What cat tree height for your cat's size and age?
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The question always comes up: what cat tree height should you choose? There is no single answer, but there are simple benchmarks based on your cat's size, age and mobility. Here is a grid to decide quickly.
Quick benchmarks
- Kitten: 60 to 100 cm, with low steps. It grows fast: think about adult size.
- Medium-sized adult cat: 90 to 140 cm.
- Large cat (Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Norwegian Forest): 150 cm minimum, ideally 170 cm and more.
- Multi-cat home: 150 cm and more, with several levels.
- Senior or reduced-mobility cat: 60 to 100 cm, with closely spaced levels or a ramp.
Why height isn't enough
A tall tree with a narrow base tips over. Look at these at the same time:
- the width and weight of the base;
- the maximum load per platform;
- the platform size, where the cat must be able to lie down;
- the rigidity of the structure: see solid wood or particleboard.
The heights in our range
- Under 100 cm: small cat tree 68 cm and the small cat trees collection.
- Around 140 to 150 cm: multi-level solid wood tree 148 cm and the medium cat trees collection.
- 170 cm and more: XXL 170 cm, giant 174 cm, XXL 209 cm and the large cat trees collection.
- Floor to ceiling: our floor-to-ceiling cat tree guide.
Measuring your room
- Measure the ceiling height: a 209 cm tree needs at least 2.2 m.
- Allow for the base width and some clearance around it.
- If space is limited, consider the wall-mounted cat tree.
Frequently asked questions
Is a taller cat tree always better?
No: an older or shy cat prefers low levels. For an active cat or a large breed, height is a real plus, provided the base is wide and heavy.
Should I buy for the kitten or the adult?
For a large-breed kitten, buying a model for the adult from the start avoids a second purchase. For a medium breed, a 90 to 140 cm model is fine from the start.
My cat doesn't use the high levels
See how to get your cat used to a cat tree.
The complete guide: how to choose a cat tree.