How to Choose a Cat Tree

The bottom line first: with a cat tree, stability comes before height. A cat that gets startled once by a wobble will not climb back up, no matter how much the tree cost.

Why cats need high places

Cats are built to survey their surroundings from trees, rocks and other high vantage points. Height gives them a clear view and, more importantly, an escape route. A cat that has somewhere to retreat to when a stranger arrives or the vacuum starts up copes with the stress far better. In a multi-cat home it matters even more. Floor space is fixed, but dividing the room vertically creates more places to be without bumping into each other, and tension between cats that only half get along often eases noticeably.

For an indoor cat a tree is also exercise equipment. Climbing up and down uses the hind legs and back far more than walking on the flat, and it burns energy that would otherwise go into hunting. The hardest part of weight management for indoor cats is simply creating a reason to move, and one tall platform by a window becomes a reason several times a day. Take away every high spot and cats will claim the top of the refrigerator or the bookshelf instead.

A 7-point checklist before you buy

1. Stability comes first — Push the top of the tree sideways with your hand once it is assembled. If it sways noticeably under your hand, it will sway much more when a cat launches off it. A thick, wide base helps, and so does spreading the load across two or more posts. For tall models, check whether a wall-anchor bracket or a floor-to-ceiling tension design is included.
2. Gaps between platforms — A step of roughly 30cm (about 12in) is comfortable for most adult cats. Larger gaps are fine for young, athletic cats but risky for kittens, seniors and heavier cats that may misjudge a landing. A zigzag layout that climbs like a staircase is the safest all-round choice.
3. Platform and hammock size — Size for a cat stretched out on its side, not curled up. A platform under about 30cm (12in) across is hard for an adult cat to actually lie on. For a large breed such as a Maine Coon, or any cat over 5kg (11lb), look for wide platforms and a stated weight rating.
4. Materials — solid wood, MDF, particleboard — Solid wood and plywood are the sturdiest and heaviest, and the most expensive. MDF is a reasonable middle ground. Particleboard is cheap but weak against moisture, and screw holes work loose over time. Thick cardboard tube posts are light and inexpensive but can compress and sag with long use. Look for a board that states its formaldehyde emission grade, and air out a new tree for a few days before bringing your cat to it.
5. Sisal rope on the posts — If the posts double as a scratcher, sisal rope is the safe default: claws sink in and it wears well. Carpet-wrapped posts can catch a claw or unravel into long loops, so trim any loose threads you see. It also helps if the rope can be re-wrapped or replaced when it loosens.
6. Cleaning and upkeep — Whether the platform covers come off and go in the wash makes a bigger day-to-day difference than most buyers expect. Fixed covers are hard to keep clean once fur and dust build up. Exposed assembly screws are actually a plus: they are easy to retighten every six months or so.
7. Decide where it goes first — The spot with a window view, close to where the family moves through the house, gets used the most. Avoid noisy corners such as next to the washing machine, and narrow hallways where the tree is in the way. Measure the floor space and the ceiling height (especially for tension-pole models) before you order.

What changes depending on your household

Senior cats and cats with weak joints do better with a lower tree and smaller gaps. A stepped layout or a low two-tier design often gets used far more than a tall one. Joint strain builds gradually from around age 7, so if your cat no longer clears a jump in one go, adding a single intermediate step can change everything. To see roughly where your cat sits in human years, try the cat age calculator.

Kittens are still learning to control their landings. Rather than starting with the tallest model, begin low or lay a rug under the tree to soften falls. In a multi-cat home, one top perch invites squabbling, so look for a design with two spots at the same height, or split the budget across two smaller trees. If noise carrying to the floor below is a concern, a mat under the landing zone helps.

Signs that are not the product's fault

If a cat that used to climb happily starts avoiding height, cries because it cannot get back down, or vocalises and limps on landing, no change of cat tree will fix it. Arthritis, muscle pain, obesity and failing eyesight are all possible causes, so consult a vet for an accurate diagnosis. If weight gain is what slowed your cat down, start by reviewing the daily food portion — you can check it with the cat food portion calculator. And if you are choosing a scratcher at the same time, see How to Choose a Cat Scratcher.

🛒 Compare Cat Trees on Coupang

Use the checklist above (stability, gap between platforms, platform size, materials, post covering, washable covers, space to install) to choose. Tap the banner to go to Coupang, then search "cat tree" to compare products. (The banner also shows popular pet items.)

As a Coupang Partners affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Is a taller cat tree always better?

Stability and the climbing route matter more than raw height. Cats do love high places, but a tall tree that wobbles gets abandoned after one scary moment. A wide base, or a structure that anchors to a wall or braces against the ceiling, is safer than something tall on a small footprint. Gaps between levels matter too: if a cat has to make one long leap, a missed landing puts strain on the joints. Closely spaced platforms that work like stairs suit both senior cats and kittens far better.

I bought a cat tree and my cat ignores it.

Check two things first: location and smell. Cats prefer spots where they can watch you and see out a window, so a living room window or a place along the family's path works far better than a quiet spare room. A strong new-product adhesive smell also puts cats off, so air it out for a few days and then put a familiar blanket or something that carries your cat's scent on a platform. If that still does not work, do not lift your cat onto it. Place treats on the platforms and let your cat go up on its own. If a cat that used to climb happily suddenly avoids height, joint pain is possible, so consult a vet.

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This content is general information and does not replace veterinary diagnosis. If you notice limping or a sudden reluctance to jump, consult a vet for an accurate diagnosis.