Last Updated: 13/06/2025
Looking for the best cat trees available in Australia? See our vet reviewed range of cat trees for your favourite feline.
Author: Dr Michelle Wong BVSc
Reading Time: 56 minutes - long read
Cat trees are essential for an indoor lifestyle as they can provide much needed enrichment to keep our cats happy inside. These come in different sizes and shapes, with various levels and platforms and are essentially a vertical playground for cats.
Specially designed cat furniture provides an area that fulfils a cat's natural instincts to scratch, climb, play, hide and rest. It is a space for cats to explore and extend their territory. There are areas to perch and lounge, allowing them to sit up high and observe the world around them. This provides a sense of comfort and calm, helping your cat feel at home.
Cats have their own personalities and preferences, and it is important to consider these when choosing the right cat tree. Young kittens, as well as cats who do not love climbing, may benefit from a low level tree. Larger cat trees with multiple interactive features and hiding spaces are suitable for a multi-cat household. There are a number of different cat trees from small sizes to larger ones, with classic or modern designs. Pick one that not only suits your cat (or cats!) but is also the right size and fit for your home.
Four reasons why it's important to choose the right cat tree are:
Our Pet Circle Vet Squad comprises 30 vets with over 120 years of collective, independent veterinary expertise. Our Vet team use their health and husbandry knowledge, along with their own personal and clinical experiences to evaluate each product and provide detailed, informative reviews, free of any commercial bias. We then collate this information into our 'best of' recommendations.
When it comes to choosing a cat tree, pick one that will be the right shape and size to fit in your home. Think about whether the features are suitable for your cat. Will your cat have fun running up and down this tall tree? Is the tree sturdy and large enough for multiple cats to play together? There are a range of options to suit every need and fit within your budget as well.
Choose a tree that is tall enough to allow your cat to climb and perch. Cats often enjoy being able to look down on their surroundings.
The number of interactive features a cat tree has is an important consideration when you have playful cats. Look for cat trees that have dangly toys or rope, many scratching posts which they can climb or tear into, multiple levels to investigate, and hidey holes are great for when your cat is ready to retreat and rest.
Whether you have multiple cats, large cats or boisterous kittens, a solid construction is always something to look for. You do not want the tree wobbling or toppling over during play. The base of the cat tree should be wide and sturdy enough to prevent tipping when your cat jumps or climbs on it. A larger base is generally more stable. In addition, a good quality cat tree made with sturdy materials usually contributes to increased durability and a longer life.
Many cats do like to have some privacy or a safe spot to hide in, so cat trees which include a hideaway is a great bonus. Cats can comfortably observe their surroundings from the safety of their hidey hole. These are often elevated, giving them an additional feeling of security when sitting up high.
Look for a tree with sisal-covered posts or other rough materials that provide a satisfying scratching surface for your cat.
Consider your cat's personal preferences when picking out the right cat tree. Are they a couch potato and love lounging around? Are they a bottom dweller and prefer low levels or do they love jumping and climbing up high? Some cat trees offer adjustable heights or modular designs, allowing you to customize the tree to fit your space and your cat's preferences.
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Veterinarian
Dr Michelle graduated from the University of Queensland in 2011 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and has worked in small animal practices around South East Queensland. As an owner of three cats, it is not surprising that Dr Michelle holds special interests in feline behaviour and medicine, as well as dermatology and preventative health care. Her favourite part of being a vet is witnessing the special bond between pets and their owners and helping pets live a happy and healthy life.
Cat trees made from solid wood offer sturdiness and durability which is very appealing for owners with playful cats, you would want it to withstand a bit of roughhousing. Petsbelle Virtue is not only practical but the cream and light wood colour makes it a beautiful addition to your home.
This sturdy cat playground has many features to keep your cat entertained. The sisal scratching poles encourage natural climbing and scratching instincts. The dangling rope is great for swatting and playing. There are also multiple platforms where your cat can perch and look out onto their world. The cubby hole and hammock provide a snug place to rest when your cat is tired from playing.
The Petsbelle Virtue is priced on the higher end, making this cat tree suitable for a bigger budget. The dimensions of this cat tree is reasonable, at 60 x 48 x 113 cm (L x W x H), and should fit comfortably into most homes. If you would require a smaller tree or prefer extra height, Petsbelle has a range of sizes including their Halfair Solid Wood Cat Tree which stands at 120cm tall.
What our vets say: "When recommending Cat Trees, I tend to look for the ones that have the most interactive components, like scratching posts, hiding places, hammocks and tassels. That's why I like recommending the Petsbelle Virtue Solid Wood which has all of these features, combined with it's high quality materials and durability. I do realise it is a bit more expensive though, so tend to recommend the Catit Abode and Catit Vesper as well to suit the varying financial levels cat owners might have." - Dr. Brittany
Cats love sitting high above their world to survey their surroundings. They feel safer up there and can look at things without getting too close. Providing elevations in your home, along with several hideaway spots, can help your cat feel comfortable, relaxed and happy.
Scratching, climbing and playing are all natural forms of exercise for cats. The Paws for Life Tall Cat Tree has many interactive stations over multiple levels to encourage these natural instincts.
This is a great option when you're looking for something that fits your budget and packs in everything your cats need. Athletic and playful cats that love climbing up will thoroughly enjoy the vertical space. However, if you have cats who prefer lounging over climbing, bottom dwellers or senior cats, you might instead consider a low set tree with a hidey-hole and bed located at floor level.
The height of this tall cat tree may mean a bigger space is required to fit this tree comfortably into your home. When choosing a suitable cat tree, always check the dimensions of the product and do some measurements to ensure that this is the right tree for your home.
What our customers say: "This is a big cat tree which is tall and has a big footprint. My kitten loves it and took to it immediately, leaving me free to work at my desk. Quite solid and sturdy, it took me about 1- 2 hours to build by myself."
What our vets say: "I have the PAWS FOR LIFE Tall Cat Tree And Condo for my cats. They love it because it is quite tall and they can sit up the top and look out over their subjects. It also has nice hidey holes, scratching posts and a hammock which they love." - Dr. Jenny
For kittens that are still learning to master climbing and jumping, a smaller cat tree that also features a ramp for easy access is a great choice. Older cats can also appreciate the ramp as they start to slow down. However, the hideaway may be a bit small for large cats.
The Catsentials Cat Scratch and Rest Station is just 85cm in height but packs in all the essential features; the elevated platform, hidey hole, scratching poles and surfaces, and dangling pom poms.
Our customers love and recommend this cat tree. It provides excellent value without breaking the bank. Cats of all ages adore this all-in-one tree, and their owners love that it's sturdy and easy to assemble together.
What our customers say: "This is the 2nd cat scratcher I've purchased from the Catsentials range and my cat loves them both. They are such great quality, solid and really well-balanced so they don't get knocked over. I got this one for a taller scratching post to allow her to stretch higher. She also loves the hanging toys to play with"
What our vets say: "For kittens, I love the The Catsentials Cat Scratch and Rest Station as it features everything a playful kitten could need including scratch posts, a hidey-hole and some dangling toys for playtime. The elevated platform provides kittens with the opportunity to climb and explore, while being close enough to the ground to minimise the risk of injury in case of a fall." - Dr. Belinda
The Catit Vesper High Base Cat Tree features a stylish design and comes in two colours, oak and black, to suit the modern home. While it is aesthetically pleasing, this cat tree is very functional. It comes with multiple scratching areas, a dangling toy and a private den for your cat to hide and rest in. The den has two entrances at the front and back so your cat does not feel trapped.
There are a few levels where your cat can sit and observe their surroundings. At its tallest, this cat tree sits at 121.5cm high. To provide extra enrichment for your indoor cat, you could position your cat tree next to a window to allow your cat to watch the world go by outside.
The laminated surfaces of this cat tree makes it easy to clean and the removable mats are hand washable. The memory foam cushion cover can be stripped off and washed as well.
What our customers say: "The tower was easy to assemble and isn't too large in an apartment. Our cat loves to sit and watch the world go by on it. The pull off/out pads can be washed making the build up of fur and dust easy to manage."
This barrel shaped cat tree is a modern twist on the classic design, wrapping sisal carpet entirely around the barrel providing a large surface area for your cat to exercise their natural scratching instincts.
The simple design is just 40cm in diameter and is a great space saver. There is still plenty of room for play and sleep. It comes with super soft cushions for a comfortable and luxurious snooze, perfect for cats who love to lounge. This cat tree can be easily moved if you need to adjust its position in your house.
Petsbelle Aeros Cat Tree has a sturdy construction using quality materials. It is suitable for the contemporary home.
What our customers say: "My cat loves this cat tree. We have only had him for 2 weeks, and already he is using the outside to sharpen his claws and has taken to sleeping in his "cave" on middle level. Sturdy, comfy cushions, good design, can be easily moved around and looks good."
This Catsentials Platform Cat Tree is perfect for large sized kitties, with a solid base and maximum weight capacity of 15kg to comfortably accommodate your cat. There are two platforms to explore; the lower level is easily accessible and could act as a step to the higher level which sits 45cm above the base.
The lower height helps to minimise weight and stress on their joints, there is less climbing and jumping involved in comparison to a taller cat tree. Two scratching posts are included to encourage their natural instincts.
There are no other features for play such as pom-poms, and no ramp. If you would like a tree with a ramp for your kitty you could consider alternative Catsentials cat tree options like the Cat Scratch And Rest Station or the Scratch Post With Ramp.
What our customers say: "Big hit with my 2 boys - they now have 2 similar raised beds and they are quite happy to sleep in either one. They love to scratch the pole while one is in the bed. Big big hit here - and very easy to assemble."
The Catsentials Three Level Dual Condo Cat Tree combines features for playtime as well as napping. There are two hidey-holes for sleeping, with the larger one on the ground level and smaller one at the second level. The top platform provides an extra lounging, perching area for felines who wish to lord over their surroundings. Scratching poles are placed throughout the tower, a total of five, as well as two pom-poms for your cats to enjoy.
With three levels, this cat tree reaches 114cm in height and provides a decent climbing experience. The sturdy design featuring a wide base gives you peace of mind for stability when you have multiple cats playing and running around the same tower.
What our vets say: "Having multiple cats at home, cat scratchers like these represent prime real estate for these kitties. The varying levels, textures and hidey holes makes it perfect for cats who want to play, hide, sleep and to scratch. The sturdy base means I can also rest easy that it won't topple over even with the heaviest of cats perched on top." - Dr. Emilee
What our customers say: "My two little girls (both 1yrs) love playing, lounging and clawing on this tree. It's sturdy, easy to set up and looks like it would be easy to packdown if we moved. They love the little pom-poms especially. I'm in Perth metro and this product also arrived the day after I ordered."
Senior cats are typically less active compared to younger cats and kittens. A low-level, comfortable lounging space is ideal for older cats. They enjoy resting and observing the world around them.
Cats over 7 years old are mature age, and owners should take note of any developing joint issues. Signs can be subtle. It is never too early to begin joint supplements to support their ageing joints and slow the progression of arthritis. Cats suffering from joint pain may need soft, elevated bedding or heated mats, which are especially helpful during cold winter nights. Read more about arthritis care in cats.
What our customers say: "Solid,sturdy construction. Only need to attach legs. Quality item that looks lovely. My cats love it."
