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For large cat breeds like Maine Coons, I recommend the Armarkat 74 inch Deluxe Cat Tree as the best cat tree that can safely support their size and weight.
- Real wood construction
- Made in the USA, trusted brand
- Platforms, scratching posts, condos galore
- Original replacement parts available
- Sturdy and nice looking, great value
After causing a real scare (and possibly trauma) to my 14 pound Maine Coon when the generic cat tree from a local pet outlet tipped over after she jumped on it, I owed it to her to find the best cat tree for large cats.
After weeks of research and cross-comparison, the sturdy Armarkat cat tree is the clear winner in my eyes.
However, the best cat tree for my large Maine Coon may not be the best fit for your Ragdoll, Siberian, Norwegian Forest Cat, or regular house cat. That’s why we will be discussing other great picks for different cat breeds and situations.
These are the big cat trees we review in this post:
- Baltic Birch, Sisal Construction
- Tasteful, contemporary design
- 37"L x 37"W x 60"H
FEANDREA Cat Tree for Large Cats with 2 Condos
- Particle Board, Plush Fabric, Sisal Construction
- Jumbo top perch with luxurious raised edges
- 23.6"L x 15.7"W x 33.1"H
AmazonBasics Multi-Level Cat Tree with Scratching Post – Step Ladder
- Particle Board, Jute Construction
- Multi-platform cat tree with scratching posts and enclosure
- 24"L x 19"W x 56"H
Vesper Cat Furniture V-High Base Cat Tree
- MDF, Memory Foam, Seagrass Construction
- High end German design
- 22.1"L x 22.1"W x 47.9"H
Prestige Cat Trees Maine Coon Cat Tower
- Wood, Carpet, Sisal Construction
- Handcrafted in the USA, 4-5 minute easy assembly
- 24"L x 24"W x 65"H
- Overall Best Cat Tree for Large Cats
- Runner Up Large Cat Tree
- Budget Large Cat Tree
- Best from Amazon
- Best Modern Cat Tree for Large Cats
- How to Pick a Large, Heavy Duty Cat Tree?
- What is the Best Cat Tree for Maine Coons?
- What’s the Best Modern Cat Tree?
- Want the Best Cat Tree for Small Apartments?
- How About Cat Trees for Fat Cats
- Need a Tall Cat Tree?
- In Closing
Overall Best Cat Tree for Large Cats
- Real wood construction
- Made in the USA, trusted brand
- Platforms, scratching posts, condos galore
- Original replacement parts available
- Sturdy and nice looking, great value
The Armarkat brand 74-inch model is one of the highest quality American-made large cat trees on the market, from a long time trusted brand.
Overall, the Armarkat 74″ Deluxe Cat Tree one of the best cat tree for large cats. The 3000+ reviews don’t lie!
A wide solid base, about 6 feet tall, 5 levels of platforms, 2 condos for hiding, 2 ladders, dangling toys, and a remarkable amount of scratching posts. All this means variety and ample space for your Maine Coon or Ragroll to run, jump, climb, and scratch.
(We need to point out the inclusion of the ladders. They are important as cats age and get less nimble over time, they are still able to access the different levels. We are basically future proofing our purchase.)
But, all of the above doesn’t matter if the tall cat tree is not stable and well constructed. So you’ll be happy to know this one is made of real wood. This ain’t compressed cardboard or styrofoam!
Because of that, this Armarkat Deluxe 74 inch Cat Tree is very solid, and able to support multiple big cats on it at a time… without wobble, and even on carpet. That being said, physics is still a thing, so placing this in a corner is best.
Among the Best Brands
An American company, this model is miles beyond pet store cat trees comprised of pressed cardboard and thin scratchy carpet, held together with staples (that may be protruding).
Armarkat is one of the best cat tree brands, with a loyal fan base recommending them based on their good value for money and quality.
The benefit for you in dealing with an established brand like Armakat is customer support and the ability to get replacement parts direct from the company.
Rating Breakdown:
- Stability 8/10
- Build Quality 10/10
- Ease of Assembly 10/10
- Price 8/10
- Overall 9/10
What We Liked:
- Real wood construction
- American company, trusted brand
- Platforms, scratching posts, condos galore
- Replacement parts available from manufacturer
- Nice look and feel
- Great value
What We Didn’t Like:
- Inside of condo is bare wood
- Minor complaints about quality control
Runner Up Large Cat Tree
- Baltic Birch, Sisal Construction
- Tasteful, contemporary design
- 37"L x 37"W x 60"H
The Pawmona 60″ Cat Tree is a wonderful looking, made-in-Georgia cat tree that checks all the boxes for a great sturdy big cat tree: materials, stability, and usability.
The base, columns, platforms, and nest are solid wood (Natural Baltic Birch). Already, this is a step up from the compressed cardboard of most other trees. ‘
Then, you’ll find that the connecting hardware is actually embedded into each column so almost everything is held together as a stable package.
However, there is a little swaying or movement when your 18+ pound cat does his normal thing, like playing or jumping.
With multiple cats, it might wobble a bit more. So use the included wall mount and all will be rock solid.
Speaking of playing, the scratching material is wound sisal rope (no cardboard) The sisal rope is wound super tight so Fluffy can scratch it for years without unraveling.
The platforms of this model have cushions that can be removed and washed for your convenience.
The Pawmona 60″ Cat Tree is a proper large cat size, and able to accommodate a spread out cat on every level and platform. The second floor is a kitty condo for hiding or snoozing in privacy.
Made in the USA, this is an amazing looking piece that’s made to last for years. Its color and contemporary (yet tasteful and traditional) style matches any room as a nice neutral beige/off-white.
Rating Breakdown:
The general consensus for humans is that it’s easy to assemble, though a few people talked about missing hardware or instructions in their order.
- Stability 8/10
- Build Quality 10/10
- Ease of Assembly 8/10
- Price 7/10
- Overall 8.25/10
What We Liked:
- Real wood
- Tasteful, contemporary design
- Lasting build quality
- Easy to clean
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not carpeted or plush
- Must using wall mount
Budget Large Cat Tree
- Particle Board, Plush Fabric, Sisal Construction
- Jumbo top perch with luxurious raised edges
- 23.6"L x 15.7"W x 33.1"H
This FEANDREA Cat Tree model is an ideal pick for those watching their budget. It’s refreshing to find something in this range that meets our requirements!
The manufacturer took time to really design a large cat tree keeping the budget in mind. Meaning?
The FEANDREA model features safety and stability additions not found in many other cheap, large, but possibly dangerous cat trees.
Most noticeably, this FEANDRA Cat Tree is not tall, standing at just 33 inches. And it works! I’d rather have a rock solid medium height cat tree, rather than a taller, unsecured one!
Sisal rope covered posts are generous and thicker than other comparable priced models, adding to a steady foundation.
The base is reinforced with battens (like you see in roof rafters). And there’s even an (optional) fabric attachment for you to anchor to the wall – all to prevent tipping over. Not all owners secure it to the wall though, because it’s stable enough.
The top platform is large and plush, able to accommodate your cat for sure (and even another cat or dog) without protesting at all. And unlike other cat trees for large cats, the second level condo is 100% usable.
This makes the FEANDRA Cat Tree one of the best for fat cats too!
A minority of users did complain about assembly, plus the lack of a ladder or step to get to the top platform. So if your cat is older with climbing or jumping problems, this may not for you.
Rating Breakdown:
- Stability 10/10
- Build Quality 8/10
- Ease of Assembly 9/10
- Price 7/10
- Overall 8.5/10
What We Liked:
- Jumbo top perch with luxurious raised edges
- Super stable
- Budget friendly
- Numerous colors
What We Didn’t Like:
- Limited scratching opportunities
- Only medium height
- Mobility challenged cats may require assistance in reaching top perch
Best from Amazon
- Particle Board, Jute Construction
- Multi-platform cat tree with scratching posts and enclosure
- 24"L x 19"W x 56"H
Anyone browsing Amazon will have no doubt seen their brand of AmazonBasics of cat trees (and everything else). But, the selection is dizzying, with at least 30 combinations of models and configurations.
We did the research for you, and the “Multi-level” model in the “step-ladder” choice is the one most appealing to my Maine Coon and others like her.
There is no need check the “Extra Large” as it’s actually smaller than this “Multi-level” cat tree for some reason.
The first impression for many people about this AmazonBasics Cat Tree is that they don’t believe it’s from AmazonBasics, because of the overall build quality and aesthetics.
The platforms, perches, and condo is big enough for 1 large cat.
Yes, it’s got a premium feel, though there are some complaints about the carpet becoming thin over time.
People report that this model feels sturdy due to its solid base, and their cats could jump from 1 platform to the next with no bad effects.
Nevertheless, I still recommend placing this cat tree on a hard surface and in a corner to prevent any issues.
We dig that this “Step-Ladder” configuration has neat platforms for walking, an enclosed condo for privacy, 2 perches for supervising you, plus sisal scratching posts and attached bouncing balls. Your cat will be plenty interested!
And we mustn’t forget the ladder. It is so nice since it allows older big cats with limited mobility or hip issues to access the starting platform.
Rating Breakdown:
- Stability 5/10
- Build Quality 5/10
- Ease of Assembly 10/10
- Price 10/10
- Overall 7.5/10
What We Liked:
- Look and feel
- Lots of cat tree for the money
- Variety of activities
What We Didn’t Like:
- Carpet quality does not seem to last
- Caution with dangling and batting toys, danger of getting caught somehow in cords
- Minor quality control issues and defects
Best Modern Cat Tree for Large Cats
- MDF, Memory Foam, Seagrass Construction
- High end German design
- 22.1"L x 22.1"W x 47.9"H
If you think the above cat trees for large cats are too traditional in design, and prefer a modern aesthetic, the Vesper High Base Cat Tree is for you.
The Vesper High Base Cat Tree is the best modern pick because it checks all of the boxes in a slightly different manner, and has features certain people will love.
That Bauhaus German design is gorgeous, certainly garnering compliments from friends and family. It’s well constructed from medium density fiberboard, or MDF, which is denser than plywood.
People reported this modern cat tree is quite heavy and sturdy overall.
That fancy laminate-finished MDF works its way through right angles, rounded corners, and the whole impression for me is that this cat tree fits right at home in one of those contemporary glass and steel condos found in a metro city near you.
And of course, this Vesper V-High Cat Tree is great for any innovative design junkies out there.
Of course, your cat doesn’t give a fluff about any of that.
He cares about the soft memory foam covered platforms, and the long svelte seagrass scratching posts.
He wants to snooze in the cozy cube that has 2 entrances because he doesn’t want to rest his fur on bare wood and feel trapped.
An important note for owners: there’s no carpet on this tree, great for those with allergies!
And, you can remove the memory foam cushions on the platform for deep cleaning to remove allergens or dander.
Overall, this modern cat tree is the easiest to keep clean on this list.
Assembly and quality control did frustrate a small group of users. And as is often the case, those dangling balls can be hazardous if wrapped around a tail, limb, or other body part.
Rating Breakdown:
- Stability 7/10
- Build Quality 9/10
- Ease of Assembly 9/10
- Price 6/10
- Overall 7.75/10
What We Liked:
- High end German design
- Carpet free
- Generous, tall scratching posts
- Medium Density Fiberboard construction
- Replacement parts from manufacturer available
What We Didn’t Like:
- May not be best choice for extra large cats
- Cat cube too small for 16+ pound cats
- Reports of seagrass on scratching posts coming loose
How to Pick a Large, Heavy Duty Cat Tree?
Large cat trees, like toys, have to accommodate the unique needs of Maine Coons, Ragdolls, Wegies, and other bigger feline friends.
They need to be heavy duty to accommodate about their size! But also personality and individual preferences of your cat.
Heavy Duty Cat Tree Construction and Quality
Large cats, whether mixed or purebred, rock their solid or long body structure, with thick limbs, and real weight, averaging 14-20 pounds vs 8-10 pounds compared to a normal cat!
That’s why the quality large cat trees have to be build tough and constructed well. This may mean spending a bit more, but it’s worth it. If you can afford a Maine Coon, you should afford safety too.
I found out the hard way my flimsy tall cat tree was not weighted or large enough at the base, and properly supported on the platform and perches!
Your cat should be able to jump on and off their sturdy cat tree with out any wobbling. And hang out on the crow’s nest (top viewing platform) without you looking over in concern because it’s waving at you.
Look for nice carpeting or tightly wound sisal grass on the columns and scratching post areas. Big cats paws are twice the size of a regular cats, and can destroy dainty items.
Unique Cat Trees with Variety
Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest Cats, and Siberians are renown for an inquisitive playful nature and a curious intelligence. Because of this, our furry friends can tire of things quickly.
A fitting, unique cat tree for them should have different areas of interaction and engagement. We can all name a time in which we bought a fancy thing for your cat, but they fancy the box it came in more!
Look for sturdy cat trees with hanging items to bat, hammocks to lie in, different angles and types of scratching material for a more interesting experience.
Sizing for a Large and Possible Tall Cat Tree
All parts of your big cat tree, including
- perches
- platforms
- lookout points
- condos
- hammocks
need to be properly sized (in my case, Maine Coon sized.) They should be able to stretch out their long bodies and relax.
While it’s true cats will curl themselves up to sleep, a tree with a condo your big boy or girl can’t even enter comfortably is a waste of money.
How high your cat climbs is individual, and as an owner, you’d know their behavior best. They might like a tall cat tree or not so much.
Practicality
Last priority is the human aspect.
Consider how much real estate in your house you can dedicate to the cat tree for your large cat. The tree’s base of length x width measurements are good indicator of square footage needed.
Determine a good location, preferably by a window or vantage point for a connection to the outside. You know, or not… maybe place it front and center of your living room 😀
Ideal places for any cat tree are in a corner and on a hard surface. Carpet will always be more wobble inducing than tile and wood floors.
Look at the aesthetics of the cat tree as well. As you are living with it, ideally it should match the decor of the room and just look nice.
Finally, your large cat is likely long haired, so even with daily brushing, will shed on the tree. Check that the materials can effectively cleaned with a lint roller or vacuum.
What is the Best Cat Tree for Maine Coons?
Is your large cat a Maine Coon? Then I totally recommend the Prestige Cat Trees Maine Coon Cat Tower as the best cat tree for Maine Coons.
To be frank, any of the above cat trees are fine picks for your Maine Coon. And this Prestige one is awesome for any cat at all with its wonderful materials and rock solid construction.
But this one above is especially perfect because they named the dang cat tree after your breed!
Like our Armarkat top winner above, the Prestige model is a wonderful made in the USA, real wood and thick carpet cat tree. What’s the downside? It’s constantly sold out!
What’s the Best Modern Cat Tree?
Like we said above, the best modern cat tree in my opinion is the Vesper Cat Furniture V-High Base Cat Tree. Contemporary and modern cat trees require clean lines and elegant solution, two things that model’s got!
But of course, I also consider our runner up pick, the Pawmona 60″ Cat Tree as a great modern, yet slightly vintage and warm, cat tree.
Want the Best Cat Tree for Small Apartments?
I totally get it! I live in a small space in the city as well, and recommend the Armarkat Cat Tree Model A5201 as an ideal pick for small apartments.
With compact footprint, scratching post with multiple platforms, and a cat condo for hiding away, this model is everything a cat needs in a tree! Users enjoy its build quality and easy assembly.
You can also call the manufacturer for replacement parts and talk to a real human! Read my full post on the top small apartment cat trees.
How About Cat Trees for Fat Cats
Cat trees for fat cats need to be sturdy and solid. All of the cat trees above actually are great for chunk boys and girls.
But the FEANDREA Cat Tree with 2 Condos stands out to me because of its medium height and designed with an extra stable base. See the full review above.
The medium height accommodates fat cats who may not necessarily want to climb up too high. And on the second level there is a large, plush platform for fluffy to enjoy.
Need a Tall Cat Tree?
Cats are natural climbers, so I am glad you’re thinking about how to accommodate those needs. From up above, many cats feel safe as they look down on their territory – your living room.
I really have to pick the Furhaven Pet Tiger Tough Cat Tree (Skyscraper Playground model) as an ideal tall cat tree, because it’s a great performer at a decent price.
This model is tall, like floor to ceiling tall, and includes a tension rod for securing against your ceiling, no drilling required.
Your cat will never be bored with the amount of activities offered: platforms, condos, scratching posts, even bouncing toys. See my full post on the best floor to ceiling cat trees.
In Closing
The best large cat tree varies by individual, but paramount is one that’s solid and sturdy, plus large enough to hold them safely while sleeping or lounging.
It must include interesting features for scratching and interaction, and be built tough.
Finally, it’s got to match your budget, lifestyle and aesthetic. Now, go out there and replace that small, tired cat tree!
I’m Gary Hu, a proud cat dad to a 15 lb Maine Coon. Have taken care of outdoor and indoor cats for over 10 years, and learned tons on behavior, habits, health, and products. I help new Maine Coon (or any other cat) parents with common questions and issues based on real, practical experience.
