How to Choose the Right Cat Tree for Your Cat

A good cat tree can quietly change the rhythm of a home. It gives your cat a space that is truly theirs — a place where climbing, scratching, watching, sleeping, and hiding are all encouraged. Chosen well, a cat tree is more than furniture; it supports daily comfort, confidence, and calm.

The challenge is that the “right” cat tree looks different for every cat. Age, size, confidence, coat length, and personality all influence what will be used every day, and what will be ignored, no matter how good it looks in the room.

Why a cat tree earns its floor space

Cats are built for vertical living. Height helps them feel secure, manage social space, and keep an eye on what matters. A cat tree can also reduce tension in busy households by offering an alternative route through the room and a safe perch away from foot traffic.

It also supports healthier behaviour. A stable scratching post helps protect claws and stretch shoulders and back. Lounging platforms provide warm, predictable resting spots. Hidey holes give anxious cats a reset button.

 

A cat tree will never replace time with you, yet it can make your home feel more cat-friendly without turning it upside down.

Start with your cat, not the product photo

Before you compare models, watch your cat for a day or two. Where do they already spend time? Do they jump up confidently, or do they test surfaces first? Do they scratch vertically, horizontally, or both?

After a paragraph of observation, a few quick notes can clarify what to buy:

• Window watching
• High sleeping spots
• Under-chair hiding
• Energetic climbing
• Gentle stretching scratches

Kittens often want speed, bounce, and multiple levels. Senior cats tend to want security, softer surfaces, and easier access. Big cats want room to turn and stretch without feeling boxed in.

Size and layout: fit the cat and the room

The best cat tree is the one your cat uses daily, and daily use depends on placement. A tall tower tucked in a dark corner may look impressive and still gather dust.

Start with measurements. Ceiling height matters for tall trees, yet footprint matters even more in smaller homes and apartments. Many Australian homes have compact living areas, so a model that uses vertical height efficiently can be a better choice than a wide base that blocks walkways.

Also, think about “routes.” If your cat already jumps from the couch to a windowsill, place the tree where it can become part of that path. Cats love options. A tree that acts like a staircase between levels often feels intuitive, especially for cats that do not like big leaps.

One sentence that helps: if you can place a perch within sight of the main room, your cat is more likely to use it.

Matching tree styles to real-life needs

There is no single best type. Different designs solve different problems, and a quick comparison can keep your shortlist realistic.

Use the table to choose a category first, then compare details. It is easier than trying to judge every feature across every model.

Materials, texture, and what claws actually like

Cats are picky about scratch texture. Many prefer natural sisal rope because it grips the claw and feels satisfying. Some cats also like sisal fabric panels or corrugated scratch inserts, though those are more common on separate scratchers than on trees.

Carpeted posts can work, though they may fray and hold odour over time. Plush coverings feel cosy, yet a very long pile can snag claws and annoy some cats. If your cat already avoids fluffy blankets, choose a tighter, shorter fabric.

A simple way to decide is to match what your cat already chooses. If they go for the doormat or a rough rug, lean towards sisal. If they knead and settle into soft throws, a plusher bed surface will likely win.

Stability is not optional

A cat tree should not sway when a cat launches onto it at full speed. Wobbles are one of the fastest ways to make a cat distrust a new setup.

Look for a wide, heavy base and thick upright posts. If the tree is tall, check that the top perch is supported by solid framing, not just a thin pole. Platform thickness matters too, especially for larger cats that will repeatedly land with force.

After you set it up, do a human test. Push the top platform gently from different angles. If you feel movement at the base, tighten fasteners again. If movement remains, place it on a grippy surface or reposition it so one side sits near a wall for extra confidence.

Features that get used (and those that rarely do)

Many cat trees come loaded with extras. Some are great, some are filler. Focus on features that match how your cat relaxes and plays.

Here is a practical checklist that usually pays off:

• Post height: tall enough for a full-body stretch (most adult cats prefer generous length)
• Platform size: room to turn around and sprawl without dangling paws
• Bed style: open hammock for heat lovers, deeper nest for cats that curl tightly
• Hide option: a cubby or covered nook for cats that like security
• Scratch placement: at least one post positioned where your cat naturally approaches
• Replaceable parts: spare sisal or removable cushions can extend the tree’s life

Dangling toys can be fun for kittens, yet many adult cats lose interest quickly. Consider them a bonus, not a reason to buy.

Multi-cat households: plan for traffic and boundaries

In multi-cat households, it helps to think beyond the tree itself and consider social dynamics. Cats do not always need to fight to create tension. One confident cat may simply claim the highest perch and, by doing so, quietly limit access for others. Over time, this can lead to avoidance rather than shared use.

A well-designed cat tree can reduce these standoffs by offering multiple routes up and down, rather than a single vertical ladder. When cats have more than one way to move through the structure, they are less likely to feel trapped or challenged and more likely to use the space comfortably.

Height variety matters just as much. Some cats prefer the top level for security and observation, others want a mid-level perch close to household activity, while more cautious cats may favour a lower hide where they can retreat without climbing too high. A good multi-cat tree provides at least two genuinely comfortable resting spots at different heights, not just small platforms meant for passing through.

If tension already exists, spreading resources can be more effective than concentrating them. In many cases, two smaller trees placed in different rooms work better than one large tower. This approach gives each cat the option to settle in their own space, reducing competition and the need for constant negotiation over access.

Placement tips that make adoption easier

Cats do not “respect” new furniture just because it is expensive. They respect what feels safe, stable, and useful.

Place the tree near what your cat already values: a sunny window, the living room where the household gathers, or a quiet corner that still has a clear view. Avoid placing it right next to a loud appliance or in a tight corridor where people brush past.

If your cat is hesitant, add a familiar scent. Rub a soft cloth on your cat’s cheeks and wipe it on the posts and bed edges. You can also sprinkle a small amount of catnip on the base, though not all cats respond.

Maintenance, cleaning, and keeping it nice to live with

Cat trees age fast when they are loved. Hair builds up on beds, sisal fuzz collects around the base, and the whole thing can start to look tired even when it is still solid.

Choose a model with removable cushions or covers if you care about easy washing. A quick weekly vacuum makes a bigger difference than an occasional deep clean. For spot cleaning, mild detergent and a damp cloth are usually enough, followed by thorough drying.

Scratching posts can be refreshed, too. If sisal loosens, some owners rewrap posts, though many prefer replacing parts when available. When shopping, check whether spare posts or covers can be purchased later. It is a small detail that can save money and reduce waste.

Buying online in Australia with confidence

When shopping online, choosing a retailer that prioritises real pet needs and long-term value — rather than short-lived trends — can make the process far more reliable. Petso, an online pet supplies retailer based in Sydney, focuses its range on quality and affordability, making it a practical option for purchases like cat trees, where durability and everyday use matter.

Before checking out, it helps to be clear on your own non-negotiables: a footprint that fits your space, a height your cat will genuinely use, and a scratching surface they already enjoy. When those fundamentals are right, most other decisions tend to fall into place.