wobbling during activity and whether the units could handle multiple cats at once. We also documented noticeable wear and tear or shedding from fabrics. Engagement: Testers observed how each cat interacted with the tree, noting if they used it for napping, lounging, exploring, scratching, or (best case scenario!) all of the above. A clear standout was the Tucker Murphy Cat Tree, which won our cats over by having multiple areas for play and relaxation. Value: After testing, we considered each cat tree’s value and whether we would be willing to spend more on the product or only buy it on sale. Frequently Asked Questions What kind of cat tree do cats prefer? 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. Are cat trees good for cats? 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. What is the sturdiest cat tree? 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. How much does a cat tree cost? 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 Why Trust PEOPLE? Theresa Holland is a 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 writer, updated this story with new product picks and insights from the PEOPLE Tested team. Our Expert Panel Dr. Hunter Finn is a celebrity veterinarian best known for his TikTok channel, as well as a general practice veterinarian and owner of Pet Method Animal Hospital. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.