Cat Tree Sizes: Height, Number of Levels, Perch Size and Footprint
How tall a cat tree should be, how many levels fit in that height, how big the perches and condos need to be for your cat, and how much floor and ceiling room to plan for.
Most cat trees are 4–6 ft (122–183 cm) tall with 3–5 levels, spaced about 12–18 in (30–46 cm) apart. Small trees for kittens and older cats are 2–3 ft (61–91 cm), and floor-to-ceiling trees fit rooms of 8–9 ft (244–274 cm). For an average 8–11 lb (3.5–5 kg) cat, choose perches at least 14–16 in (36–41 cm) across; large breeds such as Maine Coons need 18–20 in (46–51 cm) and posts about 5 in (13 cm) thick.
- Common height
- 4–6 ft (122–183 cm)
- Level spacing
- 12–18 in (30–46 cm)
- Perch, average cat
- 14–16 in (36–41 cm)
- Perch, large cat
- 18–20 in (46–51 cm)
On this page
Cat tree sizes by height
Cat trees are sold by height, from the floor to the top perch. The number of levels, the base size and the weight all rise with it.
| Category | Height (in) | Height (cm) | Levels | Typical base |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small / kitten | 20–36 in | 51–91 cm | 1–2 | 16 × 16 in (41 × 41 cm) |
| Medium | 36–54 in | 91–137 cm | 2–3 | 18–20 in (46–51 cm) square |
| Tall | 55–72 in | 140–183 cm | 3–5 | 20–24 in (51–61 cm) square or larger |
| Extra tall | 72–84 in | 183–213 cm | 4–7 | 24–30 in (61–76 cm), plus a wall strap |
| Floor to ceiling | Adjusts to about 90–108 in | About 229–274 cm | 3–6 | Held by a tension pole against the ceiling |
Most rooms have 8 ft (96 in, 244 cm) ceilings; building codes in the US allow habitable rooms as low as 7 ft (213 cm). Leave at least 12 in (30 cm) between the top perch and the ceiling so a sitting cat has headroom and you can reach in. That makes 84 in about the tallest freestanding tree for an 8 ft room.
How many levels a cat tree needs
Levels are spaced for jumping. Most trees put platforms 12–18 in (30–46 cm) apart vertically, so divide the height by about 14 in for a rough count. Closer spacing makes a tree easier to climb; wider spacing gives fewer, bigger platforms.
- Young, active cats handle steps of 18–24 in (46–61 cm) and use the top level most.
- Kittens and seniors need steps of 12 in (30 cm) or less, ideally with a ramp or staggered platforms rather than straight vertical jumps.
- Several cats need several high spots. One perch per cat, at different heights, reduces squabbles over the top.
Levels are not all equal. A tree advertised with six levels may count the base, a hammock and a condo roof. Count the platforms a cat can actually lie on.
Perch, bed and condo sizes
A sleeping adult cat curls into a circle about 12–14 in (30–36 cm) across and stretches out to 25–30 in (64–76 cm). Small perches look fine in photos but go unused if the cat hangs off the edge.
| Feature | Average cat (8–11 lb, 3.5–5 kg) | Large cat (12–20 lb, 5.5–9 kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Flat perch | 14–16 in (36–41 cm) across | 18–20 in (46–51 cm) across |
| Bed or basket | 15–18 in (38–46 cm) | 20–24 in (51–61 cm) |
| Condo inside | 12–14 in (30–36 cm) | 16 in (41 cm) or more |
| Condo entrance | 7–8 in (18–20 cm) | 9–10 in (23–25 cm) |
| Post diameter | 3–4 in (8–10 cm) | 4.5–6 in (11–15 cm) |
| Hammock | About 14 × 14 in (36 × 36 cm) | Check the weight rating |
Large breeds include Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest cats, Ragdolls and Siberians; adult males commonly weigh 12–20 lb (5.5–9 kg), and some weigh more. For them, thicker posts matter as much as perch size, because thin posts flex and the tree wobbles when the cat jumps on. The scratching post size guide covers post height and diameter in more detail.
Stability: base size and anchoring
A tall, narrow tree tips when a cat launches off the top. Two rules of thumb keep a tree upright:
- Base width: about one third of the height or more for freestanding trees. A 60 in (152 cm) tree should have a base of at least about 20 in (51 cm) on its shortest side, and a 72 in (183 cm) tree about 24 in (61 cm).
- Wall anchor: fix any tree over about 5 ft (152 cm), or any tree for cats over 15 lb, to a wall stud with the supplied strap or an L-bracket.
Floor-to-ceiling poles rely on spring tension against the ceiling. They need a flat, solid ceiling (not a suspended tile ceiling) and should be re-tightened every few weeks.
Floor space and placement
Plan for the base plus the jumping zone. Cats land and launch about 2–3 ft (61–91 cm) from the tree, so leave that much clear floor on the open side and keep fragile things off nearby shelves. A tree beside a window gets far more use than one in a corner. Put the top perch level with or above the window sill so the cat can see out.
- Small room: a corner tree or a wall-mounted shelf system takes almost no floor. Cat shelves are usually 10–12 in (25–30 cm) deep.
- Living room: a 55–72 in tree with a 20–24 in base fits beside a sofa or a bookcase. Check widths against the room plan in the furniture dimensions guide.
- Near the litter box: keep the tree and the litter box at least a few feet apart; cats avoid resting where they eliminate.
For a bed outside the tree, see the pet bed size guide; for outdoor access, cat door sizes.
Frequently asked questions
How many levels should a cat tree have?
One level per 12–18 in (30–46 cm) of height, so a 4 ft tree usually has 3 levels and a 6 ft tree 4–5. In a multi-cat home, aim for at least one perch per cat at different heights, since cats prefer not to share the top spot.
How tall should a cat tree be?
For most adult cats, 4–6 ft (122–183 cm), which puts the top perch near eye level for a standing adult. Kittens, senior cats and cats with arthritis do better with trees of 2–3 ft or with steps no more than about 12 in (30 cm) apart.
What size cat tree for a Maine Coon?
Look for perches and beds of at least 18–20 in (46–51 cm), condo openings of 9–10 in (23–25 cm), posts about 5 in (13 cm) thick and a base of at least 24 × 24 in (61 × 61 cm). A male Maine Coon commonly weighs 12–20 lb (5.5–9 kg), so check the tree's weight rating per platform.
How big is a cat condo?
Enclosed condos on most trees are cubes or cylinders about 12–14 in (30–36 cm) inside, with an entrance of about 7–8 in (18–20 cm). That suits cats up to about 11 lb. Large cats need 16 in (41 cm) or more inside.