The Best Cat Condos
Cats are notoriously picky. This is part of what makes having a cat in your life fun — their unpredictability makes them anything but boring. To give a little love back to your furry pal, a creatively designed cat condo can be a definite crowd-pleaser. Made to keep busy cats from getting bored, they also double as a cat scratching post. From simple, one-level tiered designs to more intricate, multi-level cat castles, we've got a list of a few feline favorites.
What to Look For
For the best in a cat condo, stability is number one. But aside from that, we wanted to focus on a few other key components as well. Equally important to stability is the number of tiers. A cat condo needs to interest a cat, or it’ll just be a useless – and rather large – piece of kitty furniture in your home. And lastly, we wanted to focus on quality. Because most cats enjoy scratching, the materials used need to withstand heavy-duty use. For example, Yaheetech’s Cat Tree Tower is made with a sturdy base and durable materials, but it’s not as scratch-friendly as the more minimalist design of the Catry Cat Bed. For a closer look at a few of our favorites, have a look at our reviews below.
Yaheetech Cat Tree Tower Condo
The ultimate cat tower
While this condo was made for your cat’s enjoyment, we think you’ll get enjoyment out of it, too. This is especially true if you own more than one cat. There are multiple tiers, hiding spots, dangling balls, and three top tower beds. In short, your cat will have endless hours of fun, and you’ll enjoy watching them play. Made of durable particleboard and soft scratch-friendly material, it’ll last for many hours of play, too.
Pros:
- The top three tiers are made to mimic a cat’s natural desire to perch above others, which helps to keep cats from sleeping in your space.
- Although designed more narrow so as to take up less space, the base itself is reinforced to keep the tower from tipping.
Cons:
- The hiding spots are a bit small, making this best for smaller cats or kittens.
Rabbitgoo Cat Tree Tower
For lazy loungers
This tower features a ladder, play balls, and a couple of hammocks just for good measure. Ideal for cats who love to scratch, there are multiple spots on each tier for clawing. Its narrow design is made to fit in smaller spaces, and the base is split into two parts, making it virtually tip-proof. And although each spot is more compact, it’s roomy enough for multiple kitties.
Pros:
- The hammocks are ideal for smaller kitties who love to lounge in a space that creates security by hugging their body.
- The smaller size makes this best for smaller rooms.
Cons:
- Although there are multiple sleep spots on this tower, there’s just one top tower tier, making this best for just one or two cats.
Hey-brother Cat Tree Condo
Playful accessories
For cats who love to scratch, this tiered condo features multiple spots for keeping those claws in tip-top shape. Made with a reinforced base and gradually smaller tops, this entire cat condo won’t topple no matter how rowdy your cats get. And that’s a good thing since there are multiple play balls for cats to bat at. However, if things get a little out of control, the balls are removable. We also love the inclusion of a hammock as well as a flat perch top, allowing for multiple sleep spots for differing preferences.
Pros:
- The hiding box has two entryways and takes up an entire tier, making this a good spot for multiple kittens to cuddle.
- The plush carpeting doesn’t shed or tear easily.
Cons:
- While its compact design is a good option for small kittens, it’s a poor choice for larger cats.
New Cat Condos Cat Tree
Simple and sturdy
While many older cats still enjoy playtime, most love to find a spot for lounging and just keep it at that. So when we found this cat condo, we immediately thought of our favorite senior felines. It’s durable, solid wood, so this sturdy cat condo won’t topple under a larger cat’s weight. The carpet used also withstands full-size claws, too. And the best part is the four different levels of cat beds. Place this in a sunny window, and they’ll happily spend the rest of their days snoozing in comfort.
Pros:
- Although tall, the solid wood construction and sturdy base mean this is virtually tip-proof.
- The bed sizes are large enough for either multiple cuddling cats or one larger cat.
Cons:
- The price on this is higher, but we think it’s worth the splurge because of the real wood used in the construction.
Catry Cat Bed with Scratching Post
Simple comforts
For a minimalist home, a minimalist cat tree is just the ticket. Made with a tough scratching post and a bed perched right on top, this is an excellent option for an older cat or a cat who just prefers a basic bed to sleep on. It features a strong and wide base coupled with an equally wide cat scratching post. This entire design resists toppling, making it an excellent option for skittish cats. Plus, it’s made with premium quality materials, so you won’t have to replace this unit for years to come.
Pros:
- This is the perfect height for perching under a window.
- We appreciate that the cat scratch post is made from a tough material — it won’t easily break apart under aggressive clawing.
Cons:
- For an older or disabled cat, the height on this poses a problem; you’ll need to use a ramp.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you replace a cat condo?
As long as the materials aren’t compromised, or the tower itself is still standing sturdily, there’s no need to replace it until necessary. If your cat seems bored, you can always add in a few spots for a hanging cat toy.
How do you clean a cat condo?
Vacuum frequently for a clean cat condo, and spray and wipe down with a cat-approved cleaning spray.
About the Author
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Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.