Best Cat Trees for Small Spaces & Apartments

As a cat owner, it is our responsibility to make our cats’ lives as enriched and exciting as possible. One way to do this is by providing a cat tree, which gives them somewhere to scratch, climb, hide, and play. This channels all of a cats’ natural behaviors in the wild and can make them feel happy and content even when home alone, while also reducing any destructive behavior.

While this is all well and good, for anyone that lives in an apartment, finding an appropriate cat tree for small spaces can be a difficult and time-consuming task. It will need to be narrow and slim to work in your home, while also satisfying all of your cat’s needs, taking into consideration their age, mobility, and preferences. Thankfully, I’d done the searching and hard work for you.

In this article, I have listed the space saving cat trees for cats of all ages and activity levels, so there will is something on here for everyone. Plus, I’ve included some advice on what to ask yourself before purchasing a product, to make sure you make the right purchase the first time around.

My Top Pick

Kerbel XL Wall Mounted Cat Tree

When it comes to cat trees for small spaces, my top pick is the Kerbel XL Wall Mounted Cat Tree.

This is an elaborate and exciting design that your cat is guaranteed to love, with multiple platforms, sisal posts, a hammock, and a condo. However, thanks to its clever wall-mounted design, you can fit all of this into even the tiniest of apartments.

Being stable, durable, and long-lasting, while suiting all different sized and weight breeds, it’s hard to find something bad about this product!

Buy on Amazon

That being said, wall-mounted products aren’t for everyone. So, you’ll find the full review of this cat tree along with some other great contenders further down this page.

Best Cat Trees for Small Spaces

Before I crack on with the list of the best space-saving cat trees around, I want to disclose how I chose these products. In other words, what I was looking for in the perfect cat tree for a small apartment.

• Space Saving: The fundamental thing I was looking for was a cat tree that didn’t take up much space. There are wall-mounted options, over-the-door cat trees, or tall and narrow cat trees that don’t take up much floor space, which are all great options for small apartments.
• Enrichment: I also wanted a product that cats would find entertaining, so ideally it has places for a cat to climb, scratch, and hide, providing all-round enrichment.
• Durable & Soft Material: Cat trees, or at least the right cat tree, will get a lot of use and have to resist a lot of scratching from kitty claws, so I needed a durable material. However, the platforms and perches should be soft so your feline can rest in comfort.
• Sturdy: Lastly, it has to be sturdy. The last thing you want is your cat tree tipping over or breaking and your cat potentially injuring themselves. Narrow cat trees are less stable than larger ones, so this was a big one to look out for.

Now I’ve got that out the way, let’s start with the product reviews so you can find the perfect cat tree for your cat.

1. Kerbel XL Wall Mounted Cat Tree (Best All-Rounder)

In my opinion, the best space saver cat tree has to be the Kerbel XL Wall Mounted Cat Tree. If you’re short on space in your home, wall-mounted designs are one of the best possible solutions as they take up no floor space and are often much sturdier than slim and narrower free-standing designs.

This product, in particular, is amazing as it has seven different platforms and levels, giving your cat plenty of excitement. Your cat should be pretty agile, as the cat tree is big and platforms spaced out. The smallest of the platforms also on average measure approximately 15 inches, which means even large cats can comfortably climb, play, and rest.

Holding all these platforms together are sturdy posts wrapped in durable sisal rope. This is one of the preferred scratching materials for cats as it is made to withstand kitty claws and has a texture similar to tree bark, which is where cats scratch in the wild. There is also a cat condo for hiding and a hammock, bed, and resting platform for lazing about and surveying the room from a height.

This cat tree comes will all the wall mounting equipment and screws needed to securely attach the climbing equipment to your home and let your cat play with confidence, knowing it won’t wobble or fall under their weight. The downside is that you will need to drill holes into your walls, meaning this probably isn’t the best option for rented accommodation.

Pros

Cons

2. Catry Large Activity Cat Tree (Best Cat Tree for Corners)

If you have an unused corner in your small apartment, the Catry Large Activity Cat Tree may be just what you’re searching for. This cat tree takes up only 19 square inches of floor space and thanks to its angled middle platform works perfectly slotted into the corner of a room.

This multi-level cat tree consists of four levels, a U-shaped hammock, and a half-pipe tunnel at the top, all covered in premium-quality carpet. There are also two hanging balls for added excitement, and while not all the posts are designed to be scratched, there are two paper rope scratch posts. Paper rope is a great alternative to sisal as it is more paw-friendly! However, it is less durable.

The quality of this cat tree is one of the best I have come across too. The base is made from durable MDF board which helps to keep the entire tower study, and its bottom-heavy design means even when your cat is on the top platform they’re safe and secure. The whole tower is heavy, and it can comfortably take cats weighing 12lbs and up.

Pros

Cons

3. GOOPAWS Foldable Cat Tower (Best for Easy Storage)

For anyone who is out of options – without any spare floor space, unable to drill holes into the walls or door, or with not doors suitable for hanging cat trees – you need to find a more temporary solution, such as the GOOPAWS Foldable Cat Tower.

This product has an intelligent and unique foldaway design, which is ideal for small spaces and can easily be put and taken down without the need for assembly. This allows your cat to have somewhere to scratch and play despite your lack of available space. Even when unfolded, it takes up a minimal 20.3 inches by 13.8 inches of floor space.

This cat tree is also great as it gives your cat plenty of opportunity to play, scratch, and explore. It has natural sisal sides perfect for digging their claws into, a hanging pompom toy to channel their hunting instincts, and a hammock for your cat to jump up to. The base also has a small condo and cushion for your cat to comfortably hide inside.

When it comes to quality, I also have no complaints. You’d think that a collapsible cat tree would be flimsy and unstable, but the egg-timer-shaped design helps ensure it is rigid and secure. Material-wise, it is also made of a soft but durable plush material designed to last with strong stitching holding everything in place.

Pros

Cons

4. S-Lifeeling Cat Climber Tree (Best Tall Narrow Cat Tree)

The tallest and narrowest cat tree you can get is the S-Lifeeling Cat Climber Tree, making it another fabulous option for anyone short on space in their home. This product measures only 10.6 inches by 17 inches and so takes up next to no floor space, but runs from floor to ceiling for an ultra-tall design.

Not only does the tall shape mean four climbing platforms can fit between the base and the top, but it also helps with stability. By wedging the cat tree between your floor and your ceiling, it helps to prevent it from toppling over and ensure it stays firmly in place. Plus, with the option to divide the cat tree into multiple sections, you can easily adjust it from 90 inches to 112 inches tall to fit the height of your ceiling and install it wherever you wish.

The structure is covered in a thick carpet covering which is durable and long-lasting while super easy to clean with a hoover. While it is not as good for scratching as sisal, the supplier does sell sisal rope separately for you to wrap around the posts if you did want this added feature.

The main downside is that this product is not suited for large cats and is designed with smaller breeds and kittens in mind.

Pros

Cons

5. MiMu Door Hanging Cat Tower (Best for Small Rented Apartments)

Wall-mounted cat trees are undeniably a great option for saving space, but for anyone staying in rented accommodation, you may not have the authority to start drilling holes in the walls. If you know you’ll be moving soon, it’s also not worthwhile messing around with screws.

If either of these scenarios sound like your current situation, fear not – try the MiMu Door Hanging Cat Tower. This is an over-the-door cat climber which can easily be installed with no permanent fixtures or fittings and takes up minimal space in your home or apartment.

Although this product looks flimsy as it is made from material, it is actually made from scratch-resistant nylon which won’t get torn apart by your cat. This also makes it perfect for traveling and if you ever need to put the cat tree into storage it will take up little space. However, it is less sturdy than other designs and only suited for kittens or small cats.

The tree itself has three separate platforms for climbing up to and two enclosures, ideal for your kitty to jump up, hide in, and take a nap. Unfortunately, it does lack any sisal poles or scratchable surfaces, so this won’t help prevent any destructive scratching behavior and you’ll need to purchase a separate scratching post for your cat to file their claws on.

Pros

Cons

6. Midlee Cat Wall Furniture Climber (Best for Climbing)

Does your cat love climbing and exploring new heights over lazing in hammocks, hiding in enclosures, and scratching at things? If so, they’ll love the Midlee Cat Wall Furniture Climber. This is another product that requires no floor space as the different platforms and ledges are attached directly to your wall.

One benefit that this product has is that several different components are not attached to each other, meaning you can position them however will best suit your feline. For example, if you have an older and less agile feline you can place the platforms closer together. It also makes it easier when finding a vacant spot on the wall for it in your home.

Included with this product are six platforms, a cat shelf, a scratching post, and a flat scratcher that sits directly against your wall. You also get all the hardware and fixings needed to put this space saver cat tree up, but because of all the parts installation can be a little complex.

All the platforms are made from safe and durable wood, fantastic in ensuring the product lasts. However, if you have a particularly active kitty, watch that they don’t slip on the surfaces when traveling with speed. If so, you may need to attach some carpet to prevent this.

Pros

Cons

7. Made4Pets Modern Cat Tree Tower (Best Traditional Cat Tree for Small Spaces)

Intelligent and intuitive cat trees for small spaces – including wall-mounted options, over-the-door cat climbers, and collapsible designs – are all great options. But if you’re after a more traditional-looking cat tree, you might love the Made4Pets Modern Cat Tree Tower.

As a more classic design, it is free-standing and does take up slightly more space than a thin cat tree. However, it still does a pretty good job and only covers an area of 19 inches by 21.3 inches. Sitting at a huge 61.8 inches tall, there’s plenty of fun to be had with this elaborate design. Plus, its sleek and modern design makes it look clean and elegant and so it won’t overwhelm your small space.

This cat tree offers six different platform levels, two enclosures each with a plush cushion for added comfort, and a cozy top perch for your cat to sit and observe the room. On top of this, you’ll find 6 sisal-wrapped scratching posts to satisfy your cat’s need to claw, and a pompom toy for added fun.

The entire structure is also sturdy and durable thanks to its bottom-heavy design and solid base. Most cats can therefore enjoy using this cat tree, with it being able to support up to 15lbs. However, large breeds or overweight felines may struggle with the size of the platforms.

Pros

Cons

8. 67i Multi-Level Cat Tree Activity Tower (Best for Kittens)

If you live in a small apartment, finding a cat tree for a kitten or a small cat is much easier. For example, take this free-standing 67i Multi-Level Cat Tree Activity Tower.

This is a free-standing cat tree so you will need some floor space; however, it does only have a small footprint measuring 17.9 inches wide by 17.9 inches deep. There are also no hammocks or ladders protruding out the outside of these dimensions, making it easily slot into a tight corner and is perfect for a small apartment.

Despite being slim, this product is 55.11 inches tall and made up of four different levels for climbing, an enclosure for your kitty to hide in, and a ladder and hanging mouse toy for added fun. There are also several scratching posts wrapped in durable jute rope for your kitten to claw at to their heart’s content, and a plush top platform for lounging around on.

Because of its small size, this cat tree is unfortunately only suited to kittens as it is lightweight. This means it is not sturdy enough to support large or overweight cats, and the platform and condo would be too small for them to comfortably climb and rest in.

Pros

Cons

9. Amazon Basics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts (Best Simple Design)

If you are looking for a generic cat tree with a simple yet effective design then try the Amazon Basics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts. It is a standard free-standing cat tree that doesn’t have anything flashy about it but does everything it needs to and breathes simplicity!

As a free-standing design, you will need to find some floor space in your home to keep the cat tree. However, it only measures 17.72 x 17.72 inches at the base. The base and all three platforms are also square or triangular meaning it is perfect to be slotted into an unused corner out of the way. Moreover, there is a smaller design measuring only 15.7 inches square with one less platform if you need to take a few inches off.

While this product is indeed narrow, it is still pretty tall standing at 45.9 inches high. It consists of three perches and a rounded top platform that has high sides. This platform can double up as a cat bed, saving yet more space in your home! I’d recommend getting some blankets and cushions to make it extra cozy.

Holding the platforms together is not one, not two, but seven scratching posts wrapped in jute for your kitty to sink her claws into. This material is great for durability and with so many scratching posts to choose from your cat will say away from your furniture for sure.

Unfortunately, because of the slim yet tall design, it is slightly less stable than some of the other options. Therefore, I would only recommend this cat tree for kittens and small cats. It also needs to be placed on a hard floor for added stability, which could be problematic if you only have carpet in your home.

Pros

Cons

10. HAPYKITYS Wall Mounted Indoor Cats Climbing Tower (Best for Multi-cat Households)

When you are short of space in your home, a fantastic solution is to take things vertically. This is exactly what the HAPYKITYS Wall Mounted Indoor Cats Climbing Tower does. Measuring 73 inches tall, this cat tree provides your cat with some incredible elevated lookout spots without taking up much space in your home at all.

One of the areas this cat tree excels in is stability, making it an excellent choice for large cats or multi-cat households. It is made from natural solid wood which is much more stable than particle boards and reinforced cardboard used in some other products. Additionally, there is a dual wall mount to securely attach the cat tree to your wall while the base sits firmly on the floor of your home.

I also love the simple yet elegant design of this cat tree for small spaces. Rather than being covered in carpet, it is made of smooth natural wood and jute rope scratching posts. This helps it seamlessly blend in with your furniture and not detract from your home décor.

The cat tree consists of four platforms all connected by one long scratching post. This channels a cat’s need to jump, climb, and scratch, with the various platforms again making it a great choice for multiple cats to share at once. However, there is no enclosed area for your kitty to hide in which is another of their essential needs.

The only other real complaint I have with this cat tree is on its comfort level. Although it may look sleek and elegant, the wooden platforms won’t be as comfortable for your cat to lounge on as a cozy cushioned platform. Still, from a climbing and scratching perspective, it scores highly.

Pros

Cons

11. PetPals Hand-Made Paper Rope Cat Tree (Best for Older Felines)

Do you have a senior cat? Older cats tend to be less mobile due to diminishing energy levels and joint issues, and so a cat tree with hundreds of platforms for jumping and climbing won’t suit them. However, the Petals Hand-Made Paper Rope Cat Tree could be the ideal solution.

This cat tree is made of an enclosed bed area at the base and one cushioned platform positioned above this. This is perfect for older felines who will spend a lot of their days resting. The bottom enclosure is lined with fleece to make it super cozy for your kitty, and the large cushioned platform is comfortable and gentle on their joints.

Both the platforms are also large, comfortably taking cats that weigh up to 20lbs. This is important if you have a fully-grown senior. Besides, if your cat has arthritis, anything pushing on its joints can cause it pain. The large size therefore also avoids this and makes their life a little easier.

Aside from the platforms and beds, your cat has a paper rope scratching post plus a feather toy if they’re feeling playful. I also love that this cat tree is hand-made and has a unique woven design. All in all, the cat tree only requires a floor space of 19 x 19 inches, again making it ideal for any home that is tight on space.

Pros

Cons

12. Catry Scratching Post Cat Tree (Best for Lazy Lounging Cats)

If you have a cat that loves to laze around all day, look no further than the Catry Scratching Post Cat Tree. This product consists of a cozy cat condo as the base of which the roof acts as a climbing platform. There is then a further cushioned elevated platform at the top. All of these spots are covered in a soft fleece material and act as ideal spaces for your cat to chill out and get some shut-eye.

Of course, size is important here too. However, this cat tree should fit in most small spaces or apartments; it only takes up 16 inches x 14 inches of floor space. The base and platform are also square so you can easily slot it in an unused corner or up against a wall. Measuring 30 inches tall, it can even be placed below a window and gives your cat an awesome view of the outside world.

The creators of this product have gone for a “less is more” approach with this design, which I also rate. With a sleek and minimalistic design, the cat tree blends seamlessly with the rest of your furniture. Plus, there is no plush carpet but a rather slick wooden structure and removable cream pads and cushions.

Aside from looking incredible, this design also means the cat tree is easy to keep clean. The wood can simply be wiped with a damp cloth and the pads and cushions washed in the washing machine. The square wooden condo base also helps with stability so you’ll have no fear that the cat tree could topple over.

Pros

Cons

13. Catinsider Cactus Cat Tree with Hammock (Best for Quirky & Fun Homes)

If you want a cat tree that is more fun and acts a pop of excitement to your home, why not try the Catinsider Cactus Cat Tree with Hammock? As the name suggests, this product is designed to look like a cactus. Seeing your kitty curled up inside the hammock is a truly adorable sight to see!

This cat tree is again free-standing and so does require a little floor space in your home. Nevertheless, it is a super compact design and only needs 15.75 x 15.75 inches. The base is also square so it can easily fit into a corner or against a wall. Plus, the cactus-shaped design means you can angle the tree any which way you like.

Unfortunately, because of this cat tree’s small footprint, the hammock only has a diameter of 11.8 inches which is unsuitable for large cats. Still, the circular shape does mean large cats can squeeze inside. According to customer reviews, owners with cats as large as 20lbs enjoy curling up in this cat tree! And as the hammock is low to the floor there is no risk of it toppling over.

This is also an incredibly affordable product and great for people on a budget. However, its low price is reflected in its features or lack thereof. There is a small hammock, a 31-inch sisal post, and a pom-pom toy which are great for snoozing, scratching, and playing. However, there are no platforms for climbing, no enclosed areas for hiding, and no elevated areas for surveying the room.

Pros

Cons

14. PawHut Cat Tree Floor to Ceiling Condo (Best for Multiple Kittens)

Another good option – especially if you have several young and playful kittens – is the PawHut Cat Tree Floor to Ceiling Condo. This product features multiple perches, two cat condos, several dangling toys, and a large central scratching post. This provides all the enrichment your kittens need to perfect their cat-like skills and give them the best start in life.

It is also highly suited to small homes and apartments thanks to its compact design. It only requires 16.25 x 16.25 inches of floor space and runs from floor to ceiling. Doing so truly maximizes the space in your home, using every last inch! The height is also adjustable from 86.5 inches to 96.5 inches, meaning it will fit in most homes.

Because the cat tree is attached to your ceiling, it is also super stable despite being a tall narrow design. The double cat condo as the base further enhances stability, and the product is made from solid P2 class MDF construction materials to offer even more support.

However, despite this, the cat tree is only suitable for cats weighing under 10lbs. This is for safety reasons so it doesn’t topple over under their weight. Plus, the platforms won’t fit larger breeds comfortably. Nevertheless, for kittens that are full of energy, this at tree provides true excitement!

Pros

Cons

15. PETMAKER Cat Tree Double Decker Condo (Best for Playful Cats)

Another great option for playful cats full of energy is the PETMAKER Cat Tree Double Decker Condo. This is a five-tier cat tree guaranteed to provide hours of fun and entertainment!

For starters, there are four dangling ball toys for your kitty to swat with her paws, plus they’ll love climbing to the top perch. The double cat condo at the bottom provides a place for your cat to hide, while the upper platforms are great for lounging and sleeping. Finally, the scratching posts give your cat somewhere to maintain their nails while saving your furniture from being clawed at.

All of these features are compacted into a cat tree that only takes up 15.75 square inches of floor space. This makes it a fantastic choice for use in small apartments. However, as both of the condos are accessed from perpendicular sides of the cat tree, it will need to be placed in a corner rather than between two pieces of furniture.

The other main drawback with this cat tree is that it’s only suitable for smaller cats and kittens. Large felines will struggle to fit inside the condo and the top platforms will likely sway and wobble under their weight. However, it scores well in other areas such as design which is modern and monochrome to fit with most interiors. In terms of price, it’s also not bad for what you get.

Pros

Cons

16. MidWest Curious Cat Cube (Best Collapsible Design)

If you have an extremely small apartment that is super tight on any floor or wall space, you may consider a collapsible cat tree. This way, you can erect the cat tree in the center of a room when you’re not home. When you get back in or have guests over you can easily fold the cat tree down and move it out of the way.

The MidWest Curious Cat Cube is a great example of what a good collapsible cat tree looks like. It is a simple cube shape that acts like a cat condo. This hide-out area also has a hanging ball and cut-out holes in the side for your cat to play with. The roof of the condo then acts as a second resting perch. Both are comfortable and cushioned for the ultimate relaxation spot.

When erected, the entire cat tree only takes up 15.5 x 15.5 inches of floor space. It then collapses down to only a few inches high for easy storage. Putting the Curious Cat Cube up and down is very simple and only takes a few seconds of your time. This fold-down design also makes it portable so it is perfect for travelers.

Despite folding down within seconds, this product is surprisingly sturdy and can handle a lot of weight. Its large opening means bigger breeds can use it comfortably. Plus, it comes in three different colors and patterns so you get to pick your favorite!

Pros

Cons

17. SmartCat Multi-Level Cat Climber (Best for Scratching)

Finally, we have the SmartCat Multi-Level Cat Climber. If you’re fed up with your cat continually scratching your furniture or clawing at your carpet, this could be the product for you!

This cat tree consists of a long and wide scratching panel covered in sisal wood. This is better than regular scratching posts as there is more surface area to scratch. Besides, this product attaches to the back of a door so your kitty can put as much force as they want behind their little paws. It is fully adjustable and so fits on virtually any door in your house.

As a door-mounted product, it also works well in apartments as no floor space is required. In particular, it is great for homes that are being rented as you don’t need to drill any holes into the walls. Instead, the spring-loaded bracket clips around the top and bottom of the door and holds it in place. This also enables you to easily and conveniently move the cat tree from door to door if needed.

As the cat tree runs the length of the door, the four platforms are spaced nicely apart and provide a great opportunity for your cats to climb and jump. They’ll also like the vantage point it gives them so they can survey the room from above.

Unfortunately, some customers have reported that this cat tree is difficult to assemble. If not done correctly, the product could be weak and the perches unsteady. However, it is made from durable wood and should easily last for years on end if properly constructed.

Pros

Cons

Space Saver Cat Tree Buying Guide

This is a pretty extensive list of products, and you may be surprised by the number of great options and designs there are to choose from! In fact, it can be a little overwhelming, but here’s a handy buying guide and questions you can ask yourself to help you narrow down your search and find the ideal product that is right for you, your cat, and your home.

Size of Your Cat

The first consideration you need to think about is the size of your cat. Unfortunately, most cat trees designed for small spaces are, well… small. When I say small, I don’t necessarily mean in terms of height, as the majority work upwards to make use of the vertical space. However, the platforms and condos of narrow cat trees are often too small to comfortably fit large breeds or overweight felines.

As cat trees for narrow spaces are typically taller, they are also more likely to topple over as their center of gravity is higher. This means that not only are some of these products not large enough for bigger breeds, but they’re also not safe for them.

If you have a large breed such as a Maine Coon or a Ragdoll, you need to be more selective about the stability of the entire unit and the size of the individual platforms. On the other hand, kittens and smaller cats should be okay using whatever.

Space in Your Home

Although there may not be much of it, you also need to establish what space you have available in your home. For most, floor space is the main issue. So instead, do you have a large empty wall where you can install a wall-mounted cat tree? If not, how about a door that has space behind it to attach a door hanging cat tree?

If you do have spare a corner you can tuck a cat tree into, get out your tape measure to determine exactly what size area you’re playing with. And if none of these options work, it may be best to get a collapsible cat tree that can be put up and taken down as needed throughout the day. There is a solution for everyone, you just need to work out which solution works best for you.

Homeowner or Rented Apartment

The main caveat of many cat trees for small apartments is that they are often mounted to your wall or door to keep them safe and secure. While this should be no issue if you own the home that you live in, living in rented accommodation makes things a little more difficult, as your landlord probably won’t be happy with this. Therefore, people staying in rented housing are best using freestanding cat trees.

Age of Your Cat

The age of your cat is also a key consideration as this will determine the size and activity level of your cat. For example, senior cats are more prone to joint and mobility issues, being less active than young felines. Because of this, they are well suited to cat trees with fewer levels and big jumps. However, as older cats will be fully grown and larger than kittens, they’ll need a more stable cat tree.

On the other hand, younger cats are small and playful, and so would benefit most from an elaborate design with plenty of platforms for them to climb, surfaces to scratch, and places to hide. As long as the cat tree isn’t too large, size is also not as important for kittens. However, if you own a kitten, you may wish to avoid a cat tree that permanently fixes to your walls. When your kitten grows, you may need to upgrade their cat tree to a larger and more intricate design, which is easier if it’s freestanding.

How to Make an Apartment Cat-Friendly

Despite what many people think, cats are perfectly happy living in small homes or even studio apartments. Cats are naturally drawn to cozy spaces, which is why they love hiding in cardboard boxes and on little shelves up high and away from the action. However, you will need to make your apartment cat-friendly to ensure they stay happy and don’t get bored.

The number one thing you can do is invest in a space saving cat tree, as these provide your cat with somewhere to climb, jump, scratch, play, and hide, providing them with plenty of enrichment. However, here are some other things you should do to ensure your small living space is cat-friendly.

Hidden Litter Boxes

To keep your cat happy when it’s doing its business – and to help prevent toilet accidents around your home – the position of your cat’s litter box is vital. However, in a small apartment, it can be difficult to find a private and secluded space for it, and quite often their litter box has to sit in plain sight.

I imagine having your litter box on full display is not the ideal look you’re going for in your home! So, to help combat this, consider purchasing a litter box for small apartment which are designed to camouflage in with the rest of your home and help contain any mess and odors inside the tray. If you want to kill two birds with one stone, you can even purchase a cat tree with litter box attached to hide the litter tray in plain sight while making the most of your available floor space.

Collapsible Beds or Window Seats

Your cat should also be in comfort and have somewhere cozy to rest its head at the end of the day. But again, small living spaces can make this seem impossible. One way around this is to get a collapsible bed that can easily be tidied away in the morning and brought back out at night-time. This ensures your cat has somewhere safe and comfortable to curl up and retreat to while you’re sleeping.

Window seats are another great option and many cats love spending their days looking out of windows and watching the world go by outside. Many adhesive options use suction cups to stick onto your glass panels. Alternatively, some beds and hammocks can attach to your radiators, giving them a warm place to rest without taking up much space.

Creative Feeding Solutions

Where you keep your cat’s food and water bowls is also important. They should ideally be away from a lot of noise and foot traffic so that your cat can eat in peace. Plus, they should be kept far away from your cat’s litter tray.

Achieving this optimal position in a home with limited space sometimes required you to get creative. A cat tree with feeding station is one option, but you could again take things vertically and place your cat’s food and water bowls on a window ledge or on a shelf above other items of furniture in your home. Cats are not scared of heights and will quickly feel comfortable eating from a height.

Plenty of Toys

All cats need plenty of toys regardless of whether they live in a tiny home or a mansion. However, cats living in small apartments should have more. Thankfully, cat toys are typically small and won’t take up much storage space, making it easy to provide your cat with lots of exciting stimuli.

Some cats also love playing and hiding in tunnels and boxes, which isn’t as straightforward in a small home. However, just as there are collapsible beds available, there are also pop-up and fold-down tunnels and other play items that can be brought out when you need them, and easily stored away to free up floor space when you’re done.

Lots of Places to Scratch

When cats get bored, one of the most common destructive behaviors seen is them scratching excessively, often using our furniture, couches, bookcases, or other household objects as their preferred scratching place. When keeping a cat in a small home, you therefore need to provide plenty of spots for them to dig their claws into to deter them from ruining your furniture.

Assuming you have a cat tree, that should already be one place for your cat to scratch. However, you can easily provide more. There are a range of wall-mounted scratching posts or even ones you can hang from door handles which take up little space. Plus, they’re super affordable.

FAQs

Q: Are cats happy in a small apartment?

A: Yes, cats are completely fine in a small apartment. Cats are known for liking small spaces, hence why they love hiding in cardboard boxes! As long as they have somewhere quiet for their litter tray and a few options for climbing, scratching, playing, and hiding, your cat will be happy.

Q: Do cats get bored in small apartments?

A: Cats can become bored if they live in a small apartment, but as long as you ensure you provide them with toys and cat towers to provide entertainment they can have very fun and happy lives.

Q: How can I make my small apartment cat-friendly?

A: One of the easiest ways to make your apartment cat-friendly is by purchasing a cat tree, which satisfies their need to jump, climb, scratch, rest, and play in one swoop. Selecting a special cat tree designed for small apartments is great for homes with limited space.

Q: Where should I put a cat tree in a small apartment?

A: Ideally, cat trees should be put in a spacious room to give your cat the best view possible. However, with small apartments, this isn’t always possible. In these cases, the corners of the room or next to a window will work well so your cat can have as broad a view as possible.

Q: What is the best cat tree for small spaces?

A: In my opinion, the best cat tree for small spaces is the Kerbel XL Wall Mounted Cat Tree. It has seven different levels, a hammock, a condo, a bed, and sisal scratching posts, which all mount to your wall to save floor space and make the most use possible out of the space you do have available.

Q: Do cats really need a cat tree?

A: Yes, all cats – no matter their age, weight, activity level, or health – need a cat tree. They provide your cat with space for them to be on their own, while also promoting exercise and channeling cats’ natural behaviors. Plus, they help reduce destructive behavior, like them scratching your furniture!

MY FINAL THOUGHTS

Just because you live in a small apartment or have limited space in your home, it doesn’t mean you can’t get an exciting cat tree that your feline will love. From cat towers that mount on your door or walls to thin and narrow designs ideal for taking up minimal floor space, there really is something for everyone.

Your cat deserves to have fun at home and live an enriched life, so select one of my recommended products based on your cat and your current living situation, and they’ll only thank you for it!