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“This isn’t just about fun and games; it’s deeply rooted in their biology," said our expert.

This love of high spaces is part of cats’ natural instincts, according to Stephanie Merlin, a certified feline behaviorist and cat well-being educator who runs the popular Instagram account @thefulfilledfeline.

“Cats are both predator and prey, so having a high vantage point is a natural way to help them feel safe and secure,” Merlin wrote. “This isn’t just about fun and games; it’s deeply rooted in their biology.”

One way to support your cat’s evolutionary need for heights is through investing in a cat tree, a dedicated structure with multiple tiers for cats to climb and perch on. The benefits of cat trees “go way beyond offering vertical space,” Merlin explained. “Many include scratching surfaces, cozy beds, hidden nooks and plenty of spots to leap and explore.

Read on for Merlin’s recommendations on how to choose the best cat tree for your pet, including one of her favorite models and more cat trees selected by us.

Certified feline behaviorist and educator Stephanie Merlin named this Archie & Oscar Fiedler cat tree as one of her favorites. 

"When choosing a cat tree, focus on size, function, and accessibility," Merlin wrote. Crucially, "many cat trees on the market are designed more for kittens than adult cats. While smaller trees can be fun, having at least one larger tree (5 feet or taller) is ideal," she explained.

This model stretches 73 inches tall, or just over six feet, at its highest point. With multiple tiers for exploring and napping, two enclosed nooks and six dedicated scratching posts, the structure is a great option for single and multi-cat households. It also includes a wall anchor for extra safety and stability.

Get it from Wayfair for $95.99+ (originally $164.89; available in two colors).

"Function is crucial, too," Merlin added. "Many trees have lounging spaces, but sometimes these aren't big enough for a full-grown cat. Check that scratching surfaces are practical and tall enough and that play features are actually engaging.”

I own this Yaheetech cat tree (or rather, my cat Bee does). Bee clearly adores this model She lounges happily on each of its levels, which provide plenty of space for her adult size, and switches between the many scratching posts on the tree for her clawing fix. She loves sleeping in the top bed and frequently cozies up inside the enclosed cave for a nap or some extra privacy as she peeks out to eye (judge) whatever I'm doing.

This tree is also plenty sturdy; the structure doesn't wobble despite not being mounted to my wall (though the structure does include a built-in mounting option), and I don't feel any anxiety about it tipping.

This option is 63 inches at its highest point and comes in seven colors (including a sweet pink and an edgy black). I own the dark grey, which in person is more of a slate blue.

Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in two sizes).

Merlin recommended considering your cat's specific accessibility needs when choosing a cat tree. For example, "A senior cat benefits from vertical space too, but you'll want to find a tree with lower steps or platforms that are easier to reach," she said.

We think this Lima Pet cat tree from Wayfair provides features that your senior cat may appreciate, like a handy ramp and close-together tiers for an easier ascent. The ramp also doubles as a scratching surface!

The structure is covered in a cozy, plush material and sports multiple hanging beds, enclosed caves, ledges and coiled rope scratching posts. The cat tree measures 68 inches at its highest point and comes in five colors (including a fun on-theme leopard print); the model also features a large baseboard to help prevent wobbling.

Promising review: "This cat tree was the best money ever spent. I did much research because many other cat tree reviews said the house part was too small for their large cats. This one did not disappoint. The tree has two houses that have more than enough room for our two 15 pound cats. They absolutely love it, and pretty much live on it. The are super happy and content. In addition the tree has scratching posts that I thought they wouldn’t make use out of, but it turns out they love to dig in, and it definitely aids in trimming their nails. This cat tree by far was the best one I found in my research, and I would highly recommend it. Your kitties will be very happy. One more thing .. other tree give you instructions to secure it to a wall. This one does not need. It is very secure and steady on its own." —Albert

Get it from Wayfair for $135.99+ (originally $499.96).

Cats will love scaling up and down this 68-inch tall Allewie cat tree, and especially settling down for a nap or some eagle-eyed surveillance in the model’s ample lounging spots. Kitties will have their pick of the structure's trio of ultra-high beds, the two sweetly pocketed hanging beds and two roomy caves, plus the structure’s regular tiered perches.

Ideal for multi-cat households or an especially lucky single cat, the tree is also covered in sisal rope that kitty claws will love digging into. You can grab this option in six colors.

Promising review: "This is definitely the best cat tower I’ve bought. I will say that the box itself when delivered was super heavy due to the great quality so you may need help. I love the quality so much, especially for the price it’s definitely worth the money. My 4 cats were immediately obsessed. My favorite part is the size of everything. The baskets are nice and big so even my pudgy cat fits in comfortably. The open square beds are also big and the plush design on them edges keeps my cats from accidentally rolling off. Super easy to set up (even though my husband did it and I just watched). Overall, worth every penny! Your cats will love you for this. If you’re contemplating, just get it." —racquel brazer

Get it from Amazon for $96.92+ and a similar one in gray for $69.99.

Adorably cat-themed with kitty ears adorning each bed, this 76.5-inch tall cat tree is meant to serve as an “activity center” for multiple or single cats, providing spots for scratching, leaping, lounging and sleeping. The tower’s three caves provide plush hideouts for shy or sleepy kitties, and cats will have fun bounding in and through the structure via the various cat-friendly openings.

Promising review: "I've bought quite a few cat towers over the years. I have 3 senior cats. This is probably the sturdiness one I've purchased yet. The chambers are also nice and big, where they can sprawl out in them versus other ones where it was made for small cats or kittens even. I think this one might be last I buy. Included cat picture for cat size reference." —wittymelon455

This 56.3-inch cat tree provides an extra-large hammock, a cozy cave and multiple perches, including two extra-high ones. It was designed with kitten and senior cat accessibility in mind, with its tiers functioning as a makeshift staircase, and it also offers a hanging rope and two pom-pom toys for some extra fun.

Promising review: "Before I could get the cat tower put together, the kitties had already claimed it. I had to finish putting it together by working around my kitty laying in the basket. My short-haired cat had never liked a cat condo until I got this one. It was definitely worth the money just to watch them both enjoy it. It is good quality and they love it. Definitely recommend." —pdtau93

This pick, dubbed a "Maine Coon" cat tree (an especially large breed), is designed for larger cats and multi-feline households. The tree is covered almost completely with household-grade carpet that'll feel cozy against your cat while providing choice scratching material; the structure also includes a post with sisal rope for added scratching terrain.

This model is available in up to two colors and stretches 61 inches high.

Promising reviews: "This is THE best cat tree. Take it from someone who has a lot of cats! Large size, very sturdy. 4 out of 7 cats use it every day! Works great in a corner space. Love it!" —Annette

"I've had this tree for over three years now and it has sustained heavy use from three cats during this period of time and it's still going strong. It was extremely easy to put together - just twisted the three 'bowls' on top of the already assembled base - sturdy enough for cats to run and jump without wobbling, and has held up under heavy scratching. My cats love this tree and use it every single day. It's easy to clean with a vacuum attachment and it's very roomy for normal sized cats (under 11 pounds). It's so much better than other cheaper options because it's made with real wood and carpeting that can withstand heavy use. Highly recommend, especially for large or multiple cats." —Isobella Geneva 

Get it from Wayfair for $223.97+ (originally $243.79).

With two lower-level cat caves that double as a built-in staircase and ample space for perching, this Frisco tree from Chewy is another great option for elderly cats, in our opinion.

The structure includes multiple sisal scratching posts, two dangling rope toys and an enviable cat hammock. It's 76 inches at its highest point and comes in two colors.

Promising reviews: "I have a petite 17 yr old lady and a 4 year old big boy and they both adore this tree! Surprisingly easy to put together. If you're debating if it is worth it, it was for me!" —Christine

"I was looking for a cat tree that all three of my cats could comfortable sleep, play, or sit on at the same time. I also wanted something taller. I was so happy when I found this tree! It is perfect! It arrived clean and all the pieces were numbered. It is very sturdy and I love that each level has something (a hide, a platform, a bed, or a hammock), so my senior cat can easily jump up and enjoy something too. I also love that the cover for the bed at the very top is washable. I highly recommend to cat owners!" —Toebeansfan

Get it from Chewy for $139.09 (originally $151.59).

Cat trees crucially provide cats with space to express their natural instincts, Merlin noted, and failing to provide this space can have consequences for you and your pet. “Without these outlets, cats can become bored and frustrated, leading to stress and potentially destructive behaviors, such as scratching furniture,” she explained. Cats may even “hid[e] out of fear because they lack the security of a high vantage point.”

Especially if your household has two or more cats, a cat tree “can be a game-changer,” Merlin wrote.

This is because, in multi-cat homes, cats are essentially sharing their territory and, in their view, competing for limited resources. “Without enough space and separate ‘pathways’ where cats can avoid each other, conflicts are more likely,” as well as increased tension, Merlin explained. “Vertical space offers a fantastic way to expand a cat’s ‘real estate’ and avoid these conflicts.”

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity. 

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