We all know how much our feline friends love to snuggle up into their cat beds, but they equally love to play and scratch, too, which is why the best cat trees are worth the investment if you're looking for something special for your beloved pet.
Not sure what a cat tree is? Simply put they're structures that usually have a variety of cat toys and other activities connected to them, but also provide your kitty somewhere to retreat to as well. We've touched on this more in our FAQs section, but cat trees (or cat towers as they are sometimes known) are usually made up of different levels, a bed or two, as well as cat scratching posts and something to play with. This all-in-one combo of relaxation and play offers everything your kitty could ever want and more. They'll love jumping up and down the various levels to burn off energy, as well as curling up in the more private spaces when they're in need of some rest.
Best cat trees at a glance:
• Best overall cat tree: Yaheetech 130cm Cat Tree -View on Amazon UK
• Best medium cat tree: Wayfair 96cm Cat Tree - View on Wayfair
• Best small cat tree: Petface Two Tier Cat Play Station - View on Viovet
• Best cat tree for multiple cats: Yaheetech 138.5cm Cat Tree - View on Amazon UK
When you think of a cat tree, you might think of a big tower that takes up a lot of room in your living space. This doesn't have to be the case, though. Yes, you can get large towers with multiple layers of activities and places to hide but you can also get smaller ones. They may not have as much height to them as some of the bigger ones but they'll still have the all-important rest and play places.
As well as making sure your kitty has plenty to keep them occupied, the quality of your cat tree is also important. Choosing a cat tower that is made from high-quality materials will ensure it is well-made and sturdy. Cats are easily frightened so if they jump on a tower that is a bit wobbly or with bits that are coming loose, your feline might end up being put off from using it again. That's why we've hunted down the best cat trees that are packed with things to keep your cat busy and are good quality, too.
Best cat trees
Best overall cat tree
YaheetechLooking for a large cat tree to splash out on your cats? This Yaheetech 130cm Cat Tree has everything you could want, including toys, caves, Plus a ladder. Available in a dark grey and light grey colourway, the bottom base is reinforced to ensure the tree's stability, and it also comes with a wall anchor strap for extra support, if needed.
Customers say this cat tree was easy to assemble, with clear instructions. The structure is stable once fully assembled. Depending on the size of your cat, some may find the tube section a bit small. But with all the neat sections and levels, cats will find their own way to enjoy this fabulous cat tree. As a guide, owners say it's best suited to a kitten up to a medium-sized cat. If in doubt, check the dimensions of the cat tree first.
Pros
- Lots of features including three levels, hanging toys and a stable bottom base
- Fur protective covering
Cons
- A bit small for bigger cat breeds
| Dimensions: | 49D x 49W x 129.5Hcm |
Best medium cat tree
Wayfairwww.wayfair.co.uk
If you're looking for a mid-sized cat tree that will only take up a little space but is large enough for multiple activities, this 96cm Cat Tree is for you. With resting boards and multiple posts for scratching and clawing, your cat has a space to learn, explore and have fun. It has a sheltered cat cave, bed and basket, ramp, and ball to bat.
This is a popular pick on Wayfair, with other colourways sold out. Customers say that it can be used freestanding for younger cats, but be sure to use the screws to fix it to the wall if you have larger cats. It's a sturdy and good-quality cat tree that's a luxurious and comfy place for pets to perch. Just be aware, in a minority of reviews, some say the cat tree didn't last more than a year. But this could be down to how it's being used.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Covered in soft plush fabric
Cons
- Not suitable for cats over 4kg
| Dimensions: | 96cm H X 48cm W X 48cm D |
Best small cat tree
Petfacewww.viovet.co.uk
Sometimes, we want to treat our cats, but we don't all have the space. This two-tier cat tree from Petface is a perfect smaller option that will fit comfortably in an apartment or small house. Ideal for one-cat households, your cat will stay active and stimulated as it climbs and explores this cream-coloured cat tree.
There are few online reviews about this cat tree, but Petface is a major brand for quality pet furniture and products. Reviews for its other Petface products suggest that they are easy to assemble, of good quality, and good value.
Pros
- Both toys and bed in one
- Cosy covering for sleeping
Cons
- Smaller than other options
| Dimensions: | 35D x 47W x 50Hcm |
Best cat tree with a cave
Petfacewww.viovet.co.uk
If your cat likes to hide away and cosy up in a private space, you'll want to grab a cat tree with a cave bed. This large Petface House Scratcher option has a ladder that they can climb up and snuggle into the multiple beds. There are also lots of scratching posts on this tree to help achieve that perfect balance between playtime and necessary scratching.
Reviews across the web say this Petface cat tree is sturdy, good quality and straightforward to assemble. However, some opposing reviews indicate it lasted only a short time around larger cats; plus the durability of the scratching post is questioned. We'd advise that this cat tree is great for kittens and small breeds; it may need additional securing to a wall for heavier cats, or seek an alternative cat tree.
Pros
- Snuggly cave bed at the centre of the tree
- Lots of scratching posts
Cons
- Slightly harder to climb up
| Dimensions: | 50D x 50W x 120.5Hcm |
Best cat tree for multiple cats
amazonWe all need a bit of pink in our lives. If your cat is a princess, invest in this super 138.5cm cat tree with multiple beds, toys, and scratching posts. Don't worry—it's also available in beige, black, brown, dark grey, light grey, and navy blue if those colours float your boat more.
This Amazon best-seller is an excellent choice for households with more than one cat. It has three top perches, three sisal rope pom-poms, two cat condos and a ramp. It's like their very own Barbie Dream House!
Customer reviews indicate that this is a study cat tree that their pets enjoy. It's easy to assemble, too. However, a review comments that while the platforms are the perfect size for smaller cats, they might need to be bigger for larger cats.
Pros
- Extra large size with multiple activities
- Perfect for larger cats and households with multiple cats
Cons
- Maybe too large for a smaller house
| Dimensions: | 49D x 49W x 138.5Hcm or 49D x 49W x 156Hcm |
Best cat tree with hammock
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
Another perfect petite option, this Pets at Home Hudson Hammock Cat Tower Grey has a snuggly hammock for your pet to cosy up in. It's snug and small but has three levels for your kitty to climb. Three scratching posts are made using woven sisal, which is the perfect material for your kitty to claw at. This is another great option if you live in an apartment or are short on room. Though it's a shame, there are no customer reviews to tell us more about it.
Pros
- Perfect for smaller cats
- Three tiers and scratching posts to enjoy
Cons
- Not suitable for bigger cats
| Dimensions: | 35D x 56W x 77Hcm |
Best floor-to-ceiling cat tree
PAWZGo all out for your cats with a floor-to-ceiling cat tree, giving them loads of space to climb and enjoy. With three levels to perch on, they can watch you from a height and snuggle up on the tall PAWZ Road Cat Tree 5-Tier Floor to Ceiling Cat Tower. It's adjustable up to 228cm in height; you'll want to measure your ceiling before ordering to ensure you can accommodate it.
Customer reviews say it was great value for money and easy to assemble. But there are mixed opinions on its sturdiness. Comments indicate that it is best for petite cats only. Also, it's a good idea to position next to a wall for extra support.
Pros
- Tall but easy to tuck away
- Scratching post along the length of the tree
Cons
- Not so many activities or toys
| Dimensions: | Height adjustable from 46 to 228cm W44 x D 24cm |
Best cat tree with a variety of tools
CA&TIf you want your cats to crawl and climb up their cat tree, this large CA&T P.J Pet Products Ultimate Easy Climber Scratch Tree has four escape levels. In addition to this, it has loads of toys and a cat cave, too, for rest and play. It has a solid construction with durable, thick particle boards, a balanced design, and a strong base.
If you choose to extend your cat's play area, the CA&T store has a small range of other, equally adventurous cat trees.
Customer reviews are mixed. While its size and value for money are good, customer comments repeatedly question its quality and sturdiness.
Pros
- Large tree and multi-functional
- Good value for money
Cons
- Mixed opinions on it's quality
| Dimensions: | 50D, 35W, 138Hcm |
How we chose the best cat trees
All of these cat trees have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered value for money, durability and activities in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching cat trees to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.
FAQs
What is a cat tree?
Cat trees (also known as cat towers) are structures that usually have a variety of cat-themed tools and activities connected to them. It should be a multi-level area for your kitty to enjoy, play and rest on.
Most will come with a bed, cocoon or cave for your cat to go and sleep in. They will often have various levels that they can jump up and down, too.
As you will have seen from our recommendations above, many cat trees also include:
• Toys, usually like hanging balls and feathers
• Ladders
• Scratchpads and posts
• Hammocks and hanging beds
You don't have to have all these features of course! You can pick and choose depending on the size you can handle. Many smaller cat trees still have a variety of tools but in a smaller size.
Do cats need a cat tree?
Cat trees aren't an absolute necessity for cats, but they do have many benefits. Having one will certainly make your kitty very happy. It'll give them the chance to unleash some of their feline instincts in a safe environment without getting told off for destroying furniture in the process. With the help of Omlet.us, we've rounded up some of the reasons why cats love cat trees.
Height
Cats are natural climbers and love being up high. They like to be able to have control over their territory by observing it from a vantage point, and a cat tree will provide them with their very own space to do this.
Safety
We all know that cats love to snuggle up in private when things get too much, tucked away in a hidden spot far away from humanity. A cat tree will provide your kitty with their own space where they won’t be disturbed, giving them a sense of safety and relaxation.
Cats are also natural jumpers and without a cat tree, they’d be jumping from branch to branch outside or from bookcases to countertops indoors. As cat trees are made to be sturdy, you’ll have peace of mind that they won’t fall over as your cat moves freely from each of the levels.
Somewhere to sleep
Another thing that cats love to do is sleep. They can enjoy some shut-eye just about anywhere they decide to lie down. However, cat trees usually have built-in beds, whether that’s a hammock or a cushion inside one of the little caves.
Entertainment
Cat trees don’t just provide your cat with a place for them to sit and watch the world go by or somewhere comfy to dose off, but they can also be a great source of entertainment. Whether that’s scratching elements, cat toys or climbing opportunities.
Giving your kitty somewhere to scratch will save your furniture, too, as they’ll have somewhere that they’re allowed to sharpen their claws on and help them stretch their legs.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.