Cat Tree that Looks like a Tree: Our Top 9 Picks

Cat trees are one of the most popular pieces of cat furniture that cat owners buy for their pets. Not only do cat trees provide entertainment for your beloved pet, but they also help to draw timid cats out of their shell, while providing your cat with their own living space made specifically for them.

Young kittens, as well as senior cats, love all the benefits that a cat tree can provide.

One of the drawbacks to cat trees, however, is that their appearance can often clash with the décor of your home. Cat owners are often left dealing with cat furniture covered in unattractive brown carpeting that their cats barely use.

The good news is that you don’t have to deal with outdated trees that provide little to no enjoyment for your cat. Cat trees that look like a tree provide your kitty with a chance to experience outdoor fun right in the safety of their living room.

They feature fake leaves which trigger your cat’s natural instincts to hide while hunting and stalking their prey, while also giving them their own space that they can enjoy and lounge on.

Our Top Picks for Cat Trees that Looks like a Tree

Cat trees provide hours of enjoyment and exercise for your kitty. In addition, they provide environmental enrichment and help to promote their natural instincts, since cats love being high up to survey their kingdom.

Despite the benefits they provide, traditional cat trees are just not aesthetically pleasing. This is where a cat tree that looks like a tree can come to the rescue. These types of cat trees are designed to look like real trees, which benefits both your cat and your home décor.

To help you choose the best cat tree that looks like a tree, we have selected our top 9 picks of cat trees that have a more realistic cat tree appearance. We have included trees of various shapes and sizes so no matter what your space limitations, you are sure to find the best cat tree for your needs.

This cat tree not only looks like a real tree, but it is also available in 4 different colors that match the seasons: Green, Summer, Fall, and Plum Autumn. It features a canopy made with silk leaves, which cover three perches to create a hidden hideaway for your feline friend.

The round base of the cat tree is covered in green carpeting that your cat can sharpen their claws on. It is 60-inches tall to give your cat that height that they crave.

The On2Pest Large Round Modern Cat Tree has a price point typical for cat trees. Keep in mind, however, that his cat tree doesn’t offer additional scratching posts.

So, if you’re looking for the best cat tree that also features natural sisal rope, this cat tree may not be the best one for your needs.

This Luxury Cat Tree by Cozy Cat Furniture looks like a cross between a real tree and a traditional cat tree. It features 3 wooden posts of varying heights, each holding a soft and plush perch.

The two side perches are flat, while the middle and highest perch have extra soft padding. In addition, all three perches have a pom pom with a bell hanging from them to provide even more entertainment for your cat.

These can be easily changed at anytime for a different toy if your cat doesn’t particularly find pom-poms enjoyable. The base of the tree is a covered hideaway to give your feline a place to hide.

Each post is also wrapped with jute rope to provide an additional scratching post for your kitty. The Luxury Cat Tree measures 32” long x 20” wide x 50” tall.

A possible negative aspect of this cat tree is that, unlike the other cat trees that look like a tree, this one doesn’t have foliage for your cat to hide behind.

The On2Pets 24-inch modern cat tree is ideal for those cat parents that are limited on room but still want the look of a cat tree that looks like a tree. It stands at only 24-inches tall and has one curved perch that is covered by a canopy of artificial leaves made from silk.

It also has a carpeted base for your kitty to scratch and can hold up to 32-pounds. On2Pets also offers the same model but with 2 curved perches.

The On2Pets 48-in Medium Square Modern Cat Tree looks are almost identical to the 24-inch model, except that it has two curved perches, each covered with its own canopy of silk realistic leaves. The downside to the On2Pets 24-inch Small Square Modern Cat Tree, as well as its medium model, is that it is limited in what it has to offer.

With only one or two perches, and a height of 4 feet and under, your cat may not feel like the king or queen of the jungle that they are.

These trees are handcrafted and made to order, and even won the 2013 Cat Fancy Magazine Editors’ Choice Award. They are shipped as a do-it-yourself assembly and feature 4 levels for your cat to explore, play, and lounge on.

It stands at about 55-inches tall with a 21” x 21” base. The realistic-looking yet artificial leaves are made from silk to bring the appearance of the great outdoors to your home.

They also offer a deluxe version Kit-ty Tree Deluxe with Topper Assembly Cat Tree Kit that has the same features as the traditional Kit-ty Tree, but with a canopy for the top. This provides a little extra cover for your cat. 

This cat tree is crafted from real driftwood and, when compared to the other realistic cat trees on our list, has a more simple cat tree appearance. It doesn’t feature natural-looking foliage and instead uses a minimalistic design.

It stands at a little over 66 inches tall and comes attached to a metal base to keep the cat tower sturdy. Unlike other cat trees, this one can be used both inside and out.

The driftwood is treated, and since it is handcrafted and made to order, no two cat trees are alike. This gives your cat a one-of-a-kind cat tree that looks like a tree.

A downside to this cat tree is that it can take several weeks before it arrives. This is because they are made to order and not mass produced. 

The Feline Tree House is the crème de la crème of cat trees that look like a tree. This handcrafted, sturdy tree is made from mature dragonwood trees, which are harvested from sustainable forests throughout Georgia and Florida.

This unique cat tree looks like it was plucked straight out of a wooden forest. This is because the trees used in the build are left just as they were when they were harvested.

Which means real bark, twisted branches, and lichens. The carpeted base of the tree measures 16″ x 24″ to help provide sturdiness and it measures at about 72″ tall.

It also has three carpeted perches tucked between realistic leaves made from silk. The trunk of the Feline Tree House is wrapped in natural sisal rope to give your furry friend the ideal place to scratch.

The drawback of this cat tree is its price, which is much higher than traditional cat trees.

This cat tree looks more like a tree stump than an entire tree, but the wood veneer gives it the appearance of a real tree stump. This is another option for people with limited space.

Feandrea Cat Tower has a sisal scratching pot, three cushioned beds, and a cat cave for your kitty to hide in. The wooden base also has a small scratching mat, and the cushions can be removed whenever they need to be cleaned. 

The Feandrea Cat Tower is ideal for people looking for cat trees that have a sleek and modern design that fits into their décor. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the actual appearance of real trees.

The New Unique cat tree is designed to look similar to a real tree while still maintaining a whimsical and cartoonist effect. It features a single trunk running up the middle of the base, two perches, and two decorative shelves.

One of the benefits of this cat tree that looks like a tree is that the entire item, from the top to the bottom, is scratchable. So your kitty can safely scratch any surface of this carpeted cat tree with no problem.

Keep in mind, however, that if you are looking for a cat tree that uses real branches, this won’t fit that requirement. 

This cat tree does have a more traditional appearance, but it is made with a jungle-theme in mind. So, while it doesn’t necessarily look like a real tree, it does provide some of the same physical attributes that a cat tree that looks like a real tree provides.

For example, it features fake leaves and brown carpeting to mimic the appearance of real wood. It is made from pressed wood and faux fur, and has posts covered with natural sisal rope.

This is a rather large cat tree with four levels, a hideaway cubby in the middle, various scratching posts, a hammock, and a tunnel that is situated at the very top of the cat tree. The major drawback of this cat tree is that it does have that common cat tree appearance, which is something that many cat owners are trying to avoid.

Benefits of Cat Trees

Cat trees provide a slew of benefits for your kitty. These benefits are both mental and physical.

In fact, veterinarians all over the world recommend cat trees for indoor cats, as a way to keep them healthy. While there are ways to help enrich your kitty’s environment without purchasing a cat tree, none of them are as convenient as a cat tree.

A cat tree that looks like a tree will also provide a little bit of outdoor fun for indoor cats. In addition, cat trees provide the following benefits:

• Provide an outlet for your cat’s energy.
• Timid cats feel safe in cat trees.
• Their various perches and hideaways provide shelter for cats when they’re scared or just want to be left alone.
• It gives them entertainment and exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
• They can help reduce your cat’s anxiety.
• It gives cats their own space up high and away from children and other pets.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Cat Tree

Of course, your cat needs a cat tree. All cats need a cat tree. In fact, having a cat tree can help improve the overall health and wellness of your furry friend.

Not only can it help to relieve their stress, but it provides them with exercise and gives them a piece of cat furniture that they can claim as their own. With that said, however, there are a few things to consider before making your purchase. 

Size of the Cat Tree that Looks Like a Tree

One of the drawbacks of cat trees is their sheer size, which can greatly limit your selection. If possible, determine where the cat tree will be placed in your home before making your final decision on which one to buy.

Take the measurements of the area, making sure to jot down the minimum height, width, and depth, of the location. Then use these measurements to compare them with the overall size of the cat tree.

The Number of Cats You Have

The number of kitties you have will play an important role in determining which cat tree is best for you. If you have multiple cats, purchase a cat tree with more than one perch.

This will help reduce the chance that the cats will fight over a single perch. Furthermore, you will want to ensure the cat tree has more than one exit off of the tree or out of its cubby holes.

Look for cat trees that are designed for multiple cats, as well as ones that can hold the weight of all your cats. This is especially important if you have large cats.

Age and Agility of Your Cats

The age and physical health of your cats should always be considered when selecting a cat tree that looks like a tree. Senior cats may not have the ability to safely climb up a tall cat tree.

In addition, it could potentially cause harm to your cat if they are not stable enough to prevent themselves from falling. Even if they have good agility, senior cats typically don’t spend as much time playing as kittens do.

Because of this, senior cats may do better with a simple pole style cat tree that they can lounge on. Kittens, however, are full of energy and a cat tree with hideaways, holes, and various levels will help them burn off some of that energy.

If you’re unsure as to whether or not a cat tree is a good choice for your pet, reach out to your veterinary for advice.

Know What Your Cat Likes

Since the cat tree that looks like a tree is used for your kitty, it’s a good idea to select one based on their likes. If your cat is one that is more of a lounger, then a cat tree with an abundance of different types of beds may be more suitable for them.

Cats that love to scratch would probably desire a cat tree with an abundance of scratching posts. Cat trees with cubby holes and hideaways work well for kitties that like to find a tucked-away location to pass the day.

Keep Safety in Mind

Whether or not cat trees are dangerous will depend on several factors. The good news, however, is that you can take steps to ensure your realistic cat tree is as safe as possible. First of all, choose a cat tree that looks like a tree with a sturdy base.

This will help prevent the cat furniture from tipping and falling over. If you’re still worried about the cat furniture falling, consider tethering it to the wall.

Choose the Best Spot for the Cat Tree

While selecting the best cat tree is an important part of the process, it is not the only factor you should consider. Where you place the cat tree that looks like a tree can greatly affect whether or not your kitty uses the cat condo.

Look at the places in your home where your cat currently spends a lot of its time, and consider placing the cat tree in these areas. Cats love looking out of windows.

Jackson Galaxy calls windows “cat tv”. They are a way to help relieve stress and boredom for your indoor kitty. Placing the cat tree near a window can provide your kitty with a bird’s eye view of what is going on outside.

What if My Cat Doesn’t Use the Cat Tree

If you have already purchased a cat tree that looks like a tree, and your cat is less than interested in it, there are some things you can do to make it more enticing.

• Add catnip. Catnip sprinkled on the tree is usually a sure fire way to get your kitty on the tree. Keep in mind, however, that not all cats react to catnip. So if your kitty is one who doesn’t like catnip, this tip probably won’t work.
• Use toys. Placing their favorite toy on their tree will make their curiosity peak and they are sure to jump on the tree to play. Another option is to place hanging toys dangling from the cat tree. Cats love to bat things around, and hanging their toys from the tree may just make them want to use the cat tree.
• Move the tree. Sometimes, the simple act of moving the tree to a new location is what will finally get your cat to use the cat tree that looks like a tree. If possible, place the tree by a window where they can watch the world go by. Furthermore, consider installing bird feeders near the window. Your cat will love laying on the cat tree while watching birds visiting the feeder.
• Pull out the treats. Placing treats on the cat tree works well for kitties that are food/treat motivated.
• Play with them on the tree. If merely placing toys on the tree doesn’t entice them, consider playing with them on the tree. Now, we don’t mean you physically getting on a tree. Instead, use a cat wand toy and move it back and forth on the tree, mimicking the movements of the cat’s prey.
• Serve their food on the tree. Having them eat their dinner on the cat tree can show them that the tree is a safe spot for them to lounge and play in. This tip can help timid cats who are fearful of new things.
• Give them time. Sometimes, cats just need a little time to warm up to new things. In these instances, you should never force your cat onto the tree and instead let them go at their own pace.

Now that you have our recommendations for cat trees that look like a tree, as well as know a little more about the benefits that cat trees provide, as well as how to entice your cat to use them, you can use this information to make an informed decision about which tree is best for you and your cats.