Cat Condo & Cat Tree Buying Guide
We take a look at what makes the best cat condos and trees truly the best.
Climbing, playing, scratching, and hiding are all natural parts of your cat's daily activities, but sometimes they can be a bit destructive. Keep your cat's paws off your countertops and its claws out of your sofa by providing it with an enriching and engaging cat condo tree or cat condo. Cat structures like these are designed to let cats embrace their natural tendencies in a nondestructive way. In this guide, we'll show you how to choose the best cat condo trees and the best cat condos for your cats, so you can show them the love they show you every day.
Tip!
Want a quick rundown of the features we think are cat tree must-haves? Check out our guide on the 7 Best Cat Tree Features.
Types of Cat Condos & Cat Trees
Cat Condo & Cat Tree Size Considerations
Best Cat Condo & Cat Tree Sizes
Best Cat Condo & Cat Tree Levels
Best Cat Condo & Cat Tree Cover Materials
Best Cat Condo & Cat Tree Mount Types
Best Cat Condo & Cat Tree Features
Types of Cat Condos & Cat Trees
With a variety of cat structures to choose from, we've outlined the most popular types below.
Cat Tree: Cat trees are vertical cat structures that feature various zones for playing or lounging. They can range from one to six levels, which can include cat condos, scratching posts, ramps, tunnels, or hammocks. Because they have so much space, they're great for active cats or homes with more than one cat. Large cat trees require more assembly and often come with anti-tipping hardware for extra safety.
Cat Condo: Cat condos are enclosed, cube-like structures that can come as stand-alone cubbies or built into a larger cat tree. These are ideal for cats that like enclosed spaces.
Window Perch: Because cats like to sunbathe or watch out the window, these perches are designed to give your cat the perfect spot to lounge. Window perches are made of plastic or metal, topped with a soft cushion, and attached to the window with suction cups.
Wall Shelf: Wall shelves are a great space-saving option. The shelves are individual perches or parts of a larger system of shelves, perches, and ramps, which offers you plenty of customization. Since they are wall-mounted, they require a more permanent installation than other other types of cat structures.
Cat Scratcher & Scratching Post: With a variety of post or flat-board designs, cat scratchers encourage your cats to scratch these surfaces rather than your furniture. Some include catnip as an additional feature, and they can come in both freestanding or wall-mounted options.
Before choosing a cat condo or cat tree, there are a few considerations that will help you find the correct size.
Number of Cats: If you have more than one cat, it's best to choose a cat condo with multiple levels to provide plenty of room for each cat to rest, jump, or play around.
Weight Capacity: Check the description of the structure to see if it can support the total weight of your cat or cats.
Number of Levels: With multiple levels, you'll have more room for your cat to play, explore, and lounge.
Cat Life Stage: Your cat's age can also play a factor. Though kittens are smaller, they are much more active and often like to jump from level to level. Older cats prefer to lounge and sleep, so we recommend choosing a cat condo with enough room to get cozy and rest.
Room Size: Like any piece of furniture, it's important to consider the size of your space to see if a cat condo or cat tree can physically fit within that room. Check the dimensions of the product when it's fully assembled to make sure the entire structure fits properly inside the space.
Physical Fit: In addition to room size, check to see if your pet can fit comfortably inside the interior areas of the cat tree or cat condo. You'll want to ensure your cat has plenty of space to lounge around or play. You'll be able to find information in the dimensions page of each cat structure you're considering.
Best Cat Condo & Cat Tree Sizes
Small: At under 30" tall, small cat trees and cat condos are ideal for kittens and small spaces. Despite their small stature, small cat condos may still have one or more platforms on which your cat can perch as well as a cozy cat house in which your cat can hide and rest.
Midsize: Midsize cat condos and trees are 31" – 49" tall and usually have up to four platforms for your cat (or cats) to explore. Some midsize cat condos have multi-level cat houses that can provide cover for multiple cats at a time.
Large: With heights of 50" – 69", large cat trees and condos typically have multiple levels, more than one hidey-hole, and a wide range of engaging toys and other features. Such cat trees and condos are amazing if you have multiple cats that love to climb, perch, or hide.
Extra Large: Extra-large cat trees are some of the biggest and most accommodating cat trees available, with heights of over 70". A super tall cat tree such as those in this category will become a key feature of the room in which it is placed, so it's ideal in large spaces where your cats are welcome. If you want to give your cat or cats the most engaging play structure possible, go with an extra-large cat tree.
Tip!
Is your cat on the heavier side? You can still provide it with the hours of engagement and exercise that comes with a cat tree – just make sure to choose a cat tree or cat condo that is appropriate for larger cats (16 lbs. and heavier).
You can also shop for cat trees and condos based on how many levels (or platforms) they have. The more levels, the more places for your cat or cats to perch. If you have multiple cats, we recommend choosing a cat tree that has at least one platform for each cat to provide each of them with their own perch if they decide they want their own space.
1–3 Levels: Cat trees with one to three levels are on the smaller side, able to comfortably accommodate one or two cats. These cat trees likely won't impose much on your home decor but will still provide your cat or cats with the enrichment they deserve.
4 to Over 6 Levels: Looking for something larger? Cat trees with four to six (or more) levels can entertain multiple cats at once. These cat trees and condos tend to be on the taller side, with cat trees with six or more levels being some of the tallest and most accommodating cat trees available.
Carpet: Most cat trees and condos are covered in carpet so that the cat can claw at it and dull their nails, which is a healthy thing for them to do. Cats also like the texture of the carpet, which makes them more likely to claw the carpet than your furniture.
Cotton: Covering the cat tree in a fabric like cotton is a great choice because it keeps your cat tree perches clean and protected, helps them last longer, and protects your kitties from harmful chemicals. In addition, some batting underneath cotton fabric would make for a softer surface and better purchase for claws.
Faux Fur: Cats are attracted to faux fur for its feel and the warmth it gives when they hide in a cubby or lounge on a level. Be sure to choose a thick faux fur fabric to provide the cat with an ample cushion.
Polyester: It's completely pet-safe and able to withstand the damage caused by cats' claws. Many consider it to be one of the safest options for pets, and this cover material is of the more affordable options.
Rope: Cats love to scratch at rope-covered stands. Scratching can ease anxiety, express emotions, or be used to mark their scent – it’s normal behavior that you should plan for. Rope is a strong material made with woven fibers hard enough for cats to scratch to soothe their nails and satisfy itch to scratch.
Sisal Rope: Tougher than standard rope by 80%, sisal-wrapped cat trees or cat condos with rope attachments are one of the most common types of trees because sisal rope is sturdy, long-lasting, and satisfying to cats looking to sharpen their claws. The best part is that rope is easily replaceable if you need to repair a spot or swap out a level.
Vinyl: Solid vinyl fabric is a great choice for a cat condo or cat tree because it’s durable and easy to wipe clean. Covering an area with slick vinyl can also discourage destructive tendencies because their claws are more likely to snag.
Wood: All to say, wood or manufactured wood is a much better choice for cat trees above all. Cats don't tend to abuse wooden furniture the way they do with carpet or other plush coverings. Not only do wooden cat trees look nicer, but they'll also hold up much better over time.
Freestanding: Most cat trees and condos are freestanding; they don't need to be installed in your home – they simply need to be assembled and placed. This allows freestanding cat trees to be placed almost anywhere they fit. Freestanding cat trees and condos can be short or tall, with a multitude of enriching features that will keep your cat entertained all day long.
Wall-Mounted: If you don't mind sharing your space with your cat, you can opt for a more permanent cat tree or condo installation, such as a wall-mounted cat tree. These cat trees take advantage of the height and stability of your walls and provide your cat or cats with an exciting climbing experience. Many wall-mounted cat structures consist of a few platforms between which cats can jump, though some resemble freestanding cat trees that are mounted to the wall. Choosing a wall-mounted cat tree is a unique way to embrace your cat's climbing and playing needs as part of your decor.
Hanging: Cat trees and condos in this category have one or more hanging components; this could be the entire structure (which would hang from the ceiling) or a small basket (which would hang from another component of the cat tree). Hanging cat platforms or baskets can provide your cat with a comfy, relaxing spot to snooze or observe their surroundings.
Tip!
When choosing the right cat condo or cat tree for your cats, it's important to consider assembly needs. Each type of cat condo or cat tree will have a different level of assembly based on the size and type of installation. Make sure to check the product description to see the level of difficulty or if you need any tools for assembly.
Best Cat Condo & Cat Tree Features
Toys Included: A cat tree or cat condo with built-in toys – including hanging feathers, balls on springs, and more – will keep cats entertained when you're not around or able to play with them.
Tip-Resistant: Cats can be playful and hyper, and if you have more than one, your cat tree may be prone to constantly tipping over. Diminish this possibility with a tip-resistant feature that provides each cat tree and condo with enough strength to keep it standing tall all day long.
Grooming Aid: There's nothing a cat loves more than a good scratch, but we're not always able to give that to them. A cat tree with a grooming aid will have one or more features that will do the job for you. Your cat can rub itself against these features – usually arches covered with brushlike bristles – to replicate the feeling and relief of being brushed or scratched. You may need to clean these cat trees a bit more frequently to keep them clear of excessive hair.
Contains Catnip: If you really want to keep your cat entertained, opt for a cat tree or condo that has been treated with catnip. Catnip is not only safe and enjoyable for your cat, but its presence on cat trees can even keep them from scratching at your furniture.
Sisal Scratching Posts: Scratching posts are a must-have for exercise and claw maintenance. Cats can also stretch and pull against scratching posts to stay limber and agile. If you want your cat to be able to reap the benefits of a scratching post (and keep its claws off your furniture), opt for a cat tree or condo wrapped with sisal rope. Natural sisal rope is a scratching-post favorite that can withstand years of scratching.
Cat trees are a fundamental part of keeping a cat happy, healthy, and entertained. Choosing one of the best cat condos or cat trees will ensure that your feline friend is getting the most out of their special space. Check out some of our favorite cat condos and best cat care essentials.
