By identifying the features your cat is most likely to use, you can narrow down your search. For example, if you hope a cat tree will alleviate furniture scratching, then scratchers should be an obvious priority. Similarly, if you have multiple cats, you'll want to select a cat tree that includes duplicates of some features. A cat tree with a narrow top perch might become a permanent battle for king of the hill—better to find a cat tree with multiple elevated spots, so all of your cats can feel like royalty. The Whisker Cat Tower was the sturdiest of any cat tree we tested, and it still looks brand new after more than a year of two fully-grown cats scratching and jumping all over it. It's got broad sisal scratching surfaces, and comes with a cat bed that slots perfectly into the bottom of four carpeted platforms. As previously mentioned, I would go for a cat tower which is at least 100cm in height. Materials of the cat tower Our Whisker Cat Tower is still as indestructible and unchanged as when we first set it up several months ago. It's hard to imagine a more durable alternative. The only real downside is the assembly, which requires a Phillips screwdriver, hammer, and an electric drill with two different drill bit sizes. While the results were worth it, we did spend nearly two frustrating hours getting it together. I hope this round-up of the best and safest cat trees for large cats has helped you select the perfect cat tower for your cat! In summary

Once your cat is 11 years or older they are considered seniors, and may begin to suffer more limited mobility. As much as 93 percent of cats show evidence of osteoarthritis or joint degeneration on X-rays. Cats can be very good at hiding pain, but signs to look out for include difficulty jumping on to furniture, irritability, and less flexibility when grooming.The majority of cat play towers come covered in furry type material, this is generally there for comfort as well as for grip when climbing. Kitten scratching posts are generally a waste of money, buy a large cat tree from the start. Height of the cat tree

It’s important to find a cat tree that offers enough space for your cat, or else they may feel less likely to use it. It needs to have ample space for them to turn around and settle down. The Whisker Cat Tower is now one of the sturdiest items of furniture we own, with a metal frame that could probably stand up to a young tiger, and will definitely hold up to years of your cats jumping all over it. From the makers of the Litter-Robot 4, this cat tree has a similar premium, well-built feel.The Vesper High Base is named for its top observation platform, which is 47.8 inches off the ground—a maximum height usefully in between more compact and much larger cat trees. Beneath the top platform is a "cubed den" middle level, a lower cushioned platform, and the 22.1-inch square base, which provides access to all four wrapped pillars for scratching. Rather than the more commonly found sisal, the posts on the High Base are wrapped in seagrass, which is generally regarded as softer and more stain-resistant. While your cats will love scratching it, there's a good likelihood that you'll need to re-wrap the legs of the Vesper High Base sooner than you would with a sisal alternative. We particularly like the 22 by 16-inch top perch, which is plenty roomy for large cats. It's also got a cushioned rim for long naps. Combined with the two "condo playhouses," the Feandrea Cat Tree offers several different hiding, napping, and lounging zones well-suited to seniors. It also splits its perches across four different levels across a total height of 33 inches, which means that it's easy for cats to climb between the different elevations. If you have space then I would always recommend having a cat tree in your home, if your cat is indoor-only then I would say it is essential. Perches: Look for surfaces that are easy to access from lower surfaces, with enough space that your cat lie down.

Take advantage of mark-downs on two of our favorite cat trees— Feandrea Cat Tree and Trixie Baza Grande Cat Tree—for Cyber Monday. Even better, our favorite cat tree, the Catit Vesper High Base, is over half off. A good cat tree for an elderly feline needs to be close enough to the ground, while still offering that sense of height that elates and entices. Finding that middle ground between accessible and boring can be difficult, but Feandrea has created a masterful cat tree that any cat, regardless of age, should enjoy. The two cat caves and bed are lined with a soft plush fabric that makes it a comfortable place to lounge.Totaling four feet in height, the Trixie Lilo Cat Condos uses a combination of velcro and a bolted surface to hold the three units together. They can be arranged with staggered entrances—providing more surfaces for your cat to find their footing and climb—or with the boxes squared off, requiring them to jump to higher condos. This also makes it a good option to place against a wall or even in a corner. Cat trees combine multiple ways for your cat or cats to play, socialize, and relax. They can offer elevated observation posts, scratchers, places to nap, and multi-level exercise spaces. The best cat tree will fulfill a wide range of your cat's instincts for climbing, scratching, and play. They may even spare your furniture. My top recommendation has to be the Pets at Home Columbus Grand Climber Cat Activity Centre as it is the one I use for myself and I have never had an issue with it.