Cat furniture is supposed to be a jungle gym for your cat. Few cats get to go outside for exercise, mental well-being, or tuning their hunting skills — and cat furniture exists to satisfy those needs. The best cat tree is one that’s stable enough, never wobbles, is built from real materials that last, and sized right for your cat and your home. The right pick also depends on your cat: a big cat needs a heavier build, an older cat does better with gentler steps, and a busy multi-cat household needs more space to share. We build every one of our trees by hand here in Saint Paul, so this guide is really just how we think about picking a good one.
What makes a cat tree actually good
A good cat tree should be stable with a low center of gravity. The base of the structure must be heavier than just a flat board — it needs a generous footprint and real weight underneath. That means plywood and solid wood over particleboard, and 2x4s and 4x4s instead of the cheap paper tubes holding up most of what you’ll find online.
This matters because a cat tree isn’t a display piece. As a jungle gym, it has to handle the rigors of active, full-grown cats — plural. The platforms, tunnels, and landing spaces should be large enough for real comfort and maneuverability. And nothing should be too steep: cats are bold, but a well-designed tree works with how cats actually move, not against it.
How to match a tree to your cat
Not every tree is right for every cat or every home. A few things worth thinking about before you choose:
Small apartment: A simple pedestal or cubby in a small living space can still be very effective. Remember — it’s your cat’s living space too. Give them something worth having, even in a tight footprint.
Multiple cats: First, figure out how well your cats actually get along. There’s no point in a design built for two cats sharing a platform if they won’t use it together. Cats who do get along need something that provides enough space to share comfortably — look for rims around the platforms for security when playing and comfort when sleeping.
Big or heavy cat: This is where build quality really shows. Most online trees wobble under a large cat, which means the cat won’t use them. Every Purrniture tree is built heavy enough that this isn’t a concern.
Older or declawed cat: The design should have a step system that’s not too steep. Even young cats seldom like jumping all the way to the floor. A good step design is important for any cat, and essential for seniors.
Our top picks
We make nearly two dozen models, but here are the ones we’d point most people to first — sorted by the kind of cat or home they suit best.
The Orbitor — Best for active climbers
from $350 · 24″ base, 52″ tall, 80 lbs
The Orbitor is our signature design — the one that started it all. It’s designed with the flow. Like a fountain, cats can move through, around, up and down without stopping. Every area has an element of fun: a vertical tunnel, nooks to explore, big platforms for lounging. The shorter climbs also make it a good fit for older cats who can’t make the big leaps anymore. Best for two or three cats.
The Whisker Villa — Best for multi-cat homes
from $450 · half-moon base
Built to keep up to three cats happy, with a spot for each. The half-moon base fits neatly against a wall — a great use of space in a living room or bedroom. It stacks a roomy cubby, an extra-long cradle, a platform, and a scoop, so no one has to share if they don’t want to.
The Colonade — Best for older or declawed cats
from $510 · 36″×24″ base, 67″ tall, 100 lbs
The step design means cats climb instead of jump, so a senior cat can still reach the top without the big leaps — while younger cats stay active and fit. Recommended for three or more cats, and one of our most thoughtfully designed pieces for households where not every cat moves the same way.
The Tom Towers — Best for height in a small footprint
from $375 · 24″ base, 66″ tall, 75 lbs
Our tallest model on a compact base. A cradle sits between two tall posts with two platforms up top — cats who love a high vantage point will claim the top and stay there. Takes up almost no floor space. Ideal for two or three cats.
The Castle Royale — Best for big cats & big households
from $650 · 42″×24″ base, 72″ tall, 160 lbs
Our showpiece, and the one to look at if you have a big cat or a busy household. At 160 pounds it doesn’t budge under any cat. It pulls from every design in our library — cubby, vertical tunnel, tall climbing post, unity tube, and two platforms up top — with room for up to eight cats. A real piece of furniture, not something you’ll want to hide in a corner.
The Sleeper — Best for small spaces & smaller budgets
from $195
Under $200 and made for window lounging. Two scratching posts and two perches where cats can stretch out and watch the world go by. A great fit for apartments, or as a first tree.
Quick comparison
| Tree | Best for | Size | From | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orbitor | Active climbers; 2–3 cats | 24” base, 52” tall, 80 lbs | $350 | Vertical tunnel up to the top platform |
| Whisker Villa | Multi-cat homes (up to 3) | Half-moon base; fits a wall or window | $450 | Cubby, cradle, platform & scoop |
| Colonnade | Older or declawed cats; 3+ cats | 36” × 24” base, 67” tall, 100 lbs | $510 | Gentle step design — climb, don’t jump |
| Tom Towers | Height in a small footprint; 2–3 cats | 24” base, 66” tall, 75 lbs | $375 | Tall tower on a compact base |
| Castle Royale | Big cats & big households | 42” × 24” base, 72” tall, 160 lbs | $650 | Room for up to 8 cats; every feature |
| Sleeper | Small spaces & smaller budgets | Compact (window height) | $195 | Window lounging for under $200 |
How much should you spend?
You get what you pay for with cat furniture. As an industry, the focus is too often on ship-ability and shelf space — not on whether the product actually works for cats. Spending money on something your cat won’t use, or that breaks soon after purchase, is the plague of this industry.
Cat furniture should be seen as a quality-of-life investment. Spend the right amount up front and you’ll enjoy the benefits for years to come — and so will your cat.
Seeing them in person (Twin Cities)
Pictures don’t do justice. Come see, feel, shake, and pretend you are the cat — in person. The “Sturdy Test” has to be part of the buying experience. We’re in Saint Paul, and we offer local delivery in the Twin Cities for around $50.
Not in the Twin Cities?
Can’t stop in? Read our reviews. Take a look at the “Catisfied Customers” page. Even our smaller designs are well loved — each piece has a function. Our wall shelves and desk toppers ship easily and are a great starting point if you’re outside the area.
Keeping a cat tree in good shape
Keeping your Purrniture looking new does take regular attention. Hair buildup, dander, even the occasional “upchuck” — these are all part of the purpose of cat furniture. A weekly brushing with a metal-toothed brush keeps the hair off. A vacuuming picks up dander and nail sheaths. Regular maintenance keeps the fresh appearance going for many years, and routine “fix-ups” of the carpet will extend the life of the piece as well.
FAQ
Which cat trees are best for small apartments?
A cubby or basic pedestal like the Sleeper works well in a smaller space. You don’t need a large footprint to give your cat something great — even a 30-inch piece can be a jungle gym if it’s built right.
Which cat trees are best for multiple cats?
The Sleeper works for one or two cats, but for four or more you’ll want something with more platforms and perches — the Whisker Villa, Colonade, or Castle Royale are all built with multi-cat households in mind.
What’s the best cat tree for a big or heavy cat?
All of them — because every Purrniture tree is built heavy and solid. That’s the thing that sets handcrafted solid-wood trees apart from what you’ll find online. A wobbly tree is a tree a big cat won’t use.
What are the best tall cat trees for climbing?
The Colonade, Whisker Villa, and Tom Towers are our tallest models and the best picks for cats who love to climb. The Tom Towers in particular gives a lot of height on a small footprint.
Are tall cat trees safe?
A well-built tall tree is perfectly safe. Mass-produced cat towers are another story — if a tree is tall and wobbly, the cat won’t go to the top, which defeats the purpose. One design to avoid entirely: the tension pole that presses against the ceiling. It may feel sturdy at first, but when it gets used as a jungle gym it pulls away from the ceiling and comes down. Our trees are freestanding and heavy — no ceiling required.
How do I get my cat to actually use the tree?
Proper placement. Where you hang out, they hang out. Put the tree where your cat already spends time — near a window, in the living room, wherever the household gathers — and they’ll find it on their own.
How long should a good cat tree last?
The frame of a Purrniture tree lasts forever. What wears over time is the carpet — a couple of years depending on the number of cats. Replacing the carpet is part of the “ownership equity” of cat furniture: the frame is a long-term investment, and refreshing the carpet keeps it feeling new. We can help with that too.
Come See Us
We build the best cat furniture in the world — and yes, we have toys too. Tuesday through Saturday, 9am to 5pm. Or you can browse online here:
