If you own a cat, you know how important it is for them to have their own space. Having an area where they can hide, stretch, and scratch your furniture and walls will be free from danger while you get to keep your sanity intact. This is where a cat tree comes into play.
Are you looking for the best cheap cat tree to keep your chaotic kitty occupied? If so, this review is for you. We’ve looked at the best budget-friendly options to make your life simpler. Check them out below so you can choose the best option for your bank account and your feline friend.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Frisco Heavy Duty Cat Tree
Features a raised sleeping area
Sisal rope enclosed for safe scratching
The cover is removable for easy cleaning
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Best Value
Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree
Features two scratching posts
Covered in soft material for kitty comfort
Includes cute pom-pom toys
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Premium Choice
Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo
Multiple perches and an apartment
Soft covering for paws and cuddles
Available in multiple colors
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Best for Kittens
Frisco 28-in Faux Fur Cat Tree
Soft material covering
3 levels for hours of play
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Frisco 48-in Faux Fur Tree & Condo
5 sisal wrapped scratching posts
Several perches for cats to sit
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The 10 Best Budget Cat Trees
The first on our list is our pick for the best overall budget cat tree is the Frisco 24.8-in Heavy Duty Faux Fur Cat Tree. This tree is built to last and it’s a low-cost, budget-friendly option that won’t be easily destroyed by clawing and scratching. Don’t let this simple-looking cat tree fool you. With an area to sleep, scratch, and play your cat will find itself spending hours a day frolicking around this cat tree.
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When it comes to the Frisco Heavy Duty tree, the only true issue we found was its height. If your cat is a climber, this short and stocky cat tree may not be the best option. The perch design is more suitable for lazy cats. Like with all things bought for a frisky feline, it’s best to keep your kitty’s preferences in mind before purchasing.
Pros
Features a raised sleeping area
Sisal rope enclosed for safe scratching
The cover is removable for easy cleaning
Cons
Low to the ground design
If you’re looking for the best budget cat tree for the money, look no farther than the Frisco 20-inch Faux Fur Cat Tree. This cat tree is easily one of the best-priced and functional trees on our list. The small design makes this tree ideal for small cats who aren’t big into climbing. The hammock-type sleeping area is covered with soft materials to make it the perfect sleeping area for your cat. The scratching posts are wrapped in sisal rope to ensure your cat has the perfect place to sharpen its claws. If you’re wanting one of the cheapest trees possible but still need something your cat will love, this is the right cat tree for you.
Features a raised sleeping area
Sisal rope enclosed for safe scratching
The cover is removable for easy cleaning
- Features a raised sleeping area
- Sisal rope enclosed for safe scratching
- The cover is removable for easy cleaning
Low to the ground design
- Low to the ground design
The biggest downside we found with this cat tree is the size. If larger cats rule the roost at your house, this cat tree will most likely be far too small for them to use. Keep the size of your cat in mind before purchasing this cat bed.
Pros
Features two scratching posts
Covered in soft material for kitty comfort
Includes cute pom-pom toys
Cons
Too small for larger cats
If you have a bit of extra money in your budget to splurge on your four-legged friend, our premium choice, the Frisco 52-in Faux Fur Cat Tree and Condo may be exactly what you’re looking for. This tree and condo combination is great for homes with multiple cats as it is quite large and offers plenty of room to move and play. With 5 scratching posts, your kitties will always have a place to sharpen their claws while the multiple perches give each feline its own place to feel comfortable. The soft covering used on this cat tree will make your cats feel invited and warm while they enjoy their new toy. For pet owners, you’ll love the multiple color options available. This helps make this cat tree part of your home.
Features two scratching posts
Covered in soft material for kitty comfort
Includes cute pom-pom toys
- Features two scratching posts
- Covered in soft material for kitty comfort
- Includes cute pom-pom toys
Too small for larger cats
- Too small for larger cats
The only downside we found with this cat tree and condo is the price. While it’s the most expensive tree on our list, the features make it well worth the money if you can work it into your budget.
Pros
Multiple perches and an apartment for kitty privacy
Soft covering for paws and cuddles
Available in multiple colors
Cons
More expensive than others on our list
- Frisco 28-in Faux Fur Cat Tree – Best for Kittens Check Latest Price
Frame Material Engineered Wood
Covering Material Faux Fur, Sisal
Life Stage All
It’s one of the smaller cat trees on this list, the Frisco 28-in Faux Fur Cat Tree is a great option for homes with a playful kitten. No matter your kitten’s size, they should be able to play and interact with this pet tree without fear or opportunity for danger. With 3 levels to explore, your kitten will be spending hours a day engaged in play with this cat tree. When the time comes to cuddle, the soft covering is perfect for letting your kitten grab a few hours of sleep after a hard day of playing.
Multiple perches and an apartment for kitty privacy
Soft covering for paws and cuddles
Available in multiple colors
- Multiple perches and an apartment for kitty privacy
- Soft covering for paws and cuddles
- Available in multiple colors
More expensive than others on our list
- More expensive than others on our list
The overall size of this cat tree is its biggest downside. If you have multiple cats or kittens, it most likely will not be suitable. Keep this in mind if you have a large cat waiting for its newest addition. While this cat tree is good for kittens and small cats, if large cat breeds are your thing, choose a larger option.
Pros
Soft material covering
3 levels for hours of play
Cons
Very small
- Frisco 48-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo Check Latest Price
Frame Material Engineered Wood
Covering Material Faux Fur, Sisal
Life Stage Adult
The Frisco 48-inch Cat Tree and Condo set is another on our list that is a bit more costly but offers your cat lots of fun and adventures ahead. Two upper perches allow your kitties the opportunity to rest and relax when the need arises. An included cat condo provides the perfect place to get away when things feel like they’ve become too much for your felines. Whether you have one spoiled kitty or multiple, this condo is sized big enough to take care of all their needs. For the scratchers, five posts are wrapped in sisal to keep claws primed and ready for whatever the day brings.
Soft material covering
3 levels for hours of play
- Soft material covering
- 3 levels for hours of play
Very small
- Very small
Other than the price we mentioned previously, the only other issue we found with this cat tree and condo set is that larger cats may not do well with it. Perches and ledges are slightly smaller than they are on other trees which may give large breeds more difficulty than it’s worth.
Pros
5 sisal wrapped scratching posts
Several perches for cats to sit
Cons
Costly
Not intended for large cat breeds
- Frisco 38-in Cat Tree with Condo, Top Perch and Toy Check Latest Price
Frame Material Engineered Wood
Covering Material Faux Fleece, Sisal
Life Stage Adult
The first thing we noticed about the Frisco 38-inch Cat Tree with Condo, Top Perch, and Toy is the unique design. The upper perch is more like a bed that allows your kitties to relax, nap, and fight all the pressures of their hard lives in peace. The lower apartment is also a great touch for cats who prefer more solitude. The middle perch is even ideally sized to allow a third cat into the mix if you have that many kitties in your home. Each of your cats will have its own space.
5 sisal wrapped scratching posts
Several perches for cats to sit
- 5 sisal wrapped scratching posts
- Several perches for cats to sit
Costly
Not intended for large cat breeds
- Costly
- Not intended for large cat breeds
Possibly the best aspect of this cat tower is the washable coverings. If your cats shed a great deal or simply use the tree so often it needs freshening up, you can simply remove the coverings, toss them in the washer, then replace them before your cat realizes what’s happening.
The biggest drawback to this cat tree is the scratching posts. If you have a cat who enjoys scratching, it may destroy these posts before they have an opportunity to truly put the rest of the tree to good use.
Pros
Developed for multiple cats
Coverings are washable for freshness
Cons
Scratching posts are subpar
While the Yaheetch 51-in Plush Multi-Cat Tree & Condo may not be priced within everyone’s budget it does offer enough personal space for multiple cats which is why we’ve included it here. Featuring two hiding areas, multiple scratching posts, a hammock, and a ladder this cat tree has everything cats need to stay active or simply chill out after a long day. For the sleepers, the soft covering is perfect for cuddling.
Developed for multiple cats
Coverings are washable for freshness
- Developed for multiple cats
- Coverings are washable for freshness
Scratching posts are subpar
- Scratching posts are subpar
This tree is both sturdy and lightweight which allows you to easily move it around the home until you find the spot your cats love the most. Unfortunately, for the price asked, the size is a bit disappointing. The bells and whistles are great on this tree but if you have larger cats, it may be best to steer clear of this option.
Pros
Soft material for cuddlers
Multiple hideaways
Cons
Too small for the price
- Tiger Tough Scratching Post 22.5-in Faux Fur Cat Tree Check Latest Price
Frame Material Engineered Wood
Covering Material Faux Fur, Sisal
Life Stage Adult
The Tiger Tough Scratching Post 22.5-in Faux Fur Cat Tree may not be the most elaborate cat tree on the list, but it gets the job done. If you’re looking for a small cat tree that doesn’t take up much room, gives your cat a dependable scratching post, and includes a perch for when they need their own space then this tree has your criteria met. Throw in the low cost and this could be a great tree for homes on a budget. While the scratching post is covered in sisal rope to keep your kitty happy, if your fur baby is on the large side, they may make quick work of the post. You may also find yourself facing hardware issues when it comes to the scratching post as we, and others, have experienced improperly sized hardware required for proper assembly.
Soft material for cuddlers
Multiple hideaways
- Soft material for cuddlers
- Multiple hideaways
Too small for the price
- Too small for the price
Pros
Sized for small homes
Great price
Sisal rope covering on posts
Cons
Posts are weak
Included hardware doesn’t fit together properly
The TRIXIE Badalona 42.75-in Plush Cat Tree & Condo doesn’t pretend to be the best cat tree on the market, it tries to be the cheapest. This tree offers the most basic of needs for your kitty. It has a hideaway kitty condo on the bottom, multiple scratching areas, and two perches for your kitty to sit and keep an eye on what’s going on. Unfortunately, a size restraint of 12 pounds is also part of your purchase when you choose this cat tree. While this works well with most cat breeds, the larger ones will be unable to use this tree. You may also find it to be a bit wobbly, even when it isn’t in use. If you can afford a better option, that would be the best way to get the most for your money.
Sized for small homes
Great price
Sisal rope covering on posts
- Sized for small homes
- Great price
- Sisal rope covering on posts
Posts are weak
Included hardware doesn’t fit together properly
- Posts are weak
- Included hardware doesn’t fit together properly
Pros
Affordable
Features several perches and hideaways for cats
Cons
Not for large breed cats
Lacks sturdiness
- Go Pet Club 33-in Faux Fur Cat Tree Check Latest Price
Frame Material Engineered Wood
Covering Material Faux Fur, Sisal
Life Stage Adult
The Go Pet Club 33-in Faux Fur Cat Tree is ideal for homes with multiple cats who need to manage how much they spend. This affordable cat tree comes with 4 tiers making it perfect for cats to spend the day with their feline pals. You’ll find this cat tree also features multiple scratching posts. Whenever one of your kitty’s take the notion, they can simply scratch away at the posts and leave your walls and furniture unharmed. The soft faux fur covering keeps your kitty’s paws feeling great.
Affordable
Features several perches and hideaways for cats
- Affordable
- Features several perches and hideaways for cats
Not for large breed cats
Lacks sturdiness
- Not for large breed cats
- Lacks sturdiness
This cute cat tower is last on our list for a reason. Unfortunately, due to the weak materials used in crafting this cat tree, it is slightly unsteady. This may leave your kitty wondering why their new tree shakes or they may simply avoid it all the way.
Pros
Soft to the touch
4-tiered design for play
Cons
Unsteady
Soft to the touch
4-tiered design for play
- Soft to the touch
- 4-tiered design for play
Unsteady
- Unsteady
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Budget Cat Tree
While not every cat is a fan of cat trees, some simply can’t do without them. If you have one, or multiple cats who feel the need to have a tree to frolic in while safely tucked away inside their home, then you’re tasked with an important job. You must find a tree your cat or cats will love while staying inside the confines of your home’s budget.
To help you choose the perfect cat tree, look below to learn what you should keep your eyes open for. This will help you find the most affordable tree your cats will love. Soon you’ll be considered the coolest pet parent in the house. No one must know whether you’re the only parent or not.
Size
Size is possibly the most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a budget cat tree. Unfortunately, size is something that seems to be overlooked when prices are lower. If you have large cats inside your home, choosing a cat tree that will support their weight and size is important. For your kitty to truly enjoy their cat tree, they must be able to stretch out or play without worries of falling off. If you have difficulty finding a cat tree that supports your cat’s weight and size, you may need to consider spending a bit more money.
Comfort
Most cat tree interiors are made from engineered wood. It’s the coverings your cats worry about the most. Soft coverings will give your cats a comfy place to be lazy when they are tired of being on the floor. Keep this in mind when you’re shopping. Faux fur is one of the most popular options. This soft covering is a great option to provide your cat with.
Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to the material covering your cat tree is whether it is removable. The ability to wash your cat’s covers will keep them smelling fresh. You won’t need to worry about lingering odors or shed hair if you choose this option when bringing home the perfect cat tree.
Accessories
Yes, cat trees have accessories. Most importantly, toys. If your cat is active or young, choosing a budget cat tree with pom toys will provide them with hours of enjoyment. Knowing your kitty’s needs will help you find the best cat tree out there. Before long, your cat will lose themselves in the joy of their toys, hideaways, and perches.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best cat tree to fit your budget, our top picks may be what you’re looking for. The Frisco heavy-duty cat tree, our best overall choice, offers your cat a great place to lounge, scratch, and play while being kind to your finances. Our best value, the Frisco faux fur cat tree is a great option at one of the lowest prices you’ll find. If you want to go bigger and better, however, the Frisco tree condo is our premium pick for those with more money to play with. Either way you go, one of these cat trees will make your pampered puss happy and content for years to come.
Featured Image Credit: Frisco, Chewy
