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After researching all available floor to ceiling cat trees for sale and scoring them for safety, construction, value, and (of course) design, my cat and I pick the Frisco Floor to Ceiling Heavy Duty Cat Tree.
- Simple, modern style
- Great price
- Very stable
- Adjustable
We want to give our cats their best lives by letting her climb high and tall to their heart’s delight. But with so many cat tree models out there, it’s hard to select one.
And what’s best for my cat may not be the best for yours. So in this post, I give my top floor to ceiling cat tree recommendations in a variety of categories, as well as a complete buyer’s guide.
These are the other products reviewed in this article:
Furhaven Pet Cat Tree (Skyscraper Playground)
- How it Mounts: Does not mount to ceiling
- 19.7" L x 19.7" W x 69.3" H
- Scratching Material: Sisal
Armarkat Cat Tree Model B7801 (78")
- How It Mounts: Does not mount to ceiling
- 32" L x 27" W x 78" H
- Scratching Material: Sisal
- How It Mounts: Wall Brackets
- 24" L x 20.8" W x 76.8" H
- Scratching Material: Sisal
Cat Craft Floor-to-Ceiling Cat Tree
- How It Mounts: Tension Rod to Ceiling
- 16.93" L x 10.63" W x 90-108" H
- Scratching Material: Fabric
- How It Mounts: Tension Rod to Ceiling or Wall Brackets
- 18.11" L x 11.81" W x 116" H
- Scratching Material: Jute
S-Lifeeling Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree
- How It Mounts: Tension Rod to Ceiling
- 10.6" L x 17" W inch x 113" H
- Scratching Material: Carpet
- Overall Best Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree
- Runner Up Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree
- Best for Large Cats
- Also Ideal for Large Cats
- Best Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree with Wood
- Popular on Amazon (Budget Pick)
- Best with Hammocks
- Scratching Post Style Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree
- How to Choose a Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree Tower
- Variations
- Benefits of a Ceiling to Floor Cat Tree
- Can You DIY a Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree?
- Why Do Cats Climb Up High?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Overall Best Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree
- Simple, modern style
- Great price
- Very stable
- Adjustable
Just look at this sturdy thing. Be honest, when you imagine a floor to ceiling cat tree, it’s likely something like this in your mind’s eye, right?
The Frisco Floor to Ceiling Heavy Duty Cat Tower is my top recommendation because modern look is just perfect, plus it’s safe and stable while your cat is on it. The price ain’t bad either!
This model, at 23.62″ L x 23.62″ W x 88-106″ H inches dazzles with an airy three-level design that fixes to your ceiling using a tension rod, and is intrinsically space saving, perfect for those in smaller but always-chic accommodations.
This modern cat tree is great to look at and easy to assemble too. Many reviewers mentioned how solid it is, perfect for multiple cats and larger cats too.
Cats can choose between two flat perches or a bed platform. This tree adjusts in height from 88 inches to 106 inches for convenience.
It features a single sisal-wrapped area at the post base, and carpet on top. And speaking of the post – it’s hefty and thicker than some expected. Build quality for sure!
Rating Breakdown:
- Stability 10/10
- Height 10/10
- Build Quality 8/10
- Ease of Assembly 9/10
- Price 7/10
- Overall 8.8/10
What We Liked:
- Simple, modern style
- Great price
- Very stable
- Adjustable
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only a single sisal-wrapped area near the bottom
- No built-in toys or extras
Runner Up Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree
- How it Mounts: Does not mount to ceiling
- 19.7" L x 19.7" W x 69.3" H
- Scratching Material: Sisal
Our runner up, Furhaven Pet’s Tiger Tough Cat Tree in the Skyscraper Playground model is the wonderful balance of variety, amenities, price and quality.
It’s a real cat tree, that also secures to your ceiling via an adjustable spring at a max height of 100 inches.
As a legit cat tree, it features large, sisal-wrapped scratching posts. You cat can also choose between a hammock-style perch and enclosed condo based on her mood.
The faux-fur lining on this tree is extremely soft. It’s also designed to be a breeze to care for.
The dimensions on the base 40-pound tree are 26.8 L x 17.3 W inches. Many reviewers mentioned how easy assembly was.
Your cat will very quickly make the rounds to turn this tree into her lookout post, entertainment center, scratching post and first-class lounge!
Rating Breakdown:
- Stability 8/10
- Height 10/10
- Build Quality 8/10
- Ease of Assembly 9/10
- Price 8/10
- Overall 8.6/10
What We Liked:
- No need to drill holes
- Very sturdy
- So much variety!
- Ample scratching posts
- Value
- Swatting toys and dangling “prey” ropes
What We Didn’t Like:
- Traditional style not for those who want that sleek, modern look
- Can be sprawling in small rooms
Best for Large Cats
- How It Mounts: Does not mount to ceiling
- 32" L x 27" W x 78" H
- Scratching Material: Sisal
- Build quality
- Trusted brand, warranty, replacement parts
- Made in the USA
- Tons of sisal rope
- Multiple perches at varying heights
- Soft and plush
Armarkat is a long time trusted brand and made in the USA. The quality of their cat trees surpasses generic pet store and online brands.
You can actually contact them, talk to someone, and get replacement parts! They even offer a 6 month’s warranty on defective parts.
Which is why I can fully recommend the B7801 model of theirs in two size configurations for your large cat:
Both are legitimate cat castles, and offers a ton of height even though it doesn’t technically attach to the ceiling. Platforms and perches abound (but not in an obnoxious way) and can be explored via jumping, climbing or ladders.
Scratching posts are wrapped a TON of sisal rope for convenient scratching at any angle from anywhere.
Let’s talk about build quality. At 60 pounds minimum, both trees are heavy and solid, allowing big, athletic cats can jump and scamper up freely.
A wide, square based creates stability. FYI The trees can hold 70-80 pounds max, so you can even have multiple cats on!
Nice wood is used throughout and hardware is steel, not plastic, and you’ll notice the premium feel.
Rating Breakdown(78 inches):
- Stability 7/10
- Height 8/10
- Build Quality 7/10
- Ease of Assembly 8/10
- Price 8/10
- Overall 7.6/10
Rating Breakdown(80 inches):
- Stability 7/10
- Height 9/10
- Build Quality 7/10
- Ease of Assembly 8/10
- Price 8/10
- Overall 7.8/10
What We Liked:
- Build quality
- Trusted brand, warranty, replacement parts
- Made in the USA
- Tons of sisal rope
- Multiple perches at varying heights
- Soft and plush
What We Didn’t Like:
- May want to be pushed near a corner for added stability
- Not inexpensive
Also Ideal for Large Cats
- Lots of thought behind the design
- Price and construction
- So soft
- Adjustable height
- No need to drill
As the owner of a large 15 pound Maine Coon, I appreciate the TRIXIE Zaragoza Adjustable Cat Tree a lot.
Why? Because the design thoughtfully caters to large cats. Oh and plenty of folks say it’s great value for money and well made!
The various shapes of nests and hammocks peppered throughout are both large enough for 15 pound plus cats and provides different height configurations and viewpoints to enjoy.
At the same time, it’s not too complicated and sprawling sideways with the platforms to be dangerous for thicc cats.
The ladder at the bottom is a nice touch – you don’t want your large cat to do a crouch-and-pounce leap onto the tree every time. That isn’t structurally sound or physically safe for the cat.
The entries and exits of the extra large kitty condo are lined in ultra-soft fleece. Sisal rope is everywhere for scratching and cat mental wellness. Your Christmas tree will also be spared.
The TRIXIE Zaragoza’s height can adjust from 87 inches to 102 inches. You can keep it in place against the ceiling using a spring-activated ceiling attachment that doesn’t require drilling. Full tree weight is 62 pounds.
Rating Breakdown:
- Stability 6/10
- Height 8/10
- Build Quality 7/10
- Ease of Assembly 5/10
- Price 8/10
- Overall 6.8/10
What We Liked:
- Lots of thought behind the design
- Price and construction
- So soft
- Adjustable height
- No need to drill
What We Didn’t Like:
- Traditional style
Best Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree with Wood
- How It Mounts: Wall Brackets
- 24" L x 20.8" W x 76.8" H
- Scratching Material: Sisal
Are you an allergy sufferer? Do traditional cat trees set you off with a reaction to their carpet and other soft allergen attracting materials?
Then the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Climbing Tower & Activity Tree this is your best bet in the floor to ceiling space. As a material, wood has benefits vs carpet or other softer materials.
Wood is much easier to keep clean, and will not become fur and hair magnets. Simply wipe it clean with a paper towel to get all the fur and dander off.
Let’s talk about that design though: minimal, space-saving, and efficient. The contemporary furniture fans just swooned a little bit! Dark woods, clean lines, and soft angles, with no light brown or beige in sight.
Reviewers often mention how sturdy and well built it is too. Be warned you do need to drill 4 holes into your wall because you anchor it there instead of ceiling. But cats don’t care, they love the full-length sisal wrapped scratching post!
Dimensions are 24 L x 20.8 W x 76.8 H (inches).
Rating Breakdown:
- Stability 10/10
- Height 8/10
- Build Quality 10/10
- Ease of Assembly 7/10
- Price 7/10
- Overall 8.4/10
What We Liked:
- Sleek and modern style
- Can be anchored in place without touching the ceiling
- Unobtrusive
- A breeze to clean!
- Tons of sisal rope!
What We Didn’t Like:
- A little pricey considering the lack of features
- Perches may not be for big cats
Popular on Amazon (Budget Pick)
- How It Mounts: Tension Rod to Ceiling
- 16.93" L x 10.63" W x 90-108" H
- Scratching Material: Fabric
At over 1200 reviews, people like this cat tree because it’s so simple and inexpensive. Installation also takes less than 15 minutes.
Made for ceilings up to 9 feet and secured using tension, it’s great for renters or people who are unsure if a floor to ceiling cat tree is right for Fluffy.
The Cat Craft is a basic, starter tree and the price reflects that. Some users treat these are disposable and replace every few months as they get shredded.
One note is the lack of sisal rope for scratching, a smooth carpet is wrapped around the whole length of the tree.
The dimensions on this 15.84-pound tree are 16.9 L x 10.61 W x 89.6 H (inches).
Rating Breakdown:
- Stability 6/10
- Height 10/10
- Build Quality 6/10
- Ease of Assembly 10/10
- Price 10/10
- Overall 8.4/10
What We Liked:
- Price
- Modern looking
- No need for drilling
What We Didn’t Like:
- Very simple
Best with Hammocks
- How It Mounts: Tension Rod to Ceiling or Wall Brackets
- 18.11" L x 11.81" W x 116" H
- Scratching Material: Jute
A great pick if your cat loves to float all fancy and free!
This Roypet Tall Cat Climbing Tree model offers two comfortable floating hammocks and a nice mix of faux fur perches along the full length of the tree. Build quality is high with many reviewers mentioning how well it’s constructed.
This tree will fit ceilings from 90 inches to 116 (!) inches, and uses tension to hold it in place. As one of our tallest and narrowest designs though, the manufacturer recommends that you place it against a wall, too.
You can secure it via nails or an include adhesive fixing device.
I have to say the manufacturer’s customer service stands out and they put in attention to make sure users install the tree safely. People have also contacted them for spare parts like an extra hammock or bracing bracket.
In addition to lots of sisal to scratch, this Roypet Tree is peppered with fun string toys that cats can paw at from their perches.
Total dimensions are 18.11 L x 11.81 W x 116 H (inches).
Rating Breakdown:
- Stability 6/10
- Height 10/10
- Build Quality 6/10
- Ease of Assembly 7/10
- Price 9/10
- Overall 7.6/10
What We Liked:
- So soft and plush
- Hammocks are relaxing
- Built-in toys
- Great price
- Ample sisal rope
What We Didn’t Like:
- Needs to be supported by a wall
- Base is a bit small for the height and weight
Scratching Post Style Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree
- How It Mounts: Tension Rod to Ceiling
- 10.6" L x 17" W inch x 113" H
- Scratching Material: Carpet
All cats love to scratch, and thus far all the floor to ceiling cat trees mentioned here have some scratching component. Why is this our pick for best scratching post style? Because you can vary the scratchy material.
It’s because cats differ in their scratching preference. Some love carpet and others like sisal rope, or jute. What if your newly purchased tree isn’t the type your cat likes?
So, the unique thing about this tree is that the post is just carpet initially. Now if your cat does not take to this material for her daily wrath, you can wrap it with it matching sisal rope. (Make sure you buy it separately!)
Besides that, the S-Lifeeling Cat Climbing Tree is modern, simple floor to ceiling cat tree that does not require drilling.
The perches can be rotated even after installation, so they can be best arranged for your cats or your placement situation.
The stable base has dimensions of 10.6 x 17 (inches) and the tree fixes to the ceiling via tension.
Rating Breakdown:
- Stability 6/10
- Height 10/10
- Build Quality 4/10
- Ease of Assembly 10/10
- Price 5/10
- Overall 7/10
What We Liked:
- Super space efficient
- Modern look
- Exceptional height
- Easy to assembly
What We Didn’t Like:
- Sisal sold separately
- Not for larger cats
How to Choose a Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree Tower
Which floor to ceiling cat tree tower is the best one for your cat?
It really comes down to finding an option that your home can accommodate while also cherry-picking some features you know work for your cat’s unique personality.
Stability and Sturdiness
This is so important because a cat speeding up a cylindrical cat tree can really have a Tower of Pisa effect. A nice wide, heavy base is usually enough to ensure that a tree will hold up.
Anything that looks too heavy on the top might mean that you’re constantly yelling “timber” in your home!
Materials and Construction
Generally, you’ll want high quality wood or MDF (medium-density fiberboard), which is harder than plywood.
If there are covered areas, you might either prefer soft or coarse carpeting based on how much your cat tends to shed.
And look for trees that incorporate sisal rope. This is a perfect “natural” scratching post material that cats love. Some trees actually feature large patches of sisal rope for your cat to reach for at every tier.
Other scratch-able materials include, jute, and seagrass.
Design
Floor to ceiling cat trees have a slick modern vibe lots of people like, especially in smaller apartments or urban cities. They’re minimal yet super functional.
(If you’re a renter, choose a design that relies on tension, so no drilling necessary!)
If you don’t like that style, get a traditional ultra-tall cat tree, with multiple suites and condos. It can be floor to ceiling without securing to the ceiling.
Can you have a cat tree that reaches the ceiling if you have vaulted ceilings? While most ultra-tall cat trees are adjustable, you probably won’t find one that can reach cathedral ceilings.
What’s more, it wouldn’t actually be safe to have your cat climbing that high. Look for a freestanding tree in this case!
Variety and Your Cat’s Preference
Here’s where having a little personality profile on your cat helps.
- Is your cat chill and lounger, happy to relax and stare out the window? Then your cat tree needs hammocks, condos, and loungers. Look into a cat window bed for warm, sunny naps!
- A straight up climber? Then a more no-frills cat tree with an ascendable post and high perches is for them.
- Is your little hellraiser active and high energy? Then a model with toys, interactive items is best.
- If excessive scratching of your upholstery is your cat’s main hobby, you’ll want to make sure the cat tree has ample scratching areas sisal, carpet, or other satisfying materials.
Variations
A ceiling-height cat tree is an elongated cat tree with much more climbing room.
Typically, it has the same base as a regular cat tree. The difference is that it has a large climbing pole that uses tension or braces to stay attached to your ceiling.
- For some models, you’ll need to drill with nails to get a secure fit
- Other trees use torsion springs that work like some shower-curtain rods do
- Lastly, some are actually just ultra-tall trees that don’t technically touch the ceiling
Benefits of a Ceiling to Floor Cat Tree
If you’ve caught your cat walking on the kitchen counter like it’s a pine tree branch, you already know why a cat tree is beneficial!
A cat tree can help you to give cat an approved space for digging their claws into coarse, satisfying fabric without constant “sofa wars” in your home. And they look great in your home, with designs ranging from modern to those that look like actual trees.
Here’s a look at why floor to ceiling cat trees are so great:
- You’re giving your cat the height they really desire
- You’re taking advantage of vertical space without crowding your floor
- These trees are sleek and attractive
Tall cat trees are pretty amazing if you have multiple cats because the turf can get crowded on shorter trees. With a tall tree, cats can spread out to enjoy privacy.
They are also great for skittish cats because your feline can truly feel like king of the world up there with a view of the entire room! As
Can You DIY a Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree?
Yup! In fact, I probably would have tried this if I had more time!
One of the simplest tutorials I came across when searching for a homemade full-length DIY cat tree was this one from Instructable Living that only requires some PVC drain pipe and sisal rope.
Why Do Cats Climb Up High?
Climbing is not only great for your kitten to learn to perfect his balance, grow his muscles and maintain his flexibility, but it’s also fun for him!
“It’s wonderful exercise and being able to climb to an elevated spot allows your cat to relax and rest in a stress-free environment because he feels safe and secure,” according to the vets at Totowa Animal Hospital.
In fact, cats are drawn to climbing on an instinctual level because it helps them to escape predators!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats actually use cat trees?
Yes, most cats are naturally drawn to heights because climbing allows them to avoid predators in the wild. This is why most cats will jump on sofas, hop on dressers or try to climb on curtains. Cat trees also provide safe spaces to hang out, sleep, and hide.
How tall should a cat tree be?
A cat tree should be as high as your cat wants to climb and be able to descend safely. The cat tree’s stability is a factor here too, and a wobbly tree will naturally discourage your cat.
Generally, around 108 inches/9 feet (the standard height of a room) is the highest to go. Cat trees are not intended to be altered to fit cathedral ceilings.
Where should I put my cat tree?
Put cat trees within their existing territory, somewhere she already hangs out. Dens or living rooms allow cats to be “in the center of the action” while enjoying a private space.
If you’re concerned about stability, position a tree near a wall. Some cat owners place trees near windows to give their cats views of nature!
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.
Getting a cat tree is practical if you got a couple of cats like me, I like the design of Frisco tower, simple yet functional and sturdy. Great selection of products. Thanks for sharing.
what is the post in the picture at the top?