Cats
Dec 12, 2025
If you’ve got a cat, a good cat tree is a must. It gives your cat a place to climb, scratch, and nap safely, all while keeping your furniture safe. A well-made tree also helps with stress, boredom, and even joint health as your cat ages.
In this guide, we’ve picked out 10 of the best cat trees for 2026. They’ve been chosen based on real-world use, with advice from a local vet and insights from an experienced pet groomer. Whether your cat loves to perch up high, curl up in a hammock, or tear into a good scratching post, there’s something here for every cat and home.
What to Look For in a Cat Tree
Not all cat trees are made the same, and what works for one cat might not suit another. Before you buy, here are a few key things to look for:
1. Sturdiness and Stability
The base should be broad and heavy enough to stop the tree from wobbling or tipping over, especially if you’ve got a big cat or more than one. If it feels flimsy, skip it.
2. Height and Layout
Cats love to climb and watch from above. Taller trees with staggered levels give them that vertical space they crave. If you’ve got older or less mobile cats, look for lower levels or ramps.
3. Scratching Surfaces
Look for posts wrapped in sisal rope or seagrass; they last longer and are better for your cat’s claws. Avoid cheap carpet-only options; they wear out quickly and can confuse cats about where it’s okay to scratch.
4. Lounging and Hiding Spots
Platforms, hammocks, or cubbies give your cat somewhere comfy to rest or hide. Some cats love high perches, others prefer lower, enclosed spots. Think about what your cat usually likes.
5. Materials and Cleanability
Faux fur, wood, and sisal are all great. Removable cushions or covers are a bonus, especially if your cat sheds a lot or has accidents.
10 Best Cat Trees in 2026
There are loads of cat trees out there, but not all of them are worth your money or your floor space. We’ve handpicked these top 10 based on real use, expert advice, and what cats actually enjoy. Whether you live in a flat or a big house, have one cat or three, there’s something here that fits.
1. Frisco 72-Inch Cat Tree and Condo
This tall, sturdy tree is a go-to for busy homes with multiple cats. It has plenty of space for climbing, scratching, and resting, so your cats aren’t fighting over one perch. It’s also a good pick if your cat tends to scratch the sofa, as it comes with multiple sisal-covered posts.
It’s best placed in a larger room or corner, and it suits cats that love being up high.
Key benefits:
Fits multiple cats without feeling cramped
Lots of levels and scratching areas
Great value for the size and features
2. Mau Cento Modern Cat Tree
If you want a cat tree that doesn’t look like one, this is it. The Mau Cento blends in nicely with modern furniture and is made from natural wood and woven basket beds. It’s sturdy and easy to move, but best for medium to large cats that love to chill.
This one works well in living areas where you don’t want bulky or carpeted cat furniture sticking out.
Key benefits:
Beautiful, minimal design
Ideal for lounging cats
Easy to clean with replaceable parts
3. Armarkat Classic Cat Tree A6501
The Armarkat A6501 has been the best all-rounder for everyday use. It’s tall enough to give your cat a climbing challenge, but compact enough for smaller spaces. It features a hammock and plenty of sisal posts.
It’s a great starter tree if you’ve never had one before and want something reliable.
Key benefits:
Balanced design with both play and rest areas
Suitable for single or multi-cat homes
Affordable without feeling cheap
4. Petlibro Infinity Cat Tree Castle
The Petlibro Infinity Cat Tree is built with modular pieces, meaning you can change its layout to suit your cat or your room. That’s ideal if your space is tricky, or your cat needs a new layout every few months. It’s also lightweight and easy to assemble, which is helpful if you move things around often.
It works best in modern homes or for owners who want to customise their pet furniture.
Key benefits:
Fully customisable layout
Keeps curious cats engaged
Great for changing spaces or layouts
5. Feandrea Large Cat Tree with Hammock
This tree offers a comfy middle ground; not too big, not too small. It features a spacious hammock, multiple levels, and a strong, enclosed cat condo. The hammock is supported by a metal frame for added stability, making it suitable even for heavier cats.
Best placed near a sunny window or quiet corner where your cat can nap undisturbed.
Key benefits:
Super comfy hammock design
Easy to assemble and stable
Looks clean and fits well in small rooms
6. Catit Vesper High Base
The Catit Vesper High Base is built to last, with parts that can be easily replaced when worn out; no need to replace the whole tree. It offers a good mix of resting spots and scratching areas, with a cube hideout and multi-level platforms that suit cats who enjoy jumping or lounging at different heights.
It’s a practical choice if you’re after something that can adapt over time and still look tidy in your home.
Key benefits:
Replaceable parts extend the product’s lifespan
Includes both play and rest areas
Clean, simple design that suits most homes
7. The Refined Feline Metropolitan Cat Condo
This cat condo is designed to be both practical and stylish. Its open-platform layout gives each cat its own space, helping to avoid crowding or territorial issues. You can also customise the setup with optional add-ons like cushions, scratchers, or feeding stations, depending on your cats’ needs.
It’s a good fit for pet owners who want a piece that looks like furniture but works like a proper cat tree.
Key benefits:
Modular design can be adjusted or expanded
Reduces conflict by giving cats separate resting spots
Custom features available to match your cat’s routine
8. Tuft and Paw Frond Cat Tree
Tuft and Paw Frond Cat Tree is a sleek, artful piece that loves vertical movement. The rotating wooden perches are great for play and climbing, though they’re not the most comfortable for long naps. It’s better suited for younger, active cats who want to stay up high and on alert.
Ideal for modern interiors where style matters just as much as function.
Key benefits:
Unique design with rotating shelves
Great climbing challenge for playful cats
Small footprint, big impact
9. Whisker Cat Tower
This is one of the sturdiest cat towers out there. It doesn’t wobble, even with large cats jumping around, and it’s made with durable materials that can last for years. The wide platforms and heavy base give cats plenty of space to stretch, climb, and perch comfortably.
It’s best suited for homes with big or energetic cats who need a solid setup.
Key benefits:
Extremely stable and long-lasting
Wide platforms for big cats
Felt-lined surfaces are easy to clean
10. Trixie Lilo Cat Condo Tree
This cube-style tree is all about cosy hideouts. It has three stacked boxes with soft cushions, making it perfect for cats who love enclosed spaces. It’s strong and stable, but small enough to fit in corners or beside furniture without getting in the way.
Best for older or shy cats who prefer a quiet spot to nap or hide.
Key benefits:
Great for cats who like privacy
Easy to set up and move around
Space-saving design for small rooms
Final Tips for Choosing the Best Cat Trees
With so many great cat trees on the market in 2026, picking the right one comes down to knowing your cat’s habits and your home’s layout. Here are a few quick tips to help you decide which option from our top 10 suits you best:
For multiple cats: Go for trees with many levels and perches (e.g., Frisco or Refined Feline)
For big cats: Look for strong builds and wide platforms (e.g., Whisker or Mau)
For small flats: Compact options like the Vesper or Trixie work best
For style lovers: Choose Mau, Tuft & Paw, or Refined Feline to match your décor
For relaxed cats: Hammocks and cushioned cubbies are ideal (e.g., Feandrea or Trixie)
Whatever you choose, the right cat tree should match your cat’s personality and your living space. A little thought goes a long way to finding something your cat will love and use daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats really need a cat tree at home?
Most indoor cats benefit from having a cat tree, especially if they don’t have access to outdoor spaces. It gives them a safe place to scratch, climb, and rest without damaging furniture.
How many cat trees should I get if I have more than one cat?
Ideally, have at least one cat tree per cat, or one large tree with enough levels and hideouts for all of them. This helps avoid conflict and gives each cat their own space.
What’s the best place to put a cat tree?
Place it somewhere your cat already likes to spend time, near a window, in the living room, or where the family gathers. Avoid tucking it away in a quiet room your cat rarely visits.
What should I do if my cat ignores the new tree?
Give it time and try placing treats, toys, or catnip on the platforms to encourage use. You can also move it to a different spot if your cat isn’t showing interest.
Can a cat tree replace outdoor activity for indoor cats?
A cat tree can’t fully replace the outdoors, but it does help indoor cats stay active and mentally stimulated. It gives them a space to climb, scratch, and observe their surroundings, which supports their natural behaviour indoors.
