Cat Trees & Perches
Best Cat Trees for Large Cats
Big cats need a tree built for them. Veterinary guidelines say a perch should be wide and long enough for a cat to stretch out fully [1], and we'd want a base that stays put when a heavy cat jumps.
We picked three cat trees whose listings market them for large cats: a 72-inch tower, a 34-inch perch that its listing says assembles without tools, and a shorter tree its maker markets as low-step for senior cats.
Judge a cat tree for large cats by its platforms and base, not its height. The AAFP and ISFM guidelines say a perch should let a cat stretch out fully [1], and Cornell's Feline Health Center says a scratching post must not topple in use and should be at least as tall as the cat standing on its hind legs with front legs outstretched [3]. A mature male Maine Coon can reach or pass 20 pounds, the CFA says [2], so check the base before counting levels.
Our 3 picks at a glance
- Best OverallGloblazer S72 Heavy Duty Cat Tree72 inches tall, 5 levels, with a 21.7 × 11.8 in platform per the listingCheck price on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
- Best Compact PerchNew Cat Condos Spacious Cat Perch for Large Cats34 inches tall; the listing claims a solid-wood base and no-tool assemblyCheck price on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
- Best Low-Step PickPETTIFUL 37.5" Cat Tree for Large & Senior CatsAbout 37 inches tall, marketed in its title as low-step for senior catsCheck price on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
How we chose trees for big cats
We searched Amazon for cat trees for large cats and read the listings in the top organic results. We shortlisted trees whose listings say they are designed for large or heavy cats, and read every shortlisted listing in full.
One brand, Globlazer, fills much of that search, so we took one Globlazer tower (the S72) and filled the other two slots with different designs rather than more Globlazer models.
For what cats need from a tree, we leaned on the AAFP and ISFM Feline Environmental Needs Guidelines [1]. If your cat also likes watching birds, see our window perch guide. Big, long-haired cats often need regular grooming too; see the best cat brushes for shedding and our interactive cat toy picks for play. For a warm spot at the base of the tree, see our heated cat bed guide; for play, see our cat tunnel picks.
What the research says
The AAFP and ISFM environmental needs guidelines say access to an elevated area increases a cat's vertical space and lets it monitor its surroundings, and that perches should be wide and long enough for the cat to stretch out fully [1]. In our view, that second point makes platform size matter more than height for a large cat.
The same guidelines describe both vertical scratching surfaces, such as a wooden post covered in sisal rope, and horizontal ones like a scratching pad [1]. All three trees below use sisal or rope-wrapped posts, so they cover the vertical kind.
What size cat tree for a Maine Coon or other large cat?
Big cats are long as well as heavy. The CFA says it is not unusual for a mature male Maine Coon to reach or exceed 20 pounds, females are usually smaller, and the breed can take up to three years to reach full size [2]. Buy for the adult cat, not the kitten. Measure your cat, then check each part of the tree against it.
| Part of the tree | Measure on your cat | Check on the listing | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top platform or perch | Length lying stretched out, nose to base of tail | Platform length and width; of our picks, only the Globlazer S72 states one (21.7 × 11.8 in) | The AAFP/ISFM guidelines say a perch should let the cat stretch out fully [1] |
| Scratching post | Height standing on hind legs with front legs reaching up | Unbroken sisal run between levels | Cornell says a post should be at least this tall [3] |
| Base | Your cat's weight | Base footprint and the tree's own weight (Globlazer 24 × 20 in, 38.2 lb; New Cat Condos 21.5 × 20 in, 27 lb; PETTIFUL 23.6 × 23.6 in, 23.9 lb) | Cornell says a post should not topple during use [3] |
| Condo or bed | Width curled up | Interior or bed size; the Globlazer's separate bed is 17.7 × 13.4 in | A cramped condo goes unused |
A rough guide. Product figures are from each Amazon listing; none of the three states a tested maximum cat weight.
Height and base work together. The Globlazer S72 stands 72 inches on a 24-inch-long base, three times taller than its footprint, so a 20-pound cat landing on the top shelf has a lot of leverage. The two shorter trees here sit on bases nearly as large as the Globlazer's but are half its height or less, which is why a heavy cat that leaps rather than climbs may do better on them.
Do cats need a cat tree?
Cats need what a cat tree provides, not the tree itself. The AAFP and ISFM guidelines say raised areas increase a cat's vertical space and let it watch its surroundings, and call for both vertical and horizontal scratching surfaces [1]. Ohio State's Indoor Pet Initiative calls a perch a must-have for cats, and says it can be any raised surface where the cat can lie, sit, sleep or look out, including a window-sill attachment or a sturdy piece of furniture by a window [5].
A tree is simply the most compact way to put perching, scratching and hiding in one spot. If your large cat already sleeps on a bookcase and scratches a doormat, a sturdy scratching post and a cleared shelf may cover the same needs.
Globlazer S72 Heavy Duty Cat Tree
Sold by Globlazer, ships from Amazon.
The S72 is the tallest tree here. Its listing gives it a 24 by 20 inch footprint, 72 inches of height and five levels, with an extra-large platform of 21.7 by 11.8 inches. The listing says the base board is "thickened and enlarged" and that a triangular structure adds stability.
It includes two condos and a separate pet bed (17.7 by 13.4 inches) that the listing says can also be used on its own. The listing names engineered wood, plush and sisal as its materials.
Good to know
- The only pick that gives a platform size: 21.7 × 11.8 in
- Two condos plus a separate pet bed
- Title describes it for cats of 20 lbs and up
Keep in mind
- At 38.2 pounds with an assembly kit included, expect to put it together yourself; the listing doesn't say how long that takes
- The title mentions six scratching posts and a hammock, but the bullet points don't itemize them
- Care instructions say hand wash only
New Cat Condos Spacious Cat Perch for Large Cats
Sold and shipped by OJCommerce.
Not every large cat wants a skyscraper. This is a short perch the listing describes as sturdy: 21.5 by 20 inches around and 34 inches tall, with three levels. The listing says it has a thick solid-wood base and platforms surrounded by an edge.
The listing says assembly is one step with no tools, and the description says it is ready in about two minutes out of the box.
Good to know
- Solid-wood base, per the listing
- No-tool assembly, per the listing
- Sisal-wrapped and carpeted posts
Keep in mind
- Amazon files it under Cat Houses & Condos and the listing calls it a perch, so it is much shorter than a tower
- Spot clean only
- The description says it is built in the USA; we could not confirm this elsewhere on the listing
PETTIFUL 37.5" Cat Tree for Large & Senior Cats
Sold by PETTIFUL OFFICIAL, ships from Amazon.
PETTIFUL markets this tree for large and senior cats and calls it a low-step design in its title. The spec table gives 37.4 inches tall (the title says 37.5"), a 23.6-inch-square footprint and three levels; the title promises an extra-large cushioned top perch.
The listing mentions a breathable summer mat, a spinning ball toy and cotton-rope scratching posts, and it lists a one-year warranty.
Good to know
- Marketed in its title for senior cats, with a low-step design
- Cotton-rope scratch posts and a spinning ball
- One-year warranty listed
Keep in mind
- The listing doesn't give step heights, so "low-step" is its own description
- One bullet says tools are included, but the included-components line lists only installation instructions
- No maximum cat weight is stated
Large cat trees compared: height, footprint and weight
| Product | Height | Footprint | Levels | Materials | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Globlazer S72 | 72 in | 24 × 20 in | 5 | Engineered wood, plush, sisal | 38.2 lb |
| New Cat Condos Perch | 34 in | 21.5 × 20 in | 3 | Carpet, sisal, wood | 27 lb |
| PETTIFUL 37.5" | 37.4 in (spec table) | 23.6 × 23.6 in | 3 | Cotton, wood | 23.9 lb |
Specs as stated on each Amazon listing, checked September 2026.
How to stop a cat tree from wobbling
A wobble is more than an annoyance: Cornell's standard for a scratching surface is that it does not topple over during use [3], and a tall tree with a heavy cat is the setup most likely to fail it. Work through these in order:
- Re-tighten every bolt a week after assembly. Screw-together posts loosen as carpet and sisal compress under a heavy cat.
- Check the base sits flat. Thick or plush carpet lets a base rock. Set the tree on hard flooring, or put a piece of plywood larger than the base under it.
- Move it into a corner. Two walls stop sway in two directions.
- Strap it to the wall. Use the anti-tip kit if your tree includes one; if not, a furniture anti-tip strap screwed into a wall stud near the top post holds it.
- Take off the top tier if it still rocks. On a tall tower, the highest level adds the most leverage.
- Replace cracked parts. A split post or a platform that flexes under hand pressure won't be fixed by anchoring.
How to clean a cat tree
Start with the maker's care line: the Globlazer S72 lists hand wash only and the New Cat Condos perch lists spot clean only. Most of the work is hair and dust, not washing.
- Weekly: vacuum carpet, plush and sisal with an upholstery brush. A damp rubber glove dragged across carpeted panels lifts embedded hair.
- Spills and hairballs: blot, then spot-clean with water and a little mild dish soap, and rinse with a damp cloth. Don't soak sisal or particleboard.
- Removable beds and hammocks: wash according to their own tags.
- Dry fully before your cat uses it again; a damp tree holds odor.
If a cat has peed on the tree
Ohio State's Indoor Pet Initiative says to blot up as much urine as you can, then use an enzymatic cleaner following its directions, and never use ammonia or ammonia-based products, because the smell can draw the cat back to the spot [4]. Its advice for carpet that still smells after cleaning is to replace the padding underneath [4]; on a tree, the equivalent is replacing the carpeted panel or re-wrapping the post. Our pet odor eliminator guide covers enzymatic products.
A cat that suddenly starts peeing on furniture instead of the litter box may have a medical problem. Ask your vet before treating it as a cleaning job.
Where to put a cat tree so your cat uses it
- Where your cat already goes. Ohio State suggests watching where your cat settles and curls up to sleep and using that as your guide [5].
- By a window with something to watch. Ohio State says cats need to see what's happening outside, and suggests a bird feeder or flowers that attract insects to keep the view interesting [5]. Our window perch guide covers a no-floor-space version.
- Near where your cat scratches. Cornell suggests placing a post next to the spot a cat already scratches, then moving it gradually to where you want it [3].
- In the room people use. Cats often feel safer high up, where nobody can approach unseen [5], and a tree in a living room lets a cat watch the household from that height.
If your cat won't use a new tree, Ohio State suggests putting a favorite toy or treat on the perch, then letting the cat approach in its own time rather than placing it there [5].
What a large cat needs from a cat tree
Platform size
The guidelines say a perch should let a cat stretch out fully [1]. We'd measure your cat from nose to tail and compare it with any platform size the listing gives. Only one of our three picks states one.
A stable base
We'd look for the base dimensions and total weight on the listing, not just the height. None of these listings states a tested maximum cat weight.
Scratching surfaces
Sisal or rope-wrapped posts give a vertical scratching surface. The guidelines also describe horizontal ones like a scratching pad [1], so add one if your cat scratches flat surfaces.
Assembly
Towers like the Globlazer include an assembly kit. If you want minimal setup, the New Cat Condos listing claims one-step, no-tool assembly.
Which cat tree to get for a large cat
- Best Overall: The Globlazer S72 is the tallest tree here and is the only one that gives a platform size (21.7 × 11.8 in).
- Best Compact Perch: The New Cat Condos perch suits a heavy cat that prefers a low perch to climbing.
- Best Low-Step Pick: The PETTIFUL tree tops out at about 37 inches and is marketed as low-step for older cats; the listing gives no step heights.
Cat tree FAQ for big cats
What size cat tree does a large cat need?
In our view, check platform size before height, because the AAFP and ISFM guidelines say perches should be wide and long enough for the cat to stretch out fully [1]. Of our picks, only the Globlazer S72 lists a platform size: 21.7 by 11.8 inches.
Are tall cat trees safe for heavy cats?
Check the listed base size and the tree's total weight. None of these listings publishes a tested maximum cat weight, so we can only report what they say about their bases.
Do cats need a scratching post if they have a cat tree?
All three of our picks include vertical posts. The environmental needs guidelines describe both vertical and horizontal scratching surfaces, such as a scratching pad [1]. We'd add a flat pad if your cat scratches rugs.
Where should I put a cat tree?
Near a window is a good spot: the guidelines recommend that indoor resting areas include a place where the cat can see outdoors [1]. See our window perch guide for another way to do that.
How do I clean a cat tree?
Follow the listing. The Globlazer lists hand wash only and the New Cat Condos perch lists spot clean only.
How tall should a cat tree be for a Maine Coon?
Height matters less than platform size and stability. The AAFP/ISFM guidelines say a perch should let a cat stretch out fully [1], and Cornell says a scratching post should be at least as tall as the cat standing on its hind legs with front legs stretched up [3]. A shorter tree with large platforms often suits a heavy cat better than a tall, narrow tower.
How much weight can a cat tree hold?
Few listings say. None of our three picks states a tested maximum cat weight; the Globlazer S72's title describes it for cats of 20 pounds and up. Judge by the base footprint, the tree's own weight and whether it can be anchored. A tree that rocks when you push the top platform by hand will rock more when a heavy cat jumps on it.
What cleaner is safe to use on a cat tree?
For everyday dirt, water and a little mild dish soap, applied with a cloth and rinsed. For urine, Ohio State's Indoor Pet Initiative recommends an enzymatic cleaner used according to its directions, and warns never to use ammonia, because the smell can attract the cat back [4]. Let the tree dry completely before your cat uses it.
When should you replace a cat tree?
When it can't be made stable, when posts are cracked or platforms flex, or when a urine smell survives cleaning. Ohio State's fix for urine-soaked carpet is replacing the padding [4]; for a tree, that means replacing the panel or the tree. Worn-through sisal can be re-wrapped if the post underneath is sound.
Sources
- AAFP and ISFM Feline Environmental Needs Guidelines, Ellis SLH et al., Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 15(3):219–230 (2013). journals.sagepub.com
- Cat Fanciers' Association — Maine Coon Cat breed profile. cfa.org
- Cornell Feline Health Center — Destructive Behavior: Management strategies for your cat's innate behaviors (2021). vet.cornell.edu
- The Ohio State University Indoor Pet Initiative — How to Clean-Up Cat Urine. indoorpet.osu.edu
- The Ohio State University Indoor Pet Initiative — Perches. indoorpet.osu.edu