Cat trees, cat condos, and other types of feline furniture are ideal for pets that spend all or most of their time indoors. "Cats love being in high places and love scratching, too," says Dr. Hunter Finn, veterinarian and founder of Pet Method Animal Hospital. "Scratching is a natural behavior for them, and it allows them to stretch their digits."

Whether you want to ensure your pet gets enough exercise, are looking for a designated nap spot, or just want to keep them off your furniture, the perfect cat tower is out there. We tested 26 models with our own fur babies and evaluated each on setup, quality, size, and overall value. Our favorite was the Tucker Murphy Cat Tree because it provides many different scratch posts and nap spots for your feline friends.

These are the best cat trees that PEOPLE (and their feline friends) Tested.

Best Overall

Tucker Murphy Pet Siegfried Cat Tree

Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup

  5/5

• Quality

  5/5

• Size

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

• It's sturdy yet lightweight enough to reposition when desired.

• It has multiple perches and nooks.

• This cat tree includes scratching posts and detachable toys.

Earning perfect scores for setup, quality, size, and value, the Siegfried Cat Tree was, by far, the best option we tried. While assembly took about 50 minutes, the directions were clear, and the process was straightforward.

This cat condo has two padded perches, two roomy nooks for curling up, a soft hammock, six sisal-wrapped scratching posts, and two detachable furball toys. We were impressed with the thoughtful design and sturdy construction. All the materials seem high-quality, but the unit is still lightweight enough to move around as needed. You can make minor adjustments, like turning the caves, so they are positioned better for your furry friend.

It took our cats a couple of days to get acquainted with the structure, but once they were familiar, they used it daily. We loved that it gave them several safe places where they could look into the room and out of a nearby window. In the end, we think the price is on point for a large cat tree and would recommend it to anyone with active indoor cats.

Dimensions: 62 x 24 x 19.5 inches | Material: Manufactured wood, polyester, sisal | Colors: Black, charcoal, gray, beige, pink

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  People / Chris Tolan

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  People / Chris Tolan

Best Budget

Amazon Basics Cat Condo Tree Tower

Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup

  5/5

• Quality

  4/5

• Size

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

• This cat tree was simple to set up.

• It is solidly built with two sturdy scratching posts.

• It includes a plush hammock.

Amazon makes a great cat tree budget option. This tree has just a few parts and took only 10 minutes to put together. We are fans of the sturdy construction and soft, scratch-friendly outer materials. It has a carpet-covered base, two jute-wrapped scratching posts, a plush hammock on top, and a ball toy for curious cats to paw at.

The jute ropes frayed pretty quickly after our two cats started scratching them — this isn't really a design flaw, though, but rather the nature of the material. The cats love lounging in the hammock and sometimes fight over who gets to lay there. While this compact cat condo might be too small for some households, it's ideal for apartments.

Dimensions: 20 x 16 x 16 inches | Material: Chipboard, jute, carpet, plush | Colors: Charcoal, beige

Best Design

The Refined Feline Metropolitan Cat Condo

Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup

  4/5

• Quality

  5/5

• Size

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

• It has a modern-glam aesthetic.

• It's tall height is appealing to cats.

• It has a 250-pound capacity.

If aesthetics are a priority, you'll appreciate the Metropolitan Cat Condo. Constructed primarily from metal with faux fur accents, this cat tree has a minimalist-modern appeal with a hint of glam. Though the finished appearance is pretty simple, it comes with quite a few pieces, so expect to spend about 45 minutes putting it together.

The stable design boasts a 250-pound capacity, so you won't have to worry about multiple cats hopping on and off. While the Metropolitan Cat Condo stands 5 feet tall, it has a relatively small footprint, and the height, which is appealing to cats, makes it more attractive and decorative (like a high-end bookshelf). This unit is undoubtedly pricey, but if you can swing it, you won't regret the investment.

Dimensions: 62 x 31 x 15 inches | Material: Metal, manufactured wood, faux fur | Colors: White, gray, brown, gold, black

Best Hammock

Trixie Baza Grande Cat Tree

Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup

  4.5/5

• Quality

  5/5

• Size

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

• It has a small footprint so as not to take up too much room in your home.

• It's made of soft and inviting materials.

• It has a sturdy engineered wood frame.

Our favorite hammock-style unit is the Trixie Baza. This compact piece of cat furniture sits just 20 inches tall and has a notably small footprint of less than 2 square feet. With just four pieces to attach and all the hardware and tools included, it was easy to assemble and took less than five minutes.

The plush cream-c lining and faux fur accents are incredibly soft, making for a very inviting nap spot. There are also two sisal-wrapped scratching posts and a dangling pom toy. Cats love the design, and owners love that the materials don't shed. We appreciate the super sturdy engineered wood frame that doesn't budge when our cat jumps on or claws at the posts. However, it only comes in one color (cream) which could be a deterrent if you're worried about dirt and stains showing.

Dimensions: 20 x 16 x 16 inches | Material: Engineered wood, plush, faux fur, sisal | Colors: Cream

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  People / Erin Conroy

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  People / Erin Conroy

Easiest to Set Up

Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo

Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup

  5/5

• Quality

  4.5/5

• Size

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

• It's easy to build with minimal hardware.

• This cat tree is sturdy and durable.

• It has multiple platforms and scratching posts.

Considering the multi-tiered design of this cat condo, it was surprisingly easy to assemble. The only tools and hardware you need are two bolts and a wrench (both included), and the instructions are straightforward. We set it up in under five minutes, but that's not the only thing to love about this unit.

The engineered wood construction seems solid and can withstand years of daily use. With cream-colored faux fur-wrapped platforms, a cozy covered nook, two scratching posts, and a dangling plush toy for good measure, your cat will be entertained and have a designated spot to curl up. However, like the previous tree, the light color could show dirt more easily. Another thing to note is that a bolt is left exposed on the base, which could be an issue for wood floors. Still, we think the price is more than reasonable.

Dimensions: 28 x 23 x 17 inches | Material: Engineered wood, faux fur, sisal | Colors: Cream

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  People / Jessica Millnitz

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  People / Jessica Millnitz

Best for Scratching

AmazonBasics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts

Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup

  4.5/5

• Quality

  5/5

• Size

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

• It comes with four levels for climbing.

• It has a small footprint, so it's ideal for smaller living areas.

• The design is stable and durable.

We also like this taller option from Amazon Basics. Designed specifically for satisfying the claws of curious cats, it has a whopping seven jute-wrapped scratching posts, plus four carpeted tiers that double as scratching surfaces, lookout perches, and nap spots.

This vertical cat tree stands nearly 4 feet tall and has a small footprint of just over 2 square feet. It was easy to assemble (it took only 15 minutes), and it didn't wobble when our cat hopped on. While the only available color is beige, the simple design is a welcome addition to most apartment styles.

Dimensions: 46 x 17.5 x 17.5 inches | Material: Engineered wood, carpet, jute | Colors: Beige

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  People / Katlyn Moncada

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  People / Katlyn Moncada

Best for Naps

Trixie Lilo Three-Story Cat Condos

Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup

  5/5

• Quality

  5/5

• Size

  4/5

• Value

  5/5

• It has a three-story design.

• It's sturdy enough to handle multiple cats.

• It has decorative appeal.

Looking for something your cats can take a snooze in? Go with the Trixie Lilo Condo. The three-story stacked design has — yes — three cushioned nooks your cats can cozy up in. It's made of engineered wood, wrapped and lined with ultra-soft plush fabric, and accented with sisal for scratching.

With only five pieces to attach, it was easy to assemble this cat tower in just 15 minutes. But bear in mind the unit is nearly 60 pounds, so you'll want to put it together where you plan to keep it. Still, it's decently sized and very sturdy, making it an excellent choice for multiple cats of any weight. The price is slightly steep, but since it has a modern, decorative appeal, think of it as both a cat tower and an accent piece for your home.

Dimensions: 48.5 x 18 x 18 inches | Material: Engineered wood, plush, sisal | Colors: Brown/white

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  People / Taylor Thomas

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  People / Taylor Thomas

Best for Multiple Cats

Hey-Brother Extra Large Multi-Level Cat Tree Condo

Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup

  4/5

• Quality

  5/5

• Size

  5/5

• Value

  4.5/5

• This is a sturdy and well-made cat tree.

• It has multiple nooks and beds.

• It's designed for climbing and napping,

Do you have more than one cat at home? The Hey-Brother Multi-Level Cat Tree might be your best bet. Due to the large size and various components, it took about 45 minutes to assemble. But once we finished setting it up, our cats were all over it, and now it's their favorite napping spot.

While this unit seems sturdy and of good quality, the beds and hammock are a better fit for small-to-medium-sized cats. Still, we think this pet condo is reasonably priced for such a generous size. If you have room for it, it's an excellent choice.

Dimensions: 58.5 x 21.5 x 16 inches | Material: Engineered wood, linenette, plush, sisal | Colors: Charcoal, gray, beige

Best for Apartments

Feandrea Cat Tree

• It has multiple perches and nooks.

• It's designed for scratching and napping.

• It has all the same features of a larger cat tree.

Apartment dwellers may want to consider something smaller, like the Feandrea Cat Tree. It's less than 3 feet tall and has a footprint of just 2.5 square feet. But despite the compact size, it has everything cats need to nap, perch, scratch, play, and hide. This includes an upper bed that doubles as a perch, two covered nooks, a middle platform, a plush hammock, and two sisal-wrapped posts.

It took roughly 30 minutes to set up, and while the instructions were easy to follow, we recommend recruiting a buddy to help. Once assembled, our cat took to the tower quickly and was particularly fond of the top bed. This unit isn't exactly budget-friendly, but it might be worth the investment to keep your cat entertained and off your nicer furniture.

Dimensions: 33 x 23.5 x 15.5 inches | Material: Engineered wood, plush, sisal | Colors: Charcoal, gray, beige

Best for Large Cats

Frisco 72-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo

Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup

  4/5

• Quality

  5/5

• Size

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

• It's durable and well-made.

• It includes multiple nooks and perches.

• It has areas for napping and scratching.

• The assembly took 75 minutes, the lengthiest assembly of all trees we tested.

• It's not ideal for small spaces.

The Frisco Cat Tree & Condo is just the thing for large cats. It stands 6 feet tall and has a considerable footprint, so make sure you have the space for it. And while setup wasn't hard per se, it took an hour and 15 minutes to assemble. Still, this is a durable, well-made product with a reasonable price tag. More to the point, cats love it.

This tower has seven tiers, including two covered nooks and three perches, plus several sisal-wrapped scratching posts, two ramps, and a few dangling toys. It's ideal for homes with multiple large cats because they will always have a place to lounge, play, and exercise indoors.

Dimensions: 72 x 23 x 21.5 inches | Material: Engineered wood, faux fur, sisal | Colors: Black, brown, gray, blue, cream, cheetah

Things to Consider Before Buying a Cat Tree

Features

When buying supplies for your cat, whether it be an automatic litter box or cat tree, functionality for your feline is key. Think about what you envision your cat using it for, whether it's napping, climbing, scratching, or a little of everything. According to Dr. Finn, a multifaceted unit is ideal. "Cat furniture should include multiple levels for climbing and perching, as well as hiding places," he says, adding that most cats appreciate scratching posts, too. Other items like toys to swat at and ramps to dash up and down are also features to look for that your cat may enjoy. "Focus on what will work best in your space, and give your cats what they need." The Amazon Basics Cat Tree has multiple levels and is one of the more affordable units we tested.

Size

You'll also want to make sure the cat tree fits in your home. Apartment dwellers may want to look for a compact unit like the Feandra Cat Tree, whereas those with large living rooms might consider something more substantial. And vertical towers often sit tall with a small footprint, which can help save space and leave you more room for other necessities, like an air purifier.

Height

Cat trees are available in a variety of heights — generally between 3 and 6 feet. According to Dr. Finn, a taller design is ideal. "A basic scratching post should be at least 3 feet high, so your cat can stretch out his/her whole body," he says. "It's good exercise, and it just feels good." Consider the personality of your cat as well. Some cats love to climb and have a good view of their environment, while others are happy to nap in a cozy corner.

Assembly and Installation

Having put together over two dozen cat trees ourselves, we can tell you assembly times vary greatly. Some are easy to assemble and can be set up in under five minutes, while others take over an hour. Make sure you're up for the time commitment and have all the necessary tools and hardware — and think about recruiting a buddy for an extra pair of hands.

Taller towers may need to be installed or mounted with an anti-tip kit to prevent them from toppling over. "I recommend using appropriate wall anchors to secure freestanding furniture, such as cat trees, to the wall," says Dr. Finn.

How We Tested Cat Trees

After researching today's best cat trees, our editors selected 26 to test in a real-life setting. We brought the units home, unboxed them, read through the instructions, and timed how long it took to put them together. Next, they placed them in an area their cats frequent and allowed their pets to explore the new furniture.

Over a two-week period, we observed our cats on the trees, noting which components they seemed to like best and use the most. Each tower received a score for ease of setup, quality, size, and value. Those with the highest average ratings are featured in this roundup.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What kind of cat tree do cats prefer?

  Carpeted cat trees are often preferred, as the material is soft enough to curl up on but also good for scratching. But many feature a combination of materials to cover all the bases. For instance, a cat condo might have a carpet-covered base and upper perch, rope-wrapped scratching posts, and a plush-lined hammock.

• Are cat trees good for cats?

  Cat trees are good for cats’ overall well-being, and most cats enjoy them. They give cats a safe space to explore their natural climbing and hiding instincts and also provide places to play and nap. The right cat tree will also offer enough activities to prevent your cat from being bored—not to mention keep them off other pieces of furniture, like your nice leather sofa.

• What is the sturdiest cat tree?

  The sturdiest cat tree is likely one made of solid wood or metal. The Refined Feline Metropolitan Cat Condo is a metal unit that boasts an impressive 250-pound weight capacity. Other than that, shorter and more compact designs are typically pretty sturdy, though they often don't have as many features.

• How much does a cat tree cost?

  Cat trees can cost anywhere from $25 to $400 or more. Budget-friendly units are generally smaller with fewer features, whereas pricier ones often have various tiers, posts, perches, and nooks.

  "To extend your investment, look for cat furniture with replaceable parts, like scratchers, pads, etc.," says Dr. Finn. "This way, you can just swap out worn parts without needing to dispose of the entire piece."

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Theresa Holland is a commerce writer with PEOPLE. To compile this review, she consulted our testers about the features and uses of cat trees, as well as size, installation, and assembly. While researching cat trees, she also spoke with Dr. Hunter Finn, a veterinarian and the founder of Pet Method Animal Hospital.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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