Cat towers are the creme de la creme of cat accessories. Giving your cat a literal platform from which to observe their surroundings (i.e., their kingdom), your feline will love nothing more than scampering up that tower and perching on top. Cat towers come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so it’s super easy to find one to fit your space. Plus, they’re great for those with limited floor space, since they’re largely vertical with a comparatively small footprint.
Most towers come with sisal rope scratching posts for your cat to sharpen their talons on, which will encourage them to lay off of your couch and armchair for once. All in all, a sturdy tower is the ultimate treat for your cat—and we’re quite sure that if they could thank you for it, they would. So, pick up the best cat tower from our guide today; we’ve got options for all budgets and tastes, so pick your favorite from our selection.
Best Cat Tower to Consider
When it comes to choosing the best cat tower, there are a few factors to take into consideration. Let’s take a walk through what to look out for when you’re shopping:
Height/Footprint
Make sure your chosen cat tower fits your home without impeding your floor space. Any good cat tower will have the dimensions outlined, so you should have a clear idea of what size to expect when it arrives. Of course, more height usually equals more platforms for your kitty to play and snooze on, so if you want to really treat them, it’s good to go large. That said, your feline will still adore cozying up in a 1 or 2-level cat tower, especially if there’s a cubbyhole or domed bed for them to curl up in.
Materials
We always advise going for real wood when it comes to cat towers. Real wood, like maple, pine, or cedar, provides plenty of stability and durability, so it’ll hold its own against energetic cats and plenty of playtime. On the other hand, real wood costs more than alternatives like MDF—so if you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful cat tower, MDF can fit the bill.
Typically, cat towers come with an integrated scratching post—look for sisal rope covering the post, as this will provide a scratchy surface your cat will love getting their claws stuck into. They’re often designed with built-in cat toys to add more fun to playtime, too.
54-Inch Cat Tower
Measuring a tall 54 inches, this cat tower by Archie & Oscar fits the bill in both design and price. Coming in at a very reasonable price tag, this cat tower offers plenty of bang for your buck, and your kitty will adore exploring their new mini adventure park. Boasting a whopping 7 levels with 2 hideaway houses and 3 top perches for those 360-degree views, your cat can stretch their legs, observe their kingdom, and get some beauty sleep with this one.
Featuring a sisal rope scratching post, you can also encourage your kitty to skip the couch and head straight for their designated scratch-spot instead. And, finished with a sturdy base, this cat tower will stand tall and strong, even if you’ve got a troupe of kittens enjoying an energetic playtime on it.
Pros:
- 5 colors available
- Multiple levels
- Scratching post with sisal rope
- Stable base
- Great price tag
Cons:
- Best to assemble with the help of a friend
72-Inch Cat Tower
Giving your kitty fantastic views of their surroundings, this 72-inch cat tower is about as opulent as it gets. Complete with a hanging toy, multiple levels, 2 cat condos, and easy-to-use ramps for effortless access, this cat tower is both a snoozing spot and play area wrapped into one.
Featuring several sisal rope scratching posts for your cats to get their claws stuck into, this cat tower is also covered with an ultra-plush faux fur fabric—ideal for getting cozy on a chilly day.
Pros:
- Covered in faux fur
- Plenty of levels
- Scratching posts built-in
- Incredibly tall at 72 inches
Cons:
- A bit pricey
Wall-Mounted Cat Tower
A cat tower for those felines who love a challenge, this option by Tucker Murphy is not for the faint-hearted. Comprising of a super tall sisal rope post, your kitty will love flexing their muscles while scrambling up this cat tower. Not to mention, the sisal rope is great for scratching those talons!
Made with 4 platforms on which they can take a breather and check out their surroundings, this cat tower offers space to play, snooze, and relax all-in-one. It’s also slightly different from other cat towers in that it wedges between your floor and ceiling, which helps it stay reliably sturdy even when your cat is careering up and down.
Pros:
- Sits between your floor and ceiling
- Platforms to rest and nap
- Super sturdy
- Suitable for multiple cats
- Excellent for exercise
Cons:
- Takes a bit of effort to assemble
33-Inch Cat Tower
Treat your kitties without breaking the bank thanks to this great-value cat tower. Made with high-quality materials and featuring a sturdy design that’ll withstand endless energetic play, this cat tower offers ample scope for your cat to snooze, play, and relax. It’s not quite as tall as our other favorites at 33 inches, but this is excellent news if you’re a bit short on space as it is.
Boasting 2 sisal-wrapped posts, a comfy hammock, a cubbyhole on the base, and a top platform for 360-degree views, this cat tower has everything we’re looking for.
Pros:
- Sturdy and stable
- Good value
- Plush fabric cover
- Includes hammock, hanging toy, cubbyhole, and scratching posts
Cons:
- Smaller at 33 inches
Sievers Cat Tree
Cats love a hammock, and this cat tower offers a cozy one for them to bed down in. Plus, since it’s tall, spacious, and covered with soft faux fur, this cat tower creates the perfect perch for your feline to watch over their space, stretch their legs, and simply hang out.
Along with several platforms, hammock, and cozy cubbyhole, this one also features a hanging ball toy for your feline to bat and play with as they wish. We recommend placing this cat tower near a window, so your feline can climb to the top platform and gaze out at the world outside.
Pros:
- Includes platforms, hammock, cubbyhole, and hanging toy
- Great value
- Covered in faux fur
- Features sisal rope scratching posts
Cons:
- Not quite as sturdy as the rest, so better for kittens or smaller cats
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a cat tower?
Look out for real wood designs, as this will give your cat tower the best chance of surviving rough-and-tumble play while keeping it sturdy and strong. Multiple levels are excellent for your cat, too, since they give them all the more space to play and snooze. Also, any cat tower worth its salt will feature a sisal rope scratching post and few engaging cat toys; this is key for saving your furniture from those claws.
How high should a cat tower be?
In an ideal world, your cat tower should measure up to around 1 meter or above; this will satisfy your cat’s instinct to be high up while giving them a good view of the room around them. Alternatively, you can opt for a cat tower that equals or exceeds your window height, so your cat can observe the outside world from their perch.
Should the cat tower be by the window?
It’s a great idea to pop your cat tower near a window if you can. This will give your cat a lovely view of the street or garden outside, and they’ll love spotting wildlife and spying on passers-by. This is especially important for indoor cats, as it’ll give them visual access to a world they don’t normally get to explore.
Are cat towers worth it?
100%. Cat towers offer your cat plenty of scope for play, rest, and exploration while giving them a good view of their space. Cats instinctively like to be up high, and the top level of a cat tree or tower will nurture those primal instincts by allowing them to observe the room around them (and, of course, look out for potential predators!).
Are tall cat trees safe?
Tall cat trees are safe as long as they’re bolstered by a sturdy, weighty base. You must also ensure your cat is old enough and agile enough to navigate multiple platforms; giving a small kitten a huge cat tree can be a recipe for disaster, since they won’t have developed their coordination skills well enough to tackle such a great height.
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