Glossary

Cat tree

A multi-level piece of furniture with platforms, perches, hideaways and scratching surfaces that lets an indoor cat climb and survey the room.

Also called: cat tower, cat condo, climbing frame, activity tree

A cat tree is a freestanding structure built from posts, platforms, boxes and ramps, usually covered in carpet, fabric or sisal. It gives an indoor cat vertical space, which many cats value because height lets them watch the room and feel secure. Trees range from a small two-level unit to floor-to-ceiling towers.

Look for a heavy, wide base or a fixing to a wall or ceiling, since a tree that tips over can hurt a cat and teach it to avoid the furniture. Platforms should be large enough for the cat to lie down fully, and heavier breeds such as the Maine Coon need strong supports and bigger perches. Place the tree beside a window or in the room where the family spends time, and add a scratching post surface so claws go there and not on the sofa.

Check screws and covers now and then, because loose parts and frayed fabric can catch claws. Older, arthritic or very young cats may need low steps or ramps rather than high jumps. A tree is no substitute for play and attention, but it is a useful part of an enriched home.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

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Related terms

Scratching post A sturdy upright or flat surface covered in rough material that gives a cat a proper place to scratch, stretch and sharpen its claws. Window perch A shelf, hammock or bed that attaches to a window so an indoor cat can sit and watch the outside world. Catio A fully enclosed outdoor space, from a window box to a garden room, where a cat can enjoy fresh air without roaming free. Cat-proofing Checking a home for hazards a curious cat could chew, swallow, climb, squeeze into or fall from, and removing or blocking them.

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