Best cat tree for apartment living
Get the wildest cat tree for apartment living in this guide. The best cat trees are made from quality materials like natural wood and real tree branches. Synthetic materials are unsafe for cats, and they typically need to be replaced frequently. These cat trees are durable and built to last.
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Also, nothing I say is medical advice. All photos are of my cats.
Quality cat trees
High quality is best here, but that means they are pricier. However, in the long run, you will save money in the long run. These trees are built to last for many years.
Most cat trees are cheaply made. You’ll have to replace these more often, meaning more spending every year.
Cats deserve high quality because they are sensitive to synthetic material.
Some pet companies use dyes and chemical sprays on products. This can cause stress and allergic reactions.
What to look for with cat trees
- Tall. Cats like to watch over their territory from up high.
- Multiple perches. Cats need safe places to climb, rest, and relax.
- Sturdy. Cats can get crazy while jumping. Sturdy is a must for safety.
- Scratching. Cats need to scratch to relieve stress and mark their territory.
- Quality. Quality materials are better because they last for years. This saves you so much money in the long run.
If I had all the money in the world I’d buy all of these cat trees. I will add photos of each as I can afford to buy them.
I upgrade Jericho’s enrichment needs monthly. When I want a pricier item, I save for a few months instead. This makes Jericho and my wallet happy.
Check out these ideas today or save THIS PIN to your Cat Enrichment board on Pinterest. Be sure to follow me for more cat care tips.
Choose from this list for the best quality cat trees for apartment living. All of these trees are cat-approved.
1. Kitty Cat Trees
Kitty Cat Trees are one-of-a-kind trees that bring out the wild side in your cat. Each tree is handmade with real tree branches, sisal rope, and fabric.
This shop uses a bunch of raw tree branches that stand at different heights. The branches are held together with sisal rope, and the platforms are fabric pieces.
Benefits:
- Nurtures your cat’s wild side
- Safe perching up high – exactly what your cat wants
- Takes up vertical space instead of floor space
- Uniquely made for your cat
- Built for multiple cats
- Great for people that love nature
Cats love trees because they are mother nature’s scratching post.
If you can’t bring your cat outdoors, this cat tree is for you.
You can easily and safely bring the outdoors into your apartment with this cat tree.
Buy Kitty Cat Trees here.
2. JML Pets
JML Pets make quality cat-approved products. This shop truly hones in on your cat’s wild side.
Their products are made based on what your cat wants, not what we think they want. The cat tree is sanded natural wood with two large platforms covered in carpet.
This cat tree more closely resembles cat trees you’d see at a pet store.
Benefits:
- Built to last a lifetime which is better on your wallet
- Climbing, perching, and scratching all in one tree
- Great for multiple cats
- Made with real wood and natural carpet
- Great for people that like to keep it simple
This cat tree is great for small apartments because it satisfies the multiple needs of cats. The platforms are large enough for scratching and napping.
Put this cat tree next to the window for extra entertainment.
Buy JML Pets trees here.
3. Mau cat trees
The Mau shop specializes in modern cat furniture made with real tree branches and soft plush. These cat trees have perches and huts for resting and relaxing.
Their trees resemble condos you’d find at pets stores, but the tree branches are in raw form.
Benefits:
- Modern and customizable to meet your home’s decor
- Plush perches are washable which is a huge plus with cat supplies
- Satisfies scratching, perching, and climbing in one tree
- Mau plants a tree for every tree purchased
- 5% of proceeds are donated
- Great for a high fashion modern decor
Some cat trees take up more floor space than others. Check the product pictures for measurements to choose the best tree for your space.
This is a great tree for those that prefer a modern look.
Buy Mau cat trees here.
4. Enchanted Home Designs
This shop makes a five-foot cat tree that’s shaped like a tree. It’s made from sanded and shaped wood and natural carpet.
This tree is perfect for climbing, scratching, and perching.
Benefits:
- Beautiful design that you’ll both love
- Takes up vertical space instead of floor space
- Cats can scratch, climb, and rest
- Customize with different wood stains and carpet colors
- Great for those that appreciate abstract art
This tree is an excellent choice for lovers of abstract art. The multiple branches and shelves make it look like a real tree.
Buy Enchanted tree here.
Need a centralized place to keep track of everything related to your cat? Grab my Cat Care Binder Bundle!
5. Tree Wise Pets
Tree Wise Pets specializes in glamping for pets. Their trees are perfect for simple and trendy living.
The stand leads to a small enclosed tent bed. Your cat will be happy to have a private area up high for resting.
Benefits:
- Climbing and resting in one piece
- Smaller design that takes up very little space
- Handmade to order and happily accepts custom requests
- Save $25 when you bundle order
- Great for people that love camping-themed products
This 17″ natural wood tree stand is a fun choice for small apartments. It takes up less floor space and isn’t as high as others on this list.
Buy Tree Wise Pets tree here.
6. Pet Tree Houses
These treehouses are like forts for your cats. Pet Tree Houses have a few different sizes as well as a DIY kit.
The treehouses are made with real tree branches, silk leaves, and wood perches. Each tree has multiple wood perches filled with natural carpet.
Benefits:
- Most extravagant tree on this list
- White glove delivery service available
- Looks like a real tree with leaves
- Cats can climb, perch, and scratch
- Great for people that love the outdoors
This is by far the best tree on this list because of everything included. It’s literally a treehouse for your cat.
I already started a saving fund for this treehouse.
If you love nature, this tree is for you.
Buy Pet Tree Houses here.
7. Refined Feline Lotus Tower
Refined Feline crafts modern cat furniture built to last years. This lotus tower stands 69″ tall and has four perches plus a cubby hole at the bottom for private napping.
Benefits:
- Climbing, scratching, and napping in one piece
- No mess around the tower and can last years
- Washable faux suede covers
- Takes up vertical space instead of floor space
- Great for modern decor
This is a wonderful choice for modern homes. A client of mine has this tower. It’s been on my wish list for a while.
Buy Refined Feline Tower here.
8. Contempo Cat tree tower
This tree tower is simple and small. Your cat will enjoy four perches with carpet perfect for climbing and scratching.
It looks like a shelving unit you’d use in the kitchen. You can buy it raw or stained.
Benefits:
- Simple birch plywood that can be stained or used as is
- Small and less extravagant than others on the list
- Natural wood attracts cats more than synthetic materials
- Sturdy and built to last many years
- Great for people that like to keep it simple
This tree is a better choice for minimalist homes.
Buy Contempo Cat tower here.
9. DIY cat tree
For my DIY cat tree, I used wire shelving units. I don’t have a woodshop in my apartment (obviously). So, I needed a DIY project that doesn’t involve cutting, sanding, or power tools.
You can mix and match the design with different sizes of shelves.
Mine is built like stairs. The stairs lead up to his condo which is set up next to the window and window perch.
Buy 3-tier wire shelves here.
Buy stackable wire shelves here.
The wire shelves linked above are from the same company so you should be able to mix and match.
Other materials for DIY cat trees:
- Cardboard box pieces to line shelves
- Nontoxic glue
- Scratchpad
- Crinkle yoga mat
- Cotton bed
- Organic catnip
Final thoughts on choosing a cat tree for apartment living
The best cat tree for apartment living uses vertical space. This benefits your floor space and your cat in many ways.
Cats love to climb and perch up high. They like to watch over their territory from a safe space.
These cat trees will be a win with your cats because they satisfy many of their wild needs.
Always choose quality products because they are built to last, and they are safer for your cat. This will also save your wallet in the long run.
Need a centralized place to keep track of everything related to your cat? Grab my Cat Care Binder Bundle
