If you're a proud parent of not one, but a furry handful of feline companions, you know how essential a good cat tree is in a multi-cat household. Each cat needs ample space and an engaging environment to stay entertained, active, and harmoniously coexisting with the others. In this article, we'll go over what to look for in a multi-cat tree and give you our picks for the best cat trees for multiple cats on the market today.
Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. We're intimately familiar with the cat tree features that are most important to cats and cat parents alike. This list is based on consultation with a veterinarian, cat behaviorist, hundreds of online reviews, and our own experience as cat parents to determine which cat trees offer the best overall performance.
Tip: See our definitive list of the best cat trees for even more cat tree recommendations.
Milo Cat Tree by tuft + paw - Shop Here Credit: @dailymomofficial
Cheat Sheet: The Best Trees for Multiple Cats
1. tuft + paw Milo Cat Tree
Pros | quality materials, very stable, large size, lots of scratching surfaces, cat ramp, climbing pole, multiple perches, removable crystal hammock, easy to clean, removable carpet, stylish design |
Cons | expensive, involved assembly |
Materials | birch plywood, crystal hammock, carpet |
Size | 62”H x 53”L x 15”W |
Price | $999 |
2. Agile Oscar Plywood Cat Tree
Pros | quality materials, large size, multiple perches, lots of scratching surfaces, machine washable cushions, cat condo, easy to clean, fairly easy assembly, clean design |
Cons | expensive, some minor stability issues, some quality inconsistencies, mixed reviews of assembly instructions |
Materials | pine plywood, sisal rope, fabric cushions |
Size | 67”H x 27.6”L x 19”W |
Price | $250 |
3. PETLIBRO Infinity Castle Cat Tree
Pros | modular, stable, large size, multiple perches, lots of scratching surface, multiple toys, easy assembly, easy to clean, stylish design |
Cons | expensive, not recommended for XL cats, average material quality |
Materials | plastic, cardboard, jute rope, sponge-filled felt |
Size | 58.7”H x 30.8”L x 30.8”W |
Price | $400 |
4. FEANDREA 67-in Multi-Level Cat Tree
Pros | affordable, stable base, large size, lots of scratching surfaces, cat ramp, multiple perches, two condos, three dangling toys, three beds, large lounging surfaces |
Cons |
low quality materials, difficult assembly, inconsistent hardware, hard to clean, faux fur sheds, not very stylish, vulnerable to humidity |
Materials | particleboard, faux fleece, sisal rope |
Size | 67”H x 24"L x 19.3"W |
Price | $140 |
5. Frisco 72-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo
Pros | affordable, large size, lots of scratching surfaces, cat ramp, multiple perches, two condos, two dangling toys, large lounging surfaces, wall mount included |
Cons | recent quality concerns, minor stability issues, hard to clean, not very stylish, annoying assembly, faux fur sheds |
Materials | engineered wood, faux fleece, sisal |
Size | 72”H x 23.2”L x 21.3”W |
Price | $99 |
What Is a Multi-Cat Cat Tree?
A multi-cat tree caters to the needs of two or more cats. They’re bigger and more complex than your average cat tree, and the best ones take into account the dynamic interactions and diverse needs of a group of cats. Think of it as a communal playground where each cat can enjoy its own territory while still socializing in a collective space.
What to Look for in a Tree for Multiple Cats
As you venture into the world of multi-cat trees, there are specific attributes that should guide your decision-making process.
Large Size
Think of a multi-cat tree as a sprawling mansion rather than a cozy cottage. Cats are territorial, so you’ll need to accommodate the play, rest, and rivalry that occurs in a home with multiple cats. Opt for cat trees with generous dimensions, so each cat can find their own personal space without stepping on each other's paws.
Note: If one or more of your cats are particularly big, you might want to cross-reference with our list of the best cat trees for large cats. On the other hand, if you live with multiple cats in a small space, check out the best cat trees for apartments.
Multiple Perches
We’ll say it again: cats are territorial. A good multi-cat tree shouldn’t just be large, it should also have multiple perches to reduce competition for space. A variety of perches is nice too, so cats with different preferences can choose between condos, platforms, and beds.
Stability
A multi-cat cat tree should be sturdy and stable enough to support the weight of multiple cats snoozing, climbing and playing simultaneously. Look for models with broad bases and high quality construction, ensuring that the tree won't wobble even during the most energetic play sessions. Some XL cat trees even come with anchor points you can mount to the wall.
Material & Durability
With multiple cats using it, the wear and tear on a cat tree can be considerable. Opt for materials like natural wood or high-quality engineered wood (e.g. MDF, plywood) that can withstand daily abuse. Scratching surfaces should be made of high-density carpet or sisal/jute rope. These materials last much longer (and look better) than cardboard or faux fur.
Lots of Scratching Surfaces
Scratching is a communal affair in a multi-cat household. To prevent territorial disputes over scratching posts, choose a cat tree with numerous scratching surfaces. From vertical posts to horizontal panels, the more scratching options available, the less likely your cats are to vie for the same spot. This also distributes the scratching over a wider area, extending the lifespan of the scratching materials. If your cat tree doesn’t have many scratchable surfaces, you may need to get a scratching post to save your furniture.
Grove Cat Tower and Frond Cat Tree by tuft + paw
Accessibility
In a multi-cat family, not all cats are equally agile. Consider the varying ages and mobilities of each cat when shopping for a tree. Look for cat trees with ramps, steps, and easily climbed platforms that cater to cats of all sizes and ages. Accessibility ensures that every cat can reach their preferred perches without feeling left out. Also consider the routes your cats will take to go up and down the tree—you don’t want a traffic jam when one decides to come down from the top perch.
Easy Assembly
As a multi-cat parent, you've got your hands full. The last thing you need is a cat tree that requires a complex engineering degree to assemble. Seek out options that come with straightforward assembly instructions and all the necessary tools. Check reviews to see what previous customers thought of the assembly process.
Other Features
Some multi-cat cat trees go above and beyond the basics. Condos, interactive toys, or even integrated feeding stations can add an extra layer of excitement for your feline crew. Consider your cats’ preferences and choose a tree that caters to them. Alternatively, you could look for features that you appreciate, like a stylish design as seen in the best modern cat trees. Keep in mind that extra features should never compromise the tree's stability and primary functionality.
Our Criteria for Choosing the Best Multi-Cat Trees
- Large size — The best trees for multiple cats should be large. This includes height, perch/bed size, and length of scratching surfaces to allow stretching.
- Build quality — A good multi-cat tree should be sturdy and made from durable materials.
- Cat comfort — A comfortable cat tree should have soft lounging surfaces, a stable structure, and enough room for each cat to stretch and sleep.
- Multiple perches — A good multi-cat tree should have multiple elevated perches for watching the world go by (aka “cat TV”).
- Accessibility — A multi-cat tree should be accessible and easily climbable for every cat in your household.
- Scratching features — includes sisal wrapped poles and scratchable fabric panels.
- Other features — toys, condos, ropes, hammocks, etc.
- Ease of cleaning — look for easily vacuumed/wiped materials like wood and carpet. Faux fur is generally harder to keep clean.
- Stylish design — Cats don't care much about aesthetics, but it sure is nice for cat parents! We love a cat tree that does its job well and is easy on the eyes.
- Price
Deep Dive: The 5 Best Cat Trees for Multiple Cats
1. tuft + paw Milo Cat Tree
Price: $999
Rating: 4.8/5 with 28 tuft + paw reviews
Size: 62”H x 53”L x 15”W
Materials: Birch plywood, crystal hammock, carpet
Disclaimer: Yes, we included our own cat tree here. This is because we truly think it performs excellently compared to other cat trees on the market. We subjected it to the same scrutiny as every other product on this list and asked for honest opinions from experts and cat parents.
The Milo Cat Tree is our pick for the best tree for multiple cats because it has almost everything a cat or cat parent could possibly want. Think of it like a jungle gym for cats, with multiple roomy perches, a carpeted climbing pole, and a carpeted ramp for getting all those zoomies out. The design is tall and stylish, and constructed from super sturdy birch plywood. All the platforms are covered in the same high-density carpet as the pole and ramp, but with the addition of velcro for easy removal, vacuuming, and cleaning. The carpet serves three purposes: 1) it’s durable and satisfying to scratch, 2) it’s comfy to lounge on, and 3) it makes the whole tree very easy to climb. There’s also an optional crystal hammock for the top platform which can be swapped out if your cats don’t take to it (but most love it).
Of course, the big drawback to the Milo is its high price point, which is not within every cat parent’s budget. Considering the long-lasting materials, it will likely outlive multiple poorer quality cat trees, but it is definitely a splurge at first. The only other weakness is that the assembly may take a while with a manual screwdriver. Some reviews mention using an electric screwdriver to speed up the process.
Tip: Milo also makes a great cat tower for large cats, whether you have one cat or multiple.
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2. Agile Oscar Plywood Cat Tree
Credit: Agile
Price: $250
Rating: 4.5/5 with 20 Agile reviews
Size: 67”H x 27.6”L x 19”W
Materials: pine plywood, sisal rope, fabric cushions
Agile has a reputation for making quality cat trees with a pared-back, minimal style, and the Oscar is a great example of that. Its pine plywood structure is stable and durable enough to withstand the rough and tumble play of multiple cats. Every post is completely wrapped in sisal for maximum scratching surface, and the four perches plus condo ensure no cat will have to fight for space (unless you have, like, six cats). We really like that the cloth cushions are removable and machine washable, which also makes wiping down the tree easy.
As with most decent quality multi-cat trees, the Agile Oscar Plywood Cat Tree is on the pricier side. Most reviews are very positive, but a few mention some quality inconsistencies which we wouldn’t expect from a tree in this price range. A couple mention receiving cracked or chipped wood parts, but they were minor or fixable with wood glue. There are a couple accounts of slight wobbliness, but these reviews also mention having trouble with the assembly instructions (all pictures, no text), so it could be due to improper assembly.
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3. PETLIBRO Infinity Castle Cat Tree
Credit: PETLIBRO
Price: $400
Rating: 4.5/5 with 2 PetLibro reviews
Size: 58.7”H x 30.8”L x 30.8”W
Materials: Plastic, cardboard, jute rope, sponge-filled felt
PETLIBRO is best known for their smart cat products, but they’ve also recently launched the second-generation of their modular Infinity cat tree. This clever design allows all the components to be mixed and matched in different configurations depending on your cats’ needs. For example, the image above is of the taller “Castle” configuration, but the same pieces can also create two smaller trees. If you purchase more pieces, you can keep adding to the tree and build it out however you like. It’s like cat parent LEGO! For this “Castle” version, we like the large size, multiple perches, and amount of scratching surface area. The assembly is also very quick and easy, with each piece screwing or snapping into place with minimal hardware. And of course, we appreciate the stylish design.
While certainly innovative, the Infinity Cat Tree is not perfect. The main drawback is the price: the “Castle” is $400, but the smallest tree still clocks in at $200. Building a larger custom cat tree will cost a pretty penny. Given the price, we aren’t super impressed by the materials. The interlocking pieces are primarily plastic and the scratch pads are cardboard. Time will tell if the plastic components are adequately durable, but at the time of writing there are very few reviews for this product. Furthermore, PETLIBRO does not recommend this tree for Maine Coons, so it’s probably not sturdy enough for XL cats.
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4. FEANDREA 67-in Multi-Level Cat Tree
Credit: Amazon
Price: $140
Rating: 4.8/5 with 6,400 Amazon reviews
Size: 67”H x 24"L x 19.3"W
Materials: particleboard, faux fleece, sisal rope
Multi-cat trees can get pricey, but the FEANDREA 67-in Multi-Level Cat Tree is a great option for cat parents on a budget. This jumbo tree has tons of lounging space and perches, including three padded beds and two condos. Every post has a sisal-wrapped section for scratching, and the cat ramp makes it more accessible for cats with limited mobility (though they may still have trouble getting to the top perches). For a budget tree, it has uncommonly good reviews regarding stability. Overall, it does the job for a reasonable price and has enough room for three or four cats.
As with any budget tree, this FEANDREA tree suffers from some quality issues. The platforms are made of particleboard, which makes them susceptible to moisture. Complicated assembly and hardware inconsistencies compound this issue, whether through missing screws or a particular screw not being long enough to connect two pieces as intended. Some reviews mention platforms becoming unstable due to weakening particleboard or poor hardware. We also aren’t fans of the faux fleece, which sheds, wears out quickly, and is hard to clean.
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5. Frisco 72-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo
Credit: Chewy
Price: $99
Rating: 4.8/5 with 13,000 Chewy reviews
Size: 72”H x 23.2”L x 21.3”W
Materials: engineered wood, faux fleece, sisal
The Frisco 72-in Faux Fur Cat Tree is similar to our last pick, but even taller and cheaper—it’s probably the largest cat tree you can get for $100. It’s got all the features you need for multiple cats: lots of perches, two condos, scratching surface aplenty, and even two cat ramps. The perches are large enough to fit cats of most sizes, and the ramps make this tree a little more accessible for cats with poor mobility. We particularly like the included wall mount, which helps with the tree’s stability—a key consideration with multiple cats using it.
As with our last pick, this massive tree favors quantity over quality. It’s impressively large for the price, but that also means corners are cut when it comes to materials. Many of the poor reviews come from cat parents who had purchased this same tree before, but upon repurchasing found the new version to be lacking. Complaints include wobbly posts, sisal rope unwinding from the posts, and faux fur ripping very quickly. Therefore, we recommend this tree for easygoing cats who don’t put their trees through the ringer (kitten parents beware). Some users also found the assembly challenging, which was occasionally exacerbated by a missing screw. Lastly, the faux fur is hard to clean and not very stylish.
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Multi-Cat Tree FAQs
Can a single cat tree accommodate all my cats comfortably?
Yes, but you need to pick the right one. While a single cat tree can serve as a communal hub for your cats, it's essential to choose one with multiple perches and ample lounging space. Multi-cat cat trees are designed to provide each cat with its own spot to perch, rest, and observe. Look for spacious models with varying heights and platforms to ensure that each cat has its personal space.
How do I prevent territorial conflicts among my cats when using a multi-cat cat tree?
The key to preventing territorial conflicts is providing multiple perches and hiding spots. Cats need to establish their territories, and a multi-cat cat tree with diverse resting areas allows them to coexist peacefully. Additionally, choosing a cat tree with scratching surfaces scattered across various levels can help alleviate tension over shared resources.
Are multi-cat cat trees sturdy enough for multiple cats to play on?
Yes, they should be! The best multi-cat cat trees are designed with stability in mind. They usually feature sturdy bases, strong materials, and durable construction to withstand the energetic play of multiple cats. Look for models with a robust build and positive customer reviews to ensure that the tree can handle the dynamic interactions of your cats.
How do I ensure fair access to the cat tree for all my cats?
Accessibility is crucial in a multi-cat household. Opt for cat trees with ramps, steps, and wide platforms that cater to cats of various ages and sizes. This ensures that all your cats can comfortably reach their preferred perches without any issues. Choose a design that accommodates the agility of all your cats, whether kittens, healthy adults, or seniors.
Can multi-cat cat trees accommodate larger breeds of cats?
Yes, many multi-cat cat trees are designed to accommodate cats of all sizes, including larger breeds. Look for models with spacious perches and sturdy constructions that can support the weight of larger cats. Reading product specifications and reviews from other cat owners with similar-sized cats can help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect cat tree when you’ve got multiple cats in your household can be a tall task, but hopefully this article has provided you with some promising recommendations and clarified what you’re looking for. Our first choice is the tuft + paw Milo Cat Tree for its standout build quality, size, and array of features, but it might be out of budget for some. If you want a tree that’s still decent quality but somewhat less expensive, check out the Agile Oscar Plywood Cat Tree. If you have specific size requirements or intend to adopt another cat or two in the future, the PETLIBRO Infinity Cat Tree is a great option—its modular design allows you to add to it as needed. Finally, our favorite budget options are the FEANDREA 67-in Multi-Level Cat Tree and Frisco 72-in Faux Fur Cat Tree. They’re not high quality or particularly stylish, but they provide the essentials at an affordable price. Whichever tree you end up with, remember to base your decision on your cats’ past behavior and preferences. Good luck!