Cat trees are–let’s be honest–pretty ugly most of the time. Thankfully, a new generation of modern cat trees have burst onto the scene and are slowly pushing out the beige carpeted monstrosities we know so well. The best modern cat trees blend form and function, giving cats all the features they need without being an eyesore for their humans. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of what to look for in a modern cat tree and give you our picks for the best modern cat trees 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.
Grove Cat Tower by tuft + paw - Shop Here
Cheat Sheet: The Best Modern Cat Trees
1) tuft + paw Frond Cat Tree
| Pros | high quality materials, lots of scratching surfaces, 3 adjustable perches, easy to clean, slim profile, stable base, easy assembly, stylish design |
| Cons | expensive, no cushions, platforms too small for XL cats |
| Materials | solid ash connectors, sisal wrapped column, premium plywood with ash veneer |
| Size | 49”H x 24”W x 24”D |
| Price | $299 |
2) Catit Vesper Treehouse Medium Cat Tree
| Pros | good size, decent materials, multiple perches, cat hammock, cat condo, lots of scratching surface, easy to clean, replacement parts available, 3 sizes available, stylish design |
| Cons | expensive, involved assembly, very few reviews |
| Materials | wood posts, memory foam cushions, faux fleece, sisal rope |
| Size | 49” H x 28.3” W x 22.6” D |
| Price | $260-$350 |
3) tuft + paw Grove Cat Tower
| Pros | high quality materials, very stable, top perch and bottom bed, 360 degree visibility, stylish design, easy assembly, easy to clean, two sizes available |
| Cons | expensive, no scratching surfaces, limited accessibility for tall version |
| Materials | premium plywood with ash veneer, molded foam covered in faux shearling wool |
| Size | 18”W x 17”D x 24”H (or 41”H) |
| Price | $499–$649 |
4) PetPals Wagon-Style Cat Tree
| Pros | reasonable price, decent size, multiple perches, cat condo, lots of scratching surface, easy to clean, bobble toy, modern design |
| Cons | stability issues, mixed assembly reviews, slippery platforms, top cushion slides around, faux fur covered posts |
| Materials | laminated wood, faux fleece, sisal rope |
| Size | 44" H x 18.5" W x 18.5" L |
| Price | $169 |
5) Catry Cedar Cat Tree
| Pros | affordable, fits in small spaces, one elevated perch, cat condo, machine washable cushions, easy to clean, easy assembly, neutral design |
| Cons | low quality materials, too small for large cats, some stability issues, short |
| Materials | laminated board, faux fleece, sisal rope |
| Size | 29.7" H x 11.4" W x 15.7" L |
| Price | $59 |
6) Mau Uni Cat Tree
| Pros | quality materials, large rattan basket, cushioned perch, machine washable cushion, dangling toy, unique design, replacement parts available |
| Cons | expensive, not many scratching surfaces, stability issues, not very accessible, 14-lb weight limit |
| Materials | wood, woven rattan, faux fleece, jute rope |
| Size | 43-46”H x 23.5” W x 18” D |
| Price | $259 |
What Is a Modern Cat Tree?
If we had to define what a “modern” cat tree is, we’d say it’s a piece of furniture that both caters to your cat's needs and adds a touch of elegance to your living space (which is our #1 goal when we’re designing any modern cat furniture) These aren't your traditional carpet-covered towers; modern cat trees boast sleek lines, innovative shapes, and materials that complement the aesthetics of modern homes. But remember: your cat’s needs should always come first when shopping for cat furniture. There’s no point splurging on a stylish new tree if your cat won’t use it.
What to Look for in a Modern Cat Tree
What separates a modern cat tree from a regular cat tree is the attention paid to style and design. Beyond that, modern and not-so-modern cat trees have the same practical requirements: they need to address the needs of your cat.
Modern Design
The cornerstone of a modern cat tree is its design. What exact style you’re looking for is up to you, but we usually look for clean lines, minimalist aesthetics, and creative structures that can integrate with stylish human furniture. Also consider what aesthetic purpose you want your cat tree to serve. Do you want a statement piece, or a functional object that won’t clash with the rest of your decor?
Materials & Durability
Just like any piece of furniture, durability matters. Opt for cat trees crafted from high-quality materials that can withstand the test of time and your cat's boundless energy. For structural components look for real wood cat trees or higher quality engineered wood (e.g. plywood, MDF), and for scratching features made from sisal/jute rope or dense low-pile carpet.
Milo Cat Tree by tuft + paw
Stability
In the world of modern cat trees, stability isn't sacrificed for style. A well-designed modern cat tree should have a solid and stable base that prevents wobbling or tipping over when your cat leaps onto it. Make sure the tree's design doesn't compromise its stability.
Comfortable Lounging Surfaces
Your cat's comfort is paramount. Look for modern cat trees that offer comfy surfaces for lounging and snoozing. Whether it's a cozy hammock, a carpeted perch, or a snug hideaway, these resting spots should be attractive to your cat so they get the maximum use out of their new tree.
Height & Size
Modern cat trees come in all shapes and sizes, so choose one according to your cat’s size and perching preferences. Many cats love to perch high, but others may like to hide in cubbies or sit at window height to watch the world go by. The best modern cat trees offer varying levels and heights, allowing your cat to indulge in their natural inclination to climb and explore.
Note: If your cat is particularly big, check out our list of the best cat trees for large cats. On the other hand, if you share a small living space with your cat see our list of the best cat trees for apartments.
Grove Cat Tower and Frond Cat Tree by tuft + paw
Scratching Surfaces
The scratching aspect remains crucial, even in modern cat trees. Seek out options that feature integrated scratching posts or panels. Consider materials like sisal rope or tightly woven carpet that cater to your cat's scratching instincts while aligning with the tree's contemporary design. We recommend avoiding cardboard and lower quality carpet because they shred quickly and detract from the tree’s modern appearance. If your cat tree doesn’t have many scratchable surfaces, you may need to get a scratching post to save your furniture.
Accessibility
A modern cat tree should be accessible for your cat so they can get the maximum benefit of its features. This is less of an issue for young healthy cats, but if your cat is old, tiny, or less mobile you should look for easily accessible perches and ramps.
Frond Cat Tree by tuft + paw - Shop Here
Easy Assembly
Nothing ruins the excitement of a new cat tree like a frustrating assembly process. Check reviews to see what previous customers thought of the assembly. Choose a modern cat tree that comes with straightforward instructions and all the necessary hardware. Your cat tree should enhance your life, not add to your to-do list.
Other Features
Some modern cat trees come with additional features that enhance your cat's experience. Once you’ve narrowed your choices down based on style, budget, and your intended use, you can consider other features like cat condos, ramps, and dangling toys. Take into account your cat’s preferences and choose the tree you think they’d get the most use out of.
@tuftandpaw can we get a little commotion for the Grove? 🤌 via ig @ irotheburmese #cattree #cattreeking #cattreehouse #newcattree #bestcattree #moderncatfurniture #cutecatfurniture ♬ original sound - Jess Wetz #3 Account
Our Criteria for Choosing the Best Modern Cat Trees
- Modern 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.
- Build quality — A good 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 a cat to stretch and sleep.
- Perches — A good cat tree should have at least one elevated perch for watching the world go by (aka “cat TV”).
- Accessibility — A cat should be able to access every part of the cat tree.
- Size— this includes height, perch/bed size, and length of scratching surfaces to allow stretching.
- 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 dense carpet. Faux fur is generally harder to keep clean.
- Price
Deep Dive: The 5 Best Modern Cat Trees
1) tuft + paw Frond Cat Tree
Price: $299
Rating: 4.0/5 with 25 tuft + paw reviews
Size: 49”H x 24”W x 24”D
Materials: solid ash connectors, sisal wrapped column, premium plywood with ash veneer
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.
Our pick for the best modern cat tree is tuft + paw Frond. It perfectly marries the sophisticated style of modern cat furniture with feline functionality, so cat parents don't have to choose between pleasing themselves or their cats. The plywood platforms are finished with a real ash veneer and are joined to the central column with solid ash connectors. Each platform can be positioned however you see fit, so you can adapt it to your space and nearby furniture to maximize your cat's access. The central column itself is wrapped top to bottom in sisal rope for maximum scratching real estate. While the base is fairly wide for stability (and can be fitted with rubber feet for extra grip), it's profile is very thin, so you can place it partially under other furniture to save floor space. Finally, cat parents frequent comment on how easy the Frond is to assembly and wipe clean.
In the past, we had some reviews mention the Frond being wobbly. Thanks to this feedback, we investigated the issue and were able to fix the problem. The culprit was insufficient contact to firmly adhere the wooden end cap on the bottom post, so we extended the wooden insert and introduced more rigorous gluing in the manufacturing process. This has greatly improved the Frond’s stability.
As with many modern cat trees made from quality materials, the Frond has a higher price point which may be out of budget for some. Other minor cons are a lack of cushioning and the platforms being on the small side for XL cats. Most cats have no issues with the Frond, but these are things to consider if your cat is sensitive or particularly large.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
2) Catit Vesper Treehouse Medium Cat Tree
Credit: Catit
Price: $260-$350
Rating: N/A
Size: 49” H x 28.3” W x 22.6” D
Materials: wood posts, memory foam cushions, faux fleece, sisal rope
The Catit Vesper Treehouse is an excellent modern choice for households with multiple cats. The design takes up little visual space while providing plenty of real estate for cats to play, scratch, and snooze. The central support column is completely wrapped in sisal rope and branches off into three perches. Near the bottom is a fabric condo for cats who like some privacy, while the top perch has a fabric hammock. Three outer support poles keep the structure stable and the lack of faux fur makes the tree easy to clean. Finally, we appreciate that this design is available in three sizes depending on your needs (at the time of writing the large is not available on the US site).
As with many modern cat trees, the Vesper Treehouse is not cheap. The small size is $260, while the medium model shown here clocks in at $350. The other main drawback is the lack of online reviews available for this tree, which is likely due to its newness (released late 2022). Nonetheless, we felt confident including it on this list due to Catit’s solid reputation and the fact that their more popular cat tree models consistently average 4 to 5 star ratings.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
3) tuft + paw Grove Cat Tower
Price: $499–$649
Rating: 4.8/5 with 33 tuft + paw reviews
Size: 18”W x 17”D x 24”H (or 41”H)
Materials: premium plywood with ash veneer, molded foam covered in faux shearling wool
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.
For cat parents on the hunt for a show-stopping piece of cat furniture, the tuft + paw Grove Cat Tower is definitely your thing. Taking inspiration from mid-century Scandinavian furniture, the Grove utilizes a unique slat construction to maximize light and decrease its visual weight. The frame is constructed from premium plywood and finished with an ash veneer, so it's exceptionally sturdy and stable despite its airy look. The top and bottom platforms are fitted with soft faux shearling cushions that cats love to lounge on. When inside the base of the Grove, a cat still has 360-degree visibility, which is idea for multi-cat households where cats may ambush one another. Finally, cat parents love how easy the Grove is to assemble and wipe clean. There are also two sizes available so you can cater to your cat’s specific perch height preferences.
Being a cat tower rather than a cat “tree”, the Grove doesn’t come with any scratching surfaces. This makes it better suited to homes which already have ample scratching surfaces available. The high quality materials also give the Grove a high price tag, which may be out of budget for some. Finally, if opting for the taller version, place it near other furniture so cats have an easy route to the top—less athletic cats may have trouble jumping straight up there.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
4) PetPals Wagon-Style Cat Tree
Credit: PetPals
Price: $169
Rating: 4.5/5 with 26 Amazon reviews
Size: 44" H x 18.5" W x 18.5" L
Materials: laminated wood, faux fleece, sisal rope
PetPals is best known for their woven wicker cat trees, but we prefer their sleeker modern designs like this Wagon-Style Cat Tree. This particular model offers a happy medium on this list with its mid-range price point, decent size, and modern design. It has three tiers of perches with a cat condo in the middle, so cats have multiple lounging spots to choose from. It has several sisal-wrapped support posts for scratching and a bobble toy at the base. The cushions are removable and the laminated wood is easy to wipe clean. Finally, we have to shout out the snazzy hexagonal shape of the condo.
The most common complaint about this cat tree is its wobbliness and poor assembly instructions, which we think are definitely connected. The assembly manual only contains technical pictures, which led to some confusion and frustration for users (though some found the assembly straightforward). Correct assembly is vital for any cat tree, so we think that handy cat parents with more assembly experience will likely see better results with this cat tree. Another frequent complaint was that the laminated wood platforms were slippery for cats and the cushions were not attached to the platforms firmly enough. We also don’t love that some of the posts are wrapped in faux fur, which tends to shed and wear out quickly.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
5) Catry Cedar Cat Tree
Credit: Catry
Price: $59
Rating: 4.4/5 with 1,200 Amazon reviews
Size: 29.7" H x 11.4" W x 15.7" L
Materials: laminated board, faux fleece, sisal rope
The Catry Cedar is our favorite modern cat tree for those on a budget. It’s the cheapest tree on this list by a wide margin, but it still has most of the features we look for. The base is a cute condo made from laminated wood, which connects to a sisal-wrapped scratching post and a top perch with a cushioned bed. All three cushions (top, middle, and condo) are covered in cozy faux fleece and machine washable. The smooth laminated wood is easy to wipe and keep clean. Reviewers also mention the easy assembly and how well the design fits in with any decor.
As a budget pick, the Catry Cedar suffers from some quality issues. Some reviewers encountered problems with the laminated board chipping, peeling, or showing excess adhesive gunk. Others found it unsuitable for larger cats due to the small bed size and its tendency to wobble when jumped on. We also wish it was taller to provide more scratching space and a higher perch.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
6) Mau Uni Cat Tree
Credit: Mau Pets
Price: $259
Rating: 4.6/5 with 200 Amazon reviews
Size: 43-46”H x 23.5” W x 18” D
Materials: wood, woven rattan, faux fleece, jute rope
If your cat tree tastes lean a little more rustic, then the Mau Uni Cat Tree might be right up your alley. The structure is made from real tree branches and includes both a padded perch and a woven rattan basket for curling up in. Inside the basket is a machine washable cushion (though some cats like sleeping straight on the rattan), while outside is a dangling toy. A section of the post is wrapped in sisal rope for scratching. We especially like that many replacement parts are available on Mau’s website, so you don’t have to toss the whole tree if something breaks.
Like our top two picks, the Mau Uni is quite a bit pricier than the average cat tree, and is therefore out of budget for some cat parents. It’s not suitable for larger cats considering the 14-lb weight limit and some accounts of wobbliness due to the small base and top heavy design. Some reviewers criticize the accessibility of the tree as well, with smaller or less mobile cats having trouble accessing the top basket. We also wish it had more scratchable surface area.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Modern Cat Tree FAQs
What makes a cat tree 'modern' compared to traditional ones?
A modern cat tree offers a contemporary design that blends seamlessly with modern home interiors. Unlike traditional cat trees, which often have cheap carpeted surfaces, modern cat trees feature any combination of sleek lines, minimalist aesthetics, and innovative materials. They’re functional pieces of furniture that elevate both your cat's experience and your living space.
Does IKEA make modern cat trees?
At the time of writing, IKEA does not make cat trees. They offer other cat products such as litter boxes and cat beds, though we generally recommend purchasing cat supplies from a company that specializes in pet products. Pet-specific brands often have more expertise, better understand the needs of cats and cat parents, and are more likely to bring in vets and behaviorists to review their designs.
Are modern cat trees sturdy and stable despite their stylish designs?
The good ones are! The best modern cat trees are designed to prioritize both style and stability. Look for trees with wide bases or weighted base plates, evenly distributed weight, and study construction.
What should I look for when considering the comfort of a modern cat tree?
The comfort of a modern cat tree revolves around the lounging surfaces it offers. Look for options with plush cushions, soft hammocks, or padded perches. Cats love to relax, nap, and observe their surroundings, so prioritize cat trees that provide cozy resting spots, allowing your cat to unwind in style.
Do modern cat trees offer scratching surfaces for cats?
Absolutely! Scratching is an essential aspect of a cat's natural behavior, so any good cat tree should have scratchable surfaces. Many models incorporate scratching posts or panels, often made from materials like sisal rope or cardboard, which satisfy your cat's need to scratch while adding to the contemporary design of the cat tree. This ensures your cat can indulge their instincts while keeping your furniture safe.
Conclusion
Cat trees don’t have to be ugly, and in fact, there are some attractive modern options out there if you know where to look. We hope this article has provided you with some useful recommendations on what to look for a modern cat tree and which brands offer them. Our personal favorite is the tuft + paw Frond Cat Tree for its combination of gorgeous design, high-end materials, and feline functionality. If you have multiple cats or want to provide maximum real estate for your kitty, the Catit Vesper Treehouse or PetPals Wagon-Style Cat Tree could serve you well. Cat parents want a serious show-stopping piece can't go wrong with the tuft + paw Grove Cat Tower. For those on a budget or who prefer a smaller tree, the Catry Cedar is an excellent choice. We also like the Mau Uni Cat Tree for its unique style and cozy wicker basket. Whichever tree you choose to go for, just make sure it serves your cat’s needs first and meets your aesthetic preferences second. Good luck!
