How to Choose a Cat Tree
Choose a cat tree that is stable enough for several cats at once, tall enough for climbing and perching, and sized to your cats and your room. For a multi-cat household, look for a wide, weighted base, solid wood or sturdy press-wood construction, multiple perches and hideaways so cats can claim separate spaces, and sisal scratching posts. Measure your floor space and ceiling height first, then choose the largest well-built tree that fits comfortably — a tree that wobbles, tips, or crowds the room will go unused.
What to Look For
Stability First
A cat tree earns its place in a multi-cat home only if it stays put when two or three cats leap onto it at once. Look for a wide, heavy base, a low centre of gravity, and solid construction. Wall-anchoring is a thoughtful extra for very tall trees, and a tree that rocks or shifts under a gentle push is not the right choice.
Size and Height for Your Cats
Match the tree to the cats who will use it. Larger and heavier cats need broader perches, wider condos, and sturdier posts, while kittens and seniors benefit from lower platforms and easy steps between levels. Measure the footprint and the height before ordering, and leave room for cats to jump on and off safely.
Room for Every Cat
In a home with more than one cat, one perch is never enough. Choose a tree with several perches, beds, and enclosed condos at different heights, so each cat can rest, watch, or retreat without competing for the same spot. Separate levels also help cats who prefer company and cats who prefer quiet to share the same piece gracefully.
Materials That Last
Real wood, solid press wood, and well-wrapped sisal stand up to daily climbing and scratching far better than lightweight, hollow construction. Plush, soft surfaces make perches inviting, while natural sisal posts give cats a proper place to scratch and stretch. Quality materials also keep the tree looking like furniture, not a temporary accessory.
Scratching, Climbing, and Rest in One Piece
The best cat trees serve three needs at once: tall sisal posts for scratching, varied levels for climbing, and soft, sheltered spots for sleeping. A tree that combines all three becomes a daily destination rather than a decoration, and it helps protect your furniture by giving scratching a more appealing outlet.
A Design That Suits Your Home
A cat tree is a substantial piece of furniture, so choose one you will be glad to live with. Consider the finish, the fabric colour, and the overall shape alongside the height and footprint. A thoughtfully designed tree complements the room while giving your cats a beautiful place of their own.
Featured Cat Trees at HT Animal Supply
Premium Pinus Sylvestris Wood Cat Tree S8902 — $425. A solid real-wood tree built for confident climbing and long-term use in a multi-cat home.
Giant Cat Tower for Multiple Cats A8104 — $399. A generously sized tower made for households where several cats climb, perch, and rest at the same time.
NAI Flower Cat Tower — $1,299–$1,419. A sculptural, statement tower with multiple resting spots for cats who love height and a beautiful room presence.
Armarkat Classic Cat Tree A3207 32-Inch Beige — $85. A compact, well-proportioned tree for smaller spaces, single cats, or a second resting spot in another room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cat tree for a multi-cat household?
Choose a large, stable tree with multiple perches, beds, and condos at different heights, so each cat has a space of its own. A wide base and solid wood or sturdy press-wood construction matter more than height alone.
How tall should a cat tree be?
It depends on your cats and your ceiling. Tall trees suit confident climbers and give cats a high vantage point, while a 32-inch tree suits smaller spaces, kittens, and senior cats. Measure your room first and leave clear space above the top perch.
How do I keep a cat tree from tipping over?
Start with a wide, weighted base and solid construction, place the tree on a level floor against a wall or in a corner, and anchor very tall trees to the wall where the design allows. Avoid top-heavy trees with narrow bases in homes with large or very active cats.
What materials are best for a cat tree?
Solid wood or sturdy press wood for the frame, natural sisal for scratching posts, and soft plush for perches and beds. These materials hold up to daily use and feel comfortable enough that cats return to them again and again.
Do cats actually use cat trees?
Yes, when the tree matches their instincts: height for observing, enclosed spaces for resting, and sisal for scratching. Place the tree near a window or in a room your cats already enjoy, and most cats will claim it as their own within days.
Where should I put a cat tree?
Place it where your cats spend the most time, ideally near a window with a view and away from high-traffic walkways. A quiet corner with room to jump on and off gives cats confidence, and keeping the tree in a shared living space encourages daily use.
Browse the full selection in our Cat Trees & Scratchers collection at HT Animal Supply.