A good cat tree solves two problems at once: it gives your cat somewhere to scratch and somewhere to climb, both things every cat needs. But the market is full of pretty, useless towers that wobble or sit too low. Here is what to look for so you pick one the cat actually uses.
What makes a good tree
- Heavy, stable base. This is the most important part. A tower that wobbles when the cat jumps scares it off and becomes decor. A wide, firm base is non-negotiable.
- Sisal posts. Sisal is the texture cats love to scratch. Avoid carpet-wrapped posts, which appeal less.
- Real height. Cats love being up high to survey everything. Taller with more levels is better, within the space you have.
- A platform on top. A high spot to sleep and watch is what makes a cat adopt the tower as its own territory.
- Hideaways and hammocks, if your cat likes to hide. Not every cat uses them, so do not overpay just for that.
Size and space
Before buying, measure the corner where the tree will go. Next to a window is unbeatable, because it pairs height with a view of the street. A big cat or more than one cat calls for reinforced platforms and an even more stable base.
Common mistakes
The biggest mistake is buying by the photo and ignoring stability. The second is picking one too short, which does not let the cat stretch or feel like it is at the top of its territory. A firm, tall, sisal tree gets used every day. A pretty, wobbly one becomes a coat rack.
The short version
Prioritize a stable base, sisal, and height, in that order. The rest is a bonus. See our pick of the best cat trees. And if the goal is saving the couch, start with how to stop your cat from scratching the couch.