The Best Small Cat Trees

Cat trees can be an important part of a cat’s everyday activity, but some designs take up a lot of space in your home. If you’re looking for a way to keep your kitties occupied without taking over the whole living room, a smaller cat tree may be just what you need. We’ve rounded up the best of the best to help you save money and give your cats a place to call their own.

What to Look For

When narrowing down the best small cat trees, we considered design, comfortability, price, and practicality. For example, if you want something stylish that would feel at home in a living room, Catry’s scratching post cat tree is fashionable enough to hold its own with the rest of your furniture. If you want something classic and affordable, the Amazon Basics cat tree tower is chock-full of entertainment without breaking the bank. Keep reading to see all our top picks and find the cat tree that’s right for you and your furry friend.

Amazon Basics Cat Tree Tower

Less is more

With a space to lounge and a space to play, this straightforward cat tree design is about as simple and sweet as it gets.
Best Overall

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If you’re new to the world of cat trees, you don’t have to dive in head first. This bare-bones model has everything you need, and if you’re interested in keeping things simple, this is about as simple as it gets. It features two scratching posts with a cat hammock in between, and that’s it. Don’t be fooled; this no-frills design is still plenty entertaining for your furry friends. It’s comfortable, scratch-able, and sleep-able. Best of all, the price is purr-fect. In this range, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better bargain out there.

Pros:

  • Since there are so few pieces, assembly is straightforward and easy.
  • The base is sturdy and isn’t prone to tipping over.

Cons:

  • It lacks some of the plush comforts that other models have.

SYANDLVY Small Cat Tree

Home sweet home

This tiny cat tree comes with plenty of add-ons for your cats to play on and explore.
Runner Up

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This cat tree boasts an extremely plush top perch that’s extra long to let cats stretch out and sunbathe. It also has a sisal board that doubles as a ramp for more adventurous kitties. Underneath, there is a sisal post and a cat condo, so multiple cats can play and nap at the same time. Despite all these features, it doesn’t take up much space. It leaves a small footprint on your home’s layout and provides your cats with plenty to occupy themselves with. We call that a win-win.

Pros:

  • The short and compact design makes it extra sturdy and prevents tipping.
  • The extra-wide top perch is great for larger cats that can’t fit on standard perches.

Cons:

  • Assembly instructions aren’t very clear.

Happi N Pets Cloud Cat Scratching Post with Bed

Shoot for the stars

This playful cat tree comes with comfortable padding and a head-turning design.
Most Creative

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This may look more like something you’d find in a child’s nursery than a cat’s lair, but it’s fun and adorable either way. This cloud-inspired cat tree gives your furry friend a fluffy space to lay their head and several shooting stars hanging below to play with. It has an extremely soft pad for them to lay on, and it’s removable and machine-washable for added convenience. On top of it all, the aesthetic is clever and cute. If you want to give your kitty a comfy place to sleep and play, this cozy cat tree could cause a cuteness overload.

Pros:

  • This cat tree is a little less than knee-height, so it doesn’t take up much space at all.
  • The perch’s comfortable plush fabric is perfect for sleeping.

Cons:

  • This cat tree may shake easily when used by larger cats.

Yaheetech Small Cat Tree Tower

Get some shut eye

This fluffy cat tree is a dream for kitties that love to sleep.
Best For Sleeping

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Cats are notoriously sleepy, except maybe when they’re supposed to be, which means they may spend a lot of time napping during the day. If you’re the proud owner of a sleepyhead, this cat tree may be right up your alley. It comes loaded with an extra-wide, foam-padded top perch for comfortable sleeping. It also has a lower cat condo, so multiple cats can sleep or hang out at the same time. This cat tree is hard to beat for cats that want to catch a few Zz’s.

Pros:

  • It has a removable dangling toy in case your kitties are feeling energetic and want to play.
  • We like that it comes in three different colors, so you can pick one that fits your home’s style.

Cons:

  • The rope on the scratching posts may not last as long as other brands, but it’s still relatively durable.

Catry Scratching Post Cat Tree

Modern and minimal

This cat tree has a midcentury design that fits in amongst your furniture instead of standing out as an eyesore.
Most Fashionable

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This trendy cat tree may look more like a mid-century modern home than a place for your cats to play, but it gets the job done just the same. This fashion-forward cat tree features a cat condo area, a scratching pole, and a perch to climb on. It’s only 30 inches tall, so it won’t take up much room. Best of all, the wood paneling and classy design make it a great addition to any living room or den. Who knows? It may just tie the whole room together.

Pros:

  • It features two cozy spots for cats to sleep, so it’s still fit for multiple cats despite its small size.
  • Since all the fleece pads are removable, they’re easy to wash in the washing machine.

Cons:

  • It may not be big enough for large cats to lounge on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cat trees for sleeping or playing?

Ideally, cat trees can do both. Most cat trees come with scratching posts and bed areas so cats can scratch or climb up the post and lounge on the perch. Some even have dangling toys attached. They’re meant to be both a playground and a home for your cats.

How big can cat trees get?

It’s not uncommon for cat trees to be up to five feet tall or even taller. Some are meant for climbing or for multiple cats, so they may have four or five different perches for them to lie on. When it comes to cat trees, the sky is the limit.

About the Author

Mitchell is a proud dad of two rescued feral cats, and he is very fond of their curious nature. He knows that it takes some time for cats to open up to their humans, and he knows exactly how daunting it can be to be a first time cat owner. He hopes to share his expertise and his experiences with his own cats with other cat owners so they can give their pets happy, healthy lives.

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