5 Best Cat Scratching Trees Your Kitty Will Love

Climbing and scratching is a natural instinct for all cats. Not only is it healthy behavior, but scratching can be a way for your cat to mark their territory, sharpen their claws, or simply let off energy. Hence, a cat scratching tree is an absolute must for any paw parent. A cat tree will keep Mr Whiskers happy and healthy, and stop your kitty from turning their claws to your furniture instead.

But what sort of scratching tree should you get for your cat? Cat in a Flat shows you what to look for in a cat scratching tree and the best types of trees for your feline!

What should I look for in a cat scratching tree? 

You need to take your kitty’s individual personality into account when sourcing the right cat scratching tree. Different felines prefer different things, and there’s no one size fits all. Your kitty’s age, size, and activity levels all play a role in what type of cat scratching tree works best.

Does your cat enjoy scratching in a vertical or horizontal position? Do they like to climb, or prefer cosy cubbies closer to the ground? Do you already have a cat but are planning to incorporate a new kitten into your home too? These are all questions you should ask yourself before you purchase a cat scratching tree. 

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Cat trees for different types of cats

If finding the right cat scratching tree seems overwhelming, not to worry. Below, we’ve sourced five of the best cat trees to suit any type of feline! 

Amazon Basics Extra Large Cat Tree Tower

Whether your kitty loves to climb, lounge, or scratch, this cat scratching tree works for every type of feline! It has a sturdy base with multiple staggered platforms for climbing, as well as jute fibre scratching posts to keep your kitty’s claws happy! There’s even a high enclosed condo from where your cat can safely observe their kingdom. 

Pros: 

• Comes with multiple colors and features to choose from
• Easy to put together
• Multi-platform and jute fibre scratching posts
• Includes dangling toy balls

Cons: 

• Not suitable for large felines such as Maine Coon cats
• The dangling toy balls can be dangerous for cats

Barking Cat Tree

If you live in a multi-cat household or have a larger fur friend, this cat scratching tree is perfect! It’s constructed from solid wood and strengthened with anti-toppling fittings to ensure your extra-large kitty can safely climb and scratch to their heart’s content. This cat scratching tree also comes equipped with a hammock, condo, and various other comfy beds where your fur friends can kick back after an exciting playtime session.

Pros: 

• Extra-stable
• Works for all sizes of cats and multi-cat households
• Comes equipped with a detachable cat bowl for food or water

Cons:

• The condo is too small for larger cats

Natural Home III Cat Tree

The more streamlined design of this cat scratching tree makes it a great option for apartment-dwelling felines. It fits easily into nooks and corners, while still being sturdy enough to handle even the most enthusiastic scratching. Soft, plush padding adds the finishing touch, with a cosy high bed that’s perfect for hours of happy snoozing. 

Pros: 

• Made out of natural materials such as jute, wood, and hyacinth
• Soft reversable cushions which can be removed and machine-washed
• Weighted base for extra stability
• Easy assembly

Cons: 

• Dangling balls and feathers can be dangerous for cats
• The woven hyacinth platforms become frayed over time

Penelope Cat Tree

If you have an older cat, he or she may be physically unable to climb very high (or simply not interested in climbing). This cat scratching tree is suitable for felines of any age but works particularly well for elderly kitties. It comes equipped with a lounging area and tunnel close to the ground. This means your kitty doesn’t need to climb very high to access their favourite snooze spot. Your cat will love it so much they’ll opt for sleeping on their tree rather than in bed with you! 

Pros: 

• Lower resting platforms are ideal for older cats
• Comes with a play tunnel for more active kitties
• Smaller, so fits well into tighter spaces

Cons: 

• Doesn’t work well for larger cats
• Heavy, so not easy to move around the home once assembled

Trixie Baza Scratching Post

Although it’s best to offer your kitty plenty of high spots where they can relax, sometimes a tall cat tree isn’t ideal for every living space. Hence, this compact cat scratching tree and hammock combo is an excellent choice if you have limited space, a kitten or small feline, or simply want to supplement your taller cat scratching tree with a more petite option. 

Pros: 

• Features a comfy hammock and plush fabric
• Comes with a hanging toy
• Perfect for small spaces

Cons: 

• Not very bottom-heavy and may topple with aggressive play

Where should I put my cat tree?

So, you’ve found the perfect cat scratching tree for Mr Whiskers, now where should you put it? The best spots in your home will be the main rooms where you and others in your household spend the most time. Your cat does miss you when you’re not around, and even a shy fur friend will want to be in the social epicentre of the home so they feel like part of the family! This means you shouldn’t tuck your cat scratching tree out of the way in the laundry room or bathroom. 

The best spots are generally the living room, dining room, or any other room where you spend a lot of time. If possible, place the cat tree near a window so your kitty can observe what’s going on outside and also get some sunshine. Cats sleep a lot and your furry friend will appreciate being able to doze in the sun on top of their tree! 

Before leaving on a trip, always make sure to walk your cat sitter through your kitty’s favourite hiding spots—including their favoured cat tree perches. This way, if your feline is shy, your cat sitter knows which spots to check to make sure your kitty is doing okay while you’re away.