If your cat is tipping the scales at over 12 pounds, he’s a large cat who needs a cat tree designed for large cats. Smaller cat trees topple over when a larger, heavier cat tries to scratch or climb. Once a cat tree falls, your cat may avoid the tree and use furniture for climbing and sharpening claws.
The vet advisor for Pet News Daily, Dr. Danielle Morosco, DVM, reviewed dozens of cat trees and chose the Hey-brother XL Cat Tree as her top pick. With its strong, wide baseboard and multiple scratching posts, the Hey-brother XL Cat Tree provides optimal support for a large, active cat.
While this was Dr. Morosco’s top choice, she also offers a series of her top tips for what to look for in choosing a cat tree for large cats, a section on who should avoid purchasing them, and she personally selected the best cat trees for large cats for a variety of specific use cases.
The 5 Best Cat Trees for Large Cats
- Best Overall – Hey-brother XL Cat Tree
- Best Budget – Hey-brother 60 Inches Multi-Level Cat Tree
- Best Floor to Ceiling – PEQULTI Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree
- Best Heavy Duty – FEANDREA 67-inch Multi-Level Cat Tree for Large Cats
- Best with Hammock – Yaheetech 62in Multi-Level Cat Tree Tower Condo
Cat Trees Compared
Here are the top picks from our veterinarian. Compare the ratings and features of different models.
| Vet’s Picks | Brand | Rating | Perches | Condos | Scratching Posts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Hey-brother XL Cat Tree | 3 | 3 | 8 | |
| Best Budget | Hey-brother 60 Inches Multi-Level Cat Tree | 2 | 2 | 9 | |
| Best Floor to Ceiling | PEQULTI Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree | 0 | 1 | 8 | |
| Best Heavy Duty | FEANDREA 67-Inch Multi-Level Cat Tree for Large Cats | 3 | 2 | 15 | |
| Best Cat Tree with Hammock | Yaheetech 62in Multi-Level Cat Tree Tower Condo with Scratching Posts | 1 | 1 | 8 |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Buy a Cat Tree for Large Cats
- Owners of large cat breeds – Large breeds like Maine Coons, Savannahs, and Norwegian Forest Cats can easily reach well over 12 pounds and may stand 10 to 12 inches high. If you have one of these breeds, you’ll need a cat tree that can support your cat’s extra weight and height without tipping over and potentially injuring your cat.
- Owners of overweight cats – You don’t necessarily need to own a large breed for your cat to weigh over 12 pounds. An overweight cat or one that’s large for a smaller breed may need a cat tree that can support a larger body.
- Owners of multiple cats – If you own two or more cats, a cat tree for large cats provides perches and scratching posts for all. These models are also stable enough for several cats to climb and rest on without breaking or falling over.
- Lots of extra space – If you want to give your cat plenty of climbing and resting space, a large cat tree provides that and then some. They’re a great option if you’ve got the space, even if your cat is average-sized.
Who Should Not Buy a Cat Tree for Large Cats
- Those with limited space – Small apartments and homes may not have the square footage for a large cat tree.
- Owners of average-sized cats – You can certainly buy a large cat tree if you want. However, if you have an average or small-sized cat, the cat probably doesn’t need the added stability of a model designed for large breeds.
Research Tips from a Veterinarian
I talk to a lot of cat owners about cat trees — what the tree should have and what to watch out for. When looking for a cat tree for your large kitty, make sure you look for large condos and perches. Some cat trees have small platforms and low maximum weight limits, so make sure you research the size of the cat tree and the maximum weight capacities. Asking your family and friends is a great way to find a cat tree perfect for your large kitty!
- Avoid small cat trees – Cat trees made for kittens and young cats don’t have the support and stability for large cats.
- Watch out for strings – If you have a cat that likes to eat rope toys, avoid cat trees with dangling strings.
- Don’t skip scratching posts – Look for multiple scratching posts to keep your cat entertained.
- Make sure you can secure the cat tree – Look for cat trees with an anti-toppling strap or wall anchors to prevent the tree from potentially falling on your kitty
In addition to a cat tree, large cat breeds may also need a cat bed or cat cave bed to provide additional comfort and support for their extra bulk and weight.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $75 and $200
Most cat trees for large cats cost between $75 and $200. The difference in prices typically comes down to the size and number of features on the cat tree, though material quality can factor in as well. Floor-to-ceiling models often cost more as do models with a higher number of perches, scratching posts, and condos.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Pet News Daily
As a veterinarian, I have discussed cat trees and what’s best for cats of all sizes with pet owners and fellow veterinarians. I based my cat tree decisions on the needs of these large, loveable kitties, my professional experience, and a thorough investigation into the features, design, and safety features of each cat tree. A strong, stable base is one of the most important factors. However, the cat tree should have a safety strap or mechanism to attach the tree to the wall for added safety. Lastly, a solid cat tree will have plenty of perches and scratching posts so your kitty stays safe and doesn’t get bored. – Dr. Danielle Morosco, DVM
The Best Cat Trees for Large Cats Reviewed
1. Best Overall – Hey-brother XL Cat Tree
The Hey-brother XL Cat Tree is a complete package for your large feline. It makes the top of the list for the wide, stable baseboard that stabilizes the overall structure so that cats of all sizes can play, scratch, and relax. This cat tree has a 20.9 x 20.9-inch base and stands 73.4 inches tall. There are more than enough sisal-covered scratching posts, including ten posts throughout the structure and a wider scratching board at the bottom. With three condos, a hammock, and dangling toys, there isn’t much that this setup doesn’t have.
The cat condos are large enough that big cats can fit in them as well. The Hey-brother also features a quality build that’s strong enough to house more than one large cat. Another big bonus with this model is the easy setup. The directions are easy to follow, and it comes together quickly. The only issue we have with this Hey-brother is that some of the platforms are a little small for bigger cats.
- Stable base
- Excellent perching and resting areas
- Large cat condos
- Dangling toys
- Some platforms are small
2. Best Budget – Hey-brother 60 Inches Multi-Level Cat Tree
The Hey-brother 60 Inches Multi-Level Cat Tree is a little smaller than some of the other models on the list. However, it’s no less entertaining for your kitty. Two top perches let him get a good look at the layout, and he’s still got two cat condos where he can get some privacy and rest. This model features a step pattern for cats to jump their way to the top. Plus, there are two dangling toys when they’re feeling frisky. Along the way, there are nine scratching posts for sharpening their claws and strengthening their backs.
This Hey-brother model has a 19.69 x 19.69-inch base and stands at 60.24 inches tall. It comes with anti-toppling fittings for added stability. Users report that assembly is easy and straightforward. The smaller base and shorter height are what give it the affordable price. However, the cat still gets plenty of places to safely rest, play, and perch.
- Extra fittings for stability
- Step design lets cats jump their way to the top
- Plenty of scratching posts (nine total)
- Fabric may fray near the scratching posts
3. Best Floor to Ceiling – PEQULTI Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree
The PEQULTI Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree features a height-adjustable design that reaches from 92.92 to 101.6 inches high. You adjust the post height according to the room, adding stability and giving your cat more square footage to play – without eating up tons of floor space. A fan-shaped 18.9 x 18.9-inch base makes it easy to sneak this cat tree into an unused corner, too. This model also comes with safety straps to attach it to the wall for added stability.
The PEQULTI also gets high marks for some unique features, like an acrylic nest. Here, your cat can relax while still keeping an eye on the room. The cat tree features eight scratching posts, a hammock, a bucket perch, and one condo. There are additional platforms and a couple of toys, too. This design offers a lot of entertainment in a confined vertical space. The base’s stability and the safety straps will keep it in place when your large cat climbs, scratches, and relaxes. However, measure your ceiling to make sure the cat tree will reach high enough to be fully secured.
- Corner baseboard utilizes unused corner space
- Safety straps provide added stability
- Unique acrylic perch and two hammocks
- Super large hammock
- Requires careful ceiling measurements before purchase to make sure there’s adequate height
4. Best Heavy Duty – FEANDREA 67-inch Multi-Level Cat Tree for Large Cats
The FEANDREA 67-inch Multi-Level Cat Tree for Large Cats has a solid build that starts with a 24 x 19.3-inch base and stands at 67 inches tall. The four base posts are each 3.4 inches wide, adding strength and durability to the overall structure. Strengthened battens at the bottom and safety straps provide additional structure and support.
It has 15 scratching posts in total with a scratching board that acts as a ramp. There are two cat condos, one of which is extra-large (for those extra-large kitties). This design gives even the largest, most rambunctious cats room to climb, scratch, hide, and play. The FEANDREA can take the Maine Coons and other large breeds that need extra space and reinforced stability. The point of weakness tends to be at the carpet around the scratching posts, which can break down after heavy use.
- 3.4-inch posts add stability
- Strengthened battens add base stability
- Safety strap
- Materials break down around the scratching posts
5. Best with Hammock – Yaheetech 62in Multi-Level Cat Tree Tower Condo
The Yaheetech 62in Multi-Level Cat Tree Tower Condo has two hammocks, but it made the list as the best cat tree with a hammock for the large 16.3-inch hammock, in particular, that dangles from the second level. Each anchor extends far so that larger cats can get the stability they need to rest without the hammock collapsing on them. There is an additional bucket perch just above it as well. While this model has eight scratching posts, it has a unique rope for scratching and climbing that’s replaceable.
There are several platforms and a single condo when you’re kitty needs some time alone. The Yaheetech has a wider base than many other models at 29.5 x 29 inches and stands at 62 inches tall. It comes with a wall anchor and safety strap for added stability. Where this model can fall short is in the consistency of build quality. Usually, it’s fantastic. However, there tends to be a unit here and there that falls apart sooner than it should.
- 16.3-inch hammock
- Replaceable and removable dangle toy
- Large base and wall anchors for added stability and safety
- Materials can break down prematurely
Frequently Asked Questions
We would say that they make cat trees for large cats, which aren’t necessarily fat cats. Cat trees for large cats have wider bases and extra stability features like wall anchors and safety straps to keep them in place. These trees also feature larger platforms, condos, and hammocks to accommodate bigger bodies.
Cats don’t necessarily need a big cat tree unless they’re big cats. All cats need a cat tree that’s stable and lets them scratch, play, and rest safely. That could be a large cat tree with several towers, perches, and condos. Others may be happy with a small cat tree that features two or three scratching posts and a condo.
Cat trees typically have a maximum weight capacity that’s well above the weight of one cat. We’re talking around 50 to 60 pounds. However, if you have multiple cats that are over 20 pounds, keep an eye on that maximum weight capacity to make sure the cat tree can support their bodies.
The best way to keep a cat from tipping over your tree is to attach it to the wall using a wall anchor or safety strap. If the cat tree doesn’t come with them, you can buy this kind of hardware at any hardware store.
