5 Best Cat Trees Reviews -Guide Cat Lovers 2021

Why You Need to Buy Your Cat a Cat Tree

To understand what makes the best cat trees, we need to understand why cats love high places. I have 10 cats, and before I bought them a cat tree (actually 2 cat trees!), I would find them all over the house in the most unusual places.

One cat would be on top of the refrigerator, and others would be on top of the bookcase, on a shelf above my desk, on top of the wardrobe, on the mantle place, on the backs of sofas, and on window sills.

So, as well as finding out which are the best cat trees and why I will also explain a little bit about why cats love vertical spaces and why you need to buy your cat(s) a cat tree.

Finding the best cat tree is quite difficult as there are at least 5000 different designs available! Before buying my cat trees, I did a lot of research and made a lot of notes on all the pros and cons.

Hopefully, you will find my recommendations useful for choosing a cat tree that your cat will love.

Which is The Best Cat Tree for Your Cat?

Take a look at the factors below before you decide

Size:

Apart from the height or the number of levels, the size of the perches has to be considered. If you have a large cat, then make sure that the perches are large too.

Your cat has to feel safe and comfortable on its perch which it won’t be if its legs are hanging over the edge.

It is a good idea to get a tree with different styles of perches too – some can be flat and square, but cats also like perches with sides, perches up against posts, and condos.

Sturdiness:

If the cat tree is wobbly, your cat will probably not use it.

The higher the tree, the wider the base needs to be. You could read through some cat tree reviews online to find a tree that is very sturdy.

It is worth noting though that most cat trees require assembly, so it is important to assemble the tree correctly and securely.

I read the reviews of one of the most popular cat trees on Amazon, and hundreds of people were satisfied with how sturdy it was, but one person said he was disappointed with how wobbly it was. It would be safe to assume that the unsatisfied person didn’t do a good job of tightening up the tree properly.

Design:

Apart from the aesthetics of the tree, you should evaluate the design features that your cat(s) require.

Things like overall height, the number of levels, number of scratching posts, the materials of the scratching posts, the different types of perches, and other accessories – ladders, hammocks, hanging toys, etc.

Go Pet Club Cat Tree

The Go Pet Club cat condo tower has several levels leading up to the top 3 perches, 2 condos and 10 natural scratching sisal posts.

Most cats love being in high places, such as a shelf or the top of your refrigerator, and one of the best features of this particular cat condo tower is that it’s a 6 foot cat tower, giving your kitty plenty of vertical space.

Just think…he’ll be able to watch your every move! (Isn’t that a comforting thought!)

Go Pet Club Cat Tree Cat Condo Tower Features:

There are 2 condos: Condo 1 measures 20”W x 15”L x 11.5”H and Condo 2 measures 15”W x 12”L x 10”H
10 scratching posts each covered in natural sisal rope
3 levels made out of MDF/wood and covered in soft faux fur leading up to 3 perches
Colour: Beige (model number: F2040-Beige) – Also available in blue – model number: F2040-Blue
Measurements/Overall Size: 50”W x 26”L x 72”H – 72”H = 6 feet tall
Base Board Size: 28”W x 24”L
Easy to assemble – most customers putting it together in less than 45 minutes

The Go Pet Club Cat Tree seems to be a very popular choice, not only with the pet owners themselves, but with their cats too.

A huge number of reviewers expressed how pleased they were with the quality of the cat condo tower and also how easy the directions were to follow to get it set up. It took most customers approximately 30 minutes to put together.

Once the tree was assembled, their kitties began running and pouncing on it almost immediately with excitement. They were obviously very happy with their new toy.

There were a few concerns that maybe the faux fur material wouldn’t measure up to the carpeted cat trees, but in many cases, there are other reviews from previous owners who commented that after a whole year of use, their tree was still as good as new…no tears or bare patches in the fabric to be seen anywhere.

Many customers also commented on how much their pets love sleeping on the top perches. Their cats seemed to find it very calming and were able to rest there quite comfortably.

Several other reviewers mentioned that you may have to tighten the bolts and screws occasionally, so that the levels or perches remain sturdy.

A large majority of customers said that they were very pleased with the amount of sisal rope posts available for their cats to climb, scratch on and get their claws into.

PetFusion Cat Scratcher Lounge Review

The PetFusion Cat Scratcher Lounge is created sturdy enough not to move whilst your cat is either scratching or playing on it.

It’s also a very stylish and beautiful looking item of cat furniture made out of eco-friendly, recycled corrugated cardboard and it weighs approximately 7.5lbs.

The dimensions of the Scratcher Lounge are 34”(L) x 10.5”(W) x 10.5”(D) – so it’s just under 3 feet long, and because the lounge is bow-shaped, it’s approximately 10.5 inches high on the ends and about 6 inches high in the middle.

It will help to keep your cats’ claws in check and hopefully stop them from ruining your plants and furniture…a little bit at a time!

The PetFusion cat scratcher is also reversible which means that once your cat has scratched and clawed his way through the top, you can simply flip it over onto the other side, so that it looks brand new again.

PetFusion Cat Scratcher Lounge Features:

Sleek design made of eco-friendly, recycled corrugated cardboard, NOT WOOD
Both a scratcher and a lounge
Perfect for cats who like to scratch horizontally
Reversible for twice the use
The design encourages play
Stops cats from scratching your furniture
Curvy shape naturally attracts cats and make it easier for them to scratch, play and a more comfortable place to rest
Suitable for multiple cat families
Scratcher Lounge measurements: 34”(L) x 10.5”(W) x 10.5”(D)
Scratcher Lounge weight: 7.5 pounds
Designed in US and manufactured in Asia

Cats love cardboard and the PetFusion Cat Scratcher Lounge is made from eco-friendly, recycled corrugated cardboard. It has a very long, sleek, curvy shape and is low to the ground. It looks more like human furniture rather than a piece of functional cat furniture.

According to a couple of 4 and 5 star reviewers, little kittens or small to medium sized cats will be able to poke their heads through the holes.

However, larger cats, weighing over 12 pounds (approximately) may not be able to crawl fully through the holes even though you can be sure that they’ll probably give it a good try.

How Long Will the Petfusion Cat Scratcher Lounge Last?

According to several reviewers, the Petfusion Cat Scratcher Lounge should last you at least one full year…and that’s with constant use.

Many individuals, who already own this cat scratcher lounge, have commented that the reason this product can last so long is because it’s made of a very hard, dense cardboard, which is why your cats’ claws won’t be able to demolish it any time soon, even with plenty of cat scratching activity.

And, not only that, but once the top starts looking really shabby, you can turn it over so that it looks brand new again.

Will Little Pieces of Cardboard Come Off With The Scratching?

A few potential customers who have bought other cardboard scratch pads, have voiced their concerns over the amount of ‘shedding’ that this Petfusion Lounger could produce.

However, according to owners of this Cat Scratcher Lounge, it does not create a lot of shredded mess.

Yes, little pieces of cardboard will come off as your cat scratches, but these little pieces either fall into the corrugated grooves or over the side.

One owner said that a weeks’ worth of shredded cardboard only amounts to about a tablespoon worth of cleaning up, and that should show you the quality of this product.

Will This Cat Scratcher Move On A Hardwood Floor?

The Petfusion Cat Scratcher Lounge should not move on your hardwood floor. This cat scratcher is very well made and is quite heavy.

So even if your 20lb cat takes a run and jump at it and rolls onto it at speed, it won’t move. However, it you’re still in any doubt as to whether it will remain still on your hardwood floor, it has been suggested that you could place a small rug underneath it.

What Do Reviewers Think of the Petfusion Lounger?

Overall, according to current owners, the general consensus is that the Petfusion Lounger has got to be the best cat scratching lounger that they’ve ever had.

They all agree that this cat scratching lounge is made of a tight and solid construction, combined with a beautiful and modern design.

Molly and Friends Skyscraper Cat Tree

The Molly and Friends Skyscraper is a premium handmade, high-quality cat tree with a beautifully designed cat condo (made with large cats in mind), 2 cradles, 1 large bed and an inverted tunnel.

It stands at 86″ in height, which is approximately 7 feet tall.

Starting at the top, the fourth tier, you’ll find a very spacious cat condo which is 19” tall, 16” wide and 18” long. There’s plenty of room here even for a particularly large cat.

In fact, just so you’re aware, Molly and Friends are probably the best cat tree manufacturers out there that cater for large cats, so you won’t have to be concerned about your kitty being able to fit in there comfortably.

Anyway, then right next to the cat condo, slightly above the roof, is a large cradle that measures 16.5” wide, 16” long and a sturdy 3” deep. This is actually the fifth tier.

Next, directly underneath the condo (on the third tier) is the large cat bed with a diameter of 16.5” and again is 3” deep.

Underneath that, on the second tier, is the second cradle that also measures 16.5” wide, 16” long and is also a sturdy 3” deep.

Last, but not least, on the bottom tier is the inverted tunnel that has a diameter of 17.5”, but it’s 16.5” long and 14” tall.

Molly and Friends Skyscraper Features:

2 cradles, each one measuring 16.5″ wide, 16″ long, 3″ deep
1 modern cat condo measuring 19″ tall, 16″ wide, 18″ long
1 spacious cat bed 16.5″ in diameter, 3″ deep
1 inverted tunnel 17.5″ in diameter – 16.5″ long, 14″ tall
4 solid heart of pine poles, each measuring 66″ – 3 poles covered in luxurious carpet, the 4th pole is part carpet and part sisal rope
Thick all-natural sisal rope
Handmade in the USA
Very sturdy and made from quality products
Arrives fully assembled, no tools required

Overall Dimensions:

Height, from top to bottom: 86″ – 7 feet
Width, from side to side: 24″
Depth, from front to back: 24″
Base: 24″ x 24″
Weight: 169 lbs

What Do Reviewers Think Of The Molly and Friends Skyscraper Cat Tower?

If you’re familiar with any of the products from Molly and Friends, you’ll already know just how well made and sturdy they are.

But this could be your first encounter with their cat furniture, so what do you need to know?

All of the cat furniture made by Molly and Friends is handmade to an exceptionally high standard. They understand cats and their natural needs extremely well, and create some of the most wonderful pieces of modern cat furniture you’ve ever had the pleasure to see. Their products are also pleasurable eye candy for us humans too.

The Molly and Friends Skyscraper

One of this brands tallest cat towers, it stands at 86”, that’s about 7 feet high and it’s very solid, well designed, very stable, built to last and weighs in at 169 lbs. That’s heavy. But this is what makes it so sturdy.

This extra large cat tower will provide your cats with the climbing activity they need to tone and strengthen all of their muscles and bones safely, and without any of the dangers associated with outdoor play.

The last thing you’ll ever need to worry about is whether or not it’s going to wobble. It’s too heavy to wobble.

This marvellous piece of cat furniture is more than suitable for multi cat homes.

There were quite a few reviewers with larger cats, weighing a lot more than 20 lbs, and they agreed that this cat tower had plenty of room for their large cats to manoeuvre up and down the tiers effortlessly.

Some of the reviewers even mentioned that the holes were big enough for their cats to fit through easily enough.

The only negative comment that one particular reviewer made about this cat tower was that she thought it was too heavy. However, she went on to say that she began to realise that it was actually the weight that was one of the good things about the “Skyscraper”, because it doesn’t wobble, even when her cats jump from the highest level.

Molly and Friends Step Stool Sleeper

The Molly and Friends “Step Stool Sleeper” is a four tiered cat tree that is 5 foot 6 inches tall.

The “Step Stool Sleeper” is covered in high quality carpet and is a great piece of cat furniture suitable for large cats.

The “Step Stool Sleeper” is an attractive, very well built and sturdy cat tree made out of natural solid pine wood and would suit larger cats, such as Maine Coons, mainly because the tiers are nicely spaced apart so that your kitties can climb from one level to the next effortlessly without having to squeeze through.

Just like all the other cat trees from the Molly and Friends creators, the “Step Stool Sleeper” is a handmade cat tree and will arrive on your doorstep fully assembled, so no tools are required on your part.

This Molly and Friends four tiered cat tree also has two large and generously sized beds and two large cradles that allow large cats to play, lounge, sleep or stretch on very comfortably. There are also three carpet posts and one natural sisal rope post for them to sink their claws into and in addition to this, it also provides the height that cats love to be able to escape to and tall enough for them to observe their humans’ movements.

This beautifully tall carpeted cat tree stands at around 66 inches high (that’s approximately 5 feet 6 inches). It has 3 natural wooden pine posts – 2 posts wrapped in high quality carpet and one post that has natural sisal rope securely wrapped around it.

The Molly and Friends Step Stool Sleeper kitty tree also has 2 cradles that measure 17″ long x 17″ wide and 2 beds each measuring 18″ across, which are completely covered in a beautiful thick, high quality carpet. Your cat or cats will absolutely love it.

Molly and Friends “Step Stool Sleeper” Cat Tree Features:

Solidly built – made out of natural solid pine wood
2 cradles that measure: 17” long x 17” wide, covered in high quality carpet
2 beds each measuring: 18” across, also covered in high quality carpet
Colour: Beige
4 tiers/levels
Stands at 66 inches tall – 5 feet 6 inches
All natural thick sisal rope post
Handmade – arrives fully assembled
Shipping weight: 80.2lbs
Model 2323

Molly and Friends Toms Tower

Molly and Friends Four-Tier Scratching Post Furniture

Molly and Friends Toms Tower is a cat tree with 2 spacious cat beds measuring 16″ diameter and 3″ deep. They are suitable for large cats such as Maine Coons and Ragdolls.

As both cat beds measure 16.5″ in diameter, this is perfect for cats weighing around 20 to 25 pounds, because they’ll be able to curl up quite comfortably.

Most other cat tree brands offer cat beds that measure approximately 13″ to 15″ in diameter and are therefore mainly suitable for small to medium sized felines that weigh up to approximately 12 pounds. Those extra inches make a great difference to your kitties comfort.

Molly and Friends Toms Tower also has a cradle, which is on the second tier (if you start from the bottom) and measures approximately 16.5″x16″ and is 3″ deep.

The tunnel is also a good size and measures around 16.5″ in diameter and 16″ long.

The Molly and Friends Toms Tower also has four cat scratching posts of varying heights.

The longest scratching post is carpeted, supports the top round cat bed and is 60″ in height, that’s 5 feet tall.

The cat scratching post that holds up the tunnel is carpeted and is 40″ tall, that’s just over 3 feet.

Then there’s the scratching post that supports the cradle which is 27″ tall, which is just over 2 feet, and is wrapped in natural sisal rope, and then lastly there’s a 12″, 1 foot, scratch post that supports the lower round cat bed which is also covered in carpet.

The scratching posts themselves are all made out of solid natural pine wood.

Molly and Friends Toms Tower Features:

Large cat beds and rest areas for all sized cats – ideal for Maine Coons and Ragdolls (reviewed highly by customers as being best cat tree for large cats)
Durable materials used for solid construction
High quality carpet
Cat scratching posts made from all natural thick sisal rope
Arrives fully assembled – no tools required
66 inches tall, that’s approx. 5 feet 5 inches
Made in the USA

Molly and Friends Virgie

The Molly and Friends Virgie is a premium handmade high quality five tiered cat tree for cats of all sizes. The beds and rest areas are made large enough for even the largest of cats. It’s also a solid, very sturdy and well constructed item of cat tree furniture.

The Virgie stands at 90 inches in height, that’s 7 feet and 5 inches of high quality carpet, all natural sisal rope and solid pine poles.

Molly and Friends Virgie Reviews:

Molly and Friends Deluxe Scratching Post Furniture

According to Molly and Friends enthusiasts, the Virgie is another great contribution to the feline world. When it comes to the subject of cat trees, Molly and Friends is a solid brand. You can rely on their workmanship.

Molly and Friends build cat trees that will last for years to come and the Virgie will not disappoint your feline friends.

The Virgie is an extra large premium handmade cat tree. It’s solid and heavy, it weighs around 150 pounds and will arrive fully assembled.

6 tier extra large cat tree
90 inches/7 feet 5 inches tall on a 24″ x 24″ weighted base
1 condo, 2 cradles, 2 large beds and 1 tunnel measuring 12 inches in diameter
Durable materials, high-quality carpet, and solid construction
Solid pine poles
All natural thick sisal rope
Handmade in the USA, No assembly required

If you’re the owner of a particularly large kitty and you’re wondering if the Virgie is strong enough to bear his or her weight, then allow me to help you with that thought.

Whether you have one cat or several, you and your cat will be better off with more than just a cat tree. Even though most cat trees have surfaces designed for scratching, your cat also needs a few strategically placed scratching posts and loungers placed around your home.

Below you will find my pick of the very best in cat furniture that includes a scratching post, multiple posts, or other scratching surfaces; cat tree furniture, a scratching post, a cat scratcher lounge, a cat scratcher box, a cat hammock, and a cat bed.

Increase Your Cat’s Vertical Territory

Why Your Cat Needs Vertical Territory

Dogs and humans are quite happy living in a horizontal world, but cats are different. Cats enjoy both the horizontal and vertical in their surroundings. Cats depend on vertical areas for various reasons; hierarchy, safety, exercise, comfort, and play.

A cat tree is especially important for indoor cats, but indoor/outdoor cats will also enjoy them. My cats are all indoor/outdoor cats, but we make sure they are all safely inside by 6 o’clock in the evening. After they have eaten and groomed themselves, they all wander off to their preferred perch on one of the cat trees for a nap.

Apart from buying a cat tree, you might want to evaluate the vertical territory that is available in your house. I mentioned raised cat beds and hammocks above, but there are other things you could add to:

Window perches, cat shelves, cat stairs, and cat walkways are just some of the items you can add to increase the vertical territory for your cat. With a little bit of thought, you can create a more secure, comfortable, and fun home for your cats.

Other benefits and uses for a cat tree are the following:

It Saves Your Furniture – As nearly all cat trees include scratching posts, your furniture should be safe from getting clawed and scratched. You may have to train your cat to use the scratching posts instead of your sofa at the beginning though, but it isn’t hard to do.

Exercise – Cats that don’t get enough exercise, which is particularly true of some indoor cats, will be more likely to keep you awake at night or wake you up too early in the morning. Cats that run around use some muscles and some energy but a cat that is climbing and scratching their cat tree will be working out all their muscles and use up more energy – a tired cat is a happy cat (and a sleepy cat!)

A More Natural Environment – If you prefer your cat to be an indoor cat for safety reasons, then a cat tree will provide something that indoor cats miss about the outdoors – climbing trees.

The Best Cat Trees for Large Cats

If you live in a multi-cat household or you have visited friends with more than one cat in their home, you will know that cat fights are part of the process of establishing feline hierarchy. However, the addition of a cat tree can increase the likelihood that there will be harmony; the highest ranking cat will claim the highest perch and the lower ranking cats, the lower levels.

It is very rare for two or more cats to share the same windowsill or the top of the refrigerator, but with a cat tree, you will find that cats are quite happy to share the same tree, as long as there are several perches on different levels.

Below you will find five popular cat trees that are designed for several cats. All were highly rated by customers, and all are reported to be sturdy, high quality, and a hit with the cats.

Cat Trees are Great for Shy Cats and Cats with Low Self-Esteem

Before getting my cat trees, most of my cats had some vertical surface to retire to. However, there was one cat that I would always see lying under the wardrobe or the bed. The reason for this is generally because a cat is shy or has low esteem.

This particular cat, Felix, had an adversary who couldn’t pass by without attacking poor Felix. There just weren’t enough high perches in our house for all 10 cats. Now, with the cat trees though, Felix has a middle-level condo and perch on one of the trees, while his adversary has the top perch on the other tree.

Cat trees are great for timid cats as they can have a safe elevated perch to keep an eye on their surroundings and yet be out in the open (as opposed to hiding under a bed.) Many of the large cat trees have at least one cat condo where a shy cat has the option of being more hidden but still maintain a visual advantage over any approaching cat.

Where to Place a Cat Tree

The most obvious place to position a cat tree is near a window so that the cat(s) can look out the window and do some bird watching! However, you may not want to place your cat tree in such a prominent position in the room.

Some people find that all cat trees are unsightly and they place them in out of the way places, like a spare bedroom or even in the basement. Well, guess what? Your cat will probably never use the cat tree if it is not in a pleasing position for them.

There are a couple of options if this is your situation; find a cat tree that compliments your décor or do what I did in my family room – I placed one of the cat trees in the corner (slightly out of the way yet the cats can still observe the room), and I also got the PetFusion Cat Scratcher Lounge that is positioned in a prominent place in the room – it has such a stylish design that it would look great in any home.

If you want a cat tree that doesn’t take up much space and is pleasing to the eye, then the tree by Cozy Cat Furniture on the right might be what you are looking for. It is quite a stylish design that would look good in most homes. It has 5 different color options for the carpet, and it is made of solid wood in the USA.

Realistic Cat Trees – The most beautiful cat trees that I have seen are from Pet Tree House ®. They are the most realistic looking cat trees you will find as they feature real branches and silk leaves. Each of the realistic cat trees that you see below is hand crafted in the USA by highly skilled American craftsmen.

More Cat Trees That Look Like Trees

Cat trees that will please your cats as well as look good in your home

Let’s face it, most of the cat trees are covered in off-white or beige carpet and look very 80’s – in other words dated! If you want a cat tree that will look good in your home, take a look at the selection of cat trees that look like trees below.

Learn How to Build a Cat Tree From Scratch

A Father and Daughter Build a Sturdy Looking Cat Tree

After watching the below video, you will see that it is not that hard to build a cat tree; it also looked like it was a lot of fun too!

If you are imaginative as well as being a DIY type person, there will be no limit to the kind of cat tree that you will be able to build.

However, for those that need a little bit more help in the planning stages, you should take a look at these Cat Tree Plans.

Which is Your Favorite Cat Tree?

Also, let us all know about your experience with cat trees that you have bought.