If You're A Kitty Parent, You Really Need A Cat Tree, According To A Behaviorist
"It's deeply rooted in their biology ... [and] helps cats feel safe and secure," said our expert.
If you share a home with a cat, you've probably noticed: Cats tend to seek out heights. What cat owner among us hasn't caught their pet leaping onto counters or soaring onto shelves so high up that we can't reach them without a ladder or stepping stool?
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 by 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.'
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.'
1. A plush multi-level cat tree from Wayfair recommended by Merlin
Wayfair
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 $93.99 (originally $164.89).
2. A version replete with scratching posts, which I own
"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 six 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 $65.99+.
3. A perch-filled option for cats who love to lounge or are older in age
Wayfair
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
4. A climbing tree filled with multi-level beds and perches
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 up to five 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 $104.97.
5. A cozy, extra-tall model with sweet details
Amazon
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.
Grab this option in four colors.
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
6. An especially tall tree made for enthusiastic scratchers with 15,000 5-star ratings
Amazon
Equipped with plush ladders, extra-roomy condo caves and an alluring 72-inch height, Go Pet Club's cat tower is a great option for cats who love to chill up high. The structure is built to accommodate even the most aggressive scratchers, with sisal ropes adorning the tree's posts from top to bottom. The areas not covered in claw-friendly sisal rope are outfitted with plush faux-fur material that'll feel soft and comfy as your kitty settles in to rest or watch over their surroundings.
Promising review: "The color, height, sturdiness, price, everything about this cat tower is great. We have 3 cats, two of them are very tall and chunky, they absolutely love this cat tower. They have plenty of room to climb, play and sleep. After looking for a good cat tower (for a long time) for our chunky cats I am so happy we found the best one." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $132.37+ (available in two colors).
7. A model with an especially cozy hammock and a staircase-inspired layout
Amazon
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.
It's available in two colors.
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
Get it from Amazon for $79.99.
8. A tree made for large cats that's perfect for corner spaces
Wayfair
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 $217.89+ (originally $279.99).
9. A super-spacious tree with 18,000 5-star ratings
Amazon
This cool cat tree from Go Pet Club has a unique oval-shaped lounge space, a handy staircase and extra-roomy perch spaces. The structure is covered in comfy faux fur, with sisal rope-enhanced scratching posts for your cat to claw away.
The model is 62 inches high and comes in three colors.
Promising review: "Both me and my cats love this cat condo! We loved it so much that we bought a second one! It is super sturdy, has so many spots for the cats to hang out and scratch and it's the perfect height. Because of the base you don't have to worry about your cats potentially knocking it over if they jump too hard on it. It works great for smaller and really big cats. My 16lb cat loves to get on the top and has no issues. My smaller cat fits perfectly in the circle and the top and she loves to hang out on it all the time. Your cats will love it. Get it!" — Rocio Jimenez
Get it from Amazon for $97.66+.
10. Or a heavy-duty model with multiple beds and easily-accessible tiers
Chewy
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
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I'm a motherless child and a childless mother, but she had to play it up that SHE was more distraught because of the loss of her grandchild than I was over both, so that she could get my husband's attention. She is a miserable woman who can't stand not being the center of attention." —mengram76 11."They have four kids, and the only boy is their favorite. They ignore their daughters, which includes my wife. The heartbreak she feels every time they blow her off to go spend more time with their son is gut-wrenching. They took him to Vegas on her birthday two years in a row." —u/korar67 12."The way they come over to my house unannounced. They just show up, then get mad at me for being in the shower or not at home because I'm running errands. I know I'm a stay-at-home mom, but dang, I still have to go run errands outside the house. I also don't like the way they insist they can have our baby whenever they please, without our permission." —u/LoveOfTheLee 13."My in-laws are racist, and I'm Mexican. They've never made comments directed towards me specifically, but they have made comments about Mexican immigrants. My parents are immigrants, and my in-laws know this. I stopped going to any event with them, and thankfully, they moved out of state. My partner spends holidays with them, and I stay and enjoy the holidays with my family. I haven't seen them in two years." —darlingcath 14."My FIL called my wife and her three sisters 'whores' all while standing in MY house. Reason, you ask? They all got married outside of the Catholic faith. We haven't spoken in six years. Best six years of my life." —u/Patrick2337 15."My MIL is the cheapest woman I have ever met. I have hundreds of stories and examples. Last Christmas, she gave me a can of nuts from Goodwill. She said she didn't feel comfortable getting us a wedding gift. She won a cruise to Alaska and took our son, which was very sweet, but she refused to pay for anything during the trip. They ate sandwiches in the room and spent most days walking around Juneau. He wanted to come home on day two. I have fixed things, helped her move, mowed her lawn, and done a dozen other things. She has never once bought dinner as a thank you or to celebrate a special event. Years ago, we had a bad time and asked if we could live in her house for two months. She insisted on charging us rent. She has missed funerals and weddings because she will not pay for travel or a hotel. I will stop now because I could go on forever." —u/brt309 16."I'm pretty sure my MIL has never heard the word 'no.' Apparently, I introduced it to her because she thinks she can just announce she wants to visit or say she wants this or that, and expects everyone to comply. Here I came along and was like, NOPE! Safe to say we don't have a great relationship and have moved away from her TWICE!" —lulu98 17."The gossiping about us to anyone who will listen. And, the guilt trips. Every single guilt trip tactic to get us to drag our family of four across the country to go see them. Also, they were absolute trash parents to my husband. They both allowed physical, mental, and verbal abuse to run rampant, and now have the audacity to expect a relationship with their adult child." —u/Ninjaher0 18."Where to start? They are racist bigots who, despite only being Christmas Christians who haven't been to church in 40 years, didn't like their son marrying a Jew. We bought their house over 20 years ago, and my MIL has not said anything nice about anything we've changed, as though it should have been kept a shrine to her style. They moved away years ago and have only visited their son maybe three times. They made a trip to the state once without telling him because they were visiting his uncle and didn't visit their son. And when we first bought the house, I, a Jew, did my best to host a festive Christmas for them, only to be told they wouldn't return for Christmas ever again because it 'wasn't what they were expecting.' I could go on for hours with examples." —jbdnco 19."My MIL still blames me for moving her daughter away and can't believe we moved for better economic opportunities 11 years ago. She will call my wife and cry almost every other night about how she doesn't know how much time she has left, and she refuses to visit, even when we offer to pay the travel expenses. She puts on this poor-me sob story every time we visit. My GOD, just STFU!" —u/Zantabar 20."How critical they are of my partner. He is loving, kind, smart, and unique. Nothing he ever does will ever be enough for them. As a result, he has major anxiety and perfectionist issues. He's hard on himself and constantly apologizes for minor things. I wish he knew how awesome he is. For this reason, I've chewed out both his dad and mom, but they were clueless. What issues? If things were different, I'd love to be close to them, but I see how dysfunctional they are and am totally okay with zero contact." —u/Spletzi 21."Mine used my wedding as their own personal photoshoot, often taking their son/my groom away to snap family pictures. They then posted all the pictures of themselves in the group chat, and only one of me, which was just of my back at the altar. They also managed to get a photo of just the groom cutting the cake alone, without me in the photo, though we were obviously standing close together. I don't think they were malicious; they're just very self-centered people with zero social awareness." —u/Charming_Foot_495 22."The number one thing is that they are drama vampires. They can't live without it. Everything is about them; if it isn't, it will be soon. They are cartoonishly childish, and it's as ridiculous as it is sad. I feel terrible for my spouse and her siblings. Every family get-together is a mess. Number two is that they can't make a plan without overcomplicating the ever-loving crap out of it, which my wife has inherited." —u/Studlum 23."I judge my step-MIL because she posts EVERYTHING on Facebook. I swear she can't take a poop without posting." —u/MalpracticeMatt 24."They are good people, but also the pickiest eaters I have ever met. It has to be genetic. Their entire diet consists of Rice-A-Roni, overcooked, baked chicken, and Ragu pasta. They will not venture out and try anything that they deem too 'exotic' or potentially mildly spicy. For example, chicken tacos sound too wild for them. It has to be Taco Bell-style ground beef." —u/Tbonejak 25."I get along great with my MIL and FIL as individual people and have close relationships with both, but good god, they have a horrible relationship. It's really awkward sometimes. I have no idea how or why they are still together. They literally hate each other. Early in our relationship, I attempted to gently inquire about what I had observed after getting to know my wife's parents a bit. Before I even finished asking, she casually said, 'Yeah, they should have divorced a long, long time ago. We (her siblings) all think they need to give it up.'" —u/chillin_trashpanda 26."How fake they are. They just care about their image and how they appear to others. Very little, if anything, is genuine about them." —u/Unhygienictree 27."I absolutely love my in-laws, but compared to my family, they are REALLY loud. Like, instead of taking turns talking, they just talk louder over each other until someone listens. I leave with a headache, including when I sneak to an empty room for peace." —u/kannakantplay 28."The constant criticism. I married their only son, and nothing I do is good enough. My house is never clean enough, my 1-year-old doesn't 'behave,' and my cooking sucks. The passive aggressiveness is so overwhelming." —u/BAM151822 29."My husband's mother and two sisters really went out of their way to make me feel unwanted and disliked early in our marriage. They judged me, gave me the cold shoulder, and criticized everything I did. Joke's on them. My husband and I have been married for 30 years. So, I learned a lesson: Screw the naysayers. Haters gonna hate." —u/heyjudemarie 30."They are terrible with money and have tried to drag my immediate family down with them. I've had to stop acting like an ATM for them, and they're resentful that we won't support their BS anymore." —u/Alternative_Let_1599 31."My MIL refuses to discuss anything that bothers her. She just goes dead silent for a moment, then pivots to a different subject." —u/LaComtesseGonflable 32."My step-MIL could definitely be represented here. She's a piece of work. She's a teacher but literally hates children; all she does is complain about her horrible students, who are kindergarten kids. And often she treats the grandkids like she would rather be anywhere else but with them. She also has some really bizarre hang-ups about my husband's mom. My FIL and MIL divorced almost 30 years ago, and yet, step-MIL felt it necessary to bring up during my recent baby shower that she and FIL had now been married longer than he and MIL. She did this out loud to other people while my saint of a MIL was no more than three feet away. Why would that even matter?! She's an odd bird." —SFoxy 33."My in-laws are very nice people, but they have two things that really bug me. They have never-ending visits, and they do this with their entire family. I don't want to have house guests for two weeks. Second, they don't help at all when they visit. You used a cup, and you just saw me load the dishwasher? Put the cup in the dishwasher, not the sink. My son is autistic and has been known to get out of the house. Just keep an eye on him if I step away for a minute. Don't tell me he left the house and just sit there. When he was a baby, no one ever offered to feed him, change a diaper, or even give me a break to nap and just play with him. It's exhausting." —yesitsmissa 34."My wife's dad is a very 'I'm right, you're wrong' kind of person. If he's not right, he refuses to admit it and will just leave and not speak to you for a long time. Then, he'll show back up and act like nothing happened." —u/SaiyanGodKing 35."I adore my FIL and step-MIL. They are supportive, welcoming, and fun. They are both really Type A and 'super planners,' which can sometimes be a little irritating, but we have a huge family, and their organization makes for seamless and enjoyable family gatherings. I love my MIL, but she is not the most pleasant person to be around. She is very passive-aggressive and is one of those people who always wants to be miserable. When we get together, she spends most of the time complaining about how her sons never want to see her. She also recruits them to do things for her (which they would happily do) by implying that they owe her because 'I gave birth to you!' It's just exhausting." "Everyone would probably make more of an effort to spend time with her if every time wasn't a passive-aggressive guilt trip. She is better one-on-one, so I try to find ways to hang out with her alone because we get along well. I just wish she would let everyone relax and enjoy the time together." —la0912 "There's nothing I really hate about my in-laws, but my MIL occasionally says some things that give me pause when she's in the room. For example, she wished me a happy birthday recently, to which I casually replied, 'Just another trip around the sun.' My comment resulted in a 20-minute lecture about how the sun actually orbits the Earth, based on her visual observation of it rising in the east and setting in the west every day. I often wonder how much of my partner's childhood trauma is a direct result of her mother's 'unusual' beliefs." —u/officehelpermonkey What's the most frustrating thing your in-laws do? Tell us in the comments or share anonymously using this form. Solve the daily Crossword
