Multi-Level Cat Tree: What to Look For in a Tower
By Fussy Cat | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Buying Guides
A practical guide to choosing a multi-level cat tree: key features, height, scratching posts, stability, and when a smaller tower is a better fit.
Quick answer
Look for a multi-level cat tree that matches your cat's climbing style, offers sturdy scratching posts, and fits your room height. The best choice often balances height with a stable base and enough perches for your cat to feel secure.
Height vs. stability: the trade-off
A taller tower gives your cat more vertical territory but needs a wider base or heavier construction to stay stable during energetic climbs. A 138 cm tower like the zeze Farmhouse Cat Tree offers a solid wood house at the top, which adds weight and stability. A shorter 105 cm tower is easier to place in smaller rooms and still gives your cat a high perch to survey the room.
If you have a very active or heavy cat, prioritise a tower with a wide base and sturdy materials. If your cat prefers gentle climbing or you have limited floor space, a shorter tower with a smaller footprint can work well.
Scratching posts: material and placement
Scratching posts are a key feature of any cat tree. Look for posts wrapped in sisal or jute rope — these materials satisfy your cat's natural scratching instinct and help keep their claws healthy. Both the zeze Farmhouse and Happy Farm towers use jute rope scratching posts.
The placement of the posts matters too. Posts that are integrated into the structure at different levels encourage your cat to stretch and scratch as they climb. A tower with at least two or three scratching posts distributed across levels gives your cat more opportunities to exercise.
Perch variety and hiding spots
Cats need both open perches for watching and enclosed spaces for hiding. A good multi-level tower offers at least one enclosed area — like a house or a nest — and several open platforms. The zeze Farmhouse Cat Tree has a solid wood house with a cushion inside, plus a chick hammock and a cow-print perch. The zeze Happy Farm Cat Tree has a chick-shaped top nest and a cow-print perch below it.
If your cat is shy or likes to nap undisturbed, choose a tower with a covered hideaway. If your cat is outgoing and loves to climb, a tower with more open platforms and a high nest may suit them better.
Decision rules for choosing a multi-level cat tree
- Measure your room height and floor space: The tallest tower you can fit should still leave at least 30 cm of clearance from the ceiling. For floor space, allow enough room for the base to sit flat without tipping.
- Count the scratching posts: Aim for at least two jute or sisal posts at different levels. More posts mean more scratching opportunities and less wear on your furniture. If your cat is a dedicated furniture scratcher, consider a tower with three or more posts.
- Check the base width: A wider base (or a heavier top like a solid wood house) improves stability. A tower with a base that is at least 50 cm wide is generally stable for most cats.
- Look for enclosed and open spaces: Your cat needs at least one enclosed spot (a house or nest) and one open perch. This lets them choose between hiding and surveying.
Product facts
- ZEZE Farmhouse Cat Tree – 138cm Multi-Level Climbing & Scratching Tower: Four levels with a solid wood house, chick hammock, cow-print perch, and jute rope posts. The solid wood house gives a secure, enclosed hideaway for shy cats, while the multiple perches and hammock offer variety for active climbers.
ZEZE Farmhouse Cat Tree – 138cm Multi-Level Climbing & Scratching Tower - ZEZE Happy Farm Cat Tree – 105cm Multi-Level Climbing & Scratching Tower: Three levels with a chick-shaped top nest, jute rope scratching posts, and a wide stable base. The wide base makes it a good choice for smaller spaces or lighter cats, and the top nest provides a high vantage point without taking up much floor area.
ZEZE Happy Farm Cat Tree – 105cm Multi-Level Climbing & Scratching Tower
Which cat tree fits your cat?
Best for
- Active climbers who enjoy multiple perches and scratching opportunities
- Shy cats who need a secure hideaway high up
Not for
- Very large or heavy cats that need a wider, heavier base (consider a tower with a base over 60 cm)
- Homes with very low ceilings where a 138 cm tower would be too tall
