Living with a cat in a small space can be challenging as I know all to well. Finding the best cat tree for a small apartment is an important decision.
Even if your feline friend has access to a garden you may still want to provide her with indoor entertainment. Having a private space to stretch and relax is essential for any self respecting cat!
In this post you’ll discover some of the best cat trees for small spaces as well as what you need to look for. Whether you live in a one room studio, or a small one bed apartment you’ll find space is at a premium!
Just like you and I, cats need their own space to retreat to. Unlike dogs, cats tend to be more solitary, and enjoy quiet times away from family.
Before you rush out and buy a cat tree or condo there are a few things you may want to consider. Take your time over them to ensure you’ve made the right decision.
Things to look for when buying the best cat tree for a small apartment.
Firstly, think about floor space and whether it’s practical to have a 40-60 inch structure sitting in the middle of your living room. Secondly consider your decor and the type of design you’d like.
Neutral colors are often best as they fit in with most furnishings, and white or light colors look best in small spaces. Next, take into consideration the age and size of your kitty. If you have a large breed you’ll want a cat tree with large, sturdy perches.
If your feline companion is in her senior years she may not be able to jump great heights anymore. A shorter tree with low level perches may be a better option.
If space is really limited you may want to consider a wall mounted cat tree. This gives plenty of vertical space for climbing without taking up any area in your apartment.
The following cat trees are based on my own opinions and customer ratings. I may make a small commission on any sales made but this in no way reflects the price you pay.
Frisco Natural Wood Modern Cat Tree

Frisco natural wood cat tree is perfect for a small apartment. Made from real tree branches it’s low in height with two perches for your cat to rest on. As the perches are quite low it’s ideal for older cats with reduced mobility.
The perches are covered with white plush fabric, so would look good in a small area. This is because white reflects light giving the illusion of space.
In addition, the top perch is padded with polyfill giving your cat a touch of luxury. Frisco natural wood cat tree looks like a piece of modern art, making it a talking point!
The top perch has raised edges creating a cosy bed for your feline friend. Although you can’t remove covers for cleaning you could wipe any stains with a damp cloth.
As the branches are covered in sisal your cat will be inclined to claw the tree and leave your furniture alone. However, I can’t guarantee your kitty won’t stop tearing the sofa if it’s already become a habit.
You will have to assemble the cat tree, however, all parts, plus tools and instructions are included. Some customers found sizes varied but this is normal as it’s a natural product.
Key features
- Made from natural wood
- Dangly pom pom toy
- Sisal covered branches.
- Padded top perch for added comfort
You can buy Frisco natural wood cat tree here.
Frisco 61-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo

If you have enough space, this cat tree could easily fit in a corner. At 61 inches it’s quite tall, but would provide your cat wth plenty of places to climb and explore.
This is essential for your cat’s wellbeing, especialy if she spends much of her time indoors. I’m lucky to have a ground floor flat with plenty of green space outside.
However, if it’s not practical or safe to allow you cat outdoors, a tall cat tree like this one gives your cat plenty of vertical space to jump and exercise.
You get two upper level padded perches with raised sides, providing a cosy place for your fur baby to rest. As they’re high up, your cat will enjoy surveying her surroundings from a handy vantage point!.
In addition, you also get a cosy condo for your kitty to rest and play in. Plus, several hidey holes to peek through. This could be ideal if you have several cats. Young kittens especially love playing tag and hide and seek, just like kids!
All perches and are covered in grey faux fur giving a warm feel. Plus, as you get a choice of gray or charcoal you should find it fits in with most decor.
The poles are covered in sisal providing a place for your cat to scratch. This is great as the tree doubles as a scratching post. A dangly toy is also included for your kitty to bat and play with.
Frisco cat tree comes with all parts and tools for easy assembly. In addition, instructions are included, and you can also download a pdf version.
As the padded perch covers are removable this makes them easy to clean. In addition, they’re machine washable, and any loose dirt can be removed using a vacuum with nozzle attachment.
Key features
- Covered with plush fabric making it soft on your cat’s paws.
- Padded top perches giving your cat a cosy place to sleep
- Roomy condo providing a private space for your kitty to play or rest.
- Dangly toys for your cat to play with
- Clear instructions
- All parts and tools included
You can buy Frisco 61-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo here
CatastrophiCreations Garden Complex Wall Mounted Cat Tree Shelf Set with Cat Grass Planter

Wall mounted cat trees like this one are the perfect solution for small apartments. As it’s wall mounted you won’t lose any precious floor space.
As the wall brackets are hidden you get the illusion of floating shelves. This makes the tree an attractive feature in your home.
You get multiple handcrafted wall shelves, two of which have holes for your cats to climb through and explore. Plus, you also get a ladder as well as a sturdy hammock that’s been weight tested.
In addition, you get 4 planters which not only look nice but give your cats something to chew. This could even save your houseplants from being attacked by your feline family!
The planters can be used for growing cat grass, cat mint or even catnip! You could even just grow regular grass. Whatever your choice, it will provide a distraction from houseplants!
The hammock can removed for cleaning. You can machine wash the fabric on a cool setting and hang dry to prevent shrinking.
The cat tree is easy to install and comes with mounting instructions. This means it should be easy even if you’re no DIY expert!
Key features
- 4 planters-to save your houseplants!
- Handcrafted wood shelves
- Weight tested hammock
- Removable fabric for easy cleaning
- Great for multi-cat households
- Attractive, sleek design giving the illusion of floating shelves
- Comes with mounting instructions for easy installation
You can buy CatastrophiCreations Garden Complex Wall Mounted Cat Tree here
The Refined Feline Lotus Branch Wall Mounted Cat Wall Shelf

This floating wall mounted cat shelf is perfect for a single cat. You’ll not only save floor space but your cat will have a cosy place to rest and survey her surrounings.
The sleek, minimalist design looks attractive and would make a great modern art feature as well as cat tree. As it’s high up your kitty will enjoy having her own private space.
Just like us, cats need their own space to chill out and relax. The shelf is made from solid wood and able to support 50lb. Thats plenty, even for a very large, heavy cat.
In addition, you get a soft carpet covering making it super comfy for your feline friend. As the carpet is removable it can easily be replaced when worn
Although you can’t machine wash the carpet, you can spot clean it. Use a little bit of white vinegar mixed with water for stubborn marks. Simply apply with a damp cloth.
Installation is easy using wall studs and long screws which are supplied. You also get instructions making the task simple.
Key features
- Attractive, curved, minimalistic design
- Made from Solid wood
- Can hold up to 50lbs
- Soft, removable carpet to add a touch of luxury
You can buy The Refined Feline Lotus Branch Wall Mounted Cat Wall Shelf here
Kerbl Dolomit Tofana Wall-Mounted Cat Tree

Kerbl Dolomit cat tree is ideal for a small apartment and provides your cat with multiple perches to rest or play. Unlike floating wall shelves this is more of a traditional cat tree.
However, you will need to drill a few holes in your wall for attaching the tree. If you intend to make it permanent you’ll be fine, but obviously if you take it down you’ll need to fill the holes in!
All screws and fitments are included though as well as step by step instructions. This should make installation easy requiring very basic DIY skills.
The compact design includes a condo, hammock, and lounging perch. This is perfect for encouraging your cat to explore and exercise.
The poles are covered in sisal rope, allowing your cat to sharpen her claws. This is a great way of distracting her from your best sofa!
In addition you get a woven fabric cushion which can be removed. As it’s machine washable cleaning is quick and easy.
Key features
- Sisal covered poles to encourage your cat to sharpen her claws.
- Washable woven fabric cushion for added comfort.
- Easy to follow step by step instructions for installation.
- Condo, providing a private space for your cat to rest or play.
- Cosy hammock
You can buy Kerbl Dolomit Tofana Wall-Mounted Cat Tree here
Conclusion

I hope I’ve given you inspiration on finding the best cat tree for a small apartment. Living in a small space myself I know the challenges involved!
While you’ll find most cats are happy living in small spaces they need exercise. If your cat is unable to go outside for whatever reason it’s essential to provide her with toys and equipment to encourage exercise.
I’m not suggesting you buy her dumbells or weights lol! A cat tree as well as a few interactive toys will do just fine!
Cat trees encourage exercise as your cat jumps, climbs, and explores. As you can see from the ones I’ve shared with you here, they all offer a way for your feline friend to keep fit and active.
Just as with humans, keeping your cat active reduces the risk of developing heart disease and improves wellbeing.
What is your best cat tree for a small apartment? Hopefully, you’ve found one here, but if not there are plenty of others you’ll find online or at your local pet store. If you’ve enjoyed this post and found it useful please share:) Feel free to share this pin on your “pets” board.

Also, if you have any questions or would like to share experiences please leave a comment below.
Wishing you a purrfect day:)
Kathy
Hey Kathy, thanks for sharing this post. I agree with you, cats are solitary animals and they do need a quiet place where they can, well, sleep all day long LOL. I just moved to a small apartment so this post helps a lot to find a good solution for our cats. In my opinion, The Refined Feline Lotus Branch Wall Mounted Cat Wall Shelf seems like a perfect solution for space where I’m living right now. Thanks a bunch for these suggestions. As always, I found what I needed right here at your site. Keep up the good work!
Hi Ivan, thank you for your comment and glad you enjoyed this post:) Yes, I agree, cats certainly know how to sleep lol! I also like the Lotus Branch wall mounted cat shelf as it looks good as well as being practical.
Hi Kathy,
I loved the idea of a wall hanging tree. Why don’t we think of these things ourselves! I think I shall definitely buy one. But not such an expensive one. My cat Coco is forever on our dining table and beds, and he needs a few trees around the house.
Thank u.
Regards,
Aps
Hi Aparna, thank you for your comment:) I’m glad this post has inspired you to buy a wall hanging cat tree for Coco. This type of cat tree is very practical, especially if you live in a small space. Thanks for stopping by:)
These are so cool, Kathy! Thank you for doing the research so I wouldn’t have to lol! I live in Toronto and condo sizes here are literally as big as a shed and cost an arm and a leg. Anyways, my point is, i live in a super duper small space! These are absolutely great ideas for anyone who lives like me and owns a cat.
I love the very first one on the list: Frisco Natural Wood Modern Cat Tree. It literally looks like a tree! I can almost imagine all cats jumping up and around it like they would in a natural habitat. I wonder if the size is changeable, though? Would you happen to know? Like for example if we wanted to shorten the height or vice versa?
Hi Sasha, thank you for your kind comment:) I can imagine how challenging living in such a small space is! Yes, isn’t it odd how you have to pay more for the privilege as well lol! Yes, Frisco natural wood cat tree is one of my favourites as well. No, it only comes in one size and doesn’t look as if you can adjust it. However, the tree looks good and as it’s quite compact would easily fit a small space. Thanks for stopping by and glad you enjoyed this post:)
This is a great article which I enjoyed reading very much. You have suggested a great selection of cat trees. The key features section in every option is very useful. They are also very cool looking. I think my cat would like one of them if I can only get her to stop scratching my carpeted stairs. For some reason, she seems to think that this is her favorite. Maybe if I get her one of the cool looking cat trees that you have suggested, she will change her mind.
Hi Anna, thank you for your comment and glad you enjoyed this post:) I can relate to your problem! My last cat seemed to enjoy tearing the stair carpet lol! I now live in a ground floor flat so don’t have that problem now. Yes, a cat tree may certainly help to distract her, but I can’t guarantee she’ll leave the stairs alone! Thanks for stopping by:)
Thank you Kathy Joyce, I am always assured of learning something new and fascinating from your articles. These cat trees definitely look very comfortable to be in and I’m sure most cats must love them. I like how convenient they are when it comes to space and how stylish you can make you cat’s tree house. It also gives you the chance to be creative and also you get to make your cats comfortable places to be in. My favourite one is the Frisco natural wood cat tree because its simple and stylish and definitely appropriate when you have just one cat and have a small apartment. Keep up the good work.
Hi Femi, thank you for your kind comment:) Yes, I also like the Frisco natural wood tree as it’s attractive to look at. It actually looks like a real tree as it’s made from tree branches! I’m not sure how long the plush covering would stay white though! However, it can be spot cleaned which is a good thing:) Yes, cat trees definitely make our feline friends more comfortable, especially when placed near a window. I agree that Frisco wooden cat tree is ideal for small apartments and perfect for a one cat household! Thanks for stopping by:)