Cat Tree: How to Choose, Place & Get Your Cat to Use It 2026

A cat tree is a multi-level structure designed for cats to climb, scratch, perch, and rest. For indoor cats, cat trees provide essential vertical territory, physical exercise, and mental stimulation — all of which contribute to a healthier, happier cat.

This guide is for informational purposes. Always consult your veterinarian for specific guidance regarding your cat’s health and behavior needs.

Why Cats Need a Cat Tree

Cats are natural climbers — in the wild, elevation provides safety, hunting vantage points, and territory markers. Indoor cats lack these opportunities, which can lead to frustration, destructive behavior, and even stress-related health issues. A cat tree directly addresses these instinctual needs.

Climbing structures also help cats exercise, which is particularly important for indoor-only cats that don’t have the physical demands of outdoor life. Regular climbing, jumping, and stretching supports muscle tone, joint flexibility, and a healthy weight.

Cat trees with integrated scratching posts — covered in sisal rope or corrugated cardboard — give cats an appropriate scratching outlet. Without this, many cats redirect scratching to furniture. Providing a designated scratch surface dramatically reduces furniture damage.

In multi-cat households, vertical space provided by cat trees helps reduce conflict. Cats establish hierarchy partly through height — when multiple perches are available at different levels, cats can coexist with fewer territorial disputes.

Types of Cat Trees

Cat trees range from simple single-perch stands to elaborate floor-to-ceiling structures. Understanding the main types helps you match the right product to your cat’s needs and your home.

Price ranges based on average retail, 2026.

How to Choose the Right Cat Tree

The right cat tree depends on your cat’s size, age, energy level, and how many cats will use it. There are several key factors to evaluate before purchasing.

Size and weight capacity: Large and heavy cats (Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest Cats, Ragdolls) need sturdier trees with wider platforms and higher weight ratings. A cat tree rated for a 10-pound cat will wobble dangerously under a 20-pound Maine Coon, potentially injuring your cat or deterring use entirely.

Stability: A wobbly tree is a safety hazard and will discourage your cat from using it. Look for a wide, heavy base and check that the central pole is thick and solid. Trees with multiple anchor points or wall-mount options are safest for energetic or large cats.

Scratching surface materials: Sisal rope wrapping on posts is the most durable and most preferred scratching material for most cats. Carpet-wrapped posts are common in budget options but wear down faster and some cats dislike the texture.

Perch configuration: Wide, flat perches allow cats to stretch out fully. Enclosed condos or cubbies provide privacy and security for more introverted cats. Hammock-style perches appeal to cats that like gentle swinging sensation.

Ease of assembly and cleaning: Choose a tree with removable, washable perch covers where possible. Cat trees accumulate hair and require regular vacuuming — plush surfaces are cozy but harder to keep clean than tightly woven materials.

Where to Place a Cat Tree

Location is one of the most underrated factors in whether a cat will actually use their tree. Cats want to observe their territory from a safe height — which means placement near a window, in a socially active room, or at a spot that gives them sightlines to entrances is far more effective than tucking the tree in a back corner.

Place the cat tree near a window so your cat can watch birds, squirrels, and outdoor activity. This “cat TV” is highly engaging and dramatically increases usage. South or east-facing windows that receive morning sun are popular resting spots.

In multi-cat households, position trees near doorways or along common walking paths where cats naturally patrol. Place additional perches or cat shelves along routes between key locations — sleeping areas, food stations, and litter boxes — to create a full “highway” of vertical space.

Avoid placing the tree in isolated rooms your cat rarely uses. A beautiful cat tree in a spare bedroom will see far less use than a simpler option in the living room where the family spends time. Cats want to be part of the social hub while having the option to retreat to a high perch.

How to Get Your Cat to Use a Cat Tree

Even the best cat tree requires a little encouragement before most cats will adopt it as their own. A fresh-from-the-box tree smells like a factory, not like your cat’s territory — and cats are cautious about unfamiliar objects.

Rub a soft cloth on your cat’s face and cheeks, then rub it on the tree’s surfaces to transfer your cat’s scent. This simple step signals to your cat that the structure is safe and familiar.

Use catnip or silver vine to attract initial interest. Sprinkle catnip on the platforms and inside any enclosed spaces. Most cats will begin investigating immediately. Follow up with play sessions using wand toys that guide your cat to jump onto different levels of the tree.

Reward your cat with high-value treats whenever they interact with the tree — climbing, scratching, or simply resting on a perch. Positive reinforcement builds a positive association that becomes self-sustaining over time.

Never force your cat onto the tree or try to carry them to a platform. Forced placement creates negative associations that are difficult to reverse. Let your cat approach and explore on their own timeline.

For more on keeping indoor cats mentally stimulated, see our guide on cat enrichment and cat scratching posts. Find cat care services near you on HeiBob.