How to Choose a Modern Cat Tree

A cat tree creates a simple design challenge: it is often one of the largest objects in the room, yet rarely the most attractive. Many models are designed for a pet-shop aisle rather than a living room, which is why they so often end up pushed into a corner — or avoided altogether.

Yet the qualities that make a cat tree work well for your cat — height, stability and materials — are also the qualities that make it easier to live with at home. Here is how to assess them, in the right order.

1. Start with height, not style

Cats climb to observe their surroundings and find a secure elevated position. Height is therefore a core function of a cat tree, but taller is not automatically better: an oversized structure can quickly overwhelm a smaller living room.

• Under 100 cm — useful for kittens, older cats or rooms where floor and visual space are limited. See Ris or Björk.
• 120 to 150 cm — a versatile range for an active adult cat. Lönn and Lund sit in this category.
• 170 cm and above — suited to cats that climb frequently or multi-cat households that need several levels. Fura, Asp and Bok cover this need.
• Floor to ceiling — the most vertical option for a relatively compact footprint. Kaktus and Skog use pressure mounting between the floor and ceiling.

Before choosing, measure your ceiling height. For a conventional freestanding model, also allow comfortable clearance above the highest platform.

2. Stability is what separates furniture from a disposable accessory

A cat tree that noticeably moves when your cat jumps onto it is less inviting to use and can loosen over time. Stability should therefore be assessed before decorative details.

Three elements are especially useful to compare:

• The base. A wider, heavier base generally gives a tall structure better support.
• Post diameter. On larger models, thicker posts generally provide greater rigidity and a broader scratching surface.
• Total weight. A heavier structure is usually less prone to movement when a large or active cat lands on an upper platform.

If you have a larger breed such as a Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat or Ragdoll, these dimensions matter even more. Rot combines an approximately 22 kg structure, 11 cm posts and a 60 × 56 cm base. Alm addresses the same need in a taller, slimmer format with platforms designed for a longer body. See our dedicated guide to cat trees for Maine Coons and large cats for a fuller comparison.

3. Compare the footprint, not just the height

This is one of the easiest details to overlook. A cat tree may fit perfectly under the ceiling but still take up more usable floor space than expected.

Before ordering, mark the stated footprint on the floor with masking tape where you plan to place it. Leave it there for a day or two: it gives you a much more realistic sense of how the size affects circulation around the room.

In a studio or already furnished living room, two approaches work particularly well: a compact model near a window, such as Sten, or a floor-to-ceiling model that uses vertical space rather than spreading outward. Browse our For Small Spaces collection for suitable options.

4. Materials determine how well it ages

A cat tree is used every day, scratched and climbed repeatedly. Materials therefore matter as much for long-term appearance as they do for function.

• Natural sisal or durable scratching fibre. Look for a substantial, well-secured scratching surface rather than a thin decorative wrap.
• Removable or brushable textiles. Surfaces that are easier to clean are more practical when hair and dust build up.
• Understated finishes. Beige, cream and light wood are easy to coordinate with many interiors and tend to remain visually calm as the room evolves.

Browse our Light Wood & Natural Tones collection for pieces built around this palette.

5. Give it a place in the room instead of hiding it

A well-chosen cat tree does not need to be disguised. Treat it like furniture: position it near a window, in a corner or in line with an existing bookcase or cabinet.

A few simple principles make a noticeable difference:

• Place it beside a source of natural light, where your cat is already likely to spend time.
• Coordinate its wood tone with the furniture already in the room rather than trying to match every pet accessory.
• One well-sized cat tree can often replace several separate objects by combining scratching, resting and elevated observation.

Some models are designed to work as decorative pieces in their own right: Strand with its natural driftwood, Ek with its furniture-like form, or Blom with flower-shaped platforms. In a larger room, Gran can function as a genuine statement piece.

In summary

Choose in this order: height according to your cat's behaviour, stability according to their size and activity, footprint according to your room, then materials according to how you want the piece to age. Once those points are right, style becomes much easier to decide.

Explore all our models in the Cat Trees collection, where dimensions, post diameter and recommended number of cats are listed on each product page.