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I have two pretty chunky felines – 15 and 18 lbs. When I first adopted them and went super crazy buying supplies, the sturdiness of a cat tower never crossed my mind. I just saw one at our local pet store and bought it. They were all the same, right?
Looking back I wish I would have given it more thought and done a bit more research into cat trees for large cats because the support and design really matter, not only for stability but for your cat’s comfort as well!
The downside of my extra-large cats using a “normal” cat tower
After I assembled my cat tower at home, I realized how weak and wobbly it was as my cats played all over it.
Despite the unsteady nature of the tower, my cats loved it. Initially, they even tried to share the top bed which was pretty funny to watch. They are just too big (and the bed was much too small for them), so ultimately one would end up claiming the territory.
I knew that next time, I would get a design much better suited for them.
Many cat trees (or condos, towers, whatever you call em’!) aren’t designed to withstand much weight. Have you noticed the common design is to have a super-high top perch that’s pretty small and often supported by just a single pillar? Most of the designs out there are like that.
In fact, many product manufacturers will list a weight limit that’s somewhere around 15 – 18 lb per platform. If you have a super big cat, you’ll probably want something more substantial.
Therefore when as we were researching pieces for this we looked for 3 things:
- Large, sturdy base (more support)
- Roomy top perch bed (to allow big cats more room, or for sharing!)
- Top bed supported by more than 1 pillar (less wobbling)
- Weight limit at least 50 lbs (to support even multiple cats)
We happened to have the best luck looking at Wayfair. They have the largest selection of cat tower furniture that was sturdy and supportive, unlike other popular retailers such as Chewy and Amazon! Another good thing about Wayfair is it was easier to find more specific product information like weight limits.
After looking at hundreds of cat trees online, we’ve compiled a list of our top 5 choices. Not every one of these on this list fits the full criteria, but nevertheless, we think these are all great options if you’re researching cat towers that are ideal for big, fluffy felines!
#1. Boling Cat Tree
If you’re looking for a cat tree that can withstand even extra-large cats, this 69” Boling Cat Tree is a winner. Its mammoth size can support even the most robust felines. While it does not feature the classic cat cave aspect, it has an incredibly large perch and deep, comfortable pocket beds.
The product information does not list a specific weight limit but judging from other models it could easily hold 80 – 90 lbs total.
The top tower in this one may only be supported by 1 pillar, but the sturdy base design makes up for it. Plus, the top tower bed is more than large enough for any cat, and maybe even room to share!
The downside is that due to its sturdiness and incredible size, it weighs 140 lbs, which makes it the largest and heaviest option on this list! This may not work for those living in small, cramped apartments or houses, or for those on a strict budget.
#2. 59” Bolick Corner Cat Tree
This corner tree is probably my favorite in terms of both looks and functionality. It’s designed to fit nicely right into a corner and is a bit shorter and less bulky than the previous Boling tree, making it ideal for smaller spaces. Plus those kitty stairs are incredibly adorable.
The top tower measures 23” x 19.85” making it pretty roomy and spacious for even those bigger than average felines.
The top perch is also supported by 3 poles, making it less wobbly than other common cat tree types and while no specific weight limit is set for this tower (at least that I could find) it’s definitely sturdy enough to support your cat no matter their size. The lower hammocks have weight capacities of 44 lbs each.
#3. Cat Tree Condo with Hammock
While the top tower bed here is still only supported by 1 pillar, the base design makes it very supportive. This piece supports up to 90 lbs, is great for multiple cats, and according to customer reviews, does not shake or wobble when cats jump all over it. The perches are also plenty spacious enough so bigger cats will have adequate room to take naps!
My favorite part about this one is the super adorable cat hammock on the bottom!
The overall weight of this tree is just over 40 lbs, so it may be more manageable for most people in terms of assembling and moving around. You can find it here on Wayfair.
#4. 65” Audet Cat Tree
This Audet cat tree has an epic top perch that’s 31” x 24” across, making it the roomiest tower bed I’ve come across on my research. Even the most ginormous felines could relax up there, and maybe even share the space!
In addition, it includes 2 comfy hammocks and a little “apartment” on the bottom! This looks like every cats’ dream.
The downside? Because it’s more solid and sturdy than a regular, cheaper cat tree, it’s pretty heavy at 106 lbs! This could make it difficult not only to assemble but move around if needed. It’s also a bit on the pricey side, but it’d be a worthwhile investment that’d last for years to come.
#5. 60” Jungle Rope Cat Tree
While this jungle rope tree is a bit shorter than others, I love that it has a huge top perch that’s more than large enough for multiple cats to lay up top together (or just one really big cat!) I like that the top is supported with FOUR pillars, instead of just a single one like other models of cat towers, greatly reducing that classic “wobble” when cats jump on top.
It has an 80 lb weight capacity and would work well with multiple cats, even ones that weigh 20+ lbs!
The tower itself weighs in a 59 lbs so not quite as heavy as some of the other options, which could be a good thing.
It also features a cleaner, more simplistic look than other options.
Looking for space saving options?
These cat trees are great for giant felines, but the downsides are they can be heavy, awkward, and difficult to fit in small spaces. If you’re needing something on the smaller end, check out our picks for space-saving cat condos (which also accommodate the larger cat!)
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