Having an aging cat can be difficult for you and for them. As your cat has aged, it has likely begun to slow down and may require some extra care and consideration. One way you can make life a little more comfortable and easy for your older cat is by providing a cat tree (or trees!) that accounts for their changing needs. As cats age, they may gain weight, lose vision, or develop medical issues like arthritis that may slow them down. Choosing a cat tree that is safe and comfortable for an older cat can make aging easier for your cat.
Cats love having cat trees because they provide an elevated place to keep an eye on things and a safe place to rest. These reviews cover the best cat trees for older cats to make it easier on you when it comes to choosing the best option for your home.
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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
Image | Product | Details | ||
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Best Overall | EliteField Faux Fur Cat Tree |
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Best Value | Go Pet Club Faux Fur Cat Tree |
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Premium Choice | Mau Lifestyle Cento Modern Wooden Cat Tree & Condo |
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Armarkat Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo |
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Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo |
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The 10 Best Cat Trees for Older Cats
1. EliteField Faux Fur Cat Tree – Best Overall
Height: | 40 inches |
Color: | Beige |
Number of beds: | 1 |
Number of scratchers: | 6 |
The best overall cat tree for your older cat is the EliteField Faux Fur Cat Tree, which stands at 40 inches tall and is available in one color. This cat tree features stair-stepped platforms that lead up to a cozy bed. There are three scratching posts and three flat scratchers built into each platform. The way this cat tree is designed makes it safe for older cats to use while helping them improve strength and balance. The soft faux fur is cozy and will help your kitty feel safe and secure. The elevated bed is perfect for lounging and sleeping and the spacing between the platforms is perfect for cats with decreased strength and mobility. The pad in the bed is not washable and this item cannot be shipped to California at this time.
- 40 inches tall
- Stair-stepped platforms for cats with limited mobility and strength
- Three scratching posts and three platforms with built-in scratchers
- Designed for the safety of older cats while improving strength
- Faux fur material is soft and cozy
- Elevated bed is ideal for naps
- One color option
- Bed cushion isn’t washable
- Cannot be shipped to California at this time
2. Go Pet Club Faux Fur Cat Tree – Best Value
Height: | 23 inches |
Color: | Grey, brown/black |
Number of beds: | 2 |
Number of scratchers: | 1 |
The best cat tree for your older cat for the money is the Go Pet Club Faux Fur Cat Tree, which stands at 23 inches tall and is available in solid grey and a brown and black combination color. This cat tree is low to the ground and the lower bed sits about halfway between the floor and upper bed, making it the perfect height for your older cat to jump between beds. The faux fur material is comfy and cozy for older cats, and one of the posts doubles as a sisal-wrapped scratcher.
Everything about the design of this cat tree has safety and accessibility for older cats in mind, including having one bed that is larger than the other to allow for stretching or curling up. The padded cushions from the beds are not washable and some people report the faux fur material shedding easily.
- Best value
- Two color options
- Levels are spaced well for older cats
- Faux fur material is soft and cozy
- One post doubles as a scratcher
- Safe and accessible for older cats
- Smaller than most cat trees
- Bed cushions aren’t washable
- Faux fur material may shed easily
3. Mau Lifestyle Cento Modern Wooden Cat Tree & Condo – Premium Choice
Height: | 46 inches |
Color: | White, brown, grey |
Number of beds: | 3 |
Number of scratchers: | 2 |
The premium choice for cat trees for your older cat is the Mau Lifestyle Cento Modern Wooden Cat Tree & Condo, which stands at 46 inches tall and features two scratching posts, two wicker basket-style beds, and a condo bed. The posts are made from natural branches, so each cat tree is unique. There are three color options for the faux fur on the condo and base, as well as on the washable cushions in each bed. There are two dangling furry toys to pique your cat’s interest in this cat tree.
Although this cat tree is rated for cats up to 20 pounds, some people with large cats report feeling the baskets are too small and the sisal scratchers are not at a good height for large cats. It may be difficult for some cats with mobility issues to jump from the lower basket bed to the upper basket bed.
- 46 inches tall
- Has two scratching posts
- Includes two basket beds and a condo bed with washable cushions
- Each cat tree is unique
- Three color options
- Includes two dangling toys
- Premium price
- May not be a good option for large cats
- May be difficult for some cats to jump from the lower bed to the upper bed
4. Armarkat Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo
Height: | 65 inches |
Color: | Beige |
Number of beds: | 2 |
Number of scratchers: | 9 |
The Armarkat Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo isn’t just a great option for older cats, but it works well for kittens also. This 65-inch-tall cat tree has a hammock bed and tented bed, as well as nine sisal-wrapped posts for scratching. There are five platforms and the distance between each platform is ideal for kittens and older cats alike. There are built-in toys for entertainment, and the faux fur material is cozy for naps. The 50-pound weight limit makes this a great pick for multi-cat homes. This cat tree does sell for a premium price, and the beds are not washable.
- Great for older cats and kittens
- 65 inches tall
- Has a hammock bed and tent condo bed
- Nine scratching posts
- Five platforms with safe distancing for older cats and kittens
- Includes built-in toys
- One color option
- Premium price
- Beds are not washable
5. Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo
Height: | 61 inches |
Color: | Grey, charcoal |
Number of beds: | 4 |
Number of scratchers: | 7 |
The Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo stands at 61 inches tall and includes two bolster beds, two condo beds, and seven scratching posts. This cat tree is available in two colors and has six levels, making it easy for your older cat to jump between levels. There are two dangling ball toys and a rope toy included for extra fun. The faux fur is comfy the bolster beds have removable, washable covers. Some people report finding the upper portions of this tree to be wobbly, which may make your cat feel unstable. Although not required, it may improve stability and make your cat feel safer if you anchor this cat tree to a wall.
- 61 inches tall
- Has two bolster beds with washable covers and two condo beds
- Includes seven scratchers
- Multiple levels with small distances between
- Multiple built-in toys are included
- Upper portions may be wobbly
- Wall anchoring may be the best option to improve stability
6. FEANDREA Faux Fleece Cat Tree & Condo
Height: | 8 inches |
Color: | Light grey, dark grey |
Number of beds: | 3 |
Number of scratchers: | 3 |
The FEANDREA Faux Fleece Cat Tree & Condo stands at 37.8 inches tall and includes a hammock bed, condo bed, and bolster bed. It also has two scratching posts, an angled scratcher, and a dangling ball toy. There are two color options to match any décor, and this tree has four levels for your cat to jump between. The distancing is great for older cats and there is plenty of space to stretch out or curl up. The faux fleece material is cozy, and the angled scratcher doubles as a ramp. The manufacturer recommends anchoring this cat tree to the wall for safety, and the cushions on the beds are not washable.
- Three types of beds
- Includes two scratching posts and an angled scratcher that doubles as a ramp
- Includes a dangling ball toy
- Two color options
- Four levels that are spaced appropriately for older cats
- Manufacturer recommends anchoring this cat tree to the wall
- Cushions in beds are not washable
7. Yaheetech Plush Multi-Cat Tree & Condo
Height: | 51 inches |
Color: | Light grey, dark grey, beige |
Number of beds: | 4 |
Number of scratchers: | 4 |
The Yaheetech Plush Multi-Cat Tree & Condo stands at 51 inches tall and features a bolster bed, tunnel, condo bed, and hammock. It also includes a dangling ball toy, four scratching posts, and a ramp that allows cats with limited mobility to get onto the tree. There are four levels of this cat tree, giving your older cat plenty of options for climbing to the top. This cat tree is covered with a tear-resistant but plush fabric that is available in three colors, making for maximum comfort for your cat and longevity of the cat tree. It is recommended for one or two smaller cats to use, so this isn’t the best option for large cats, especially since the weight limit of the highest platform is only 13 pounds.
- 51 inches tall
- Four types of beds
- Includes a toy and a ramp to support mobility
- Includes four scratching posts
- Tear-resistant fabric is available in three colors
- Not recommended for large cats
- Highest weight limit is 13 pounds
8. Catry Felt Cat Tree & Tunnel
Height: | 5 inches |
Color: | Grey and white |
Number of beds: | 2 |
Number of scratchers: | 4 |
The Catry Felt Cat Tree & Tunnel is 28.5 inches tall and is available in one color combination. It has a tunnel bed and bolster bed, as well as four scratchers and three platform levels, making it easy for your older cat to jump between levels. There is a built-in dangling ball toy to keep things interesting for your cat. The felt material is different from most cat trees, which may make things more interesting and exciting for your cat. The cushions in the beds on this cat tree are not washable, and some people feel like this cat tree is more wobbly than many other options.
- Has two types of beds
- Includes four scratchers
- Four platform levels are adequately spaced for the safety of older cats
- Dangling ball toy keeps things fun for your cat
- Felt material may make things more interesting for your cat
- 5 inches tall
- One color option
- Cushions in beds aren’t washable
- May be more wobbly than many other options
9. Kitty City Claw Sleeper Faux Fleece Cat Tree
Height: | 25 inches |
Color: | Brown and blue |
Number of beds: | 1 |
Number of scratchers: | 0 |
The Kitty City Claw Sleeper Faux Fleece Cat Tree is 17.25 inches tall, making it the smallest cat tree we reviewed. It’s available in one color combination, and this cat tree consists of a lightweight frame with a bolster bed on the bottom and a hammock-type platform on top. It is ideal for older cats due to its small size and the ability to easily move it from place to place, which allows you to keep your kitty near you anywhere in the house. It can be attached to other products from Kitty City, allowing you to customize a larger cat tree. It does not include any scratchers, although it does include a moon-shaped dangling toy.
- Lightweight enough to be moved from room to room easily
- Has a cozy bolster bed and hammock-like platform
- Small size is ideal for older cats
- Can be combined with other Kitty City items
- 25 inches tall
- One color option
- No scratchers
10. TRIXIE Dayna Plush Wall Mounted Cat Tree
Height: | 8 inches |
Color: | White |
Number of beds: | 2 |
Number of scratchers: | 4 |
The TRIXIE Dayna Plush Wall Mounted Cat Tree is 59.8 inches tall but can be mounted at any height on your wall, which allows you to mount it at a height that your cat can easily access. It has a hammock bed, condo bed, and four scratchers. There are five platform levels, making it easy for your older cat to move up and down. This cat tree must be mounted into wall studs for safety and stability. All anchoring hardware needed for safety is included with the product. None of the pads on this cat tree are washable and the weight limit is 14 pounds, making this a bad pick for large cats.
- Can be mounted at any height to accommodate your cat
- Two types of beds
- Includes four scratchers
- Anchoring hardware is included
- Must be wall mounted
- Beds aren’t washable
- Not a good option for large cats
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Cat Tree for Older Cats
Choosing the Right Cat Tree for Your Older Cat
When choosing a cat tree for your older cat, ensure you are taking your cat’s mobility level into account. Some cats aren’t able to jump or may have pain or discomfort when jumping up or down. With cat trees, you have to keep in mind not only how accessible it will be for your cat to climb up, but also how accessible it will be for your cat to jump back down. Choose products that allow for plenty of grip and provide comfy napping spots for your cat.
Your cat’s overall size and weight should also be a top consideration when picking a cat tree. If you have a Maine Coon, for example, then your options will be more limited than if you have an 8-pound Siamese cat. Keep in mind that the weight limits on cat trees are weight limits for the entire tree, not weight limits per cat. If you have multiple cats, then you should choose a cat tree that allows all of your cats to safely use the tree at the same time.
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.
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!
Free Standing vs Wall Mounted
Free Standing
A free-standing cat tree is one that has its own supports and can safely stand without additional supports. This can be beneficial if you need to be able to place a cat tree away from a wall, but it also may increase wobbliness near the top of tall cat trees since there are no additional supports. The best thing about free-standing cat trees is that you don’t have to put any holes into your walls.
Wall Mounted
A wall-mounted cat tree is one that is either fully installed onto the wall or one that needs to be anchored to a wall for support and safety. The best benefit of wall-mounted cat trees is that they are the most secure option. However, they do require you to put anchor holes in your walls, and they also require you to have your cat tree near or fully up against a wall.
Our Cat Trees for Older Cats Selection Process
Catster’s dedicated team of writers and editors collaborate with expert veterinarians, considering a wide range of factors when selecting the best for cats. These parameters include customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, and in some cases, hands-on testing. Of course, our cats have a say in the process, too! We strive to select and review the highest-quality products available, to help you choose the best possible product and make the most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.
Why Trust Catster?
Catster has been a trusted online brand since 2001, so we know a thing or two about cat trees. We’re a team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians dedicated to helping you make the most informed decision for your feline. We deeply believe in providing the best information for cat owners to help their cats live their best life possible. We look at reviews from the most trusted sources available, and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options on the market. Our team is invested in the welfare and health of cats around the world, and believe that expert knowledge is one of the best ways to achieve this.
Conclusion
The best overall pick for cat trees for older cats of the products we reviewed is the EliteField Faux Fur Cat Tree, which features perfectly spaced platforms to ensure the safety of your older cat while still encouraging activity and mobility. The budget-friendly pick is the Go Pet Club Faux Fur Cat Tree, which is small but mighty, and includes everything needed to keep your older kitty comfy. If you have a home with an older cat and kitten, then the top pick is the Armarkat Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo, which provides a safe, secure environment for cats of all ages.
Featured Image Credit: Chewy