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Stripes is 16 pounds of tabby and he has knocked over two cat trees. Not on purpose, he just landed on them. Most trees are sized for an 8 lb cat and marketed with photos of kittens. If you have a big cat, the rules change. Here is what to look for and the trees that passed here.
What a big cat needs
- Perches at least 16 inches across. A big cat needs to lie down, not perch like a bird.
- Base at least 24 by 24 inches for anything over 5 feet tall, and heavier is better. Particle board bases are fine if they are thick.
- Posts 3.5 inches or thicker. Thin posts flex and eventually crack at the screw.
- Weight rating. If the listing does not state one, assume it is too light.
- Wall anchor. Any tree over 5 feet gets strapped to the wall here. It takes ten minutes and ends the tipping problem.
Best overall for large cats
A wide-platform tree with a heavy base and thick sisal posts. Stripes sleeps on the top platform, which is the real test. It has not moved.
Large Cat Tree for Big Cats, Wide Platforms, Heavy Base · About $120
Wide perches a big cat can actually lie on, thick posts, heavy base. Rated for large breeds. Anchor it anyway.
Best budget option that still holds
The 63 inch Yaheetech tree is the one in the living room. It is not marketed for large cats, but the base is wide and it has taken two cats on top at once. Add a wall strap and it is fine for a cat up to about 16 lb.
Yaheetech 63 inch Cat Tree · About $70
Wide base, holds two cats up top, great value. Strap it to the wall for a big cat.
Best if you have no floor space
Wall-mounted shelves rated for weight. Screw into studs, not drywall anchors, for a big cat. Stagger them so the jumps are short.
Wall Mounted Cat Shelves, Set of 3 · About $60
Zero floor space, real vertical territory. Stud-mount only for a cat over 12 lb.
The anchor strap
Every tall tree in this house is strapped. Furniture anti-tip straps from the baby aisle work perfectly. This is the cheapest insurance you can buy.
Furniture Anti-Tip Straps, 4-Pack · About $12
Ten minutes to install. No tree has tipped since. Do this before the cat gets on it.
What to skip
- Anything with a “condo” too small to turn around in. Big cats will not use it and it adds weight up high.
- Hanging toys on rope. A big cat rips them off in a day.
- Trees with a single narrow center post. They sway.
Frequently asked questions
How much weight can a cat tree hold?
Budget trees are typically rated 15 to 20 lb total. Trees for large cats are rated 30 lb or more per platform. If no rating is listed, assume the lower number.
Should I anchor my cat tree to the wall?
Yes if it is over 5 feet or your cat is over 12 lb. Anti-tip furniture straps take ten minutes and eliminate the risk.
What is a good cat tree for a Maine Coon?
One with perches over 18 inches wide, posts over 4 inches thick, and a stated weight rating over 30 lb. Anchor it.
The general buying guide with placement tips is here, and scratching posts that survive big cats are in this post.
