Best Cat Trees for Large Cats: What to Look For Before Buying

Choosing the right cat tree for a large cat isn't always straightforward. Larger cats need enough space to climb, scratch, stretch out and sleep comfortably, while the cat tree itself needs to be strong and stable enough to cope with their size and weight.

Whether you have a Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Norwegian Forest Cat or simply a larger-than-average domestic cat, choosing the right cat tree can give them a dedicated place to play, relax and observe their surroundings.

But what should you actually look for when choosing a cat tree for a large cat?

What Makes a Good Cat Tree for a Large Cat?

A cat tree designed for a larger cat needs to offer more than simply a tall structure.

The most important things to consider are stability, platform size, scratching-post strength and comfortable sleeping areas.

A good cat tree should allow your cat to use it naturally without feeling cramped or unstable.

When comparing different options, consider:

• The overall stability of the cat tree
• The size of the platforms
• The strength and thickness of the scratching posts
• The size of the sleeping areas
• The overall height
• The amount of floor space available
• Your cat's individual personality and habits

Let's look at each of these in more detail.

1. Choose a Strong and Stable Cat Tree

Stability is particularly important when choosing a cat tree for a large cat.

When a cat jumps onto a platform or climbs from one level to another, the structure needs to remain secure. Larger cats naturally put more weight and force through the structure, particularly when jumping and scratching.

A sturdy base can help reduce movement and make the cat tree feel more secure.

Look for a design with:

• A wide and stable base
• Strong supporting posts
• A solid construction
• Secure platforms
• Good weight distribution

If a cat tree moves or wobbles every time your cat jumps onto it, they may simply decide that they don't want to use it.

A stable design is therefore important not only for practical reasons but also for making the cat tree appealing to your cat.

2. Make Sure the Platforms Are Large Enough

One of the biggest mistakes people make when buying a cat tree for a large cat is concentrating on height while overlooking the size of the platforms.

Large cats need enough room to sit, turn around and lie down comfortably.

A platform that is suitable for a small cat may not provide enough space for a Maine Coon or another large breed.

When comparing cat trees, look for platforms that allow your cat to:

• Sit comfortably
• Turn around
• Stretch out
• Lie down without hanging over the edge
• Move between levels safely

If your cat enjoys sleeping on elevated platforms, having several generously sized resting areas can make the cat tree much more useful.

3. Look at the Scratching Posts

Scratching is one of the most natural behaviours for a cat, so scratching posts are an important part of any good cat tree.

Large cats need enough room to stretch their bodies when scratching.

If a scratching post is too short, your cat may not be able to get the full-body stretch they naturally want.

Look for scratching posts that are:

• Tall enough for your cat to stretch
• Strong enough to withstand regular use
• Covered in a suitable scratching material
• Positioned where your cat can use them comfortably

A substantial scratching post can also give your cat a dedicated place to scratch rather than encouraging them to use your furniture.

4. Consider the Height of the Cat Tree

Cats naturally enjoy elevated positions.

Being high up allows them to observe what's happening around them while providing a place where they can relax away from the activity at floor level.

This is one reason Tall Cat Trees can be particularly appealing.

However, taller doesn't automatically mean better.

A very tall cat tree with small platforms or a narrow base may not be suitable for a large cat.

Instead, look for a balance between height, stability and usable space.

A well-designed tall cat tree can give your cat plenty of vertical territory without necessarily taking up a huge amount of floor space.

5. Choose Comfortable Sleeping Areas

Cats spend a large part of their day sleeping, so comfortable resting areas are essential.

Large cats need sleeping spaces that are appropriately sized for their bodies.

Some cats prefer an enclosed bed where they can curl up and feel protected, while others prefer an open platform where they can stretch out and watch what's happening around them.

If you're not sure which your cat prefers, choosing a cat tree with several different resting options can give them more choice.

6. Think About Your Cat's Personality

Size isn't the only thing that matters.

Your cat's personality and existing habits should also influence the type of cat tree you choose.

For example, does your cat:

• Like climbing onto high furniture?
• Spend time looking out of windows?
• Scratch furniture?
• Prefer sleeping somewhere elevated?
• Like enclosed hiding spaces?
• Enjoy jumping between different levels?

If your cat already enjoys climbing and being up high, a tall multi-level design may be ideal.

If they prefer hiding and sleeping, you may want to prioritise enclosed areas and larger beds.

The best cat tree is ultimately one that fits the way your individual cat behaves.

7. Consider a Multi-Level Design

A multi-level cat tree can give your cat several different areas to explore.

Instead of having one platform, your cat can move between different levels for climbing, playing, scratching and resting.

This can be particularly useful for larger cats because it provides more usable space.

Multi-level cat trees can also work particularly well in households with more than one cat.

Having several platforms and sleeping areas gives each cat the opportunity to find its own favourite place.

8. Measure Your Available Space

Before buying a large cat tree, measure the area where you intend to put it.

Remember that you need to consider both the height and footprint of the cat tree.

A tall design may work perfectly in a corner, while a larger multi-level cat tree could require considerably more floor space.

It's also worth considering where your cat already likes to spend time.

For example, placing a cat tree near a window can give your cat an excellent viewing position, while placing one in a quieter part of the home may be better for a cat that prefers to sleep undisturbed.

What Size Cat Tree Does a Large Cat Need?

There isn't a single size that will suit every large cat.

A Maine Coon weighing significantly more than an average domestic cat may require considerably more space than a medium-sized cat.

Rather than focusing solely on the advertised height of a cat tree, consider the usable space.

Look at the dimensions of:

• The base
• The platforms
• The sleeping areas
• The scratching posts
• The overall structure

A slightly shorter but much more stable cat tree with generous platforms may be a better choice than an extremely tall design with small resting areas.

Are Tall Cat Trees Good for Large Cats?

Yes, provided the structure is stable and offers enough usable space.

Large cats often benefit from vertical territory because it allows them to climb, observe their surroundings and choose different resting positions.

The key is choosing a tall cat tree that has been designed with stability and larger cats in mind.

If your cat enjoys being up high, a large cat tree can be an excellent addition to your home.

What Is the Best Cat Tree for a Large Cat?

The best cat tree for a large cat will depend on your cat's size, personality and how they like to spend their time.

However, there are several features worth prioritising.

Stability, strong construction, generous platforms, suitable scratching posts and comfortable sleeping areas should all be considered before making your decision.

If you have a particularly large or heavy cat, don't choose a cat tree based purely on its height. A stable structure with plenty of usable space is generally a better choice.

Explore Our Large Cat Trees

If you're looking for a cat tree that gives a larger cat plenty of room to climb, scratch, play and relax, explore our range of Large Cat Trees.

With different heights, layouts and designs available, you can find an option that suits both your cat and the space available in your home.

A well-chosen cat tree can become much more than somewhere for your cat to scratch. It can provide a dedicated area for climbing, playing, observing, hiding and sleeping — giving your cat more vertical space and their own place to relax.