Small Cat Tree Stands and Towers for All Cats (Tried and Tested)
- Rachel
- Feb 3
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 6
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All photos are my own and previously unpublished.
Twelve months ago, my home was turned into a house of horror when my four-year-old sibling cats started fighting out of the blue. Having never dealt with inter-cat aggression before, it was a major learning curve as to what the domestic cat actually needs in order to live a full and enriched life.
Many cats find the home setting to be extremely stress-inducing due to their solitary nature in the wild, particularly indoor cats. Pet food and supply companies are constantly evolving to meet the complex requirements of modern kitties, as well as offering them all of the luxuries they deserve. Who'd have thought pet sofas would be a thing one day?
Related post: Signs of Stress in Cats, Causes and Treatment
As someone who's grown up with cats, it's easy to see how standards have not only risen but excelled over the years. When I was little, all I remember is Whiskas cat food and clay litter. Cat trees weren't invented until the late 60's (I'm not that old) but they were still somewhat of a luxury growing up, and nowhere near as elaborate as they are now.
Trees are an essential piece of feline furniture, not only for sleeping but to provide climbing and scratching opportunities; however, they can also take up a lot of room. In the UK, our living spaces tend to be.... compact, shall we say. As mentioned, there are so many options to choose from: wall-mounted shelves, window hammocks and floor-to-ceiling trees are ideal for making use of vertical space in smaller areas or apartments.
If you're looking for something less cumbersome to fit in your living room without causing an eclipse (I know the feeling!) then smaller stands or perches can be tucked in corners; next to your sofa; under your desk or anywhere kitties like to hang out. They're also great for adding different levels for all ages and activity levels.
When one of my boys started using every nook and cranny to stalk and ambush the other, which you can read more about here, I had to get creative and make a lot of changes to the home. Hundreds of pounds and an equal amount of grey hairs later, peace has been restored - and it was worth every penny.
That's not to say you need to spend a fortune on cat furniture, most will be happy with a cardboard box and your dad's armchair. Mine were some unique circumstances that left me pretty desperate for a solution. Giving cats more territory to claim as their own can help to make them feel at home, and I came across some great buys that I wanted to share.
Related post: 10 Best Types of Cat Beds
Small Cat Trees, Stands and Towers:
This stood out to me due to the large bed, which is roomy enough to fit my 5kg and 6.5kg boys without them being squashed. I don't consider my cats as being particularly big, but a lot of cat tree perches and condos are ridiculously small for the average adult cat.
The bed isn't cushioned but it's covered with 100% polyester velvet - warm for winter nights and cool for the summer. The large base is made from solid particle board, with double jute scratch posts to prevent it from toppling over.
The product description states that the stand is suitable for cats under 5kg, but it could easily hold some of the larger breeds; as well as being low for seniors. It features two hanging pompoms and is available in white or grey.
Overall dimensions: 42cm (h) x 48cm (w) x 38cm (d)
✓ Sturdy. |
✓ Medium and large cats. |
✓ Available in white or grey. |
Okay, I admit it - this was too cute not to buy! Although the ladder was a tad ridiculous for my adult cats so I never attached it, but I've added a reference image below.
Cuteness aside, the flower-shaped bed is a good size considering it's made for young kittens. Proudly modelled by Drax at just under 5kg, sporting a battle scar on his nose from a scrap with his brother - and a rather untamed winter beard. I should have given it a comb but the photo opportunity was too good to miss.
I was initially concerned that the stand's delicate build and narrow scratch post would leave it looking like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but Drax has spent many evenings curled up on it and enjoys using the scratcher, too. I wouldn't usually recommend it for adult cats, but it's an ample size for growing kittens as well as those learning to climb.
The stand is covered by mohair plush fabric which doesn't shed, and it has a curved ladder for helping little claws to grip. A popular choice that sells out fast, so grab it as and when you can!
Overall dimensions: 48.5cm (h) x 39.5cm (w) x 39.5cm (d)
✓ Small cats and kittens. |
✓ 4-step climbing ladder. |
✓ Jingly ball. |
A simple design featuring a scratch post made from jute rope and a large round bed with a soft plush interior. Small and compact, this is tucked away in the living room's bay window and just the right height for people watching. It's a decent size for small to medium cats to curl up in, but the high sides are a little restrictive.
The stand is recommended for cats weighing up to 4kg, which is about right as far as space goes. Drax doesn't mind squashing up inside the bed, even if he does resemble a Russian hat; but Simba (6.5kg) hasn't even made the attempt!
Overall, this high-quality stand is neat and contemporary with a sturdy structure, solid base and hanging pompom. It's available in beige, grey or white.
Overall dimensions: 49cm (h) x 40cm (w) x 40cm (d)
✓ Small and medium cats. |
✓ Space saving. |
✓ Stylish. |
An interesting design featuring two resting spots: a cute paw-shaped platform and lower bed for multiple cats to share. The stand is covered in soft plush with a sisal scratching post and hanging pompom.
This is the smallest cat tree reviewed and, though it claims to support cats up to 5kg, even Drax struggles to perch on the top; while Simba makes the whole thing wobble. I initially got it for the base as my cats like dens, so my plan was to drape a blanket over the perch. While this isn't as stable as I'd hoped, it takes up hardly any space and is best for kittens or small cats.
Overall dimensions: 44cm (h) x 41cm (w) x 41cm (d)
Bed size: 32cm x 31cm
✓ Small cats and kittens. |
✓ 2 resting spots. |
✓ Cute design. |
With double posts and a heavy particle board base, this compact little activity centre is sturdier than it looks. Featuring a sisal scratching post and scratch mat; grooming arch; hanging pompom and ball on a spring.
The top bed isn't huge and is described as being suitable for small to medium cats, but it must be comfy because Simba loves it. Even better, the cushion is removeable for easy washing.
This is a cool, multi-functional product that can be used for playing, grooming, scratching and sleeping. The downside.... it's usually out of stock!
There is an alternative version without the grooming arch: PETEPELA Cat Scratching Post with Plush Perch
Overall dimensions: 50cm (h) x 40cm (w) x 50cm (d)
✓ Small and medium cats. |
✓ Toys and massager. |
✓ Removable cover. |
This multi-level cat tree comes with a padded top bed; plush condo and perch; sisal scratch posts; hanging pompom and massager for added enrichment. As you can see, not only am I a fan of PawHut, but I chose a few of these stands because they were the right height for window gazing - and this one fits multiple criteria.
It's small and compact enough to fit behind a TV unit, while having a roomy condo and bed that both of my boys can fit in snugly, despite being recommended for cats under 4.5kg. They actually had a scrap on this when Drax snuck into the living room during a separation period, and it didn't budge with a combined 11.5kg hanging off the sides.
Needless to say, this combines quality and sturdiness with climbing ability for seniors and growing kittens. The only negative is that assembly was tricky, but a little blasphemy never hurt anyone - least of all the cats!
Overall diameter: 85 (h) x 48cm (w) x 48cm (d).
✓ Small and medium cats. |
✓ Multiple climbing levels. |
✓ Spacious condo. |
This 3-tier cat tower is quite a bit higher than the others at 96cm and features a large bottom condo with a removable cover, so you can change the style or open it out if preferred. The sisal scratch post is somewhat of a beast at 16cm in diameter and can withstand a lot of damage from the sharpest of kitty claws.
The middle "perch" is hardly big enough for a kitten to sit on. My cats use it as a step to climb onto the top bed, which is more than generous in size. Even Simba can stretch out without hanging over the edges, which ticks a major box as he loves his comfort.
I bought this cat tower for the height and single seater to give Simba a safe space away from Drax, and it's perfect for gazing out of taller windows. Now they're friends again, they take it in turns to stalk the pigeons on the roof.
The particle board frame adds to the sturdiness of its structure, making it difficult to topple over when jumping on and off. The maximum weight guideline is 4.5kg but this is ideal for larger cats in my opinion.
Overall dimensions: 96cm (h) x 45cm (w) x 40cm (d)
✓ Medium and large cats. |
✓ Thick sisal scratching post. |
✓ Condo with removable cover. |
Always the tester - or poser, whichever fits - Drax loves being king of the castle. I originally bought these steps for Simba to use as a quick escape during Drax's unprovoked attacks but, in typical kitty fashion, he did the opposite of what I wanted and completely ignored them.
It worked out well in the end because Drax will plant his backside on anything and as long as he was out of the way, these unpleasant encounters became less and less.
The different levels or steps help to keep cats active, as well as benefiting seniors that can't jump onto high platforms and kittens learning to explore. The steps are covered in plush fabric with sisal scratch mats for easy gripping and sharpening claws.
At the very top is a cosy lounging spot, although it's rather small even for Drax. Yet, somehow, he always manages to squeeze into the tiniest of spaces - there's a reason he's nicknamed "Mr Slinky".
This climbing tower is available in beige or grey to suit your decor.
Overall dimensions: 100cm (h) x 50cm (w) x 50cm (d)
✓ Small and medium cats. |
✓ Climbing steps. |
✓ Scratch mats. |
Described as having an adequate size and compact design, this small cat tree comes with a single top perch, spacious bottom platform and cat condo - although I'd call it more of a kitten condo, which is why I never attached it. For growing kittens, this offers several cosy lounge spots.
The construction is designed to be solid but lightweight, supported by 3 sisal scratching posts and a large rectangular base. The top perch is way too small for an adult cat to curl up on, perhaps with the exception of Drax who'll happily sleep with his arms and legs hanging over the edges.
The middle platform - and the reason I bought it - is huge and bears up to 12kg, which is the equivalent to a couple of large cats or one monster cat. That being said, I often sit on it while petting the boys, which adds another 52kg of human weight and it hasn't collapsed yet!
The condo hangs down from the large platform and is easy to take off without affecting the structure when kittens grow too big for it. The base is covered in plush fabric so it still allows for a third resting area, or you can make your own den by draping a sheet over the platform like I did.
This is a great space-saving tree for cats of various ages and sizes, but due to being a lightweight model, if you have excitable cats then it'll likely fall over. For some reason, Simba decided to claw half of the fabric off the top perch so I wouldn't rate it for longevity - but that's cats all over!
Overall dimensions: 90cm (h) x 70cm (w) x 34.5cm (d)
✓ Most sized cats and kittens. |
✓ Extra large platform. |
✓ Compact. |
Information accurate from September 2025 and may be subject to change. Feel free to get in touch if you think this article needs updating.
Do you have any of these little cat trees at home or something similar? Share your buys and inspo for other pet parents.
