The best cat tower gives your feline companion their very own play station – no, not that one – this is a tall structure with multiple platforms on which to perch, rest and stretch. Cat toys are essential stimulation, especially for indoor cats. A cat tower combines interactive elements to play with, alongside scratching posts, plush beds and enclosed spaces to hide out. It's like giving your pet their very own Barbie Dream House that's made for climbing, scratching, playing, and lounging.
A cat tower is also known as a cat tree and it's the purr-fect all-in-one activity centre for indoor pets. If you're limited for room, the vertical structure doesn't necessary have to take up a lot of space. A cat tower has levels of elevation – and can include steps and ramps – so it's your pet's home gym. It can save your furniture too, as the integrated scratching posts channel a cat's natural instinct to claw.
Best cat tower at a glance:
• Best cat tower for stability: Cat Tree, 145cm Multi-Level Stable Climbing Tower – View on Amazon UK
• Best cat tower for multiple cats of all ages: Yaheetech 138.5cm Multilevel Cat Climbing House – View on Amazon UK
• Best cat tower for large breeds: HOMIDEC Cat Tree, 151cm Stable Tower for Large Cats – View on Amazon UK
Indoor cats need to stay active in order to maintain a healthy weight. In addition, providing a range of toys, a cat tree, and a variety of levels on which they can climb helps to prevent boredom-related behaviour issues. A cat activity centre is a combined solution to enhance mental stimulation. It reduces the risk of health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
There are some features to consider before buying a cat tower. Be sure to look for products that are made from durable materials, that's easy to clean and sturdy. It's in a cat's nature to climb, perch in high places and observe their surroundings. Go for a model with a wide sturdy base so it's less likely to wobble and tip over. We've selected a range of cat towers – from floor-to-ceiling activity centres to small cat trees. Our guide will help you to provide your pet with a place to play that's within your budget. To learn more about the pros, cons and features of cat activity centres scroll to the FAQs.
Best cat tower for stability
Meow! Available in grey or beige, this 145cm cat tower is made from sturdy chipboard and that's covered in plush and sisal. The Cat Tree, 145cm Multi-Level Stable Climbing Tower has a balanced design, as the ladder acts as a stabiliser. It's has three fun multi-level platforms, a cat house and a basket to relax in. In addition, there are three dangling toys which will encourage your cat to stretch and be active. It's an Amazon Choice product and has received over 2,500 reviews with a rating of 4.4 out of 5. Do note, this climbing tower is best suited to smaller breed cats.
Customer review: "Money well spent. I brought this a while ago for my cat and since it was set up, she has used it every single day, I wanted to give it a fair try with her first before giving a review, but she is absolutely obsessed with it, sleeps in the “nest” every night next to me, and she loves jumping up on the top for her treats."
Pros
- Several stabilising features
- Variety of activities
- Encourages cats to stretch
Cons
- Best suited to small breed cats
Best cat tower for multiple cats of all ages
Watch your cats play hide-and-seek and swat fur balls for hours with the delightful Yaheetech 138.5cm Multilevel Cat Climbing House. This multi-tiered cat tower has two cat condos and a ramp up to the first level for easy accessibility. There's something for cats of all ages with this sturdy cat activity centre. Watch them snuggle on the cosy plush covering or sharpen their claws on any of the three sisal scratching posts. It has some cute aesthetic touches too, with cat ears on the top perch. Also, this climbing house is available in a range of colours and two heights.
Customer review: "My cat absolutely loves it. I think the height really helps as she sleeps mostly right at the top. It keeps her busy as she runs up and down the whole thing and batting at the balls and bells. If you’re thinking about getting this for your cat – do it!"
Pros
- For more than one cat
- Robust
- Lots of variety
Cons
- Assembly required
Best cat tower for large breeds
Does your large breed cat need a playful perch from which to survey their kitty kingdom? Look no further. The fun and imaginative HOMIDEC Cat Tree, 151cm Stable Tower for Large Cats is covered in a soft fleece and crowned with three cat-ear perches. It's cute and comfy, as well as providing a variety of activities, including a climbing ladder, scratching posts, fluff basket, cat condo, and dangling fur balls.
Customer review: "Got this for my kitten, as I wanted somewhere for him to play and sleep in my office space. He absolutely adores his spot, although he's outgrowing the top bed spot pretty quickly and he forces the lip of the bed off the platform. Sturdy enough for my other two much bigger cats to climb around, one weighing in excess of 5kg without any wobble. The hanging bed seems to make all of them nervous to sit in, so they don't use it very often."
Pros
- Thick columns and balanced design for stability
- Comes with a wall mounting strap
- Designed for larger cats
Cons
- Some reviews comment it's not large enough for their cats
Best small cat tower
www.argos.co.uk
We all love want our feline companions to get the stimulation they need, but space constraints can sometimes pose a challenge. The Petface two-tier cat tree presents an ideal compact solution, fitting snugly into apartments or smaller houses. It's a cream, plush covered structure with a sturdy base and dangling fur balls to swat. Additionally it has a comfy place to perch, plus two scratching posts.
Customer review: "Apparently some cats don’t like the colour white so maybe that was a factor. As she has grown more confident, she is now obsessed with this. She goes absolutely crazy attacking the balls and she can now jump up onto the top ledge and sleeps there in the day. She uses the scratch post sometimes but not frequently."
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Two scratching posts
- Cosy covering for sleeping
Cons
- Smaller than other options
Best cat tower with hammock
www.petsathome.com
Let your cat perch and play to their heart's content, helping to relieve indoor cats' frustration by giving them a stimulating activity centre. The Pets at Home Hudson Hammock Cat Tower is a sturdy, plush-covered cat tower. There are three posts that are covered with sisal, giving your kitty ample opportunity to scratch and stretch, which is essential for their claw health and muscle development. The hammock provides a cosy and sheltered nook for them to relax in after a hard day's play.
Customer review: "I bought this for my nine week old kittens and they love it. They play and sleep on it and it's not too tall if they tumble off of it."
Pros
- Ideal for smaller cats
- Three tiers to enjoy
- Three scratching posts
Cons
- Not suitable for bigger cats
Best cat tower with feeding station
www.wayfair.co.uk
The Barking Cat Tree has a detachable cat bowl, which is a useful feature for placing treats at the top of the cat tower to encourage your cat to climb. Alternatively, it could be used as a water bowl. Available in light grey, smoky grey or beige. It has 11 sisal scratching posts, a fun hammock and dangling rope to play with. The design has strengthened battens at the bottom for maximised stability and it comes with anti-toppling fittings. The top perch has raised edges so your cat can totally relax and feel secure.
Customer review: "Nice sturdy cat tree for my slightly overweight cat. Lots of scratching posts which she loves. Love the little dish set in the top section and she has her treats in there."
Pros
- Food bowl incorporated into the design
- Comes with anti-toppling fittings
- Variety of features for rest and play
Cons
- None
Best luxury cat tower
www.etsy.com
Available in Teddy Blanc, Teddy Noir or Graphite Grey, this EDEN Monochrome Wood Floral Cat Tree Tower exudes luxury. This dreamy cat tower is handmade from real wooden branches. It's a one-of-kind cat tree that's aesthetically elegant. Your cat can relax in their very own cosy mushroom house, or perch on one of four fluffy clouds.
Customer review: "Wonderful quality and craftsmanship. Easy to assemble. Much nicer to look at than the old carpet version from the big box store. It took my cats a little while to get used to the slight movement the petals have when jumping from one to the other. But they love to curl up in the heart of the flower for a nap. All have adapted and are enjoying."
Pros
- Suitable for large cats
- Luxury
- Unique handmade design
- Stylish
Cons
- Less variety of activities than other cat towers
Best floor to ceiling cat tower
www.etsy.com
An inventive and space-saving design to encourage your cat to climb, this Floor To Ceiling Cat Tree Tower is made from eco-friendly and premium materials. The column and shelves can rotate 360° to suit your room and the shelves are covered with felt to make them non-slip. This cat tower is available in 16 combinations of sizes and wood types. Also, you can choose whether you want a combination of wood and sisal, wood and jute, or wood and cotton.
Customer review: "Very good quality, easy to assemble and holds very well without the need to drill (no floor, ceiling or wall), yet solicited by two cats. It took my cats a few days to get down the stairs properly, but now it's OK. I bought this tree to replace wall steps that my wall did not support. I am very happy with my purchase (and my cats too)."
Pros
- Space-saving
- Minimalist
- Encourage a cat to climb and properly stretch
Cons
- A little cumbersome to install
Most stylish cat tower
www.etsy.com
This extremely elegant cat tower is available in grey or white. The Scratching Cat Tree Tower is handmade from real wood and wooden branches, covered in premium plush. The natural trunk is wrapped entirely in sisal, so your cat can stretch and scratch their claws. There are three baskets with machine washable plush cushions that provide the ultimate luxurious perching place. Pom-poms provide a opportunity for play.
Customer review: "Easy to put together. It looks like it is made well and it is pretty. I just got it and two of my cats already love it. This product met my expectations. I would recommend it."
Pros
- Stylish
- Handmade from premium, natural materials
- Suitable for large cats
Cons
- Not a huge range of activities
FAQs
What features should I consider when buying a cat tower?
A cat tower is a versatile activity centre for your feline friend as a place for them to burn off their energy. Also, it keeps their claws neat, as well as providing a safe place to perch and relax. Choose from space-saving vertical structures, short stumps on which to perch, or a full-on cat fortress. But, before you buy, there are some factors to consider:
Build: Cats love to perch in high places, but if you go for a tall activity centre make sure it has a sturdy base. In addition, cats like to move around freely so they'll appreciate a cat tree that has multiple platforms. This gives them a choice of level on which to nap, rest or play.
Material: A cat tower with integrated scratching posts will avoid damage around the home. It keeps a cat's claws healthy and allows them to have a good stretch. Go for a product that's made from durable material – such as sisal – that will withstand wear and tear.
Fun extra: If your kitty loves to catnap, they'll appreciate a cat tower that has enclosed spaces. This provides them with their own cosy space that's sheltered and helps them feel secure. Plush cushions provide them with an inviting surface to lounge on. Alternatively, for occasions where puss is a bundle of energy, a cat climbing tower with dangling ropes, feathers and attached toys will encourage their playfulness.
Accessibility: Elderly cats and kittens may struggle with jumping and climbing to high ledges. Instead, opt for cat trees that have ramps, steps or low platforms to aid accessibility.
Ease to clean: Finally, some cat towers have removable and washable covers or replaceable carpeting. This is a useful feature if there's a flea outbreak or an odour problem.
What are the potential drawbacks of a cat tower?
When buying a cat tower it's important to choose carefully, taking into consideration your cat's needs and preferences. This cat furniture needs to be robust and withstand daily use. If you choose a quality cat tower, that's the ideal size for your home, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. However, it's worth considering what the cons might be:
Cost: A cat tower that's tall and complex with multiple features is expensive. The cost may be frustrating if your cat shows a lack of interest.
Suitability: Sometimes, it might just take a little time for them to get used to a new structure. However, for older cats it might not be the right product for them, as climbing and playfulness are less of a priority. Instead, consider a window perch or radiator cat bed for an elderly cat. In addition, cats generally have their own preferences; some may prefer other types of cat furniture that are perhaps less intimidating than a vertical tower.
Size: Some cat towers are like indoor tree houses and can take up a lot of room. Measure up first. Note the dimensions of the cat tower and have a position in mind where it will fit. Cat activity centres are visually prominent so to bear this in mind; it's unlikely to blend in with Minimalist décor.
Finally, if it's a household with more than one cat, there may be conflicts over territory. It may be dangerous if multiple cats are fighting on a large structure. Be sure to provide a variety of enrichment options to suit all of the cats.
How do I introduce a new cat tower to my cat?
Introducing a cat tower to your pet can be done gradually. Allow them to explore the structure at their own pace. The aim is to make them feel comfortable and interested to use it so be sure to place the cat tower in a quiet area that's easily accessible; potentially it could be your cat's favourite spot near a window.
For a little encouragement, you could rub some of their favourite toys on the cat tower to transfer their scent to it. Or, you could sprinkle a small amount of catnip on it to pique your cat's curiosity. Encourage their exploration – praise your pet and give them treats when they interact with the tower. The positive association will only encourage them to do it more.
Make playtime focused around the cat tower by dangling toys to entice them to climb. If you have more than one cat, give each pet the opportunity to explore the tower separately, without competition. Patience will pay off, just remember every cat is unique. Their body language will tell you when they are comfortable and adjusted to their cat tower.
Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things cats and dogs. In her other life Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.