Real wood cat trees offer a combination of durability, aesthetics, and functionality that has made them a popular choice among cat parents, but there are many questions that need to be answered before choosing the right one. In this article, we'll go over the types of wood used in cat trees, what to look for, and give you our picks for the best wood cat trees on the market today.
Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. We're intimately familiar with the cat tree features that are most important to cats and cat parents alike. This list is based on consultation with a veterinarian, cat behaviorist, hundreds of online reviews, and our own experience as cat parents to determine which cat trees offer the best overall performance.
Tip: See our definitive list of the best cat trees for even more cat tree recommendations.
Cheat Sheet: The Best Wood Cat Trees
1) tuft + paw Grove Cat Tower
| Pros | high quality materials, very stable, top perch and bottom bed, 360 degree visibility, stylish design, easy assembly, easy to clean, two sizes available |
| Cons | expensive, no scratching surfaces, limited accessibility for tall version |
| Materials | premium plywood with ash veneer, molded foam covered in faux shearling wool |
| Size | 18”W x 17”D x 24”H (or 41”H) |
| Price | $499–$649 |
2) Agile Felix Plywood Cat Tree
| Pros | moderate price, decent materials, lots of scratching surface, multiple platforms, machine washable cushions. easily accessible, easy to clean, neutral design |
| Cons | poor assembly instructions, some minor stability issues, too small for XL cats |
| Materials | pine plywood, sisal rope, fabric cushions |
| Size | 40.4"H x 18.9"L x 18.9"W |
| Price | $119 |
3) tuft + paw Frond Cat Tree
| Pros | high quality materials, lots of scratching surfaces, 3 adjustable perches, easy to clean, slim profile, stable base, easy assembly, stylish design |
| Cons | expensive, no cushions, platforms too small for XL cats |
| Materials | solid ash connectors, sisal wrapped column, premium plywood with ash veneer |
| Size | 49”H x 24”W x 24”D |
| Price | $299 |
4) Mau Cento Cat Tree
| Pros | quality materials, large rattan baskets, cat condo, multiple perches, machine washable cushions, two dangling toys, unique design, replacement parts available |
| Cons | expensive, not many scratching surfaces, not super tall, top basket may wobble and be scratched, faux fur sheds |
| Materials | wood, woven rattan, faux fleece, jute rope |
| Size | 46”H x 23.5”L x 18”W |
| Price | $289 |
5) Catit Vesper High Base Cat Tree
| Pros | moderate price, multiple platforms, lots of scratching surfaces, cat condo, dangling toy, easy to clean, modern design, replacement parts available |
| Cons | mediocre material quality, some stability issues + manufacturing inconsistencies, seagrass not as durable as sisal, poor assembly instructions |
| Materials | MDF, seagrass rope, memory foam cushions covered in faux fur |
| Size | 47.9"H x 22.1"L x 22.1"W |
| Price | $125 |
Types of Wood Used in Cat Trees
Not all wood products are created equal. Understanding the various types of wood used in cat trees is essential, as it can significantly impact the tree's durability, appearance, and price.
Solid Wood
Solid wood is a high-end material in cat tree construction, and is therefore less common and more expensive. It boasts great durability and a natural, rustic charm. Solid wood cat trees can withstand years of use and sharpened claws. While they may come at a higher price point, their longevity and aesthetic appeal make them a worthwhile investment if you find one you like.
Plywood
Plywood, constructed by adhering many thin sheets of wood together, is a common choice for cat tree bases and platforms. It offers great durability while remaining more budget-friendly than solid wood options. It’s also easier to work with than solid wood because of its consistent structure and lack of knots, so many high-end cat trees use plywood to create unique design features. These more luxurious plywood cat trees often come with real wood veneer finishes, providing the look of solid wood.
Plywood is made from many thin sheets of wood glued together. Credit: Pexels
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)
MDF is an engineered wood product made from wood fibers, wax, and resin compressed at a high temperature. It is lightweight and affordable, making it perhaps the most popular choice for cat tree components like shelves and platforms. However, MDF is less resistant to moisture and doesn’t hold screws as well as solid wood or plywood.
Particleboard
Particleboard, also known as low-density fiberboard, is another engineered wood product created by compressing wood chips and resin. It's the cheapest option but is less durable than other wood types. They can still provide a cost-effective solution for your cat's needs, but they won’t last as long as cat trees made from higher quality wood materials.
What to Look for in a Wood Cat Tree
Now that you're acquainted with the types of wood used in cat trees, let's delve into the essential features to consider when selecting the perfect real wood cat tree for your furry companion.
Quality Wood Materials
When investing in a real wood cat tree, prioritize quality wood materials. Solid wood or high-grade plywood cat trees tend to be more durable and long-lasting than those made from MDF or particleboard. Quality wood not only ensures longevity but also contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of the cat tree.
Stability
Stability is paramount in a cat tree, regardless of its material. Look for cat trees with a sturdy base and well-balanced design to prevent wobbling or tipping over when your cat climbs or plays. Stability is crucial for your cat's safety and confidence in their new playground.
Comfortable Lounging Surfaces
Cats love to lounge and nap in cozy spots. Ensure that the cat tree offers comfortable lounging surfaces like plush cushions, hammocks, or padded perches. These spots become your cat's retreat, providing them with a comfortable space to relax and observe their surroundings.
Milo Cat Tree by tuft + paw
Height & Size
Cats are natural climbers and enjoy perching at different heights. Look for cat trees that offer a variety of levels and heights, allowing your cat to indulge in their climbing instincts. A taller cat tree also maximizes vertical space, making efficient use of your room. If your cat is particularly big or you need to provide a tree for a whole feline crew, check out our lists of the best cat trees for large cats and the best cat trees for multiple cats.
Scratching Surfaces
Scratching is an essential cat behavior. Choose a cat tree that includes integrated scratching posts or panels made from materials like sisal rope or dense carpet. We recommend avoiding cardboard scratchers because they shed and wear out quickly. If your cat tree doesn’t have many scratchable surfaces, you may need to get a scratching post to save your furniture.
Accessibility
Cats of all ages and sizes should have easy access to all parts of the cat tree. Look for models with ramps, steps, or gradual inclines that make it simple for kittens, senior cats, or less agile cats to navigate the tree's different levels.
Grove Cat Tower and Frond Cat Tree by tuft + paw
Easy Assembly
As a cat owner, you want a cat tree that's easy to assemble. Choose a model that comes with straightforward assembly instructions and all the necessary hardware. A user-friendly assembly process means less time spent on setup and more time for your cat to enjoy their new playground.
Stylish Design
A cat tree should not only be functional but also enhance your home's decor. Consider the design and finish of the cat tree, as it will be a part of your living space. Many real wood cat trees offer stylish designs and wood finishes that blend seamlessly with your interior. We also don’t recommend cat trees covered in faux fur because they shed and look worse for wear very quickly.
Other Features
Some real wood cat trees come with additional features like hiding spots, interactive toys, or even integrated feeding stations. These extras can add an extra layer of excitement and functionality to your cat tree, making it a multipurpose hub for your feline friend. Take into account your cat’s preferences and choose the tree you think they’d get the most use out of.
Our Criteria for Choosing the Best Wood Cat Trees
- Wood quality — We prefer cat trees made from solid wood and plywood to those made from fiberboard.
- Cat comfort — A comfortable cat tree should have soft lounging surfaces, a stable structure, and enough room for a cat to stretch and sleep.
- Perches — A good cat tree should have at least one elevated perch for watching the world go by (aka “cat TV”).
- Accessibility — A cat should be able to access every part of the cat tree.
- Size— this includes height, perch/bed size, and length of scratching surfaces to allow stretching.
- Scratching features — includes sisal wrapped poles and scratchable fabric panels.
- Other features — toys, condos, ropes, hammocks, etc.
- Ease of cleaning — look for easily vacuumed/wiped materials like wood and carpet. Faux fur is generally harder to keep clean.
- Stylish design — Cats don't care much about aesthetics, but it sure is nice for cat parents! We love a cat tree that does its job well and is easy on the eyes.
- Price
Deep Dive: The 5 Best Cat Trees for Large Cats
1) tuft + paw Grove Cat Tower
Price: $499–$649
Rating: 4.8/5 with 33 tuft + paw reviews
Size: 18”W x 17”D x 24”H (or 41”H)
Materials: premium plywood with ash veneer, molded foam covered in faux shearling wool
Disclaimer: Yes, we included our own cat tree here. This is because we truly think it performs excellently compared to other cat trees on the market. We subjected it to the same scrutiny as every other product on this list and asked for honest opinions from experts and cat parents.
For cat parents who are looking for a statement piece, the tuft + paw Grove Cat Tower is just that. This unique tower is made from premium plywood and finished with an ash veneer, creating both a bright mid-century look and an incredibly stable base. Soft faux shearling cushions adorn the top perch and the cozy bottom alcove. When inside the base of the Grove, a cat still has 360-degree visibility thanks to the thin slat construction. This is great in multi-cat households where mischievous cats have a tendency to ambush one another. Being made primarily from wood, the Grove is easy to wipe clean and it’s also a breeze to assemble. There are also two sizes available so you can cater to your cat’s specific perch height preferences.
However, as a cat tower rather than a cat “tree”, the Grove doesn’t come with any scratching surfaces. This makes it better suited to households which are looking to add another cat perch and already have ample scratching surfaces available. It also comes with a high price tag, which may be out of budget for some. Finally, if opting for the taller version, place it near other furniture so cats have an easy route to the top—less athletic cats may have trouble jumping straight up there.
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2) Agile Felix Plywood Cat Tree
Credit: Agile Designs
Price: $119
Rating: 4.4/5 with 24 Amazon reviews
Size: 40.4"H x 18.9"L x 18.9"W
Materials: pine plywood, sisal rope, fabric cushions
The Agile Felix is our recommended wood cat tree for senior cats and those with mobility issues. It has four platforms evenly spaced in a staircase arrangement, which allows less mobile cats to more easily step from one perch to the next. The lower three perches have flat cushions, while the top perch features a comfy fabric bed. Each cushion can be removed and machine washed, which also allows cat parents to easily wipe down the tree itself. There’s also plenty of scratching surfaces—every post is completely wrapped in sisal rope. We also like that it’s made from durable plywood, is fairly priced, and has a simple style which won’t clash with other furniture.
One of the main weaknesses of the Felix is that it’s not great for large cats. Several reviews mention the platforms being too small for their big-boned kitty, while others found it to be a little wobbly and unstable when their cat jumped on it. For these reasons we think this tree is better suited for small and medium sized cats. Finally, some users found the assembly instructions difficult to follow.
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3) tuft + paw Frond Cat Tree
Price: $299
Rating: 4.0/5 with 25 tuft + paw reviews
Size: 49”H x 24”W x 24”D
Materials: solid ash connectors, sisal wrapped column, premium plywood with ash veneer
Disclaimer: Yes, we included our own cat tree here. This is because we truly think it performs excellently compared to other cat trees on the market. We subjected it to the same scrutiny as every other product on this list and asked for honest opinions from experts and cat parents.
If you want a real wood tree but need something that can fit into smaller living spaces, the tuft + paw Frond is just the ticket. The platforms are made from durable plywood with real ash veneer, and are joined to the central pillar with solid ash connectors. The pillar itself is wrapped in sturdy sisal rope to provide plenty of scratching area. Each platform can be oriented however you choose, so you can customize it to your space and other furniture to maximize your cat's access. The base is wide and can be equipped with rubber feet as needed for extra stability, while its thin profile allows it to be positioned partially under other furniture to save space (e.g. couch, coffee table). Reviewers also love how easy it is to wipe clean and how quick the assembly is.
In the past, we had some reviews mention the Frond being wobbly. Thanks to this feedback, we investigated the issue and were able to fix the problem. The culprit was insufficient contact to firmly adhere the wooden end cap on the bottom post, so we extended the wooden insert and introduced more rigorous gluing in the manufacturing process. This has greatly improved the Frond’s stability.
Being a high quality cat tree, the Frond has a higher price tag which may be out of budget for some cat parents. Other minor cons include a lack of cushioning and the platforms being on the small side for XL cats. Most cats take to the Frond without issue, but these are things to consider if your kitty is sensitive or particularly large.
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4) Mau Cento Cat Tree
Credit: Mau Pets
Price: $289
Rating: 4.9/5 with 1,300 Mau reviews
Size: 46”H x 23.5”L x 18”W
Materials: wood, woven rattan, faux fleece, jute rope
The Mau Cento is a distinctive cat tree which is sure to please cat parents with a more boho and rustic style. It features two rattan baskets which are spacious and complete with plush, machine-washable cushions. Each basket is supported by a jute-wrapped natural tree branch, providing a sturdy framework which, according to Mau, can support large cats up to 23 pounds. Down below you'll find a faux fur-covered cat condo, and the two dangling toys add a playful touch. We also appreciate that nearly every component of this tree is replaceable, improving its longevity.
However, like our top pick, the Mau Cento Cat Tree does come with a relatively high price tag which isn’t within every budget. Some cat parents have reported slight wobbling of the top basket when their larger cats leap to it. It's worth noting that the baskets are freestanding, which may not appeal to all cats, especially those sensitive to excess movement. Additionally, it’s not particularly tall at just under four feet, and it could benefit from more scratching surfaces on the poles. In some cases the woven rattan baskets encourage unwanted scratching, and the material is less durable than jute rope. Lastly, the faux fur tends to shed quite a bit.
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5) Catit Vesper High Base Cat Tree
Credit: Catit
Price: $125
Rating: 4.5/5 with 3,700 Amazon reviews
Size: 47.9"H x 22.1"L x 22.1"W
Materials: MDF, seagrass rope, memory foam cushions covered in faux fur
The Catit Vesper High Base Cat Tree is a great compromise for cat parents who want a decent looking tree at a moderate price point. All the platforms are made from sturdy medium-density fibreboard with a laminate finish to give it the look of natural wood. It features two perches and a cat condo, all of which come with removable cushions so you can easily wipe down the MDF boards. The support posts are completely wrapped in seagrass rope to provide ample scratching surfaces. We also like that Catit has replacement parts available on their website.
The Vesper High Base’s main weakness is its general lack of quality, both in terms of materials and construction. It’s not terrible in these departments, but some reviewers received products with improperly drilled holes that made assembly difficult or impossible. Some reviews also complain about the assembly instructions, which are pictures only, no text. Furthermore, these assembly difficulties may be contributing to the wobbliness that some customers experience. Finally, the seagrass rope isn’t as durable as sisal and may come unwrapped from the post after a few months.
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Wood Cat Tree FAQs
Are wood cat trees more durable than those made from other materials?
Wood cat trees, especially those crafted from solid wood or high-grade plywood, tend to be more durable and long-lasting compared to those made from engineered wood products like MDF and particleboard. Any kind of pressed fiberboard will be more susceptible to moisture damage and won’t hold screws as well as solid wood or plywood.
Do wood cat trees require more maintenance than other types of cat trees?
Wood cat trees are relatively low-maintenance. Cleaning typically involves wiping down surfaces with a damp cloth and occasionally trimming frayed scratching posts. The durability of wood makes it resistant to stains and odors, making maintenance straightforward.
Can wood cat trees support the weight of larger or heavier cat breeds?
Yes, many wood cat trees, especially those made from solid wood or high-quality plywood, can support the weight of larger or heavier cat breeds. It's important to check the weight capacity specified by the manufacturer to ensure that the cat tree can safely accommodate your cat's size.
Are wood cat trees safe for cats who love to scratch vigorously?
Wood cat trees are generally suitable for cats who love to scratch vigorously. Look for models that include integrated scratching posts made from materials like sisal rope or cardboard. These surfaces are designed to withstand the sharp claws and intense scratching behaviors of cats, providing a satisfying outlet for their natural instincts.
Do wood cat trees come in a variety of designs to match different home decors?
Yes, wood cat trees are available in a range of designs and finishes to complement various home decors. Many models come in stylish wood finishes like oak or pine, allowing you to choose one that seamlessly blends with your interior. Some even incorporate modern design elements to enhance your home's aesthetics while providing a functional cat playground.
Conclusion
Wood cat trees are a great option for cat parents who want to liven up their cat’s environment while still achieving a certain look with their cat furniture. We hope this article has provided you with some useful recommendations on what to look for in a wood cat tree and which brands offer them. Our top pick is the tuft + paw Grove Cat Tower for its combination of gorgeous design, high-end materials, and feline functionality. For senior cats, the Agile Felix Plywood Cat Tree is easily accessible and made from decent materials. If you want something with a slimmer profile but plenty of style, the tuft + paw Frond Cat Tree is a great option. We also like the Mau Cento for its rustic real wood design and the Catit Vesper High Base for its balance of style and reasonable price point. Whichever tree you choose to go for, just make sure it serves your cat’s needs first and meets your aesthetic preferences second. Good luck!
