For most apartments, the Bedsure 3-Level Cat House gives the most use per square foot. Big cat? Pick the 28-inch tree with an extra-large bed. No floor left at all? Go vertical with wall shelves. And check the weight rating: many “small space” trees are only built for small cats.
Cats think in three dimensions. In a small apartment, a cat tree gives them more territory without taking much of yours. The trick is to find one with a small footprint that’s still stable and sized for your actual cat, which is where many compact trees fall short.
How we researched this guide
We compared compact cat trees and wall systems by footprint, height, stated cat size and materials, then read owner reviews for patterns about wobbling, durability and whether big cats fit. We did not test these trees ourselves.
Our picks at a glance
What size cat tree should I get?
- Footprint: measure the floor spot. Leave room for your cat to jump on and off.
- Cat weight: check the listing. Many small trees are rated for small cats only.
- Bed size: your cat should be able to lie curled up without hanging off. Big cats need beds of about 20 inches or more.
- Height vs stability: tall, slim trees wobble more. For a tall tree in a small space, anchor it to the wall.
- Posts: sisal rope or sisal fabric is better for scratching than carpet.
The best cat trees for small spaces
Style shown, not the exact productBedsure 3-Level Cat House Tree with Scratching Post
- Size22.5″ x 13″ x 31.5″
- Levels3, with enclosed house
- ScratchingSisal post + felt sides
A compact, furniture-style cat house with a cushioned hideaway, a lookout on top and a sisal scratching post, all in a footprint about the size of a small side table. It doubles as a hiding spot, which matters in a small apartment where cats have fewer places to retreat.
Owners say it’s easy to assemble and roomy enough for two cats to share. A few cats ignore it, and some owners notice the middle sagging over time.
What owners like
- Small footprint
- Cozy enclosed house
- Easy assembly
Watch out for
- Not much vertical climbing
- Middle can sag
- Some cats ignore it
Style shown, not the exact product28" Cat Tree with Extra-Large Bed
- Size21.3″ x 21.3″ x 28.4″
- Top bed23.6″ x 15.7″
- ScratchingThick sisal posts
Most small cat trees are built for small cats. This one stays short to save space but gives big cats a wide top bed (about 24 by 16 inches) that even a Maine Coon can sprawl on, plus thick sisal posts.
Owners say it’s sturdy and easy to put together. The hammock is small, so think of the top bed as the main feature.
What owners like
- Big top bed
- Sturdy for heavy cats
- Thick posts
Watch out for
- Small hammock
- Short, not for climbers
- Wider base than slim towers
Style shown, not the exact productFUKUMARU Cat Wall Shelves, 4-in-1 Set
- PiecesBridge, bed, post, shelf
- MountScrews into 16″ studs
- MaterialSolid wood multi-layer
When there’s no floor left, go up the wall. This set includes a bridge, a wall bed, a scratching post and a step shelf that you arrange into a climbing route. It’s spaced for standard 16-inch wall studs.
Owners like the value and say active cats use it constantly. Mount every piece into studs: owners who relied on drywall anchors report problems, and some feel larger cats need sturdier pieces.
What owners like
- Uses no floor space
- Creates a climbing route
- Good value
Watch out for
- Must go into studs
- Better for cats under ~12 lb
- Installation takes time
Style shown, not the exact productAmazon Basics Multi-Level Cat Tree Tower
- Footprint17.7″ x 17.7″
- Height45.5″
- RatedCats under 3.5 kg (7.7 lb)
Lots of height on a footprint under 18 inches square, with several levels, jute-wrapped posts and a rimmed top bed. It’s a lot of climbing for very little floor.
Important: the listing says it suits cats under about 7.7 pounds, and owners agree it’s best for kittens and small cats. Some report the top level feels unstable with bigger cats.
What owners like
- Tiny footprint
- Lots of height
- Multiple levels
Watch out for
- For small cats only
- Top level can wobble
- Carpet shows wear
Style shown, not the exact productFeandrea 18.5" Small Cat Tower
- Size18.7″ x 12.8″ x 18.5″
- FeaturesCondo, perch, sisal post
- MaterialParticleboard + plush
A low, compact tower with a condo, a plush top perch and a sisal post. It fits under a window or beside a sofa, and it’s an easy first cat tree for a kitten.
Owners agree it’s great for kittens but too small for medium and large adult cats, and it can wobble on bare floors. Plan to upgrade as your kitten grows.
What owners like
- Very compact
- Cute and cozy
- Easy to assemble
Watch out for
- Outgrown quickly
- Particleboard wears
- Wobbles on bare floors
Where to put a cat tree in a small apartment
- By a window: the best spot by far. Your cat gets a view, sun and a lookout.
- In the main living area: cats want to be where you are, not shut away in a spare corner.
- Near where they scratch now: if your cat is scratching the sofa, put the tree or a post right next to it. See why cats suddenly scratch furniture.
- Not next to the litter box or food bowls.
How to stop a small cat tree from wobbling
- Tighten every bolt after a week of use, and again every few months.
- Place it on carpet or a rug, or add rubber furniture pads on hard floors.
- Push it into a corner so two sides touch the wall.
- Use a furniture anti-tip strap to anchor taller trees to the wall.
FAQ
What is the best cat tree for an apartment?
One with a small footprint that’s rated for your cat’s weight and has at least one comfortable bed and a sisal scratching surface. A compact tree by a window is a great start.
Are wall-mounted cat shelves a good alternative to a cat tree?
Yes, for small spaces they’re great. They use no floor space and create climbing routes. They must be screwed into wall studs, so they’re not ideal for renters who can’t drill.
How tall should a cat tree be?
There’s no single answer. Taller trees give more climbing and a better lookout, but need more stability. For a small space, a short sturdy tree by a window often gets more use than a tall wobbly one.
Do cats need a cat tree?
Cats need places to climb, scratch and rest up high. A cat tree is the easiest way to provide all three, but shelves and furniture can work too.
Sources
- Ellis SLH, Rodan I, et al. AAFP and ISFM Feline Environmental Needs Guidelines. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (2013).
- Product dimensions, ratings and owner feedback from Amazon.com listings, checked November 2026.
PurrScout Editorial Team
We research cat products and care topics using manufacturer documentation, veterinary guidance and thousands of real owner reviews. We never claim hands-on testing we didn't do. How we research.
