Cats of all ages enjoy sitting in high places to watch over everything. As they grow older, this habit doesn’t change, although their inability to move around easily makes it challenging for them to clamber up high. Therefore, your old cat will appreciate the leg-up when you give them easy routes to their favorite high places in senior cat trees.
If your aging feline is no longer able to reach the top perch of the cat tree that they’ve played on since they were a kitten, we put together these reviews to help you update your home with a c for senior cats.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Frisco 72-in Cat Tree & Condo
Two ramps
Multiple colors available
Suitable for multi-cat households
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Best Value
Frisco 28-in Faux Fur Cat Tree
Available in animal print or gray
Tunnel napping spot
Rolling scratching post
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Premium Choice
Frisco 76-in XXL Cat Tree
Machine-washable perch cover
Perches are close together
Suitable for multiple cats
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FEANDREA 37.8-in Cat Tree & Condo
Sisal-covered ramp
Sturdy design
Suitable for smaller houses
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EliteField 40-in Faux Fur Cat Tree
Steps for easy access
Bolstered perch
Sisal scratching posts
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The 14 Best Cat Trees for Older Cats
Offering plenty of easily accessible perches for your aging feline, the Frisco 72-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo is built with a sturdy wooden frame and is our best overall cat tree for older cats. Suitable for multi-cat households, this cat tree is available in animal print, cream, gray, brown, black, or blue.
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Two built-in condos are both accessed by ramps so your elderly cat can curl up and nap inside. The higher perches are close together, so big leaps from each platform are unnecessary, making this our top pick for best cat tree for older cats.
Some cat owners may find this option too big for the available space in their home and too expensive for limited budgets. The higher platforms are also relatively small and might be difficult for older cats to maneuver on.
For extra stability, this senior cat tree needs to be fixed to a wall.
Pros
Perches are close together for easy accessibility
Two ramps
Multiple colors available
Suitable for multi-cat households
Built-in condos
Hanging mice toys
Cons
Expensive
Too tall for smaller households
Some platforms might be too small for larger cats
Must be fixed to a wall
2. Frisco 28-in Faux Fur Cat Tree — Best Value
Available in gray or animal print to suit your home aesthetic, the Frisco 28-in Faux Fur Cat Tree is our pick for best cat tree for older cats for the money. With a standing height of only 28 inches, this cat tree is accessible for cats with limited mobility and doesn’t require much jumping to reach each perch.
Perches are close together for easy accessibility
Two ramps
Multiple colors available
Suitable for multi-cat households
Built-in condos
Hanging mice toys
- Perches are close together for easy accessibility
- Two ramps
- Multiple colors available
- Suitable for multi-cat households
- Built-in condos
- Hanging mice toys
Expensive
Too tall for smaller households
Some platforms might be too small for larger cats
Must be fixed to a wall
- Expensive
- Too tall for smaller households
- Some platforms might be too small for larger cats
- Must be fixed to a wall
Dimensions 28 x 19 x 20 inches
Material Engineered wood, faux fleece, sisal
Ramp No
Scratching Posts Yes
Along with the rolling scratching pad to entice your cat to keep their claws sharp, there’s also a tunnel napping spot and bolstered perch for plenty of variety.
This design is made with engineered wood for extra stability, but heavier and more energetic cats may cause it to wobble as they move. Some owners have said that it’s too small for large breeds.
Pros
Easily accessible for cats with limited mobility
Available in animal print or gray
Tunnel napping spot
Rolling scratching post
Cons
Too small for larger cats
Might wobble when heavier cats use it
If it’s been a while since you spoiled your favorite feline friend, the Frisco 76-in XXL Heavy Duty Cat Tree is an expensive but sturdy way to show that you care. Although there are no ramps to make accessibility easier for older cats, the perches on this adult cat tree are close together and don’t require excessive leaping to get to.
Easily accessible for cats with limited mobility
Available in animal print or gray
Tunnel napping spot
Rolling scratching post
- Easily accessible for cats with limited mobility
- Available in animal print or gray
- Tunnel napping spot
- Rolling scratching post
Too small for larger cats
Might wobble when heavier cats use it
- Too small for larger cats
- Might wobble when heavier cats use it
Along with the height, this cat tree also enables multiple cats to take advantage of the sleeping spaces with the two condos, hammock, and bolstered perch with a machine-washable cover. There are also plenty of spaces for cats to scratch their claws.
Older cats, particularly ones with limited mobility, might struggle to reach the top perch due to the height and size of the lower perches. To better stabilize this cat tree, it’s recommended to fix it to a wall.
Pros
Machine-washable perch cover
Perches are close together
Suitable for multiple cats
Sisal scratching posts
Cons
Expensive
No ramps
Top perch might be inaccessible for older cats
Must be fixed to a wall for stability
Built with engineered wood, the FEANDREA 37.8-in Faux Fleece Cat Tree & Condo is sturdy and fits into most small corners. Your elderly cat can use the built-in ramp to climb onto the first perch and scratch their claws on the durable sisal-rope covering.
Machine-washable perch cover
Perches are close together
Suitable for multiple cats
Sisal scratching posts
- Machine-washable perch cover
- Perches are close together
- Suitable for multiple cats
- Sisal scratching posts
Expensive
No ramps
Top perch might be inaccessible for older cats
Must be fixed to a wall for stability
- Expensive
- No ramps
- Top perch might be inaccessible for older cats
- Must be fixed to a wall for stability
There are three sleeping spots to suit all sorts of napping preferences: a fur-lined condo, a cozy hammock, and a bolstered perch at the top. All the platforms are close together to enable your elderly feline to clamber from perch to perch without leaping too far.
Although there are several sisal-covered scratching posts along with the ramp, there are no replacement parts available if anything breaks on the adult cat tree. The FEANDREA 37.8 inch cat tree is expensive for cat owners with low budgets.
Pros
Sisal-covered ramp
Sturdy design
Suitable for smaller houses
Hanging pom-pom toy
Cons
Unable to replace scratching board
Expensive
- EliteField 40-in Faux Fur Cat Tree Check Latest Price
Dimensions 22 x 22 x 40 inches
Material Engineered wood, sisal, faux fur
Ramp No
Scratching Posts Yes
Designed to make accessing the bolstered top perch simple for felines of all ages, the EliteField 40-in Faux Fur Cat Tree encourages your cat to move around while not pushing them beyond their limits. The three steps are close together and evenly spaced to make climbing easy. They’re also supported by durable wooden pillars covered in sisal rope for your cats to scratch.
Sisal-covered ramp
Sturdy design
Suitable for smaller houses
Hanging pom-pom toy
- Sisal-covered ramp
- Sturdy design
- Suitable for smaller houses
- Hanging pom-pom toy
Unable to replace scratching board
Expensive
- Unable to replace scratching board
- Expensive
The EliteField 40-inch cat tree’s bolstered perch is lined with a cushion to offer comfort while your cat surveys their surroundings or watches the view through the window.
Unfortunately, this item cannot be shipped to California and isn’t a budget-friendly option.
Pros
Steps for easy access
Bolstered perch
Sisal scratching posts
Cons
Unavailable in CA
Expensive
The Yaheetech 35.8-in Plush Cat Tree & Condo can be bought in two shades of neutral gray to match your existing décor. Your senior cat can use the ramp to keep their claws sharp with the sisal covering and reach the second-floor condo. The roof of the condo acts as a platform to reach the nearby bolstered perch so your cat doesn’t have to jump too far to climb up or down.
Steps for easy access
Bolstered perch
Sisal scratching posts
- Steps for easy access
- Bolstered perch
- Sisal scratching posts
Unavailable in CA
Expensive
- Unavailable in CA
- Expensive
Made with a sturdy wooden frame, your cats won’t be put off by rickety surfaces or unstable perches. Some owners have noted, though, that the Yaheetech 35.8 inch cat tree is a little small for large cats. The top of the second-floor condo and bolstered perch might also be too high for cats with limited mobility.
Pros
Available in light or dark gray
Built-in sisal-covered ramp
Easy access tiers
Bolstered perch
Cons
Better suited for small cats
Arthritic cats might struggle to reach the top perch
- Frisco 32-in Real Carpet Wooden Cat Tree Check Latest Price
Dimensions 20 x 20 x 32 inches
Material Solid wood, carpet, sisal
Ramp No
Scratching Posts Yes
Short and built with solid wood for extra stability, the Frisco 32-in Real Carpet Wooden Cat Tree is covered in real carpet to offer a texture that your cat will love. Available in beige or gray to match all types of home décor, this Frisco 32-inch cat tree comes fully assembled and can fit into most small spaces.
Available in light or dark gray
Built-in sisal-covered ramp
Easy access tiers
Bolstered perch
- Available in light or dark gray
- Built-in sisal-covered ramp
- Easy access tiers
- Bolstered perch
Better suited for small cats
Arthritic cats might struggle to reach the top perch
- Better suited for small cats
- Arthritic cats might struggle to reach the top perch
Both perches are supported by sisal scratching posts and include a hanging toy to keep your feline entertained when they’re not napping. As a short cat tree, it doesn’t need to be fixed to a wall and won’t wobble when climbed on.
The adult cat tree design doesn’t have ramps for senior cats with mobility issues, and multiple cats may struggle to curl up together.
Pros
Sturdy construction
No assembly required
Sisal scratching posts
Beige or gray
Cons
No ramps for easy access
Too small for multi-cat households
Built with a reinforced base and anti-toppling fittings, the Yaheetech 47.5-in Plush Cat Tree & Condo gives your cats a sturdy spot to watch over the house from. The included ladder is covered in sisal rope to encourage healthy claw care and enable senior cats to reach the mid-level condo. Plenty of napping spots and places to scratch makes this option ideal for multi-cat households.
Sturdy construction
No assembly required
Sisal scratching posts
Beige or gray
- Sturdy construction
- No assembly required
- Sisal scratching posts
- Beige or gray
No ramps for easy access
Too small for multi-cat households
- No ramps for easy access
- Too small for multi-cat households
Within easy reach for arthritic felines, the two lookout perches don’t need much jumping to get to. Paired with the detachable pom-pom toy, this cat tree promotes a healthy level of activity for your aging feline.
Despite the numerous places to sit and scratch, the Yaheetech 47.5 inch cat tree is recommended for smaller cats.
Pros
Built-in ladder
Easy-to-reach perches
Suitable for multi-cat households
Cons
Recommended for smaller cats
- Pet Adobe 3-Tier 27.5-in Cat Tree & Condo Check Latest Price
Dimensions 19.5 x 19.5 x 27.5 inches
Material Engineered wood, polyester
Ramp No
Scratching Posts Yes
Although there are no ramps available with the Pet Adobe 3-Tier 27.5-in Cat Tree & Condo, the three perches are placed within easy reach of each other to allow for minimal jumping between the tiers. Along with the sisal scratching post, there’s also a “cheese wheel” toy for your cat to explore, filled with jingling balls for their amusement.
Built-in ladder
Easy-to-reach perches
Suitable for multi-cat households
- Built-in ladder
- Easy-to-reach perches
- Suitable for multi-cat households
Recommended for smaller cats
- Recommended for smaller cats
The Pet Adobe 27.5 inch cat tree is small enough to tuck in a corner out of the way, but the size of the perches might be too small for some cats, particularly elders that prefer having extra space to stretch out or maneuver.
Pros
Minimal jumping required
Three tiers
Sisal scratching post
Built-in “cheese wheel” toy
Cons
No ramps
Too small for large cat breeds
Designed with a built-in, sisal-covered ramp so older cats can reach the cozy condo without a problem, the Yaheetech 42-in Professional Cat Tree is a mid-height cat tree with several available perches. Along with a simple platform for climbing, this cat tree has a bolstered top perch and a hammock. This option is recommended for small to medium-sized breeds.
Minimal jumping required
Three tiers
Sisal scratching post
Built-in “cheese wheel” toy
- Minimal jumping required
- Three tiers
- Sisal scratching post
- Built-in “cheese wheel” toy
No ramps
Too small for large cat breeds
- No ramps
- Too small for large cat breeds
Some owners have complained about this cat tree’s lack of stability when their cats are using it. While the hammock and middle platform are within easy reach of the condo, some older cats might struggle to climb onto the bolstered perch.
Pros
Easy-reach platforms
Ramp
Bolstered top perch
Hammock
Cons
Wobbles if not fixed to a wall
Older cats might struggle to get to the bolstered perch
Recommended for small cats
- Frisco 28-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo Check Latest Price
Dimensions 23 x 17 x 28 inches
Material Engineered wood, faux fleece, sisal
Ramp No
Scratching Posts Yes
As a short cat tree, the Frisco 28-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo requires minimal jumping to get to and from each perch, enabling your senior cats to step from one perch to the next without overreaching. The sisal scratching post and hanging toy allow your cats to keep themselves in good health and out of mischief.
Easy-reach platforms
Ramp
Bolstered top perch
Hammock
- Easy-reach platforms
- Ramp
- Bolstered top perch
- Hammock
Wobbles if not fixed to a wall
Older cats might struggle to get to the bolstered perch
Recommended for small cats
- Wobbles if not fixed to a wall
- Older cats might struggle to get to the bolstered perch
- Recommended for small cats
Due to the size of this cat tree, it’s recommended for small breeds, but it can fit into most small apartments, depending on your available space. Cats with limited mobility might still struggle to reach each of the perches, though, as there are no ramps included in this adult cat tree design.
Pros
Minimal jumping required to reach perches
Hanging toy
Cons
No ramps
Recommended for smaller cat breeds
With two bolstered perches within easy reach of each other, the Go Pet Club 23-in Faux Fur Cat Tree is a simple but effective design. You can choose between two neutral colors — gray and brown — and the compact, space-saving construction means this cat tree can fit beside a window without blocking your view.
Minimal jumping required to reach perches
Hanging toy
- Minimal jumping required to reach perches
- Hanging toy
No ramps
Recommended for smaller cat breeds
- No ramps
- Recommended for smaller cat breeds
Although short, the Go Pet Club 23 inch cat tree is sturdy and made with a wooden frame to ensure that your feline, no matter their age, stays safe.
Some cat owners have complained that the faux fur material used in the construction leaves pieces everywhere, and there are no ramps for cats suffering from arthritis.
Pros
Easy-to-reach bolstered perches
Sisal scratching post
Available in gray or brown
Cons
No ramps
Faux fur sheds
- Catry 28.5-in Felt Cat Tree & Tunnel Check Latest Price
Dimensions 16.9 x 13 x 28.5 inches
Material Felt, cardboard
Ramp No
Scratching Posts Yes
The Catry 28.5-in Felt Cat Tree & Tunnel uses felt instead of faux fur to create a sense of stability for your cat. With the immobile surface beneath their paws, your senior cat can use this cat tree without worrying about their footing as they step between the easy-to-reach perches. If your feline doesn’t want to climb to the top perch, they can curl up in the ground floor tunnel instead.
Easy-to-reach bolstered perches
Sisal scratching post
Available in gray or brown
- Easy-to-reach bolstered perches
- Sisal scratching post
- Available in gray or brown
No ramps
Faux fur sheds
- No ramps
- Faux fur sheds
While the perches themselves don’t require much jumping to get to, they’re on the small side, and older cats might be unnerved by the limited space. As one of the lighter cat trees available due to the cardboard construction, it might wobble when used by heavy felines.
Pros
Easy-to-reach perches
Tunnel
Cons
Older cats might struggle to use the smaller perches
Wobbles
Available in black, gray, beige, brown, paw print, and blue, the Go Pet Club 62-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo is suitable for multiple cats. Sisal scratching posts and a rope toy keep cats of all ages entertained, and the built-in ladder enables older cats to reach the first tier with ease.
Easy-to-reach perches
Tunnel
- Easy-to-reach perches
- Tunnel
Older cats might struggle to use the smaller perches
Wobbles
- Older cats might struggle to use the smaller perches
- Wobbles
The height of this cat tree requires it to be fixed to a wall to stop it from wobbling or falling over as your cat climbs onto the higher tiers.
Although they can reach the hammock and first-level tier, some senior cats might struggle to reach the top perch and tunnel of this cat tower for large cats.
Pros
Built-in ladder
Sisal scratching posts
Rope toy
Suitable for multi-cat households
Cons
Less mobile cats might struggle to reach the higher perches
Needs to be secured to a wall
Wobbles
Built-in ladder
Sisal scratching posts
Rope toy
Suitable for multi-cat households
- Built-in ladder
- Sisal scratching posts
- Rope toy
- Suitable for multi-cat households
Less mobile cats might struggle to reach the higher perches
Needs to be secured to a wall
Wobbles
- Less mobile cats might struggle to reach the higher perches
- Needs to be secured to a wall
- Wobbles
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Cat Tree for Older Cats
Accessibility
Like us, your cat becomes slower as they age. They’ll still clamber onto everything that they can reach, but they’ll do so gingerly and take care to ensure that all four paws are secure before venturing onward. Cat trees with ramps and perches that are close together will help your cat climb them without leaping too much. These attributes are of great importance when selecting the cat tree for senior cats.
Short cat trees for cats suffering from arthritis can help too. They’re tall enough to let your cat enjoy the view out a window with comfort while having the bonus of lower perches for your cat to hop onto.
Space
Some cat trees are designed with a focus on small cats or kittens. These options are also ideal for your senior cat because the perches tend to be closer together than on cat trees designed for large breeds. However, the space available on each tier might not be enough to make sure your older feline feels safe.
With less mobility than their younger counterparts, your older cat might prefer more space to stretch out and turn around. Many kitties prefer having enough room to get their footing before clambering onto the next level.
This goes for napping spots too. Arthritic cats might not enjoy curling up in hammocks as much as they did when they were younger and may prefer stretching out in condos or on wider perches.
Remember to also consider the space that you have available in your home. Small cat trees can easily fit beneath the window or in a corner, but cat tower for large cats designs need plenty of space and often need to be fixed to a wall.
Sturdiness
Along with making sure each perch is within easy reach for your feline, you need to make sure the cat tree is stable. This includes the material that the perches are made from. Bolstered napping spots with padded cushions are great for sleeping on, but if your elderly feline prefers moving from solid ground, they might not like climbing over the squishy texture to reach the next tier or climb back down.
Conclusion
With plenty of space for multiple cats to play and stretch out on, our pick for overall best cat tree for senior cats, the Frisco 72-in Cat Tree offers your senior felines an easy climb between close perches and a condo for quiet naps. A short tree for cats with arthritis is the Frisco 28-in Cat Tree. Affordable for low budgets, our pick for best cat tree for older cats for the money, fits into small apartments and still lets your senior cat enjoy the view through a window.
These reviews are the 14 best cat trees for older cats, and hopefully, they have helped you find a solution to keep your senior feline active.
Featured Image Credit: Yaheetech, Chewy
