5 Types of Cat Trees (& Which Is Right for You!)
Overwhelmed by all the options as you pick the perfect cat tree for you and your feline friend? Don’t worry, we’re here to help! From towering jungle gyms to sleek minimalist designs, the world of cat trees is as diverse as the personalities of our beloved felines, so we’re breaking down the best options for your space, kitty companion, and budget.
What are the different types of cat trees?
While there are hundreds of different cat trees, all of them can be categorized into 5 main “types”: Floor/Freestanding cat trees, DIY cat trees, modular cat trees, outdoor cat trees/catios, and wall-mounted cat trees. Each cat tree provides enrichment for your cats but also has pros and cons that you’ll need to consider to make the right decision for you (and your cat!).
Floor or Freestanding Cat Trees
These floor or free-standing cat trees are like mini jungles for your furry explorer to conquer, offering endless opportunities for climbing, lounging, and bird-watching from on high.
DIY Cat Trees
DIY Cat Trees can be a great place to start because you can get a better idea of your cats preferences and abilities. Our cats very first cat tree was made of 4 or 5 cardboard boxes taped together. If you notice your cat is more adventurous and likes to access higher areas, building cat shelving is also very inexpensive and helps create an expanded territory up the wall. If you're going that route, we highly suggest going with pine wood and using hidden shelf brackets.
Wall-Mounted Cat Trees
A minimalist's dream come true! These space-conscious creations come with a long list of advantages. I like that they closer replicate what a cat would naturally have access to in the wild, while saving floor space. Since most cats prefer being high, having the furniture up the wall also promotes them to stay active by climbing the wall. They provide your cat with enrichment opportunities all while keeping your walls looking sleek and stylish.
Modular Cat Trees
Modular cat trees offer the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to mix and match modules to create a custom climbing experience for your furry friend. With endless configuration possibilities, these cat trees are perfect for cats that get bored easily–with new arrangements, providing hours of entertainment and exploration.
Outdoor Cat Trees
Outdoor cat trees are like mini jungles for your kitty, offering plenty of enrichment opportunities that wouldn’t be possible in an indoor environment. Whether you’re installing one in a garden or on a balcony “catio”, these cat trees provide a breath of fresh air for your feline friend to enjoy.
Be sure to properly seal the wood you're using for the outdoor enclosure. This is especially important if it will be in an area where it can get wet, but wood can also mold due to higher humidity levels from being outdoors. We suggest either using outdoor paint or mold resistance stain.
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What Is A Catio? (& Why Build One?)
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DIY Catio Guide: How to Build Your Own DIY Outdoor Cat Enclosure
What kind of cat tree do cats prefer?
Now that you know the types of cat trees there are, it’s time to decide what type works best for you! Consider the following questions during your buying process:
Would you consider your cat active?
If your cat is a bundle of energy who loves to leap, chase, and explore, consider a cat tree with plenty of vertical space, multiple levels, and interactive features like dangling toys or scratching posts.
While any of the “types” of cat trees would be suitable, consider if the cat tree you’re interested in will provide ample opportunities for your active kitty to climb, play, and burn off excess energy, keeping them happy and healthy.
How much space do you want to dedicate to your cat in your space?
Tight on space or prefer a minimalist look? Consider a wall-mounted cat tree! These space-saving solutions take advantage of vertical space, providing your cat with climbing opportunities without using valuable floor space.
A wall-mounted or floating cat tree may be ideal for renters or homeowners looking to maximize their space while still providing their cat with a stimulating environment to explore, however, if you’re willing to dedicate more square footage to your cat, floor and free-standing cat trees are also viable options!
What materials are best for a cat tree?
When it comes to materials, opt for sturdy and durable options like sisal rope for scratching posts and solid wood for platforms and perches. These materials are long-lasting and can withstand the wear and tear of your cat's claws and antics.
Additionally, look for soft and plush fabrics like faux fur or fleece for your cat's comfort. Avoid any materials that can easily fray or break, as they may pose a safety hazard to your cat if they attempt to eat them.
Which type of cat tree is best for renters?
For renters, portability and ease of installation are key factors when choosing a cat tree, as you most likely won't have that as your fur-ever home! If you're in a short term lease, freestanding cat trees are certainly easier to move from place to place.
People are often nervous about wall mounted cat trees when renting, either due to not being in the location for long or not knowing how their landlord will feel about it. As far as receiving the deposit back, I don't believe that's an issue as long as you don't leave holes in the walls.
For the first few years of the business, we bounced around from apartment to apartment and still went for wall mounted cat trees. This was initially due to needing to test out ideas and for product pictures, but it also makes a lot of sense for apartments due to the floor space saved by utilizing the walls. I've never had an issue with receiving a deposit back due to wall damage, and I'm a big proponent of wall mounted cat trees over freestanding cat trees.
Apartments allow tenants to install pictures and TVs, so I also never asked the landlord prior to installing the furniture. Wall mounted TVs require much larger holes, and since apartments paint between tenants anyway, we were always sure to patch the holes and leave the wall like that.
What’s your realistic budget?
Consider your budget when choosing a cat tree, keeping in mind that higher-priced options often come with more features and durable materials, saving you money in the long term.
That being said, there are plenty of budget-friendly cat trees available that still provide quality and functionality for your furry friend! At the end of the day, choose a cat tree that fits your budget while still meeting your cat's needs for comfort, stimulation, and safety.
Floor or Freestanding Cat Trees Mini Guide
Floor or Freestanding Cat Trees are great options for all budgets and living situations. Below is a mini guide offering best practices for when you’re considering making a purchase.
Space and Size Considerations for Freestanding Cat Trees
Freestanding or floor cat trees are ideal for rooms with ample space and an open layout, allowing your cat to roam and explore without feeling cramped. Typically, these cat trees require a minimum square footage of around 4 to 6 square feet, depending on the size and complexity of the tree. Optimal placement includes corners or against walls, providing stability and maximizing the use of vertical space while still allowing easy access for your cat to climb, perch, and play.
Where is the best place to put a freestanding cat tree?
There’s really no “wrong” place for a floor cat tree as long as you have enough space to function around it! Some “ideal” locations include corners or against walls in your bedroom or living room. If possible, avoid placing the cat tree in areas with high foot traffic or near doorways, as this could annoy your cat and make it difficult to live your life normally. Looking for more placement tips? See our blog here.
Cat Capacity for Freestanding Cat Trees
Depending on the size and setup of the cat tree, Freestanding cat trees can often accommodate multiple cats. Most freestanding cat trees can comfortably accommodate 2 to 3 cats at a time, providing ample space for each cat to climb, perch, and play without overcrowding.
Freestanding Cat Tree Climbing Capabilities & Levels
Freestanding cat trees are limited only by the space you’d like to dedicate to them! These types of cat trees can vary in height (or number of levels) but on average, they can range from 4 to 8 feet in height.
Floating or Wall-Mounted Trees Mini Guide
Floating and Wall-Mounted cat trees are great space-savers that can keep your cat entertained without sacrificing aesthetics or cluttering your living space. Check out the mini guide below for more details on whether wall-mounted cat trees are for you!
Floating or Wall-Mounted Cat Tree Space and Size Considerations
Floating or wall-mounted cat trees are perfect for rooms with limited floor space, as they utilize vertical space to provide your cat with climbing and perching opportunities. These cat trees typically require minimal square footage, making them ideal for small apartments or rooms with tight layouts.
Where is the best place to put a floating or wall-mounted cat tree?
The best location for a wall-mounted cat tree truly depends on the layout of your home! We recommend any empty wall spaces or unused corners, allowing your cat to climb and explore with minimal intrusions into “your” space.
Cat Capacity for Floating Cat Trees
Floating or wall-mounted cat trees are designed to accommodate one or two cats. Some larger models may offer space for more cats, but it’s essential to consider the size and weight limit of the tree you purchase to ensure the safety of your furry friends.
Climbing Capabilities & Levels for Floating Cat Trees
The sky (or should we say, your ceiling height) is the limit with wall-mounted cat trees! Typically, they range from 2 to 4 levels and generally average between 3 to 6 feet tall. Larger (or custom-made wall-mounted) cat trees may feature more levels and extend to higher heights.
Modular Cat Trees Mini Guide
Modular Cat Trees, like any modular furniture, are meant to be added to (or subtracted from) as your life circumstances change. These could be great options for cat trees if you’re considering adding additional cats in the future, or if your cat(s) get bored easily.
Space and Size Considerations for Modular Cat Trees
Modular cat trees offer flexibility in design and placement, making them suitable for almost any room layout! These versatile cat trees typically require minimal square footage and can be arranged to fit the available space, making them ideal for small apartments or rooms with limited floor space.
Where is the best place to put a wall-mounted cat tree?
The best thing about modular cat trees is that you can fit them wherever works best for you! While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all “optimal” placement for these trees, we recommend placing the tree in corners or against walls for maximum liveability.
Cat Capacity for Modular Cat Trees
Due to the nature of modular furniture, these cat trees can be customized for any number of cats in your home! Typically, each tree at a basic level supports 1-2 cats, but with personalization, you’re free to add as many pieces (and cats!) as you’d like.
Climbing Capabilities & Levels for Modular Cat Trees
Typically, modular cat trees range from 2 to 5 levels, averaging between 3 to 6 feet. As you add on to the module, you can add additional levels, making the sky the limit for height and feline-focused adventures!
Outdoor Cat Trees Mini Guide
A new trend that’s becoming popular is the “Outdoor Cat Tree”. These trees are typically placed on a patio (or “catio”), as an alternative to letting house cats have unrestricted outdoor access. Outdoor trees allow cats fresh air while shielding them from dangers like hawks and other predatory animals. If you don’t have any outdoor space available for a catio, don’t worry, bring the outdoors indoors with our wall-mounted planter cat shelves!
Space and Size Considerations for Outdoor Cat Trees
Outdoor cat trees are ideal for spacious, open areas such as gardens, patios, or balconies. These cat trees require additional square footage because they typically are “fenced in” with some sort of protective mesh or other material, but still need to allow free movement and play.
Where is the best place to put an outdoor cat tree?
Outdoor cat trees don’t typically have any “rules” for the space they’re placed in, but we recommend placing the cat tree in an area with sturdy support structures, such as against a wall. If you’re planning on letting your cat enjoy the outdoors for an extended amount of time, we recommend placing it in an area that provides shade and sunshine and including a water bowl in the enclosure.
Cat Capacity for Outdoor Cat Trees
Much like modular and wall-mounted trees, outdoor cat trees typically are created with a limit of 1 to 2 cats per tree. However, this can usually be customized based on your cats' weight and the number of felines you’re hoping to provide for.
Outdoor Cat Tree Climbing Capabilities & Levels
Outdoor cat trees typically are 4 to 8 feet in height, but can be flexible based on the outdoor space available. If planning to enclose the tree in a protective mesh or other “cat-proof” material, make sure to give the tree enough clearance space for cats to move & play on each level!
FAQs on Types of Cat Trees
Is it OK to not have a cat tree at all?
While cat trees offer numerous benefits for cats, it's not necessarily “mandatory” to have one. Cats are creative creatures and can find entertainment and enrichment through other options (like interactive toys, catnip, and scratching posts).
That being said, cat trees provide valuable vertical space for climbing, perching, and scratching, which can help fulfill your cat's needs and provide mental and physical stimulation, increasing their quality of life. Ultimately, having a cat tree depends on your cat's preferences, your living space, and your budget.
Do cats get tired of cat trees?
Cats may eventually lose interest in their cat tree over time, but there are ways to prevent this! Keep your cat active and entertained by rotating between toys, rearranging the layout of the cat tree, or adding new features such as interactive feeders.
Are cats happier with a cat tree?
While cat trees are not a guarantee of happiness, they can positively contribute to your cat's overall well-being! Cat trees are excellent opportunities for exercise, mental stimulation, and enrichment that can prevent cats from indulging in destructive behaviors. Ultimately, this saves you time, money, and future headaches!
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At the end of the day, there is no “wrong” choice when it comes to cat trees! As long as you consider your kitty’s unique needs, whatever tree you choose will be the purrr-fect choice! Whether you opt for a freestanding, floating, or modular cat tree, Catastrophic Creations offers a variety of durable, high-quality options to suit any feline and budget. Need design help with creating a wall-mounted or floating cat tree? Check out our latest blog with cat-shelf designer, Hayley Williams, or our advice here.
