Living with cats in an apartment can be quite the juggling act—you’ve got to find the right balance between providing an engaging, cozy environment for your cat and managing limited living space. Thankfully, there are plenty of compact cat trees out there designed to do just that. In this article, we'll go over what to look for in a space-saving cat tree and give you our picks of the best cat trees for apartments and small spaces 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.
Cheat Sheet: The Best Cat Trees for Apartments and Small Spaces
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) 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 |
3) 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 |
4) PETEPELA 5-Tier Floor-to-Ceiling Cat Tower
| Pros | affordable, very tall, small footprint, multiple perches, spring-loaded ceiling support, wall mount included, one dangly toy, easy assembly |
| Cons | poor quality materials, stability issues, 20-lb weight limit, small platforms, limited scratching surface, faux fur sheds + wears quickly, not very stylish |
| Materials | engineered wood, faux fur, sisal rope |
| Size | 95.2"H x 17.3"L x 9.4"W |
| Price | $80 ($60 on sale) |
5) Armarkat Cat Tree Model A5201
| Pros | reasonable price, fairly tall, multiple perches, fits well in a corner, lots of scratching surface, cat condo, dangling cat toy, easy assembly |
| Cons | poor quality materials, some stability issues, 20-lb weight limit, mediocre accessibility, faux fur sheds, not very stylish |
| Materials | engineered wood, faux fur, sisal rope |
| Size | 52"H x 20"W x 20"L |
| Price | $115 ($82 on sale) |
What to Look for in a Cat Tree for Apartments and Small Spaces
Small Footprint
In a small living space, a cat tree's footprint becomes a vital consideration. Picture it as a puzzle piece that seamlessly fits into the layout of your home. Look for cat trees with compact bases, designed to make the most out of corners or alcoves. Being efficient with floor space ensures that your cat's vertical playground doesn't encroach on your valuable living space.
Note: Sometimes the size requirements of your cats outweigh the size requirements of your apartment. 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 or the best multi-cat trees.
Use of Vertical Space
Along with having a small footprint, a space-efficient cat tree should make the most of vertical space. Cats are natural climbers, and a cat tree that maximizes vertical space will give your cat the perches and scratching surfaces they need without getting all up in your business. Of course, it’s not just about pure height—sometimes the most efficient cat tree is one that leads to the window sill or occupies an otherwise wasted space. If floor space is severely limited, you may to go for an alternative like a window cat hammock that provides a perch without using any floor space.
Milo Cat Tree by tuft + paw
Stability
Once you’ve found a cat tree with a small footprint and efficient use of vertical space, you have to make sure it’s stable. Even the coolest tree is useless if your cat feels unsafe on it. Look for trees with sturdy construction, weighted bases, evenly balanced perches, wall mounts, etc. A stable cat tree will allow your cat to engage in their usual playful antics without worrying about unexpected wobbling.
Materials & Durability
Durability is a crucial aspect for apartment-friendly cat trees, especially since many of them are tall and slim. Opt for cat trees built from high-quality materials like natural wood or higher quality engineered wood (e.g. MDF, plywood). These materials not only ensure the cat tree's longevity but also contribute to its overall aesthetics. Look for durable scratching surfaces (e.g. sisal, dense carpet) that can withstand the test of time.
Comfortable Lounging Surfaces
Real estate might be limited, but comfort remains a priority. Cats are coziness connoisseurs, so a cat tree should offer soft 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.
Grove Cat Tower and Frond Cat Tree by tuft + paw
Scratching Surfaces
Every cat, regardless of their living space, needs and deserves a scratching outlet to exercise their instincts. Look for cat trees that incorporate scratching posts or panels, strategically placed across various levels. Not only does this save your furniture from your cat's claws, but it also enriches your cat's environment. If your cat tree doesn’t have many scratchable surfaces, you may need to get a scratching post to save your furniture.
Accessibility
To get the most out of a cat tree in a small space, your cat should be able to access every nook, perch, and scratching pad. Make sure the perches are close enough together for your cat to climb, and if they’re less mobile we recommend getting a tree with ramps or steps.
Other Features
When you’ve got limited living space to work with, thoughtful extra features on a cat tree can make all the difference. Understand your cat’s preferences and look for a tree that matches them (e.g. cat condos, interactive toys). 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 Cat Trees for Small Spaces and Apartments
- Space efficient — An apartment-friendly cat tree should have a relatively small footprint and make good use of vertical space
- 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 each cat to stretch and sleep.
- Multiple perches — A good cat tree should have multiple elevated perches for watching the world go by (aka “cat TV”).
- Accessibility — A 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 Best Cat Trees for Apartments and Small Spaces
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.
The tuft + paw Frond Cat Tree is our pick for the best cat tree for apartments and smaller living spaces. It's a great high quality option for cats who love perch variety and cat parents who love stylish furniture. Each of the three platforms can be oriented as you choose, whether to maximize accessibility or to create a pathway to other furniture in your home. The central column of the tree is completely wrapped in sisal rope for maximum scratching real estate. The base is wide and can be equipped with rubber feet as needed for extra stability, while its thin profile allows it to be positioned partially under other furniture to save space (e.g. couch, coffee table). The durable plywood and ash platforms are a breeze to wipe clean, and reviews consistently praise the easy assembly.
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.
Being a higher quality cat tree, the Frond has a higher price tag that may be out of budget for some cat parents. Other minor cons include a lack of cushioning and the platforms being on the small side for XL cats. Most cats take to the Frond without issue, but these are things to consider if your kitty is sensitive or particularly large.
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2) 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
If you like to rearrange your furniture often, then PETLIBRO’s Infinity Cat Tree system could be a great fit for your small living space. This clever product is a “modular” cat tree, so each component can be mixed and matched with others to create different cat tree configurations (think of it like cat parent LEGO). This allows you to custom-build a tree with the right footprint-to-height ratio for your home. We like this “Castle” version for its large size, multiple perches, ample scratching surface area, and ability to be easily rearranged into two smaller cat trees. Assembly is super easy, with each piece snapping or screwing into place in seconds. We appreciate the modern aesthetic as well.
Despite its impressive strengths, the Infinity Cat Tree has some notable drawbacks. First of all is the price: the “Castle” is $400, but even the smallest tree still costs $200. Given this price tag, we wish the materials were higher quality—the interlocking pieces are mostly plastic and the scratching pads are cardboard. It’s also a very new product, so at the time of writing there are almost no reviews to verify its durability. Furthermore, PETLIBRO does not recommend this tree for Maine Coons, so it’s likely not sturdy enough for extra large cats.
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3) 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
If you’re on a budget but want a decent looking tree for your apartment, the Catry Cedar is a great option. It’s fairly small, but still provides a lot of the features we look for. The comfy top perch makes for a great bed, while the bottom condo offers a cozy cave inside and a padded middle perch on top. All three cushions have a faux fleece covering and are machine washable. Without the cushions, the laminated wood is easy to wipe and keep clean. There’s also a sisal-wrapped post for scratching. According to reviews, the assembly is fairly easy and we like that this simple design will fit in with almost any decorating style.
As to be expected with a budget pick, the Catry Cedar has a few quality issues. Some users received trees with the laminated board chipping, peeling, or showing excess adhesive gunk. It’s also not great for large cats because of the small bed size and its tendency to wobble when jumped on. Finally, it’s the shortest tree on our list by a wide margin, which limits the size of the scratching post and the height of the top perch. If your cat likes to fully stretch when scratching or seeks out high perches, then this may not be the tree for them.
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4) PETEPELA 5-Tier Floor-to-Ceiling Cat Tower
Credit: Amazon
Price: $80 ($60 on sale)
Rating: 4.4/5 with 1,300 Amazon reviews
Size: 95.2" H x 17.3" L x 9.4" W
Materials: engineered wood, faux fur, sisal rope
The PETEPELA 5-Tier Floor-to-Ceiling Cat Tower is a budget pick that makes excellent use of vertical space with a very small footprint. The spring loaded top post creates a snug fit against the ceiling, while one of the middle platforms can be screwed into the wall. It offers an array of perches, including a padded bed at the top for penthouse snoozing. Reviews often mention how easy it is to assemble as well.
Unfortunately, this tree does have several quality issues. The main problems are the cheap materials and flimsy construction, with many reviewers complaining about wobbliness when their cats play or climb vigorously. The ceiling brace and wall mount help in this regard, but the tree is too tall and segmented to be completely stable. This mediocre stability, along with the small perches, makes it unsuitable for large cats (the brand recommends 20-lb weight limit). We also wish it had more scratching surface area and less faux fur. Given these strengths and weaknesses, we recommend this tree for cat parents on a budget who live with a small cat or two.
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5) Armarkat Cat Tree Model A5201
Credit: Armarkat
Price: $115 ($82 on sale)
Rating: 4.6/5 with 6,400 Amazon reviews
Size: 52" H x 20" W x 20" L
Materials: engineered wood, faux fur, sisal rope
This Armarkat Cat Tree is a good choice for cat parents with limited space and a limited budget. It’s reasonably priced but still has plenty of features that cats love. It’s fairly tall and has multiple perches, each of which are connected by multiple sisal-wrapped posts for maximum scratching. The bottom perch is also a cat condo if your feline likes enclosed spaces, and the top perch features a dangling cat toy. According to reviews the assembly is quite easy. Finally, we like the shape of this tree which allows it to be neatly tucked into a corner.
However, this tree does suffer from some quality issues. The most frequent complaints are about the base platform, which is arguably too small for the size of the tree. Other reviews mention exposed screws or cracks in the base, which worsen the base stability and can lead to some wobbliness. This tree also has a modest 20-lb weight limit and so-so accessibility due to the way the platforms overlap, making it a better choice for small nimble cats rather than larger or less mobile ones. Lastly, we’re not fans of the faux fur, which sheds and isn’t very stylish.
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Apartment Cat Tree FAQs
Can I fit a cat tree in my small apartment without sacrificing space?
Absolutely! Cat trees designed for small spaces prioritize verticality, allowing your cat to explore and play without taking up too much precious floor area. Look for models with compact bases and multi-level designs that make the most of your vertical space while keeping your living area open and functional.
Will a cat tree for small spaces provide enough entertainment for my cat?
The good ones do! Look for options with multiple perches, hideaways, and scratching surfaces that cater to your cat's natural instincts. These features provide a diverse range of activities, ensuring your feline remains engaged and content.
Can a cat tree for small spaces accommodate multiple cats?
Yes, many cat trees for small spaces are designed to cater to multiple cats. Look for sturdily built trees with multiple perches at varying heights to prevent territorial disputes and ensure each cat has its own space. These space-saving options encourage positive interactions while allowing each cat to have their own territory.
Are cat trees for small spaces stable enough for my cat's energetic play?
Yes. Stability is a priority for any good cat tree, regardless of its size. Look for solidly constructed trees with small weighted bases, wide bases that can be hidden, or wall mounts. As long as the build quality is good, an apartment-friendly cat tree should be able to withstand any of your cat’s antics.
Conclusion
When you’ve got a small living space it can be hard to find the right cat tree for your feline buddy, but we hope this article has provided some useful recommendations. Our favorite is the tuft + paw Frond Cat Tree for its slim profile, feline functionality, and exceptional build quality. The PETLIBRO Infinity Tree is another excellent option for its versatile modular design. For budget picks, we recommend the Catry Cedar if you need something smaller and quaint, or the PETEPELA Floor-to-Ceiling Cat Tree if you need maximum height. Finally, the Armarkat Cat Tree is a good in-between choice if you really need to optimize corner space in your apartment. Whichever tree you end up with, just remember to prioritize stability and your cat’s needs first! Good luck!
