Choosing where to put a cat tree isn’t just about filling empty spaces, it's about creating a spot your cat will truly love and use everyday. The right placement supports their natural instincts to climb, scratch, and perch up high where they feel safe. It can also help prevent boredom, keep them from scratching furniture, and give them a personal space in your home. Whether you’re working with a spacious living room, a small apartment, or anything in between, this guide will help you find the best place to put a cat tree or wall mounted alternative that both you and your cat will love.
8 of the Best Places to Put a Cat Tree in Your Home
1. Anchor a Feature Wall with Vertical Cat Furniture
One of the best places to put a cat tree, especially if you live in an apartment, or have limited floor space, is on an empty wall. Instead of a bulky tower taking up square footage, consider vertical cat furniture. See our Cat Wall Climber Guide for suggestions! Modular wall shelves, hammocks, and bridges can create a stunning cat playground while blending seamlessly into your home decor. See our article about designing your cat wall here!
2. Above Furniture Zones Your Cat Already Loves
Cats often choose high spots like the back of the couch, headboards, or on top of the fridge. Installing a wall-mounted cat tree above furniture they already love, mirrors their natural instincts, and makes use of vertical space they already favor.
3. Along Unused Hallways or Transitional Spaces
Hallways are often overlooked, but cats love “patrolling” routes, and having a safe overhead highway to do so from. Adding shelf walkways, hammocks, or ladders along these areas can transform them into enrichment zones without cluttering your main rooms. See our article How to Catify Your Apartment for more suggestions!
4. Beside Windows – But Elevated & Wall-Mounted
When thinking about where to put a cat tree, windows are a classic choice. Cats love natural light, and bird-watching opportunities. Instead of crowding the window sill, you can mount a bridge across the window, providing your cats with the perfect sunbathing and bird-watching area. Reach out to us at support@catacreations.com if you need a custom length bridge to fit your window! Be mindful of curtains or blinds that may be blocked by the bridge.
5. In Entryways or Mudrooms as a Greeting Station
Some cats love being the first to welcome you home. Placing sisal pole or wall mounted shelves in an entryway gives them a place to perch, scent-mark on the sisal, and safely observe comings and goings without bolting out the door or being under feet.
6. In or Around Corners
Corners can be fun but tricky for installation since studs are often spaced irregularly, but our modular furniture makes it easy to work around that. With slotted shelves and flexible mounting options, you can create a custom layout that fits your space no matter where the studs fall.
7. In Bathrooms or Laundry Rooms as Hidden Retreats
For shy cats, or multi-pet households, a quiet space like a bathroom or laundry room can make the best place to put a cat tree. It provides a vertical escape from noise, kids, or other pets that is not in the main area. Just be sure to go with a room your cat already hangs out in. If they don't, they may be more social aand rather be closser to the comings and goings of the house.
8. Integrated into Home Offices or Creative Spaces
Working from home? Adding vertical furniture in your office can stop keyboard walks, and Zoom interruptions while keeping your cat mentally stimulated. See our article Cat Enrichment Explained for more details about keeping cats stimulated. A wall mounted hammock or bridge gives them a front-row seat to watch you work without interfering.
What to Consider When Choosing a Place for Your Cat Tree
Your Cat’s Personality and Habits
A shy cat might prefer a tucked-away tree in a quiet room, while a social butterfly will enjoy being in high-traffic areas like the living room. Observe where your cat naturally lounges, scratches, and naps to help guide your placement decision.
Multi-Cat Household Dynamics
If you have multiple cats, you might wonder “How many cat trees should I have in my house?” Ideally, each cat should have access to their own vertical spots to avoid competition. This doesn’t always mean separate trees, many of our designs connect furniture with multiple pathways and resting places. Browse our Cat Condos here!
Safety & Stability of Placement: Where to NOT Put a Cat Tree
Avoid placing cat furniture near heaters, blocking vents, or in areas your cat doesn't normally hang out. Loud or busy areas might overwhelm cats, leading to them avoiding the tree altogether. See our article about overstimulated cats and how to help.
Space-Saving with Wall-Mounted Cat Trees
Traditional towers are great, but wall-mounted cat trees are perfect for small homes or apartments. They open up floor space while giving your cat a sprawling jungle gym to climb, lounge and play on. Many modular systems can be customized to fit almost any wall, allowing you to create multi-level playgrounds or cozy vertical retreats. See our article here for a guide to building your climber wall.
FAQs About Cat Tree Placement
-
Should a cat tree be in the bedroom or living room?
Both options can work! Placing one in the living room allows your cat to stay close to family activities. Bedrooms are ideal for cats who like to sleep near you, or need a calm retreat at night. Some households have one in each space for variety.
-
Does a cat tree have to be by a window?
Not necessarily! While windows offer great views, and sunlight, cats also love elevated spots away from drafts or direct light. If you can’t place it near a window, focus on vertical height and cozy wall mounted beds.
-
Are cats happier with a cat tree?
Yes! Cat trees encourage natural behaviors like climbing, scratching, and perching. Providing these outlets helps prevent boredom, reduces stress, and promotes exercise. Most cats are more confident and content when they have dedicated climbing structures.
-
How many cat trees should I have in my house?
At least one per cat is a good guideline, but you don’t need multiple bulky towers. One large wall mounted cat condo will give each cat their own space to climb and jump without cluttering your space.
-
Where should cat trees be placed to prevent furniture scratching?
Position the cat tree near areas your cat currently scratches, like beside the couch or next to the doorway. Adding sisal posts, and scratch-friendly surfaces make it more appealing than furniture.
Final Thoughts: Create a Home Cats Love
Choosing where to put a cat tree is just as important as the tree itself. Placing it in areas your cat naturally loves, thinking vertically, and incorporating wall mounted furniture can completely transform your space, and your cat's happiness!
With a little creativity, you can design a home that encourages climbing, lounging, and scratching in all the right spots, keeping both your cat and your furniture safe.
If you’re not sure where to start or need help creating a space that works for both you and your cat, we’re always happy to help! Simply fill out our Design Form, and we’ll gladly work with you to plan a custom layout that keeps your home beautiful and your cats enriched.
