Cat Trees for Large Cats: 11 Powerful Picks for Big, Happy Kitties

Have you ever wondered if a cat tree is just some goofy accouterment that cat owners get as a gag gift? They may be gifts all right—but they're definitely not just for show!

Turns out that a cat tree features a variety of specific and surprising benefits that you and your kitties will both enjoy. And if you happen to have a bigger feline in your family, you'll be happy to know there are plenty of sturdy and durable cat trees for large breeds.

If you've been thinking about getting a tree for cats in your house, you've stumbled across the right corner of the internet. Keep reading to see our comprehensive list of the best cat trees for large cats, based on safety, comfort, quality of material, price, and the ever insightful customer reviews.

Best Cat Trees for Large Cats Reviews

1. Go Pet Club Cat Tree

Starting our list of cat trees for large cats is this tree tower from Go Pet Club. It comes in three different color options, including beige, blue, and a funky leopard print, so cat owners will find a style that fits their decor and style.

The posts are covered with sisal rope, a natural fiber material that cats love because it adds a bark-like texture and is perfect for scratching.

With a large wide base (28″W x 24″L), this cat tree for large cats won't tip over, making it safe and fun to use for your feline friends.

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2. GleePet Cat Tree & Condo

The next on our list for best cat towers is this heavy duty cat tree from GleePet. This tower is also constructed with sisal rope that promotes healthy scratching,

Important to note: the manufacturers of this cat tree recommends that you place the device (an impressive 4.75 feet tall!) in a corner somewhere. This prevents the device from tipping over when large cats jump on top of it from far away.

But most cat owners prefer to place scratching posts and towers in the corner of a room anyway, and this large tower is unassuming thanks to its flat perches.

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3. ARMARKAT Cat Tree & Condo

Wow, is this thing tall! This cat condo for large cats features all sorts of interesting places for your cat to lounge, play, and watch the world go by.

Armakat's products have provided pets around the world with fun and relaxation, while providing pet owners with the enjoyment and satisfaction of knowing they bought a quality product that is not only fashionably designed but also durable and safe. 

Cats will love that this tree is so tall, and you'll love that it's easy to put together. We do think the base could be a bit bigger to accommodate the tall size and prevent tipping.

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4. Furhaven Pet Cat Tree

The next on our list of luxurious cat condos is this feline tree from Furhaven. Like most of the other cat trees on our list, this one features sisal rope which promotes healthy scratching (and hopefully keeps your kitties from scratching the sofa instead).

Because it's tall and sturdy, this one is a good cat tower for large cats. If your animals are particularly rambunctious and high energy, they'll probably love all the extra add-ons that can supports physical and mental stimulation, including a hanging mouse toy, puff ball toys, a dangling rope, and a ” cat IQ busy box.”

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5. Go Pet Club Cat Tree Condo House

The next cat tower on our list comes from Go Pet Club and is among the more affordable options you'll find.

Where it lacks in height it makes up for in sturdiness; it's hard to get this cat condo to tip over. The cat perches are durable although the higher ones may not be the best for large cats over 14 pounds or so.

While the scratching post areas are pretty small, the tower does offer at least some sisal rope for your cat to use. Plus it has a neutral brown color that fits easily into most home decor.

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6. AmazonBasics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts

This large cat condo from AmazonBasics really is about as basic as they come. For a no frills and simple screw-together design, this product is a good choice.

While many users have noted that it tends to tip over, it's safer when you put it in a corner, which is easy to do thanks to its square base and symmetrical design.

Cats like the top perch, although it's not enclosed and as “den-like” as other cart condos on our list. But there plenty of sisal rope scratching posts for your felines to choose from!

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7. Vesper Cat Furniture

Compared to the other large cat trees on our list, this one from Vesper Cat Furniture definitely stands out in the style department. It features a wood aesthetic that many pet parents will like, although some note that it doesn't hold up to regular use as much as they expected it would.

The tree has two removable memory foam pads that are super comfortable to lay on. At just under 4 feet tall, it's not the largest feline tower on our list, but cats love the enclosed cube and there are still enough levels and features to keep it interesting (including a hanging ball toy and scratch posts).

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8. Catry 6 Level with Flower Cat Tree

Give your kitty the ultimate hangout spot with this all-in-one cat tree that’s as cute as it is functional.

With a modern flower design, it easily blends in with your home while giving your cat plenty of cozy places to lounge.

It comes with three soft flower perches, a leafy hammock, and two handwoven baskets—perfect for cat naps in style.

The sturdy scratching posts wrapped in natural sisal and paper rope let your cat scratch away without ruining your furniture.

Built with a strong iron frame and solid base, it’s safe and steady even for bigger or older cats.

Plus, it includes three playful flower toys to keep your furry friend entertained for hours while helping keep their claws healthy.

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9. MidWest Cat Furniture

With a comfortable cubby condo at the base and a high-rise bolstered perch, this cat tree for larger cats is great for animals from top to bottom.

It's one of the sturdier cat trees on our list, but it's also easy on the eyes and blends in well to most types of home decor.

With multiple levels of perches, this product is a great one for homes with multiple cats, especially those on the larger size—and it's sturdy enough for feline friends to play on, too.

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10. FEANDREA Multi-Level Cat Tree

This cat tree literally towers over most of the other products in this list, so if you have a gaggle of big kitties it may be just the thing for your feline friendly home. You can choose either light or smoky gray, so it'll fit well in homes with light or dark colored cats.

The product also offers two cat condos, multiple plush perches for comfy cat naps, and a unique slope-like sisal design that gives lots of room for long kitty legs to stretch out on.

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11. Petpals 48-in 5-Level Large Cat Tree 

Last on our list of top cat trees is this aesthetic cat tower from Petpals. This 48-inch 5-level large tree with scratching posts offers a perfect blend of sustainability and boho-inspired style for your feline companion.

Built for both comfort and play, it includes two plush, removable cushions and handwoven baskets made from recycled paper rope for snug lounging.

Multiple sisal-covered scratching posts and an attached teaser toy encourage natural scratching and active play, while a full-body massager provides relaxing grooming moments.

With its cozy hideaways and elevated perches, this cat tree promotes both rest and exercise—an ideal addition to any pet-loving home.

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Why Should You Get Your Cat A Cat Tree?

As we alluded to at the beginning of this article, a cat tree isn't a superfluous purchase for your felines. There are actually several key reasons why a cat tree is so beneficial for you and your pet!

We'll get into more detail about these benefits in a moment, but first let's dig into a few topics that will help you figure out which type of cat tower would be the best fit for your home.

Important Features to Consider

• Size and space: cats love to access multiple vantage points in their environment—which is why they enjoy huddling under a table as much as they love jumping on top of a fridge or the cat stairs if you have them! Because of this, virtually all cat trees are at least 3 to 4 feet tall. So, it's important to consider the kind of space you have in your home and what kind of real estate you can devote to your cat tree, since the product will need a good place to sit without being tipped over, knocked into, or in the way. Generally speaking, the larger the home the larger your options. If you have a small space (e.g., apartment), then you'll want to look for smaller dimensions, ideally without sacrificing the weight capacity of the tower if you have large cats.
• Stability and structure: All cat towers should be stable and strong enough to a) not tip over, and b) stand up to years of regular use from curious kitties. But if you have large cats, it's especially important that you find a cat tree that is stable. Look for a wide heavy base, material such as solid wood, and overall dimensions that allow the tower to fit snugly into a corner.
• Preference for added features: does your cat love to solve puzzles or entertain with toys? Does she get bored easily? If so, you may want to look for the cat trees for large cats that have additional toys and features, such as dangling ropes, balls, and of course scratching fibers. Some of these features may not be safe for small kittens on their cat tower, however.
• Assembly: are you super handy with DIY projects? Do you enjoy putting together furniture? Or would you rather something be more or less ready to go as soon as you take it out of the box? It's important to consider your tolerance to instructions and construction before buying your cat tower, since some are definitely more labor intensive than others. And if you or the person you're getting the cat tree for would have a hard time lifting heavy items, you should pay attention to the material used and overall weight of the tower, as well.

What Materials Should I Look For?

When shopping for a cat tree, you'll want to look for materials that are durable, comfortable, and will adequately serve the purpose (or purposes) of having a cat tree in the first place.

Durability and strength is especially important if you have large cats, because bigger animals will naturally place more stress on the product.

Here are a few of the materials that come highly recommended for trees for large cats:

• Solid wood: Any perches, uprights, and joints on a cat tree that will be used by large cats need to be strong enough to withstand a hefty kitty's body, for obvious safety reasons. Trees built with a sturdy frame made out of solid wood or even compressed wood are less likely to buckle or sag over time, even if your big feline loves to jump onto her tree.
• Faux fur and/or fleece: ideally, you want soft material so cats will be comfy while they nap and lounge around. This encourages them to actually use the cat tree…instead of always napping on your couch! If you're worried about the look of cat hair all over the tree, try to find materials that match the shade of your feline's coat.
• Sisal rope: this natural fiber material is popular on cat trees for a reason. It is safe for cat claws and feels like bark, so cats will love to scratch against it.

The Benefits Of A Cat Tree

All right. By this point we've introduced you to the best cat trees on the market and have shared some insights that should you help you narrow down your choices and pick out the best one for your animal.

But now it's time to talk about why bother getting a cat tree in the first place!

Animal experts and cat behavior pros often recommend purchasing cat trees for your felines for several reasons. For one thing, cat trees provide animals with a safe and interesting place to exercise.

After all, it doesn't take long to realize just how much felines love to jump, climb, stretch, perch, and leap. Cat trees are explicitly designed to allow animals to have fun in their natural way.

Cat trees with enclosed spaces (kitty condos) are also great because they offer cats a calming and quiet place to nap and relax.

Even flat exposed perches are inviting spots for a kitty to chill out, because they give her a spot to supervise her surroundings with some level of solitude (and well away from pesky dogs, for that matter). This can help your cat have a place of her own which would result in less aggression with other cats in the home.

Additionally, most cat trees come with posts or walls covered with a natural material like sisal rope that encourages and reinforces healthy scratching.

The word “healthy” is the important adjective here.

What we mean is that cats like and even need to scratch. It's a natural behavior that helps keep their claws short, their paws and legs strong, and their instincts satiated. Unlike upholstery or carpets, sisal rope material is safe for kitties and is unlikely to cause a claw to get stuck (ouch!).

Besides, trying to stop your cat from scratching is usually a losing game…so you may as well provide your kitty with a place that she can scratch and claw to her heart's content!

Which brings us to our last point:

Because a cat tree provides a special place in your home for just cats to enjoy, YOU will benefit by purchasing it, too! For example, a cat may be less likely to scratch your rug or sofa if she has nice material to get her claws into instead.

And by giving her an interesting and fun place to relax and exercise, you'll get to have a healthier kitty who is less likely to exhibit troublesome behaviors that pop up due to boredom or anxiety.

Plus, let's face it:

Watching your cat or cats explore and play on their new “home” is just plain adorable!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cat trees dangerous?

Cat trees aren't inherently dangerous, and in fact they may be safer for kitties to jump on compared to other appliances or pieces of furniture in your home (such as fridges and bookshelves). However, a cat tree can be dangerous if it tips over and crushes any animals in its path. So, always look for a cat tree with a big, heavy, and sturdy bottom, especially if your cats are on the larger size and the tree has a tall climbing tower.

How do I get my cat to use the cat tree?

You can encourage your cat to use a cat tree by hiding treats, catnip, or favorite toys on the perches and in the condos space. Purchasing a cat tree that comes with interesting hanging toys, tree condo, attachments, climbing tower and scratching posts may also pique her interest. But don't “force” your kitty to use her tree. Let her warm up to it in her own time, and if she seems afraid of the higher tiers, place the hidden treats in lower spaces first.

Where should I put my cat tree?

Most experts advise that the safest place to put a cat tree is in the corner of a room. Not only does this keep the cat tree out of the way of traffic, but it can reduce the risk of tip overs. Consider your cat's personality, too, and the way she is most likely to use the tree, when deciding for space to put it.

If she is low-key and chill, it may be best to put the tree in a low-traffic and quiet area. But if she loves to play and be around her humans, it might be fun to put the cat tree in a main room so she can stay in on the household action.

Do cats sleep in trees?

Cats in the wild like to sleep in trees, because it allows them to lay while keeping far away from predators. Being in elevated places also gives them a better viewing angle for hunting. With a smaller risk of getting unwanted attention, cats in trees often feel much more relaxed and safe.

What do you do with old cat trees?

Old damaged cat trees should generally be replaced; otherwise the damaged areas may pose a health hazard to your felines. You may be able to replace sisal material on worn down scratching posts, which is important to reduce the chances of your kitty's claws getting stuck.

But if the underlying frame is sagging or buckling, or if there are heavily stained or broken areas, it's probably easier and more cost-effective simply to get a new one and throw out your old one.

High quality cat towers should last at least a few years. Lastly, if you have a cat tree or scratching posts taking up space you're not using anymore but are in relatively good shape, ask your local shelter if they'd like a donation.

Do cats sleep in cat trees?

Many cats like to sleep in cat trees because they mimic sleeping in real trees, which felines do naturally in the wild. Cat trees allow felines to fulfill an instinctual preference for perching on elevated space surfaces.

If you want to encourage your kitty to sleep in her cat tree, look for one with soft material as well as an enclosed space that's large enough for her to get in and out of easily but small enough to feel cozy and contained.

Do cats ruin Christmas trees?

Cats don't mess with Christmas trees to annoy us, but they definitely can ruin our holiday decor if we're not careful! This is because kitties love to play with the ornaments, lights, and other interesting tidbits hanging on the trees.

If you have a real Christmas tree, the smell may lure kitties as well, since it reminds them of the outdoors. You should always supervise your cat around a Christmas tree to reduce the risk of climbing on it, getting hurt, choking on an ornament, or potentially knocking it over.

Takeaway

A cat tree can be a fun and special place for your large cat to hang out, play, or simply “rule” over her queendom—aka, your house!

A high quality cat tree will even stand up to multiple large cats scratching, playing, jumping, and snuggling. And by giving your cat a special place to call her own, you'll be doing yourself (and your furniture) a favor because they also work like scratching posts.

Got any fellow cat lovers in your life? Be sure to share this article with them before they head online or to the local pet store to purchase a cat tree of their own.