These are the best cat trees, according to Mumsnet users

Most cats enjoy climbing, scratching and lounging around, which is why an activity cat tree is a must-have accessory for your feline, especially if you want to protect your furniture.

But if you’re a new cat parent or you’ve never seen cat trees before, the amount of choice and features might be overwhelming, and you may wonder which cat tree is right for you, your furniture and your cat.

Here we look at the different types of cat trees available, from ones that save space (ideal for small apartments) to ones that stretch from floor to ceiling (ideal for houses with plenty of space and cats who love to climb). You’ll also find simplistic two-tiered trees with comfortable napping areas (perfect for older cats) and multi-level activity trees with dangling toys (perfect for kittens and cats who love to play).

To bring you the best cat trees, we took to the Mumsnet forums to find products that have been tried and tested by real humans and real cats. We also spent six hours researching expert review websites, such as Which, and consumer reviews from bonafide pet owners so you can be sure that we’ve chosen the top-rated cat trees our users swear by.

Looking for more pet advice? Check out our guide to the best dog beds, the best carpet cleaners and the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair.

Here are the 10 best cat trees to buy right now.

1. Best overall cat tree: Amazon Basics Extra Large Cat Tree Tower

Price on writing: £50 | Buy now from Amazon

“I get huge cat trees from Amazon for [a lower] price than high street places like Pets at Home. They’re made of reinforced cardboard/plasterboard with fake fur and scratching rope but, even with two cats climbing all over them, they last for several years.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Advic3Pl3as3)

Whether your cat loves to lounge, is constantly climbing or can’t stop scratching, the Amazon Basics Extra Large Cat Tree Tower has everything your feline needs.

With multiple platforms, this 143cm sturdy tree has plenty of space to climb and also comes with several spots ideal for relaxing and napping.

The natural jute fibre scratching posts will please both pet parents who want their furniture to be scratch-free and cats who want to get their claws out. This cat tree also comes with replaceable dangling toy balls to keep your kitty entertained for hours.

We love that this tree has multiple design options to choose from, including different colours and features. Choose either beige or grey - whichever best suits your home decor. And if the cat tree with one condo (pictured above) isn’t quite right for your cat, then you can choose from trees that feature a dual condo, a variety of levels, a hammock, one with multiple platforms, or one that comes with a step ladder.

Pros

• Multi-platform tower with natural jute fibre scratching posts

• Comes in a variety of options and colours

• Easy to assemble

Cons 

• Not suitable for large cats, such as Ragdoll cats

• Toy balls can be dangerous

2. Best budget cat tree: Cozy Pet Sale Cat Tree

Price on writing: £42 | Buy now from Amazon

“I have just bought this one [Cozy Pet Sale Cat Tree] but not yet assembled. There are loads of different options available and all seem a lot cheaper than Pets at Home etc.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Kittekats)

Budget-friendly doesn’t mean you should settle for less as the Cozy Pet Sale Cat Tree proves. This multi-level tree comes complete with three dangling toy mice, three viewing spots, a cat house, ladder and heavy-duty sisal scratching posts - which means your cat won’t get bored ever again.

Constructed from sturdy wood, the frame of this cat tree is ideal for felines that love to play. And once your cat has finished climbing and scratching, they can curl up on the soft plush fabric and relax.

Not only is this cat tree affordable and full of fun for your feline friend, but it also comes with detailed instructions and tools to build and assemble it with ease.

And it comes with a choice of colours, including beige, light grey, chocolate and dark grey. Cozy Pet Sale also makes other cat trees with different features, such as this one with multiple levels and this one with a hammock.

Pros

• Affordable

• Easy to assemble

• Sturdy construction

• Has dangling mice toys

Cons

• Not suitable for large cats

• Detachable mice are easy to remove

3. Best cat tree for large cats: 164cm Barking Cat Tree

Price on writing: £90 | Buy now from Wayfair

“[My cats] like this one from Wayfair.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user MyTwoBengals)

Homes with multiple or large cats need trees that offer extra stability, which is what this 164cm Barking Cat Tree from Wayfair provides. As well as being constructed from manufactured and solid wood, this tree also comes with strengthened battens at the base and anti-toppling fittings to ensure that all cats can enjoy it, no matter their size.

Thanks to several levels and platforms, your cat can spend hours climbing and exploring this tree. And the natural sisal rope scratching posts are perfect for ensuring your cat doesn't tear your furniture apart. Then, once playtime is over, they can get some serious R&R in the comfortable condo, either on the top perch or in the hammock.

We like that this cat tree has a detachable cat bowl - so when your favourite feline doesn’t want to come down, they can enjoy their meals up high. You can also choose the best colour for your home and cat, as this freestanding cat tree comes in smoky grey or light grey.

Pros

• Stable tree, made from durable particleboard and high-density supporting tubes

• Ideal for large or multiple cats

• Comes with a detachable cat bowl

Cons

• Fur covering isn’t thick

• Condo is small

4. Best cat tree for two cats: Zooplus Flower Cat Tree

Price on writing: £102 | Buy now from Amazon

“I've bought several towers/trees from Zooplus. Good value and good quality.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Beamur)

If you’re a true cat lover, we know that you’ll have more than one cat, in which case this sturdy Zooplus Flower Cat Tree might be just what you need. This tree has two woven water hyacinth beds and three cat toys that are attached to elastic threads, making it ideal for two cats.

The metal pillars and heavy base plate keep the tree sturdy, even if your cats like to throw themselves at it. And the metal pillars are wrapped in sisal rope, which are perfect for scratching.

The leaf-shaped platforms feature soft reversible cushions so you can alternate between two colours: cream or beige. And even better, the cushions are removable and machine-washable (at 30°C) if they get dirty.

Pros

• Made from sturdy and natural materials

• Machine-washable cushions

• Easy to assemble

• Weighted base for stability

Cons

• The hyacinth weaved platforms can fray with repeated use

5. Best heavy-duty cat tree: Feandrea Cat Tree

Price on writing: £90 | Buy now from Amazon

“My two cats share this. It's very solid. They jump all over it.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Mumdiva99)

If you have a boisterous or playful cat (or cats), then you’ll need a heavy-duty tree that can withstand rough play and weight. The Feandrea Cat Tree has a frame made from strong MDF as well as a reinforced base and an anti-tip kit, so you can rest assured that your cats can enjoy playing safely.

No matter what your cat enjoys doing, this tree has it all, including three dangling fur toys, sisal rope scratching posts, two large perches (perfect for relaxing on), and a cave, a hammock and a basket (all ideal places to nap).

The four-tiered tree consists of plush covered platforms that are well staggered and easy for all cats to climb. And speaking of easy, we like that this cat tree comes with detailed instructions and tools that make assembling the tree a breeze.

Pros

• A reinforced base and anti-tip features

• Four-tiers for your feline friends to explore

• Easy to assemble

• Suitable for large cats or several cats

Cons

• Cats may try to chew the dangling toys

6. Best cat climbing tree: Vesper V-High Base Cat Furniture Tree

Price on writing: £130 | Buy now from Amazon

“I've never had [a cat tree] with previous cats, but the latest rescue needed/needs an extended time in one room/indoors so I went for [the Vesper V-High Base Cat Furniture Tree] as I'm not keen on the more traditional ones. It's beautifully built and sturdy.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Yarnivore)

The Vesper V-High Base Cat Furniture Tree is more elegant in style than most other cat trees on our list. The wooden frame looks more natural than cat trees with a plush fabric finish, which means it'll complement your existing furniture and decor. But your kitty will still be comfortable with this tree, as the perches are topped with memory foam cushions.

With three wooden levels and a cat cave to explore, this tree is ideal for cats that like to climb. And if your cat loves to play and scratch, this tree also comes with ball toys that dangle from the top platform as well as seagrass scratching posts and a sisal scratching mat.

Some cat trees can be a nightmare to clean, but not this one. The MDF wood, which doesn’t attract cat hair, is easy to wipe down, and the removable cushions and mats are also simple to clean.

Pros

• Easy to clean

• Easy to assemble

• Has memory foam cushions

• Looks beautiful

Cons

• Expensive

7. Best cat tree for Ragdolls cats: Cat Scratch and Rest Station

Price on writing: £60 | Buy now from Argos

“I got mine from Argos, but the lookout shelf could be wider for snoozes. There's a den if [your cat] likes hiding and scratching posts.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user yesterdaystotalsteps123)

The Cat Scratch and Rest Station can withhold a maximum weight of 10kg, making it suitable for Ragdolls and other large cat breeds. Complete with instructions and tools, this cat tree is easy to assemble and only takes around 15 minutes to put together.

The hemp rope on the slanted scratcher is ideal for cats who want to sharpen their claws, and it’s also handy for younger cats just learning how to climb. The cat cave is a little on the small side but nevertheless offers a comfortable place for your cat to sit back and relax. More adventurous and playful cats will thoroughly enjoy climbing to the top platform, using the scratching posts and playing with the dangling ball toys.

Pros

• Slanted scratcher

• Affordable

• Has dangling ball toys

• Easy to assemble

Cons

• Cat cave is small

8. Best tall cat tree: PawHut Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree

Price on writing: £54 | Buy now from Amazon

“I'm so excited. DH is buying us a [Pawhut] floor-to-ceiling cat tree and we're going to put shelving around part of the room so the cats have an aerial walkway to get onto the tops of the cabinets and bookcases. We're putting carpet onto the shelving so they don't slip.” Forion

This floor-to-ceiling cat tree is great for cats that love climbing. And pet parents like that it’s easy to securely fit into place thanks to the height-adjustable design, which can be adjusted from 225cm and 255cm.

Your feline friend is bound to be happy with the PawHut Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree as it has multiple platforms, dangling toys, a ladder (which also doubles as a scratching post or a place to stretch), three large houses and several scratching posts.

Made from sturdy particleboard and finished with a soft plush cover, you can be sure that your cat is safe and comfortable. But we recommend that you place this tree up against a wall for maximum stability.

Pros

• Easy to clean, with removable felt cloth in the bottom houses

• Adjustable height floor to ceiling design

• The bottom base keeps the cat tree balanced

• Bottom houses have two entrances

Cons

• Only suitable for cats within 4.5kg

Do cats really need a cat tree?

Cats don’t need a cat tree, but many indoor cats can reap the benefits of having one. After all, cats have natural instincts to climb and scratch, which means that without a cat tree, your furniture may take the brunt of these instincts.

Scratching posts, multi-tiered platforms for climbing and having a safe place to nap are all important for the physical and mental health of your cat. So if your cat seems bored or unhappy, it might be time to try a cat tree.

What is the best material for a cat tree?

Many cat tree frames are made out of wood (such as MDF or solid wood) while scratching posts can be made from sisal, seagrass, jute rope or carpet. Most cat trees are also covered in a softer material, such as a plush fabric or carpet, for ultimate comfort.

The best material for your cat tree depends on your cat. For example, if your cat loves to play and is a little on the wild side, then you should find a cat tree that’s durable and stable, such as one made from solid wood.

If your cat prefers to relax, then comfort should be at the forefront of your mind, and we recommend a cat tree with perches or houses made with memory foam cushions or soft, plush fabric.

How big should my cat tree be?

When thinking about how big your cat tree should be, you must consider the amount of space you have as well as the size and age of your cat. Those with limited space should opt for a more compact tree, while those with large or several cats should choose a bigger and more stable tree.

Cat trees that are taller than your sofa, bookcases and counters will discourage cats from climbing on and scratching your furniture. That’s why any cat tree over 91cm in height is ideal.

Where should you put a cat tree?

For more stability, we recommend placing your cat tree against a wall. For cats who have a favourite spot, we suggest you place the tree wherever your cat likes to hang out the most.

For socialising purposes and to ensure your cat feels comfortable using the tree, we advise you to put the cat tree in an area where you and the family spend most of your time, for example in the living room or dining room.

And for letting your cat live his/her life to the fullest, you should think about putting the cat tree near a window, so your cat can watch the birds and people pass by.

How much should you spend on a cat tree?

Cat tree prices range from around £40 to over £200. How much you should spend on a cat tree depends on your budget, what type of tree your cat needs, and the durability of the tree.

When looking at cat trees, think about what your cat most enjoys doing and use that to inform your decision. For example, if they love to climb up high, then get a tall tree. Or if they are playful, invest in a tree with toys, scratch posts and multiple platforms.

What else should I look for in a cat tree?

All cats are different so, when looking for a cat tree, make sure you think about your cat, including his/her age, athleticism and interests. If you’ve got an older cat, then there’s no point splashing out on an expensive multi-tiered platform tree when they won’t use most of the platforms. And if you have a cat that likes to hide, then you should get a tree with a private condo, house or cave.

Another thing to look for is how easy it is to assemble or if it comes pre-assembled. You don’t want to buy a cat tree that’s impossible to put together but, at the same time, pre-assembled cat trees are often more expensive.

What’s the best cat tree?

The Amazon Basics Extra Large Cat Tree Tower is the best cat tree to buy right now as it offers something for every cat, whether they enjoy climbing, scratching, playing or relaxing. With multiple platforms and natural jute fibre scratch posts, your cats can spend hours entertaining themselves.

How we chose our recommendations

We spent hours researching the best cat trees and scouring our Mumsnet forums to find products that are cat-friendly, sturdy and entertaining for your feline friend. Many of these cat trees have been recommended by Mumsnet users, so you can be sure that they’ve been tried, tested and loved by pet owners and cats alike.

To get a better idea of the types of trees that cats and pet parents love, we also researched the best cat trees using trusted consumer reviews and expert review sites.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.