The 6 Best Cat Trees for Senior Cats, Tested and Reviewed

We tested 28 cat trees

我们都独立评估推荐产品and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.Learn more.

Close up of cat standing on top of Feandrea Cat Tree for Large Cats

People / Amber McAden

Once your cat is 11 years or older they are considered seniors, and may begin to suffer more limited mobility. As much as 93 percent of cats show evidence of osteoarthritis or joint degeneration on X-rays.Cats can be very good at hiding pain, but signs to look out for include difficulty jumping on to furniture, irritability, and less flexibility when grooming.

“Encouraging regular exercise and playtime can help keep a cat spry and active,” Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, Director of Primary Care at Bond Vet told The Spruce Pets. “It's beneficial to choose a cat tree with ramps or staggered steps instead of tall vertical structures.”

After researching more than 50 bestselling cat trees, we bought and tested 28 of the most promising, shipping each cat tree to a volunteer home to spend months with the cat or cats in residence. Our volunteer tester cats were of all ages, and we quickly discovered that some cat trees were more suitable for senior cats than others. In particular, our senior cat volunteers enjoyed cat trees that offered broad lounging perches, ramps to platforms, and hanging hammocks for long naps.

After months of combined testing, we think the best cat tree for your senior cat is most likely the Feandrea Cat Tree, which offers multiple easy-to-reach beds and perches. It’s a simple, compact design, but one with options well-suited to your older cat's lifestyle.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Feandrea Cat Tree for Large Cats

4.8
Amazon feandrea cat tree for large cats

Amazon

What We Like
  • Extra large top perch

  • Fluffy padding

  • Easy to access scratching posts

  • Multiple hiding spots

What We Didn't LIke
  • Assembly required

  • Sisal posts aren't wrapped top to bottom, making it harder for your cat to get a full stretch

A good cat tree for an elderly feline needs to be close enough to the ground, while still offering that sense of height that elates and entices. Finding that middle ground between accessible and boring can be difficult, but Feandrea has created a masterful cat tree that any cat, regardless of age, should enjoy. The two cat caves and bed are lined with a soft plush fabric that makes it a comfortable place to lounge.

We particularly like the 22 by 16-inch top perch, which is plenty roomy for large cats. It's also got a cushioned rim for long naps. Combined with the two "condo playhouses," the Feandrea Cat Tree offers several different hiding, napping, and lounging zones well-suited to seniors. It also splits its perches across four different levels across a total height of 33 inches, which means that it's easy for cats to climb between the different elevations.

Our testers also liked that the Feandrea Cat Tree was compact, taking up a lot less space in a tiny apartment than taller cat trees with larger footprints. Testers found it to be consistently sturdy too, even with cats jumping in and out of the playhouses.

也有多个抓文章覆盖了我n a sisal rope that won’t fall apart from intense play. All of these are attached to a sturdy particle board base, making sure that it won’t tip over while in use. There’s even an anti-tip kit that allows you to add it to your wall for extra security.

The whole tree does need to be assembled, but it comes with all the tools needed to quickly put it together. It's a simple but fantastic option, offering near-unlimited play for a reasonable price.

The Feandrea Cat Tree is available in three different colors.

Price at Publish:$70

Dimensions:23.6 x 15.7 x 33.1 inches |Weight:24 pounds|Colors:beige, smoky gray, light gray |Features:Accessorykit, scratching posts, cat bed, two cat caves

Best Budget

Frisco 28-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo

4.8
Frisco 28-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo

Chewy

What We Like
  • Excellent for small spaces

  • Staggered platforms for easy climbing

  • Sisal-wrapped pillars

What We Don't Like
  • Recommend placing on rug or carpet, as exposed bolts may scratch hardwood

Our testers liked that this 28-inch tall Frisco cat tree was sized right for smaller spaces, like at the foot of a bed or in front of a windowsill. It's particularly well-suited to senior cats because its cat cave hiding spot is on the ground and its three elevated platforms are all staggered, so your cat can get from one to other like they would climb stairs. The roof of the cat cave is just 11 inches off the ground, while the next platform is only eight inches above that.

In addition to the carpeted surfaces, the Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo also has posts wrapped in sisal rope. Really determined cats may be able to detach and unwind the rope from around the posts, but sisal rope is easy to replace.

Price at time of publish:$45

Dimensions:13 x 18 x 28 inches |Materials:Carpet, engineered wood, sisal rope |Weight:15.87 pounds

Best Beds

Go Pet Club 23” Cat Tree Condo

Amazon Go Pet Club 23” Cat Tree Condo

Amazon

What We Like
  • Multiple perches

  • 人造毛皮

  • Easy to set-up

What We Didn't Like
  • Fairly small

Our testers appreciated the sturdiness and high-quality carpeting on Go Pet Club cat trees, and theirbestselling 62-inch kitty tower包含特性适合老猫,莱克阀门e multiple hammocks and a ladder that can help non-leapers reach the lowest platform's cozy cave. It's a great pick for a household with both young and old cats, but for seniors-only households, we'd recommend the 23-inch Cat Condo instead.

The two elevated beds on the Go Pet Club 23" Cat Condo are less than two feet off the ground and are covered in faux fur, creating a relaxing environment that is easy to reach. The beds are held up with multiple scratching posts covered in thick sisal ropes that can handle the toughest of scratchers.

The cat tree is designed for small and medium-sized cats and is very easy to assemble, with all of the pieces and hardware included in the box. It's lightweight enough to be stored easily but has a sturdy enough base to keep from getting rocked around in play.

Price at Publish:$51

Dimensions:19.25L x 19.25W x 23H inches |Weight:16 pounds|Colors:Grey, Brown |Features:two faux fur perches

Best Splurge

Whisker Cat Tower

4.5
Whisker Cat Tower

Liiter Robot

What We Like
  • Ultra sturdy

  • Available in two colors

  • Broad scratching surfaces

  • Includes cat bed

What We Don't Like
  • Challenging assembly

  • Large and takes up a lot of space

The Whisker Cat Tower was the sturdiest of any cat tree we tested, and it still looks brand new after more than a year of two fully-grown cats scratching and jumping all over it. It's got broad sisal scratching surfaces, and comes with a cat bed that slots perfectly into the bottom of four carpeted platforms.

Old cats should adjust quickly to the large, square surfaces and ability to climb from platform to platform through the cut-out "doorways" between the different levels. Reaching the center cubic compartment requires a leap, but from there it's easier to climb from the inside, allowing your cat to use the sisal walls and other surfaces for help in climbing. This tower would pair well with a set of stairs if your senior cat isn't able to climb at all anymore.

The Whisker Cat Tower is available in two colors—white and grey woodgrain.

Price at time of publish:$199

Dimensions:18.03 x 17.2 x 53.86 inches |Weight:53.2 pounds |Materials:Composite wood, sisal |Colors:White, grey woodgrain

Best for Multiple Cats

Go Pet Club Cat Tree

4.5
Go Pet Club Cat Tree

Amazon

What We Like
  • Durable

  • Multiple perches

  • 人造毛皮finish

What We Didn't Like
  • Pretty large

Getting multiple cats to agree to hang onto the same cat tree isn’t exactly easy. Your feline friend can be territorial when it comes to its favorite hang-out stop. So if you have multiple cats, might we suggest this classic pet tree from Go Pet Club? Coming in at a whopping 62 inches, it comes with a hammock, lounging area, cat cave, and a circular perch for them to lounge around in. And all of it is made with wood coated in a faux fur finish, which should keep them snuggly.

These hangout spots are suspended on multiple scratching posts covered in sisal rope. It could be difficult for an older cat to reach the top, but thankfully there's a ladder to help reach some of the lower-hanging options.

Price at Publish:$121

Dimensions:38 x 27 x 62 inches |Weight:39 pounds|Colors:Beige, Black, Blue, Brown, Gray, Paw Print |Features:rope, basket, ladder, cat cave, circle perch

Best Hammock

JUNSPOW Cat Bed

Amazon JUNSPOW Cat Bed

Amazon

What We Like
  • Simple to assemble

  • Durable

  • Easy to clean

  • Lightweight

What We Didn't Like
  • 有点the ground

A good cat hammock can help take some of the stress off their joints, allowing them to lounge and relax. A lot of cat hammocks require them to be mounted to a window or wall, but it could be difficult for a cat to get up that high. Junspow offers another lightweight option, using two metal legs to hold the hammock up. It can be folded into a bag and is easy to clean when not in use.

If your cat has serious joint issues, then this hammock may not be the best choice. It's about five inches off the ground and that could be a problem for those unable to jump. But you can always use a set of stairs to keep them hanging safely.

If your cat is a little more dexterous, our testers also loved theTrixie Baza Scratching Post with Hammock, though its hammock is further off the ground and might be tricker for older cats to reach.

Price at Publish:$40

Dimensions:16.9 x 16.9 x 9.5 inches |Weight:Under 3 pounds|Colors:Gray|Features:self-standing cat hammock

Best Stairs

New Cat Condos Pet Stairs

Amazon New Cat Condos Pet Stairs

Amazon

What We Like
  • Made of wood and carpet

  • 步骤可以保留100磅

  • Durable

What We Didn't Like
  • Some cats may struggle to get up them

A good set of cat stairs are crucial as your feline friend gets older. They’ll help them get up on couches or the bed when their joints start to feel a little less springy. These stairs from New Cat Condos offer a durable yet aesthetically pleasing piece of furniture that your cat will love to use. Each step is made with a piece of wood covered in carpet, allowing them to dig through their claws to get to reachable heights.

Made in the United States, the steps are incredibly durable holding up to 100 pounds without a problem. It also comes fully assembled, so no need to spend too much time trying to get it all together,

Price at Publish:$70

Dimensions:16 x 16 x16 inches |Weight:15 pounds|Colors:Neutral, gray speckled

Final Verdict

Our favorite cat tree for most senior cats is theFeandrea Cat Tree, which offers multiple places to rest, fully-carpeted surfaces, and staggered elevations for easy climbing. It's extra-large top bed is sure to be a favorite spot. We also really likeGo Pet Club cat trees, since they're well-carpeted, and have features like ladders and hammocks that make their trees inviting and accessible for senior cats.

What to Look for in Senior Cat Trees

Common Features

There are quite a few different types of play and rest areas you can find in a cat tree.

  • Hammocks:Comfy for old cat butts.
  • Cat Caves:Provides hiding spaces from young cats.
  • Stairs/Ramps:Can aid in climbing for cats less able to jump.
  • Scratching Posts:Fully stretching to access scratching surfaces is excellent exercise for older cats.
  • Perches:Look for surfaces that are easy to access from lower surfaces, with enough space that your cat lie down.

Cleaning

According to Fadl, the best way to keep a cat tree clean is to “maintain regular maintenance.” A lint roller or vacuum can help pick up a lot of the hair and debris they carry with them. For spills and stains, follow the directions from the manufacturer and use a pet-safe cleaning agent.

Platform and Entrance Sizes

It’s important to find a cat tree that offers enough space for your cat, or else they may feel less likely to use it. It needs to have ample space for them to turn around and settle down.

“It's best to choose openings or platforms that allow them to navigate without excessive effort or discomfort,” Fadl said.

How We Tested Cat Trees for Seniors

Our product testing always begins with research, in this case a deep dive into nearly 60 different cat trees, looking for cat trees, hammocks, and scratchers that have been well-reviewed by buyers, frequently recommended by pet experts, and come from trusted brands. We narrowed the list down to the 28 most promising cat trees, then shipped them out to the homes of volunteer testers.

whisker cat tower

andrew whalen

Testers began evaluating the product right when they opened the box, taking pictures and notes as they assembled their new cat trees. Favorites like the Whisker Cat Tower (pictured unassembled above) were difficult to put together, but ultimately resulted in a sturdy cat tree after a painful assembly. Others were very easy to assemble, or even arrived fully assembled.

cat tree

darcy lenz

After assembly, we commenced two weeks of testing. Testers described how their cat used the cat tree, answered questions about durability, and measured how well their new cat tree fit in their home or designated space.

tuft and paw cat tree

donna freydkin

Once the testing period was complete, testers rated their cat trees with a score between 1 and 5, in four different categories:Ease of Setup,Quality,Size, andValue. Testers filled out a final evaluation, answering a battery of questions about how well the cat tree stood up to cat claws, and how much their cats enjoyed using it. These scores and observations were compiled into a final, tabulated set of results, which allowed us to compare the full range of cat trees against each other in a variety of categories.

FAQ
  • 我怎么做让我的高级猫使用猫混乱关系e?

    “Firstly, make sure the tree is placed in a location that is easily accessible and appealing to the cat, preferably near their favorite resting spots,” Fadl told The Spruce Pets. You can encourage their interest by placing treats or toys on the tree. Additionally, you may want to consider a cat tree with different features or designs that might be more appealing to your senior cat's preferences.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets

This article was written by Steven Asarch, a freelance writer and product expert, for The Spruce. A devout cat dad of two, he has expert experience figuring out which products are perfect for them. Steven has previously analyzed testing data, tried out products at home, and provided recommendations for other categories of cat products, includingcatnip toys,wand toys,litter disposal systems, and also wrote anexhaustive list of the essentials you should have before welcoming a new kitten into your home.

To get the best understanding of what makes a good senior cat tree, he spoke with Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, Director of Primary Care at Bond Vet. With her expertise, he was able to narrow down the best choices for older cats, prioritizing durability, comfort, and price.

The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Gruen, Margaret E et al.Frunevetmab, a felinized anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of pain from osteoarthritis in cats.Journal of veterinary internal medicinevol. 35,6 (2021): 2752-2762. doi:10.1111/jvim.16291