16 Unique Cat Trees That Will Actually Go with Your Home Décor

Cat trees are essential to having happy, healthy felines. They provide them with space to explore, sleep, play and scratch. All of these activities release energy and decrease anxiety. And while we like to offer our cats as much as possible in terms of stress relief and interactive play, some of the cat tree and condo options out there are underwhelming when it comes to appearance. Bland platforms with boring carpet get old quickly—especially if you want more than one in your home. Whether you’re creating a full cat room this year or simply upgrading your current furniture, we’ve found the most unique cat trees of 2024 listed below. Get ready to feast your eyes on some incredibly creative cat accouterments!

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• Dr. Preston Turano, DVM, is a vet and the veterinary spokesperson for Felix Cat Insurance. He’s been working as a vet since 2002.
• Dr. Casey Locklear is the U.S. Medical Lead for Feline Strategy and Parasiticides at Zoetis. She’s also a Fear Free™ Certified Professional, which means she’s trained in making vet visits less anxiety-inducing for everyone involved.

When looking for cat trees that boast both form and function, our first step was to reach out to two feline experts to find out what to look for in these particular structures. After taking their professional advice into consideration, we then pored over hundreds of user reviews, asked around to our own cat-owner editors and looked at editor- and reader-preferred retailers to compile our list. In terms of what makes a cat tree unique, we considered materials, shape, color and extra features like dangling toys and ramps. And because style is highly personalized, our selection includes sleek and modern picks as well as those that are quirky and bright, to ensure that there’s a cat tree in our roundup that’s just as unique as your furry friend.

Cat trees aren’t just fun accessories or add-ons, they are essential to healthy feline lifestyles.  Dr. Preston Turano says cat trees “encourage exercise, allow for playfulness, and provide a comfortable perch for cats to rest or observe their surroundings. All of these factors contribute to overall wellbeing.”

Some cats also need a safe space to hide in when they feel threatened. Dr. Casey Locklear notes that hidden alcoves can be game-changers for cats who prefer dark, quiet spots. A cat tree with condo elements can provide shy kitties with a place among the action where they still feel safe.

Plus, Dr. Locklear says, “[Cat trees] save your furniture by encouraging play and scratching on an appropriate surface with a little bit of training.”

Choosing a cat tree doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as the internet makes it seem. Decisions do become harder when you want something unique, not just a block of cream-colored posts and hideouts. You’ll have to consider both your home’s style and what’s best for your cat. Word of advice: start with your cat’s needs. Need more specifics? Here are a few factors to consider:

• Stability. Dr. Turano says the most important thing to look for in a cat tree is stability. “If the cat tree is not stable, it could topple and cause harm to the cat,” Dr. Turano says. He also encourages cat parents to invest in a cat tree with multiple levels, carpeting or soft surfaces and something your cats can dig their claws into for quality scratching. These features satisfy your cat’s basic instincts and create a safe climbing zone.
• Your Cat’s Age. Dr. Locklear advises spending some time simply observing your cat or thinking through their preferences before you buy anything. “Younger, more playful cats may prefer higher towers with more opportunities to scratch and integrated toys,” she says. “Older cats, or cats that naturally prefer hiding under the bed or lounging in low areas, benefit most from lower towers, with gentler transitions.” Look for ramps or smaller gaps between perches if you have a senior cat. 
• Materials. Carpeting is especially important for senior cats, according to Dr. Turano. Carpet provides traction and helps prevent accidental falls. Dr. Turano adds that most senior cats will modify their activity level according to their limitations, but as the human, we should do our best to ensure the cat can safely climb where they want to be.
• Levels. Cat trees can actually give you clues to your cat’s changing health. “A cat using the tower less frequently, staying at lower levels, avoiding what previously was favorite higher perches, toys or scratching opportunities, could be a sign of pain from injury or osteoarthritis,” says Dr. Locklear.
• Size. Then, of course, make sure any tree you invest in will fit into your space. Measure, then measure again to avoid size surprises (photos don’t always communicate how tall or short a cat tree is). Focus on height if you have limited floor space or higher quality materials (and maybe spending a little more) if you want this tree to last a long time.

If you have a large cat or a large breed, definitely check out the weight limits on a cat tree before buying it. It’s also doubly important to find a tree with a stable base, especially if your large cat will be leaping from perch to perch.

Dr. Turano says that cat trees can also be great forms of exercise for overweight cats. Studies have shown that being overweight can lead to other issues for cats like kidney problems and urinary tract infections. “For overweight cats, the cat trees will help encourage exercise and hopefully that will contribute to weight loss,” Dr. Turano says.

When in doubt about which cat tree to buy, spend some time watching your cat interact with their current environment. “Using the knowledge of your cat’s preferences, you can confidently purchase the right tower and enhance your beautiful best friend’s space!” Dr. Locklear says.