How do I choose a cat tree?

A good cat tree is not just a pile of carpet and wishful thinking. The ASPCA says cats like different scratching surfaces and orientations, and Cornell notes that vertical space, crawl spaces, perches, and hanging toys help keep cats occupied. So the best tree is the one that matches your cat’s actual habits.

Start with stability. A tall, top-heavy tree that wobbles when your cat launches onto it is a bad buy, even if it looks fancy in the listing photo. After that, think about use case. A shy cat may want a lower, enclosed condo-style perch. A confident climber may want multiple levels and a taller lookout. If your cat scratches vertically, make sure the tree has real vertical posts. If your cat prefers a horizontal scratch, get a model that also offers a flat or slanted option.

Placement matters too. Put the tree near a window, in a common room, or near the spot where your cat likes to lounge so it actually gets used. A tree hidden in a spare room may look nice but will not solve boredom or redirect scratching from the couch. If you have more than one cat, more than one perch is usually better because cats like to claim territory.

If you want to shop now, start with a cat tree. For the rest of the cat setup, compare it with how to keep your cat entertained indoors, how to choose a cat water fountain, and how to choose a cat carrier.