Many cats love the excitement and coziness of a cat tree. Cats will leap, run, scratch, and snooze in their favorite cat condo. However, it can be difficult to find a cat tree that is both affordable and small enough to fit into a small apartment. Not everyone with a cat has tons of extra space, and many cat trees can quickly become obnoxious in the wrong space. Luckily, there are plenty of options for small cat trees that can fit into apartments. There are a variety of different styles and sizes to choose from.

Here are our picks for the best cat trees designed for small apartments that your cat is sure to love, complete with reviews and a buyer’s guide to help you pick the absolutely perfect one for your situation.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2026

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo	Multiple perches, multiple scratching posts Small and compact Innocuous style	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		PEQULTI Cat Tower for Indoor Cats	Small and functional Affordable to fit almost any budget Cozy fabric coating	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		MAU Modern Cat Tree Tower	Amazing look High quality materials Large enough for multiple cats	CHECK PRICE
Best for Kittens		Frisco Modern Cat Tree & Condo	Modern design fits almost any apartment Small sturdy base Reasonably priced	CHECK PRICE
		MidWest Curious Cube Cat Condo	Sturdy design can fit multiple cats Made from wood and faux sheepskin Small footprint	CHECK PRICE

The 7 Best Cat Trees for Small Apartments

1. Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo – Best Overall

The Frisco 28-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo is the best overall cat tree for a small apartment. This is a compact cat tree that takes up just 1.75 square feet of floor space yet stands over two feet tall. It includes two quality scratching posts made from specially designed sisal. It has two platforms measuring 1 square foot each and a hiding box at the base. This gives your cat everything they need from a cat tree: multiple perches, multiple places to sleep, and multiple places to scratch. All of this comes in at a very reasonable price and can easily be tucked into the corner of almost any apartment. All of this together makes the Frisco 28-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo a versatile and well-rounded cat tree. The combination of the size, quality, function, and price are perfect for small apartments and make this the go-to cat tower in those situations.

This cat tree is built to hold one cat that is 25 pounds or less. Larger cats or people with multiple cats might be disappointed in the overall size. It’s great for small cats, kittens, and medium-sized cats. If you are not trying to get a cat tree that can host a whole colony of felines this product will work great in nearly any apartment.

2. PEQULTI Cat Tower for Indoor Cats – Best Value

Cat trees can be expensive, and not everyone has hundreds of dollars to shell out on a product for their cat. The PEQULTI Cat Tree Cat Tower for Indoor Cats is an affordable option that will fit almost any budget. This cat tree is compact, useful, and affordable. It easily slides onto the lowest end of the price scale for cat trees. That doesn’t mean you are sacrificing quality or function. This cat tree features three sleeping spots, two scratching posts, a plethora of comfortable fabric, and a small footprint. This cat tree even includes two toys designed for your cat to bat and play with while they are scratching. PEQULTI Cat Tree Cat Tower for Indoor Cats gives you everything your cat needs to enjoy your apartment in one affordable package.

The biggest downside to this product is that it is not super strong. It cannot comfortably accommodate multiple cats. It might not even fit large cats that weigh 18 pounds or more. That means it will not accommodate everyone’s pet situation. But we think it is the best cat tree for small apartments for the money you pay.

3. MAU Modern Cat Tree Tower – Premium Choice

Some cat trees are super ugly and immediately stand out in a space, especially a small space like an apartment. Not everyone wants an ugly cat tower cluttering their aesthetic. That is where the MAU Modern Cat Tree Tower comes in. This cat tree is extremely stylish. It is made from woven materials and wooden branches. It has a unique shape and will blend in seamlessly with your decor. The look is far better than a simple carpeted cat tower. It also does not take up too much space with a 3-square-foot footprint. It features two baskets that are enough to fit multiple cats, and it can hold cats that weigh 23 pounds.

There are two drawbacks to this product. The first one is the price. This is an expensive cat tower. (Style does not come cheap!) The second is the fact that many people reported not getting any instructions with their cat tower, which can make assembly a little tricky.

4. Frisco Modern Cat Tree & Condo, Gray – Best for Kittens

When living with cats in a small space, you need a cat tree that can fit in a corner and remain out of the way. The Frisco 28-in Modern Cat Tree & Condo fits the bill perfectly. This small and compact cat tree features a large cut-out window that holds a small, elevated cat bed. It’s also great for kittens because the base is also open and includes another place for your cat to sleep. The footprint measures just 15 inches by 15 inches, making it easy to place almost anywhere. The design is super modern and will blend in with almost any style while also keeping it out of the line of sight. All of this is available for a single reasonable price.

The biggest complaint about the Frisco 28-in Modern Cat Tree & Condo, Gray surrounds the assembly. Some people reported that parts did not match up exactly, making it difficult to assemble, and that the parts were not labeled (meaning some people likely put the wrong pieces in the wrong places).

5. MidWest Curious Cube Cat Condo

Some people have multiple cats that all want to enjoy a cat tower. The problem is some cat towers are not strong enough to support multiple cats at once, especially those that are great for small apartments. That is not the case with the MidWest Curious Cube Cat Condo. This product is very sturdy. The strength is derived from the cube shape. It has two condos and a sleeping cushion on top. It can theoretically hold three small to medium-sized cats. The frame is wood, and it takes up less than two square feet, which is perfect for small spaces. The liner is made from faux sheepskin, which looks good and is plush and cozy.

Some users reported that their cats did not like this condo. Not all cats like enclosed cat trees. Some cats like a more open design. Your mileage may vary depending on your cat’s preferences.

6. Frisco Real Carpet Wooden Cat Tree

Some cats like very tall cat trees. Not all small cat condos are tall enough for all cats. Many cats like to have a good vantage point where they can watch their surroundings. The Frisco 65-in Real Carpet Wooden Cat Tree is an excellent tall cat tree that stands over 5 feet tall. It has four separate sleeping areas and multiple scratching posts. The whole thing is carpeted, which is good for scratching and sleeping. This tower is also great for multiple cats, and it is durable enough to hold multiple cats at once. The Frisco 65-in Real Carpet Wooden Cat Tree is made in the United States, and the frame is made from solid wood.

The problem is that this tower might be too large for really small apartments. It takes up nearly 4 square feet of space, which is over double that of more compact cat trees. It is also a little unsightly. With the basic design and appearance combined with the size, it will stand out, especially in a small space.

7. TRIXIE Valencia Plush Cat Tree

Many cats love a good scratching post. Some cats can’t live without a scratching post without shredding your furniture or shoes. The TRIXIE Valencia 28-in Plush Cat Tree is a simple cat tree with two durable sisal scratching posts. It is also very compact, only taking up a bit over a square foot of space, making it perfect for a cozy corner. In addition to the dual scratching posts, this cat tower also includes two platforms, a toy, and a hiding box. Best of all, this cat tree is very affordable. It also comes in two colors, brown or gray, so you can pick the one that fits your style the best.

The biggest downside is that this tower is a little unstable. It cannot comfortably hold large cats. That makes this tower best for small cats or as a deluxe dual scratching post setup.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing a Cat Tree for a Small Apartment

Budget

Cat trees come in all shapes and sizes, which means that they come at many different prices. Some cat trees can be as affordable as 40 dollars, while others can be as much as a couple of hundred dollars. It is a good idea to set a budget before shopping so you do not get overwhelmed or hit with sticker shock. The average price of a quality cat tree usually runs around $70.

Material

Cat trees can feature a diverse range of materials. From silk to carpet to wood and faux sheepskin, each cat tree is unique. The materials often dictate the quality. Solid wood frames are better than particle board or flimsy plywood. Some fabrics are easier to clean than others. Other materials are more durable and can hold up to scratching and biting better than others. The best material for your cat will depend on the size of the cat and the way that they use the cat tree. Some cats just like to lounge, others like to scratch, and others like to jump and climb.

Footprint

When it comes to buying a cat tree for a small apartment, you need to consider the footprint. The larger the footprint, the more space it will take up. In particularly small apartments, a few square feet can make a big difference. The smallest cat trees will only take up a little over 1 square foot of space. Larger trees can take up as much as 4 square feet. Decide where your cat tree is going to go and make sure that you find one that fits your space appropriately.

Options

There are various different options when it comes to cat trees. Some cat trees have multiple sleeping spaces. Other cat trees have scratching posts or toys that come included. Different types of fabric and materials can cover the cat tree. Each cat tree is different, and each situation is different. You might want a tree that is easier to clean. Or you might have multiple heavy cats that need a sturdier frame. The choice is ultimately up to you and will depend on numerous factors.

Alternatively, if you want to surprise your cat with something cool, check out the Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher. It's not just a scratcher; it's a piece of modern furniture that your cat can play on. It's got a curvy design that's perfect for stretching and moving, and it's built tough with strong birch plywood and thick B-flute cardboard. You can adjust it to three different heights, which keeps cats entertained. Plus, it won't break the bank! Our cats love it, and we do too.

Hepper Hi-Lo Cardboard Cat Scratcher with Real...

• Premium Materials - Hepper's cardboard scratcher is made with dense, B-flute cardboard, and a metal...
• High, Low and Lower - A single cat scratch pad won't keep your cat engaged. 3 unique positions keeps...
• Activates Muscles - The Hi Lo isn't just a cat nail file to stop the chief cat couch scratcher. The...

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

Style

The last thing to consider is the style. Cat trees come in a variety of different styles. Some cat trees are traditional-looking, simple, beige, and carpeted. Other cat trees can look like a variety of different things, including actual trees, modern art, teepees, and more. Not everyone wants a traditional-looking cat tree. Some people want something a little more unique or stylish to fit their apartment’s aesthetic. Be sure to choose a style that fits your space and your decor.

How We Selected Our List of Cat Trees for Small Apartments

Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the cat trees. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.

Why Trust Catster?

A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with cat trees. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats!

Conclusion

These are our reviews of eight of the best cat trees on the market right now. There are a variety of different types, materials, and styles to choose from. As our best overall pick, we like the Frisco 28-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo in Cream. If you need something more affordable, try the PEQULTI Cat Tree Cat Tower for Indoor Cats. If you want something more modern and stylish, you might like the MAU Modern Cat Tree Tower.

All of these cat trees will fit nicely into a small apartment. They all have small footprints and fairly unobtrusive designs. Now, all you have to do is pick the one that calls you and your cat the most.

• Related Read: Cat-Friendly Alternatives to a Classic Christmas Tree

Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock