As cat owners, we want to provide our feline friends with furniture and accessories suited to their needs. For cats on the larger side, this means finding a cat tree that can comfortably accommodate their size while supporting their weight. With obesity being a growing problem for domestic cats, creating a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise is key.
When shopping for an extra large cat tree, there are several things to keep in mind. The most important factors are stability, height, spacing, accessibility, and durability. I’ve put together this guide covering the key considerations when choosing a cat tree for a big kitty.
Factors to Consider for Extra Large Cat Trees
Stability
Stability is arguably the most critical requirement for a cat tree intended for a large or obese cat. A wobbly cat tree poses the risk of collapse and potential injury, especially for senior cats with mobility limitations.
Look for sturdy cat trees made from solid wood frames with wide, heavy bases. Many premium cat trees can support weights exceeding 30-60 pounds. Wall-mounted cat trees are also an excellent choice, as they distribute the cat’s weight directly into wall studs.
Height
While cats love the vertical space cat trees provide, obese or aging cats may struggle climbing to great heights Avoid excessively tall cat trees and look for options with lower perches if your cat has arthritis or other mobility issues
For agile big cats that enjoy climbing, taller cat trees with multiple ramps or steps between levels are ideal This allows them to progress at their own pace.
Spacing
Chubby cats need a little extra wiggle room so be sure to choose a cat tree with wide, spacious perches and beds. Multi-level cat trees with ramps are perfect for allowing easy movement between floors.
Opt for cat trees with open perch designs rather than fully enclosed for improved accessibility. Also, look for adjustable cat trees that allow you to customize the spacing.
Accessibility
Cat trees with easy access via ramps or short distances between perches are ideal for less agile cats. Avoid ladders, unstable platforms, and jumping distances exceeding your cat’s capabilities.
Cats with arthritis or obesity will appreciate cat trees with sleeping spaces near ground level. This prevents them from excessive climbing while still providing an elevated napping spot.
Durability
Your extra chunky cat will place more force on the cat tree with daily use, so durability is key. Look for cat trees constructed from solid wood, sisal rope, or high-quality carpeting that can withstand years of scratching and lounging.
Reinforced platforms and premium hardware will also improve longevity. Check customer reviews to confirm the cat tree can withstand larger cats before purchase.
Best Cat Tree Picks for Plus-Sized Cats
Now that we’ve covered how to select an ideal cat tree for big cats, here are my top picks currently available based on cat size:
For Obese & Less Active Cats
Catastrophic Creations Grotto Cat Tree – This stout cat tree stays low to the floor with a maximum height of just 29 inches. The dual canvas hideaways are extra spacious to accommodate large cats.
Frisco 32-Inch Real Carpet Cat Tree – Great for cats over 25 pounds, this carpeted cat tree has two accessible perches and a sisal scratching post. The lower height is ideal for less agile cats.
Go Pet Club 45-Inch Cat Tree – This compact cat tree can support cats up to 35 pounds. The faux fur covering and dangle toy make it a cozy play zone for big kitties.
For Tall & Active Cats
Armarkat 74-Inch Multi-Level Cat Tree – With 3 perches, 2 condos, and 10 sisal posts, this massive cat tree can handle weights exceeding 60 pounds!
Catastrophic Creations Jungle Gym Cat Tree – Made from solid bamboo and steel, this sturdy wall-mounted cat tree has ample space for large cats to climb and lounge.
Frisco 48-Inch Faux Fur Cat Tree – The dual perches and enclosed cat condo provide a comfortable play zone for energetic big cats up to 40 pounds.
Installing Large Cat Trees
To ensure safety and stability, carefully follow the installation instructions provided with your cat tree. Here are a few extra tips for safely mounting cat trees for chunky cats:
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Use the proper hardware to securely anchor the cat tree into studs or brick. This provides crucial support.
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Pre-drill holes when screwing into hardwood to prevent splitting or cracking.
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Consider reinforcing the cat tree with additional brackets, supports, or safety cables.
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Place protective mats or pads beneath the cat tree to cushion falls.
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Monitor your cat’s use at first to ensure safety and make adjustments if needed.
With a little planning and forethought, you can create a purrfect cat tree oasis tailored specially for your extra large furry friend! Proper installation combined with a design catering to your cat’s needs will provide years of entertainment and activity.
If you found this guide helpful in your quest for the ideal big cat tree, I’d love to hear about which product you ended up choosing for your feline friend!
Large Luxury Cat Trees
10 tall Weeping Willow Cat Tree
The most beautiful and unique line of cat furniture ever created. Luxury cat trees that look like real trees and are custom made in the USA. Fantasy cat trees are handcrafted with 100% wood and created to blend in with your decor so you can feel good about having them in your living space.
These large cat trees are Purrrfect for climbing, hiding, lounging, playing and sleeping.
Our fantasy trees allow your precious cats to play “in the great outdoors” safely inside. A piece of artwork for your home and A Fantasy Forest for your playful cats. These incredible sculptured trees are hollow with shelves inside the tree trunk, so your cats can climb up to the large tree-top platforms, lay on the shelves inside the trunk and look out the entrance holes, or curl up and hide in the bottom of the tree.
This designer cat furniture is also wider than any other cat products out there on the market today, giving your cats more room to play and lounge. These exceptional trees are functional. They back up flat to the wall to take up less space, and are open in the rear for easy cleaning. You can completely customize your Tree for an exclusive look.
You can have them made to any size, or add anything extra that you might want, need or can dream up. Add a little enchanted fairy door or drawbridge door, a window with shutters, or fully enclose them with a rounded rear door for those wanting them to be out in the middle of a room. You can also design your tree to match your decor with your own fabric for a truly one-of-a-kind tree.
The possibilities of what you can create are endless……..
There is one to fit every lifestyle, so indulge your precious babies today, Delight yourself and your cats with one of these wonderful fantasy trees! Please see the Our Cat Trees and Add-on and Upgrades pages to help you decide, and dont forget to check out all of our Client Photo Gallery pages and our Video page. ( ♥ Extra Special Thank You to all of our 367 Repeat Clients ♥ )
To place an order, please call 407-327-1036, use the Order Form or email us at [email protected]
Top 5 Best Cat Trees (We Tried Them All)
Are there cat trees for big cats?
Cat trees provide an ultimate spot for cats to lounge, leap, scratch, hunt, perch and hide – everything cats love to do. Extra large cat trees mean even more fun for your furry friend. There are cat trees for extra large cats, because big cats like to climb too! Chewy has a wide variety of XL cat trees to keep your cat entertained for hours.
Where can I buy extra large cat trees?
Shop for Extra Large Cat Trees in Cat Trees. Buy products such as On2Pets Cat Tree with Leaves, XL Cat House & Cat Activity Tree, Multi-Level Cat Condo for Indoor Cats at Walmart and save.
What are the best XL cat trees?
Chewy has a wide variety of XL cat trees to keep your cat entertained for hours. The Frisco 72-inch cat tree features a lookout tower, carefully placed dangling toys, ten enticing scratching posts and two scratch board ramps. Another great large cat tree is the GoPetClub 80-inch cat tree.
What is the best cat tree?
For the ultimate cat playground, consider the IMUsee 68-inch Multi-Level Cat Tree. With its towering height, numerous perches, hammocks, and condos, this cat tree is perfect for large cats who love to climb and explore.
How do I choose a cat tree for a big cat?
But finding a cat tree for large cats is no small feat. Having a big boy (or girl!) means you need to make some special considerations when choosing a tower for your fur baby. It’s not all about looks—you need to pay attention to things like anchoring and weight limits. “If it wobbles, forget it,” says Laura Cassiday, MS, CCBC, ABCCT.
Can a cat tree support a large cat?
Many cat trees are built to support a large cat, and often come with a way to securely anchor the tree to a wall or ceiling for extra strength. So if your large cat needs to lose a few pounds, or your cat is just a big boy, cat trees are a great way for them to get in, or stay in, shape. Towers also allow cats to have some fun and remain content.