Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that cat trees can save your furniture from unwanted scratches, but how do you find an eco-friendly choice that can also help you save the planet? Cheap, cardboard, and particleboard cat trees can cost a pile despite landing in the landfill shortly after purchase, wrecking the environment and your budget. Instead, look for cat trees that are made out of sustainable, renewable resources such as solid wood and hemp, and are durably built to last through all of your kitten’s nine lives.
Here are our top 8 favorite eco-friendly cat trees in 2022, as well as our buyer’s guide for finding the best pick for your feline that won’t chew through our resources.
A Quick Glance at Our Winners in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Pagoda Cat Tree by Hepper
Fashioned out of wood
Under $100
Great for multi-cat households
Check Price
Best Value
Frisco 32” Real Carpet Wooden Cat Tree With Toy
Available on Chewy
Household-grade carpet
Arrives assembled
Check Price
Premium Choice
Frisco 66” Cat Tree & Condo
Utilizes household-grade carpet
Natural wood
Fully Assembled
Check Price
Hepper Narrow Cat Tree
Wood and sisal materials
Perfect for multi-cat households that are short on space
Comes in three color choices
Check Price
Modern Cat Tree Tower
Made from real tree branches
Machine-washable cushions
Large enough for multiple cats
Check Price
The 8 Best Eco-Friendly Cat Trees
This multi-tiered cat tree by Hepper boasts four perches and one cat condo, making it the ideal retreat for a family of cats, or serving as a spacious mansion for one special kitten. The Pagoda Cat Tree is our best overall eco-friendly cat tree choice because the materials seem to be high quality while being listed for a lower-than-average price. Using wood instead of cardboard or particle board protects the cat tree from quick destruction, ensuring your frisky feline will get more time with their new toy and reducing waste in the landfill. We like how the fabric cushions are removable for easy cleaning, but it’s unknown whether they’re machine washable. For best results, spot clean and vacuum regularly to keep your cat tree looking pristine.
Dimensions: 45” W x 27.5” L x 45.3” H
At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Pros
Fashioned out of wood
Under $100
Great for multi-cat households
Removable cushions
Cons
Cushions may not be washable
We admire the sturdy wooden base on this durable cat tree by Frisco. Since it’s on Chewy, you can simply add it to your kitten’s next autoship order and wait for it to arrive. Once it’s at your door, there’s no assembly required, but it is recommended that you let it air out for 2-7 days before introducing it to your cat. Although this cat tree features premium materials such as wood and household grade carpet, it does contain some synthetic materials that might have a strong chemical smell that could irritate you and your cat. However, these chemicals should wear off within a few days after unpacking it from your box.
Fashioned out of wood
Under $100
Great for multi-cat households
Removable cushions
- Fashioned out of wood
- Under $100
- Great for multi-cat households
- Removable cushions
Cushions may not be washable
- Cushions may not be washable
Dimensions: 20” W x 20 L x 32” H
At under $75, this solid wood cat tree is our best value choice that’s almost unmatched for the price. Its small size makes it one of our best choices for one well-loved cat, or a couple kittens. Made in the USA, this cat tree comes in beige or gray to match your interior design. We like how Frisco uses household carpet in the design, not the cheap fluffy stuff that shreds every time your cat sinks its claws into the material. However, given that it’s carpet, this cat tree is a little tougher to clean than some other models we reviewed. You can only spot-clean and vacuum. Overall though, we think it’s the best eco-friendly cat tree for the money.
Pros
Available on Chewy
Household-grade carpet
Arrives assembled
Under $75
Made in the USA
Comes in beige or gray
Cons
Spot-clean only
Best for single cat households, or two small cats
Recommended 2-7 day waiting period before introducing to your cat
Your cat will be meowing, “There’s no place like home” from the moment they first lock eyes on this cozy cat tree. This premium cat tower features household-grade carpet in your choice of two colors, beige or gray. We like how it’s made out of natural wood and has sisal scratching posts. Although the materials seem consciously crafted to last a long time, this cat tree is almost completely covered in carpet, which means it’s spot-clean and vacuum only. Since it’s not easy to clean in the event of accidents, this model might have a shorter lifespan than other models that use removable cushions instead of carpet. This might be something to consider, especially since this is also the most expensive cat tree on our list.
Available on Chewy
Household-grade carpet
Arrives assembled
Under $75
Made in the USA
Comes in beige or gray
- Available on Chewy
- Household-grade carpet
- Arrives assembled
- Under $75
- Made in the USA
- Comes in beige or gray
Spot-clean only
Best for single cat households, or two small cats
Recommended 2-7 day waiting period before introducing to your cat
- Spot-clean only
- Best for single cat households, or two small cats
- Recommended 2-7 day waiting period before introducing to your cat
Dimensions: 24” W x 24” L x 66” H
Available on Chewy, this cat tree by Chewy can easily arrive at your door within days, with no assembly required. Since it does use some synthetic materials, however, it’s recommended that you let it air out for a few days after unpacking before your cat moves in.
Pros
Utilizes household-grade carpet
Natural wood
Fully Assembled
Features two sisal scratching posts
Cute “home” design
Cons
Expensive
Vacuum or spot-clean only
- Narrow Cat Tree by Hepper
Check Latest Price
Dimensions: 9” W x 17.3” L x 89.7” H
If your home or apartment doesn’t have much room for your cats, this multi-level cat tree could be the perfect match for your space and sanity. Standing at 89.7” tall, this cat tree by Hepper features five levels for five happy feline friends, and has a stopper that can extend to a regular ceiling height to anchor the lanky tree, preventing it from tipping over. The wood and sisal materials make it an environmentally-friendly choice that will likely last longer than many models which rely on cardboard and particle board for support. It comes in three different colors to suit your style: gray, beige, or brown.
Utilizes household-grade carpet
Natural wood
Fully Assembled
Features two sisal scratching posts
Cute “home” design
- Utilizes household-grade carpet
- Natural wood
- Fully Assembled
- Features two sisal scratching posts
- Cute “home” design
Expensive
Vacuum or spot-clean only
- Expensive
- Vacuum or spot-clean only
Check Latest Price
Dimensions: 9” W x 17.3” L x 89.7” H
Although we approve of most of the materials, we noticed it’s harder to clean than most because it has carpet instead of removable cushions as perches. The price is right, but assembly is required, so you must do some of the work yourself.
Pros
Wood and sisal materials
Perfect for multi-cat households that are short on space
Comes in three color choices
Stopper prevents tree from tumbling
Good price
Cons
Assembly required
This luxury cat tower lets your cat believe they’re in a real tree since its frame is formed out of real tree limbs. We like how it’s bigger than some models to accommodate multiple cats. The more cats, the messier, so the removable and machine-washable cushions are also a plus. The plush base features a cozy cat condo so your feline can hide away from your other pets when they need some privacy.
Wood and sisal materials
Perfect for multi-cat households that are short on space
Comes in three color choices
Stopper prevents tree from tumbling
Good price
- Wood and sisal materials
- Perfect for multi-cat households that are short on space
- Comes in three color choices
- Stopper prevents tree from tumbling
- Good price
Assembly required
- Assembly required
Dimensions: 24”W x 18”L x 46”H
This cat tree carries a hefty price tag, but it’s one of the most sustainable options on our list and is built to last for a long time.
Pros
Made from real tree branches
Machine-washable cushions
Large enough for multiple cats
Cons
Expensive
- Cat Tree House With Hammock Wall Mount
Check Latest Price
Dimensions: 21.5″L x 12″W x 72″H
Let your cat believe they’re swinging from the trees in this creative nook crafted from natural wood. There’s no need to worry about your cat tree toppling over since it’s mounted to the wall. This model won’t take up as much space as typical cat trees with their base on the ground, which makes them appropriate for apartments, or areas that require frequent cleaning, such as a home with little kids. There’s a cat condo on top and several shelves for perching, so this tree would easily accommodate multiple pets.
Made from real tree branches
Machine-washable cushions
Large enough for multiple cats
- Made from real tree branches
- Machine-washable cushions
- Large enough for multiple cats
Expensive
- Expensive
Dimensions: 21.5″L x 12″W x 72″H
There’s definitely a lack of cushioning, but you could easily fix the problem by placing small cat beds on the shelves.
Pros
Made from real wood
Wall mounted design saves space and prevents the tree from tipping over
Multiple shelves provide perches for several cats
Cons
No cushions
- Wooden TV-Shaped Large Condo Luxury Cat Shelter
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Dimensions: 19.7”W x 11.4”L x 15.7-25.5”H
This cat condo gives a mid-century modern aesthetic to your home. Your cat will love nesting in the enclosed condo, and the top can function as an end table if you’re in a small space. Just be prepared to share with your cat since it features a dangling cat toy “antennae” on top.
Made from real wood
Wall mounted design saves space and prevents the tree from tipping over
Multiple shelves provide perches for several cats
- Made from real wood
- Wall mounted design saves space and prevents the tree from tipping over
- Multiple shelves provide perches for several cats
No cushions
- No cushions
Dimensions: 19.7”W x 11.4”L x 15.7-25.5”H
Your cat’s TV condo is made from natural wood and has a linen scratching post on the side with a plush cushion bed on the interior that you can remove and wash as needed. Although the price is cheap, assembly is required. Its small size makes it best suited for one cat, or two cats who really like each other’s company.
Pros
Mid-century modern style looks hip in a small space
Features natural wood and linen
Machine-washable cushions
Inexpensive
Cons
Assembly required
- Made4Pets Multi-level Cat Tower
Check Latest Price
Dimensions: 31.5”W x 15.7”L x 51.2”H
There’s so much to love about this multi-level cat tower. The clear acrylic bowl on the top level provides a unique way for your cat to view the world, but it can be removed if your feline isn’t a fan. The staircase eases the walk for elderly cats who prefer to sleep elevated, and encourages young kittens to explore. We like how there are two cat condos, tailored to multi-pet households. All of the cushions are removable and machine washable.
Mid-century modern style looks hip in a small space
Features natural wood and linen
Machine-washable cushions
Inexpensive
- Mid-century modern style looks hip in a small space
- Features natural wood and linen
- Machine-washable cushions
- Inexpensive
Dimensions: 31.5”W x 15.7”L x 51.2”H
Although you have to assemble this tree yourself, it comes with all of the tools and users say it’s relatively easy to put together in a couple of hours or less.
Pros
Clear acrylic bowl offers a unique vantage point to your cat
Stairs create easy access for cats of all life stages
Multi-leveled, good for multiple cats
Cons
Assembly required
Clear acrylic bowl offers a unique vantage point to your cat
Stairs create easy access for cats of all life stages
Multi-leveled, good for multiple cats
- Clear acrylic bowl offers a unique vantage point to your cat
- Stairs create easy access for cats of all life stages
- Multi-leveled, good for multiple cats
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Eco-Friendly Cat Tree
Buying an eco-friendly cat tree may cost you a lot up front, but it’ll save you money in the long-run because they tend to last longer than their cardboard counterparts.
Here are some tips and tricks next time you’re searching for your cat’s new staycation spot:
Consider eco-conscious materials. Real wood is always a better choice than particle board or cardboard. If you choose a cat tree with carpet, make sure it’s household grade, not the cheap stuff that shreds every time your cat grates it with their claws.
Think about clean-up. Any cat can make a mess, but some are literally prone to disaster. At some point in your cat’s life, they’ll cough up a hairball or have some sort of accident, but you might especially want a cat tree that’s easy to clean if you have a kitten who’s still learning to go to the litter box or if you’re an allergy sufferer. Wooden cat trees with removable, washable cushions best fit these criteria, but they can be marginally more expensive than their carpeted competition.
How many cats do you have? Some cat trees serve multi-cat households better than others. Ideally, you want at least one perch per cat, but some felines might prefer their own cat tree.
How much space do you have? Some of our smaller choices, such as the Narrow Cat Tree by Hepper, are more space-conscious if you’re in a tiny apartment or have a picky cat who needs their own tree set apart from the rest of the household.
Are you willing to assemble your cat’s new perch? Note in the product description if your new cat tree will come ready for play, or if you’ll have to break out the tool box when your package arrives. Sometimes cat trees might be slightly less expensive if you assemble them yourself, but that’s not always the case.
- Consider eco-conscious materials. Real wood is always a better choice than particle board or cardboard. If you choose a cat tree with carpet, make sure it’s household grade, not the cheap stuff that shreds every time your cat grates it with their claws.
- Think about clean-up. Any cat can make a mess, but some are literally prone to disaster. At some point in your cat’s life, they’ll cough up a hairball or have some sort of accident, but you might especially want a cat tree that’s easy to clean if you have a kitten who’s still learning to go to the litter box or if you’re an allergy sufferer. Wooden cat trees with removable, washable cushions best fit these criteria, but they can be marginally more expensive than their carpeted competition.
- How many cats do you have? Some cat trees serve multi-cat households better than others. Ideally, you want at least one perch per cat, but some felines might prefer their own cat tree.
- How much space do you have? Some of our smaller choices, such as the Narrow Cat Tree by Hepper, are more space-conscious if you’re in a tiny apartment or have a picky cat who needs their own tree set apart from the rest of the household.
- Are you willing to assemble your cat’s new perch? Note in the product description if your new cat tree will come ready for play, or if you’ll have to break out the tool box when your package arrives. Sometimes cat trees might be slightly less expensive if you assemble them yourself, but that’s not always the case.
Conclusion
Our best overall choice for an environmentally-friendly cat-tree is the Pagoda Cat Tree by Hepper because it seems to be made out of durable high-quality materials for an astonishingly low price. Frisco 32” Real Carpet Wooden Cat Tree doesn’t make any quality cuts while keeping a budget price, making it our best value choice. Lastly, our premium choice, the Frisco 66” in Real Carpet Wooden Cat Tree & Condo, provides enough space for multiple cats, although it’s a little more expensive than most models we reviewed. In general, any well-built, wooden cat tree will be better than a carpet-covered cardboard cat tower, but consider your cat’s preferences, and your space and budgetary considerations when scouting for the best eco-friendly cat tree for your fur family.
Featured Image Credit: Madalyn Cox, Unsplash
