The Best Cat tree: What tree should your cat climb?

A good cat tree needs to have enough features that your cat will find interesting. A platform or two where they can sit and look out over their kingdom is a must.

You also want good quality scratching posts so they can keep their claws sharp (and stop destroying the couch). The best cat tree will do this while also respecting your wallet.

We have done our research (and consulted with a few of our feline friends) for the best cat trees. We give you our verdict on three so you can decide which one will satisfy your furry roommate.

The Go Pet Club Cat Tree: Good value for little cats

The Go Pet Club cat tree is made from three different products that you need to assemble. The frame is compressed wood and it is covered in faux fur and has natural sisal rope scratching posts. It is designed for medium sized cats and has a cat condo with a ladder.

It also has two perches where your cat to sit view the world. This tree is a neutral color. It has a height of 52 inches (1.32 meters).

Features

• The cat tree is covered in a beige color
• It is made from a combination of compressed wood, faux fur and natural sisal rope
• It is designed for medium sized cats
• The instructions for the assembly and the tools are included
• It has two perches
• It has a condo with a ladder
• It has hanging mice toys
• Weight: 27.4 pounds (12.42kg)
• Dimensions: Total height 52 inches (1.32m) x 21 (0.5) x 21 in (0.5m). Base board: 19 x 19 in (0.48m x 0.48m).

Pros

• The assembly is quick and easy
• It has a sturdy base
• It is a good deal for the price
• It is covered in a beige color
• The faux fur does not pile or shed
• It is compact and affordable
• The hanging mouse toys last well
• This tree is great for kittens
• The sisal scratching areas work well

Cons

• It is wobbly even with its sturdy base
• It is too lightweight for heavy cats
• The carpeting is cheap
• The rope does not last long
• The perches are too small for adult cats to lie down

A good tree or a bad tree?

The Go Pet Club cat tree is a good deal when you are on a budget and need to keep your cat entertained. The sisal rope is a material that is perfectly suited to your cat’s claws.

It has a beige color that doesn’t yellow with age. This tree is on the smaller side and will work best for kittens and small cats.

It is a budget option so what you gain in price you sacrifice in durability. The rope and carpeting is not high quality. The perches are also too small for an adult cat.

This is a good average cat tree, but be sure to consider the size of your cat, before you buy something too small.

The Trixie pet products Gandia cat tree: comfort for a relaxed cat

Next is the Trixie pet products Gandia cat tree. It offers a hammock where your cat can lounge all day. The hammock is supported by a metal frame for extra stability.  The cat tree is covered in soft cream colored plush.

It also has a scratch post with natural sisal rope to help keep your cat’s claws trim. It comes with a rustling tunnel. The tree is available in different sizes.

Features

• It has a scratching post
• It has a soft hammock supported by a metal rim
• It is covered in plush fabric
• The scratch post has sisal rope
• It has an added ball
• The post with a 3.5 inch (8.8 cm) diameter
• It has a one year warranty
• Weight: 12 pounds ( 5.4 kg)
• Dimensions for medium size: 24 x27 x 16 in (60.9 x68.5 x40.6 cm)

Pros

• It can hold large cats
• The hammock is a comfortable place for cats or kittens
• It is very stable and the base is sturdy
• It is easy to assemble
• It has a very reasonable price tag
• It is compact

Cons

• It is difficult to separate the hammock for cleaning, but it can be spot cleaned
• It is not available in any other colors
• There are no assembly instructions included
• The attachment between the hammock and the rest of the post is not very durable
• The scratching post is not very high

Summary

This cat tree is a real winner if you are on a budget. It is sturdy and the sisal rope will last well against your cat’s clawing. One the best things of this tree is the hammock that is made from soft plush.

Once your cat decides that he likes it, he may never get out of it. It is also compact. It is easy to assemble and won’t wobble.

On the negative side, it is only available in cream. The base is made of particle board and the attachment of the hammock is not very durable.

If you have a heavy cat, you will need to keep an eye on the joint. The scratching post is also not very high.

The Armakat cat tree: The best large tree

Finally, the Armarkat cat tree is a climbing tree with perches and a good number of sturdy scratch posts. It is made from pressed wood and covered with faux fleece. It is easy to assemble.

The faux fleece is an ivory color and the scratching posts have sisal rope. It also comes with toys that you can suspend from the platforms with string.

Features

• It is made from pressed wood and covered with faux fleece
• It is easy to assemble
• It has a sturdy base
• It is ivory colored
• The scratching posts have sisal rope
• There are additional toys
• The manufacturer offers replacement parts
• It has a 6 month warranty
• Weight: 36.4 pounds (16.32 kg )
• Dimensions: 24 x 22 x 53 in (60.96 x 55.8 x 134.6 cm)

Pros

• It offers enough space for adult cats to sleep
• It is very stable
• It is really easy to assemble
• You can hang your own cat toys
• Cats like the height of the perches
• There are multiple scratch posts on different levels

Cons

• The toys are attached with thin string
• The platforms are small
• The tower is top heavy
• The base board could have been larger for more stability

Summary

This is one of the best trees available for its size and price. It creates a space where your cats can sleep, play and scratch (on different levels). The platforms give them a place to sit and view the world, or lie and sunbathe.

Cats can also share the climbing and lounging spaces. The cats we consulted enjoyed the height of the platforms.

Negatively, the platforms are small. A big cat won’t be able to stretch out. The toys will only last a few hours if your cats are even a little interested.

They will enjoy the toys, but the string will not survive the experience. This tree will be best for smaller cats.

The best tree: our verdict

The best cat tree is the one your cat likes the most, but there are also a few factors that will make one stand out. If you are on a tight budget, the Go Pet Club is a reasonable option.

It becomes a better choice if you have a kitten to keep entertained or your cat is small. Another option, the Gandia Cat tree is approved by cats and wallets.

It offers a great place for your cat to hang out or sleep. The sturdy scratching post will help keep your furniture safe from claws.

Our winner is the Armarkat cat tree. It is large enough for more than one cat, has many scratching areas and is sturdy. We recommend this tree if you need a climbing space for your cats that won’t rip your wallet apart.