Best Cat Trees for Large Cats
Cats like to position themselves above ground level as it gives them a great vantage point to keep an eye on their kingdom. Being up higher actually makes them feel safe and secure. Providing vertical climbing options in your home for your cat is an essential part of feline life, and could help improve your cat’s wellbeing too.
A cat tree is one of the easiest ways to safely give your cat some vertical territory, and a good quality one can last many years. However, finding a suitable cat tree for large cats is not always straightforward. Many cat trees are just not sturdy or strong enough for use by bigger cats.
We have researched and tested numerous cat trees to put together our final list of top cat trees for large cats. Plus, to help you make the best decision for your cat we will also discuss the important things to consider before purchasing a tree and the best place to put it in your home. Let’s get started…
Our Top Picks:
Dremmel 7300 PT Cat Pedicure
- Trims nails safely and effectively
- Wireless and rechargeable, so no leads getting in the way
- 2 speeds, so you can choose which one is right for your cat
- Compatible with a wide variety of Dremel sanding drums
JW Pet Gripsoft Deluxe Cat Nail Clipper
- Easy to use guillotine style nail trimmer
- Rubber handle with non-slip grips
- Ergonomic handle design fits the natural curve of your hand to optimize comfort
- Cuts quickly and smoothly in one quick motion
JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Nail Clipper
- Suitable for all breeds and sizes
- Curved stainless steel blades
- Gripsoft technology features non-slip grips to optimize comfort and control
- Small size, to safely and efficiently trim your cat’s nails
Pet Republique Cat Nail Clipper
- High-quality product
- Sharp, long-lasting and robust stainless-steel blades
- Perfectly sized design for use in cats (and other small pets)
- Improved ergonomic handles for extra comfort
PetSpy Cat Nail Clipper
- Sharp and long-lasting stainless steel blades
- Safety guard to prevent cutting nails too short
- Safety lock to store the clippers in a closed position
- Discrete built-in nail file
- Comfy, non-slip handle design
Four Paws Ultimate Touch Cat Claw Clipper
- Blades have a stainless steel edge for long-lasting sharpness
- The molded plastic handle is comfy and light
- Recommended by professional groomers
Frisco 72-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo
Allows your cat to do all the things she loves including perching up high, leaping from one perch to another, playing and scratching
Made with sturdy and durable materials and covered with luxury, soft faux-fur
Two enclosed cat beds with a soft fabric covering
10 scratching posts wrapped with natural sisal fibers and two scratchboard ramps
Four dangling toys to keep your cat entertained
Easy assembly
Trixie Baza Cat Tree with Hammock
Soft, plush fabric covered hammock and base
Hammock has a metal rim structure for extra support
Two natural sisal covered scratch posts
Dandling pom-pom toy included
Go Pet Club 62-Inch Cat Tree
Strong, sturdy and durable: made from compressed wood and has a wide, heavy base for extra stability
Luxury faux fur covering for extra comfort
Multiple scratching posts
Includes a top perch, tunnel, enclosed bed/condo, dangling rope toy, and two cozy hammocks
Available in five attractive colors
On2Pets 60-in Large Square Modern Cat Tree
Modern cat tree design brings the outdoors inside your home
Engineered wood trunk, silk leaf canopy, three carpeted perches, and a wide astroturf base
Easy assembly, no tools needed
Only non-toxic and cat-safe materials
Suitable for cats up to 32 pounds in weight
Frisco 52-in Modern Cat Tree & Condo
Gray laminate wood finish is stylish, durable and easy to wipe clean
52-inch cat tree with modern design
An elevated perch and two enclosed hideaways perfect for napping and lounging
Includes 4 natural sisal rope scratching posts, sisal scratching mat, and a rope toy
Soft, comfy cushions that are removable and machine washable
Frisco 62-in Modern Cat Tree & Condo
62-inch modern cat tree with a stylish laminate finish
Two cozy condos and an elevated perch
Six natural sisal wrapped scratching posts and two small sisal mats
Includes removable soft cushions that are machine washable
Wide base and a wall anchoring kit for stability
High quality, durable and easy to clean materials
Top 6 Cat Trees for Large Cats
Unfortunately, there are lots of poor quality and cheap cat trees that market themselves as being suitable for large cats. Many of these low-quality cat trees on the market are just not big enough or sturdy enough for larger cats. It can be easy to fall for their great advertising and buy something which isn’t suitable or safe for your kitty.
Large cats need a product that can withstand the extra force of them jumping on and off it regularly and support their weight without problems. While searching for the best cat trees available we have considered important elements such as safety, value for money, size, construction materials, and the entertainment/enrichment value they can offer your cat. Below are our final picks.
Frisco 72-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo
This Frisco Cat Tree is the biggest one on our list, standing at an impressive 72 inches tall. We love this giant model as it is made from sturdy, durable materials and it is surprisingly easy to put together. It is more like a luxury kitty castle than a cat tree, and with so many added extras to keep your cat entertained, you get a lot of bang for your buck here.
There are three high perches and two enclosed condos or beds, so your cat has a variety of places to relax, snooze or keep a watchful look-out over her home. It is all covered with a soft, faux fur which is perfect for face-rubbing and comfortable to sleep on.
Each of the 10 sturdy supporting posts are wrapped with natural sisal cord for scratching, and the two ramps are covered with sisal fibers too which means they are non-slip. Therefore, there are lots of enticing scratching places throughout this cat tree, so your sofa and rugs will stay scratch-free. There are also four dangling toys included (two mice, a fuzzy ball, and rope) that will encourage your cat to play, swipe, and leap. Thankfully, the toys are designed with your cat’s safety in mind and they will release with excessive pressure. We love that this cat tree comes in six very attractive colors (cheetah is our favorite!), so you are sure to find one that suits your home and your cat’s personality!
Key Benefits
Allows your cat to do all the things she loves including perching up high, leaping from one perch to another, playing and scratching
Made with sturdy and durable materials and covered with luxury, soft faux-fur
Two enclosed cat beds with a soft fabric covering
10 scratching posts wrapped with natural sisal fibers and two scratchboard ramps
Four dangling toys to keep your cat entertained
Easy assembly
Trixie Baza Cat Tree with Hammock
This simple cat hammock stands at 16 inches tall. We think this is a good option if you want a very small cat tree, or if you have a senior cat who is unable or reluctant to jump much.
Both the square base and the hammock are wrapped in a soft and fluffy fabric, so your cat can have two great options for napping and stretching out. The only flaw we found was that the hammock was not removable for easy cleaning. But you can just wipe it clean with a damp cloth and allow it to air dry. The hammock is supported by a metal rim for added strength so it is well able to hold larger cats.
The two sturdy posts are covered in natural sisal rope which not only looks attractive it is majorly enticing for cats to scratch on, and your cat will immediately want to sharpen his claws there. Plus, there is also a small dangling pom-pom toy that your cat will enjoy swiping and batting with his paws.
Key Benefits
Soft, plush fabric covered hammock and base
Hammock has a metal rim structure for extra support
Two natural sisal covered scratch posts
Dandling pom-pom toy included
Go Pet Club 62-Inch Cat Tree
This high quality, multifunctional 62-inch cat tree is a great enrichment option for your cat, as it allows your cat to carry out a lot of his instinctual feline behaviors such as climbing, perching up high, playing, and scratching.
It is made from sturdy compressed wood and covered with luxury faux fur to give a comfortable and cozy finish. It needs to be assembled, but the instructions were easy to follow. The large bolts and screws are straightforward to fix the parts together, and the base is wide and heavy making the whole structure very stable, especially for larger cats.
It includes entertaining features such as an enclosed bed/condo, hanging rope, ladder, tunnel, two hammocks, and a top perch. Plus, there are lots of posts covered in natural sisal rope to encourage your cat to scratch and climb. It is available in five colors including beige, blue, black, brown, and gray.
Key Benefits
Strong, sturdy and durable: made from compressed wood and has a wide, heavy base for extra stability
Luxury faux fur covering for extra comfort
Multiple scratching posts
Includes a top perch, tunnel, enclosed bed/condo, dangling rope toy, and two cozy hammocks
Available in five attractive colors
On2Pets 60-in Large Square Modern Cat Tree
If you are looking for something a little bit different than the traditional cat trees on offer, then this option might be for you. This 60-inch cat tree brings the meaning of cat tree to a whole new meaning and allows you to bring the great outdoors right inside your home.
This cat tree could be mistaken for a real house plant, as it has a very realistic design. It has an engineered wood trunk and silk leaves with PVC stems. It also includes three hidden carpeted perches and a wide, sturdy astroturf base. This innovative design provides both mental and physical stimulation, which are both important to keep your indoor cat healthy and happy. It will encourage your cat to explore, jump, hide, and play, and give your cat a safe raised perch to view what is going on in the home.
It doesn’t include sisal scratching rope but we found that the carpeted perches and astroturf base are perfect for scratching instead. We were pleasantly surprised how easy this tree was to put together, and it only took around 10 minutes to have it fully assembled. Although the vibrant green is our favorite color it is available in three other fun color designs including autumn plum, fall, and summer. Additionally, this cat tree has been designed to support up to 32 pounds in weight, so it perfect for larger cats or for use in multicat households.
Key Benefits
Modern cat tree design brings the outdoors inside your home
Engineered wood trunk, silk leaf canopy, three carpeted perches, and a wide astroturf base
Easy assembly, no tools needed
Only non-toxic and cat-safe materials
Suitable for cats up to 32 pounds in weight
Frisco 52-in Modern Cat Tree & Condo
This modern and sleek cat tree stands at 52 inches tall and includes two enclosed dens, a top perch, rope toy, four natural sisal scratch posts, and a scratchpad. The gray wood laminate finish is both stylish and functional, it looks great and the surfaces are so easy to wipe clean.
The enclosed hideaways are at different heights to give your cat the privacy and security that he craves when he wants to relax or take a nap. Each den has circular windows for climbing through or just for peeking out of. Plus, there are also three comfy cushions included that are removable and machine-washable for extra convenience.
We thought this high-quality model was both durable and sturdy, and does come with an anchoring kit for wall attachment to make it extra safe.
Key Benefits
Gray laminate wood finish is stylish, durable and easy to wipe clean
52-inch cat tree with modern design
An elevated perch and two enclosed hideaways perfect for napping and lounging
Includes 4 natural sisal rope scratching posts, sisal scratching mat, and a rope toy
Soft, comfy cushions that are removable and machine washable
Frisco 62-in Modern Cat Tree & Condo
This 62-inch four-story cat tree has all the amenities that your cat needs, such as comfy places to hide, a high perching area, lots of levels to lounge out and various scratching posts. It will encourage your cat to explore, climb, and play.
There are six sturdy scratching posts wrapped in natural sisal rope and two sisal floor mats, which means your cat can have the choice of both horizontal and vertical scratching (some cats have a big preference!).
Cats love having elevated, enclosed spaces to sleep and relax, as it makes them feel safe and secure. Plus, each of the cozy condos has a comfy cushion included that is removable and machine washable.
This trendy design is available in two color styles: gray or natural. The laminate wood not only looks good it is also durable and easy to wipe clean. The only drawback we found with this model is that the top perch may be a little small for larger cats. However, it is a good quality, sturdy and entertaining cat tree overall!
Key Benefits
62-inch modern cat tree with a stylish laminate finish
Two cozy condos and an elevated perch
Six natural sisal wrapped scratching posts and two small sisal mats
Includes removable soft cushions that are machine washable
Wide base and a wall anchoring kit for stability
High quality, durable and easy to clean materials
Why Do Cats Like Cat Trees So Much?
But why do cats like climbing and perching up high? It goes back to a natural instinct of wanting to be up high off the ground so that they can have a good view of what is going on around them.
Wild cats climb trees or rocky cliffs to watch prey or get away from predators. Your cat has these same wild instincts to use a height for safety, that’s why they feel more secure when perched up high.
What are the Benefits of a Cat Tree?
A cat tree can offer lots of benefits for your kitty, from decreasing anxiety and stress to improving your cat’s overall health and wellbeing. It can offer your cat somewhere to play, climb, scratch, perch, and nap, and somewhere to escape and rest that is only for him.
- Exercise
Cat trees can encourage your cat to carry out lots of active behavior such as jumping, climbing, scratching, and playing. Encouraging your indoor cat to exercise can help him maintain a healthy weight and stimulate his mind to prevent unwanted behaviors associated with stress or boredom.
- Vertical space
Like we have mentioned many times before cats get comfort and security from being off the ground. A cat tree offers your cat a safe place to perform his natural behavior, instead of climbing your furniture or putting himself into precarious places around your home. Plus, if you have a small apartment with limited floor space then it makes sense to use vertical space instead.
- Multi-cat households
A cat tree can help keep the dynamics of a multicat household calmer and conflict-free. Usually, the cat with the higher status claims the highest perch on the tree, as a way to show that he or she is in charge. This simple act of moving to a higher perch might mean that physical confrontations and hair-standing screeching stand-offs are avoided. Plus, a large cat tree with multiple enclosed beds provides a quiet place for the cats in the household to escape.
- Timid cats
Timid cats can benefit a lot from having a cat tree to use in the home. A high perch or an enclosed bed off the ground can provide a safe place for them to relax. If you have a cat who likes to hide under the bed or behind the sofa, then a cat tree might be just the thing that tempts him out and makes him feel more relaxed and social.
- Scratching
Scratching is a natural feline behavior that allows them to keep their nails short and healthy. If your cat doesn’t have somewhere suitable to scratch then he is likely to choose your sofa, rugs, or other furniture. That is why it is important to provide a scratching substrate for your cat! Most cat trees have scratching pots or mats built-in or included, which are often made from natural sisal fibers that are strong, durable, and perfect for encouraging your cat to scratch.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Cat Tree for Large Cats
If your cat is on the bigger end of the scale then it is important to choose a cat tree that is both safe and functional for him. Many cat trees are made with smaller cats in mind, and might not support the weight of a larger cat. Try to choose the best cat tree you can afford; a good quality cat tree can last for years.
Let’s take a look at some things to consider before buying your big kitty a cat tree:
- Size & space
The size of the cat tree is important for large cats. You should choose one which has extra-large perches and beds so that your cat can fit into them comfortably. Plus, if the perches are too small your big cat will probably find it difficult to jump from one to another and may avoid them altogether. You might want to measure the length of your cat from nose to tail to get a good idea of how wide each perch should be.
In multicat households, taller cat trees with multiple levels are better, so that each cat has its own space. If you have already chosen an area in your home where you wish to put the cat tree, it is a good idea to measure it out properly to make sure it will fit.
- Stability
Whatever tree you choose for your big cat, it should be sturdy and not wobbly. One way to help ensure that your tree is extra stable is to choose one with a wide base. You need to be sure that it won’t move or sway when your large cat jumps up and down from it. If your cat thinks the structure is unstable then he is unlikely to feel comfortable using it. Cheaper cat trees tend to be lightweight, and those will not be suitable or safe for big cats. The sturdiest cat trees are held together using screws rather than the ones that have glued together pieces.
Most trees will have a recommended maximum weight-bearing capacity, so be sure to check that the weight it can support is suitable for your cat(s). The best way to ensure that a tall cat tree is safe and stable is to attach it to a wall or ceiling. Most of the larger cat trees on our list have a safety attachment included.
- Pet safe materials
Many cat trees and cat towers are made from pressed wood, an engineered combination of wood material compressed together under extreme heat and pressure. The end result is a cheaper, lightweight, durable, non-warping wood material. Real wood on the other hand is much stronger than engineered wood, but it does tend to be more expensive too.
Some are covered in faux fur for extra comfort, while others are covered in a laminate for durability and easy cleaning. It’s up to you to decide which one you prefer for your cat!
- Extra Features
Cat trees often include lots of extra entertaining features that can help to justify your investment! The most common ones include scratching posts, an enclosed bed/condo, hammock, dangling toys, or a tunnel. Many include removable cushions or extra scratch mats too.
Think about the additional features that would be useful for your cat. If he loves napping somewhere cozy and enclosed, then make sure you choose a cat tree with a comfortable condo. While if he tends to scratch your furniture up then make sure your cat tree choice has lots of sisal scratching posts included to tempt him to use those instead.
Where to Put the Cat Tree in Your Home?
From your cat’s perspective, he will probably want the cat tree placed in a location where he spends most of his time. It should be placed somewhere where your cat feels comfortable. Putting it out of sight in a barely used room or basement means it probably won’t get much action.
However, if your cat is timid or easily stressed then it might be better to place it in a quieter area of the home. You might need to play around with the location until you get it right.
Placing the tree beside a window is a good way of providing your cat with extra mental stimulation, as he can have fun watching things outside if he wants to.
Final Thoughts
Cats love to climb and perch up high, and providing your kitty with a cat tree is one of the easiest ways to provide the vertical territory your cat craves. It gives your cat a safe place to play, relax and observe the goings-on in your home. Plus, a simple cat tree offers lots of potential benefits for your cat including improved health and wellbeing!
Having somewhere to climb up or retreat to, will give your cat a sense of comfort and security. This is especially important if you have a multicat household, as the tree can help prevent or defuse confrontations and lower stress.
For larger cats, it is crucial to choose a strong, sturdy, and appropriately sized tree with big perches. That way your big cat will be safely elevated, comfortable, and happy!
