The best cat tree in NZ overall is the Cat Tree Scratching Post Scratcher from Bestdeals, thanks to its extra tall multi level frame, several sisal wrapped posts and multiple enclosed condos that suit large or multi cat homes. It is the most feature loaded tower in this guide, but the right cat tree really depends on your cat and your floor space.
Cat trees give indoor cats what they crave most: height, a place to scratch, and a safe spot to nap and watch the world. Vets and behaviour specialists agree that vertical space reduces stress and protects your furniture, because a cat with its own cat scratching post is far less likely to shred the couch. Below are ten cat tree tower scratchers sold in New Zealand, ranked and reviewed with honest trade offs so you can match one to your home. For more ways to keep a cat busy, our guide to the best cat toys pairs well with any of these towers.
Quick comparison
| Cat tree | Best for | Height | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat Tree Scratching Post Scratcher | Large or multi-cat homes | Extra tall | Multiple condos |
| 140cm Cat Tree Tower | Active climbers | 140 cm | Acrylic hammock |
| i.Pet Cat Tree 144cm | Big cats | 144 cm | 20 kg capacity |
| i.Pet Cat Tree 135cm Grey | Everyday homes | 135 cm | Neutral grey |
| i.Pet Cat Tree 103cm | Kittens, small spaces | 103 cm | Compact base |
| Cat Tree 1.55m (Blue) | A pop of colour | 155 cm | Panoramic capsule |
| Cat Tree Grey 150cm | Value all-rounder | 150 cm | Six sisal poles |
| DS Cat Tree 182CM | Tall ceiling-reacher | 182 cm | Big cat house |
| DS Cat Tree 164CM | Modern boho look | 164 cm | Rattan finish |
| Cat Tree Cactus 115cm | Novelty small space | 115 cm | Cactus design |
1. Cat Tree Scratching Post – Best Overall for Large or Multi-Cat
This is the flagship of Bestdeals’ cat range and the pick to beat if you have a big cat, a bonded pair, or a whole household of climbers. It carries the highest recommended retail price of any tower here, and the listing photos show why: an extra tall frame stacked with multiple enclosed condos, several perches and full height sisal posts running the length of the trunk.
That vertical layout is the point. Give confident cats this much height and they spread out instead of squabbling, with one napping up top in a condo while another surveys the room from a mid level perch. The sisal posts double as a serious cat scratching post, redirecting claws away from your carpet and curtains. Because it is the largest unit in the range, it also has the biggest footprint, so measure the corner you have in mind before you commit.
It is the sort of statement piece that anchors a lounge rather than hides in a spare room, and it is a genuine multi level cat tower rather than a token two tier stand.
Pros
- Tallest, most feature packed tower in this guide
- Multiple condos and perches suit several cats at once
- Plenty of sisal for heavy scratchers
Cons
- Largest footprint here, so it needs real floor space
- Heaviest to assemble
- Exact dimensions are not published, so confirm your space first
Key specs: Extra tall multi level tower; multiple sisal scratching posts, enclosed condos, perch and hammock; Bestdeals code 93081; assembly required; keep indoors.
2. Cat Tree Tower – Best Activity Centre for Active Climbers
If your cat treats the house like a jungle gym, this 140 cm activity centre leans into that energy. Its particleboard base is wrapped in artificial grass for a stable, outdoorsy footing, and the scratching posts are sisal wrapped and finished with artificial vines, so the whole thing reads as a leafy climbing frame rather than a plain post.
The layout mixes a condo, a top perch, several platforms and a see through acrylic hammock that lets a cat lounge while still watching the floor below. A short ladder at the base helps kittens and older cats get their first paw up. Owners of these grass and vine towers note they are sturdy enough for three to four cats to share, which makes them a good pick for a busy household that loves cat climbing towers.
The trade off is the look. The artificial grass and vine styling is playful but busy, so it will not blend into a minimalist, neutral interior the way a plain plush tower does. Stock also moves quickly on this one.
Pros
- Genuine multi level activity centre with cave, perch and platforms
- Transparent acrylic hammock is a favourite napping spot
- Roomy enough for several cats
Cons
- Artificial grass and vine styling is busy and not for minimalist decor
- Often low on stock
- Artificial grass can trap fur and needs occasional vacuuming
Key specs: 140 cm height; particleboard base with artificial grass; sisal posts with artificial vine; acrylic hammock, cave, condo and ladder; Bestdeals code 67714; keep indoors.
3. i.Pet Cat Tree 144cm – Best Tall Tower for Big Cats
The i.Pet 144 cm is built for cats that need room to stretch out and up. It stands 144 cm tall on a 72 by 40 cm base and is rated to a 20 kg total weight capacity, which is generous for the price and reassuring if you own a larger breed like a Maine Coon cross.
Construction is a particleboard frame under a plush, chemical free velvet cover, with natural sisal posts for scratching. The layout is unusually varied: a bed cubicle, a hanging ball, a tunnel, a hammock, a ladder and a raised sleeping cradle give a single cat several distinct spots to rotate between through the day. The velvet surfaces are soft enough that cats actually settle on the perches rather than just passing through, and the grey colourway keeps it looking tidy in most rooms.
The one thing to watch is the base. At 40 cm deep for a 144 cm tower it is on the narrow side, so place it against a wall and make sure the base sits flat so a heavy cat landing up top does not feel any sway.
Pros
- Tall 144 cm frame with a high 20 kg capacity
- Lots of variety: cubicle, tunnel, hammock, cradle and ladder
- Soft velvet perches cats genuinely rest on
Cons
- 40 cm base is narrow for the height, so placement matters
- Plush velvet shows fur and needs regular brushing
- One enclosed cubicle rather than several
Key specs: 72 x 40 x 144 cm; 20 kg weight capacity; particleboard frame, plush velvet cover, natural sisal posts; grey; i.Pet, Bestdeals code 78884; assembly required.
4. i.Pet Cat Tree 135cm- Best Neutral Design for Everyday Homes
For shoppers who want a capable tower that quietly blends in, the i.Pet 135 cm in grey is the sensible middle ground. It uses the same particleboard frame, plush velvet cover and natural sisal posts as its taller sibling, arranged over four levels with play cubicles, a jumping platform, dangling activity balls and a dedicated sisal claw board.
That claw board is a nice touch. It gives cats a flat scratching surface in addition to the upright posts, which suits cats that like to stretch out low and drag their claws rather than reach up high. The four level height is enough for a good perch without dominating a small lounge, and the muted grey works with most furniture, so it is an easy modern cat tower to live with day to day.
As a mid height tower it will not satisfy a cat that lives for the highest shelf in the house, and like all velvet finishes it shows fur, so keep a lint brush handy.
Pros
- Neutral grey suits almost any room
- Four levels plus a flat sisal claw board
- Well priced for the feature set
Cons
- Mid height only, not for dedicated high perchers
- Velvet plush attracts fur
- Balls and toys may need replacing over time
Key specs: Approximately 135 cm tall; particleboard frame, plush velvet cover, natural sisal; four levels with cubicles, jumping platform and sisal claw board; grey; i.Pet, Bestdeals code 57300.
5. i.Pet Cat Tree 103cm – Best Compact Pick for Kittens & Small Spaces
Not every home has room for a 180 cm tower, and not every cat wants one. The i.Pet 103 cm is the compact answer: 50 by 40 cm on the floor and 103 cm tall, rated to 15 kg, which is ideal for kittens, seniors, or apartments where floor space is tight.
Despite the small footprint it still covers the basics well. There is a cosy bed cubicle for hiding, a hanging activity ball to bat at, a ladder for easy access and platforms set at different heights so a young cat can practise climbing safely. The light grey velvet finish is soft and unobtrusive, and the lower overall height means a kitten is never far from the ground while it builds confidence.
The obvious limit is height. A large, athletic adult that loves the top of the wardrobe will outgrow the climb, and there is only a single condo, so it works best for one cat rather than a crowd. As a first cat scratching post and perch for a new kitten, though, it is hard to fault.
Pros
- Small 50 x 40 cm footprint for tight spaces
- Low height is safe and reassuring for kittens and seniors
- Bed cubicle, ladder and hanging ball included
Cons
- Too short for large, athletic adult climbers
- Single condo suits one cat, not several
- Light plush shows dirt on high traffic surfaces
Key specs: 50 x 40 x 103 cm; 15 kg weight capacity; particleboard frame, plush velvet cover, natural sisal; light grey; i.Pet, Bestdeals code 57288; assembly required.
6. Cat Tree 1.55m (Blue) – Best for a Pop of Colour
TSB Living’s 1.55 m tower is the pick for anyone who wants their cat furniture to be seen. Finished in bright blue and orange, it stands 155 cm tall on a slim 60 by 50 cm footprint, so it delivers real height without eating up a whole corner. It is described as a space saving design that stays narrow while still packing in platforms.
The feature list is where it shines. There is a clear panoramic capsule that cats love to curl inside and watch the room, a warm enclosed cat house lower down, a hammock perch and a hanging ball for play. The posts are wrapped in thick hemp rope and eco friendly sisal for scratching, and the frame combines wood with a soft cashmere style plush on the resting surfaces. At 13.65 kg it feels planted rather than tippy.
The colour is the whole personality here, and that cuts both ways. In a playful or kid friendly room it is a delight; in a pared back neutral space it will stand out loudly. Like all these towers it is strictly indoor use to protect the fabric and wood.
Pros
- Bright, fun blue and orange styling
- Panoramic capsule plus an enclosed cat house
- Narrow 60 x 50 cm base saves floor space
Cons
- Bold colour will clash with minimalist or neutral decor
- Indoor use only
- Two tone plush shows fur
Key specs: 60 x 50 x 155 cm; 13.65 kg; wood, cashmere style plush and sisal; hemp rope posts; blue and orange; SKU PR65663.
7. Cat Tree Grey 150cm – Best Value All-Rounder
If you want the most cat tree for the least money, the TSB Living Grey 150 cm is the value champion. It is the busiest layout here for the price: six sisal wrapped poles, two perches, an enclosed cave, a hammock, a step ladder and two hanging toys, all on a 50 by 60 cm base that stands 150 cm tall.
That mix means one tower covers nearly every behaviour a cat has. Six sisal poles is a lot of dedicated scratching real estate, which is exactly what you want if a cat has been eyeing the sofa, and the cave plus hammock give both a hidden bolt hole and an open lounging spot. The plush covering is soft and the whole thing weighs a solid 15 kg for stability. The blueish grey tone is neutral enough to pass as a modern cat tower in most lounges.
The plush surfaces do attract fur and need the occasional vacuum, and there is a single enclosed cave rather than multiple condos, so a large multi cat home may prefer one of the taller towers. For one or two cats on a budget, it is outstanding.
Pros
- Six sisal poles is generous scratching coverage
- Cave, hammock, two perches and toys all included
- Heavy 15 kg build for its price
Cons
- Plush covering attracts fur
- Only one enclosed cave
- Some regions carry limited stock
Key specs: 50 x 60 x 150 cm; 15 kg; plush covering and non toxic sisal; six sisal poles, two perches, cave, hammock, step ladder, two toys; blueish grey; SKU PR2468.
8. DS Cat Tree 182CM – Best Tall Tower for Serious Climbers
At 182 cm this is the tallest tower in the guide and the one to buy if your cat is happiest at ceiling height. It is built on a wide 93 by 50 cm base and weighs a substantial 22 kg, which is the reassuring weight you want under a tower this tall so a hard landing from the top never feels unstable.
The height buys real estate. There is a big enclosed cat house for full body naps, a clear panoramic capsule higher up, multiple platforms for perching and hanging balls for play, with thick hemp rope posts running the frame for scratching. The sturdy wooden construction and cashmere style plush make it feel like a piece of furniture rather than a flimsy stand, and it easily suits a large or very active cat that treats vertical space as a right.
The trade offs are practical. That 93 cm wide base and 22 kg mass need genuine floor space and a bit of muscle to assemble, and some regions list it as pre order, so check availability for your area before you plan the corner.
Pros
- Tallest tower here at 182 cm
- Big cat house plus a panoramic capsule
- Wide, heavy 22 kg base feels rock solid
Cons
- Needs real floor space at 93 cm wide
- Heaviest unit to assemble
- May be pre order in some regions
Key specs: 93 x 50 x 182 cm; 22 kg; wooden construction, cashmere style plush and sisal; hemp rope posts; wood tone; SKU PR100075.
9. DS Cat Tree 164CM – Best Modern Boho Look
The DS 164 cm is the design lover’s pick. Instead of the usual plush or wood, its platforms use a woven rattan mat in a white and beige palette, giving it a light, boho, Scandinavian feel that actually looks intentional in a styled room. It stands 164 cm tall on a neat 50 by 50 cm base and weighs 13.3 kg.
It is not just a pretty face. A clear panoramic capsule gives cats the enclosed lookout they love, several platforms step up the frame for climbing and perching, and thick hemp rope posts wrapped in sisal handle scratching duty. The square 50 by 50 cm footprint is easy to place, and the tall but slim silhouette makes it one of the better looking cat climbing towers for open plan living.
The rattan finish is the compromise. It looks superb but a woven mat is harder to wipe clean than a smooth plush pad, so it suits tidy, low shedding cats better than heavy moulters. There are also fewer fully enclosed hidey holes than the 182 cm model, since the capsule does most of the cosy work.
Pros
- Striking rattan, white and beige styling
- Panoramic capsule and multiple climbing platforms
- Slim 50 x 50 cm base is easy to place
Cons
- Woven rattan is harder to clean than plush
- Fewer enclosed spaces than taller models
- May be pre order in some regions
Key specs: 50 x 50 x 164 cm; 13.3 kg; rattan mat, cashmere style plush and sisal; hemp rope posts; white and beige.
10. Cat Tree Cactus 115cm – Best Novelty Design for Small Spaces
The Cactus 115 cm is the most charming little tower in the range, shaped and coloured like a green and yellow cactus so it doubles as a piece of quirky decor. At 55 by 45 cm and 115 cm tall it is compact enough for a bedroom, studio or a corner of the lounge, and it weighs just 5.15 kg.
For a novelty piece it is genuinely functional. There is an enclosed cat house for private naps, several elevated platforms for climbing and perching, thick sisal wrapped posts for scratching, and a soft plush surface for comfort. Its playful shape makes it an easy sell if you have wanted cat furniture that adds character rather than apologising for itself, and the modest height keeps kittens and smaller adults happy.
Because it is so light at 5.15 kg and still reasonably tall, a large, boisterous cat launching onto the top could unsettle it, so it is better matched to kittens and calmer or smaller cats. Stock tends to be limited, so it can sell through quickly.
Pros
- Fun cactus design works as decor
- Compact 55 x 45 cm footprint
- Enclosed cat house, platforms and sisal posts included
Cons
- Light 5.15 kg build is less stable for big, boisterous cats
- Shorter height suits smaller or calmer cats
- Often limited stock
Key specs: 55 x 45 x 115 cm; 5.15 kg; wood, cashmere style plush and sisal; green and yellow; SKU PR65658.
How to choose the best cat tree in NZ
Match the height to your cat. Most adult cats do best with a tower between roughly 120 cm and 180 cm, and the tree should be at least as tall as the highest surface your cat already jumps to. Kittens, seniors and calmer cats are safer on shorter models like the 103 cm and 115 cm picks, while confident adult climbers thrive on the 164 cm and 182 cm towers.
Prioritise sisal for scratching. Cats clearly prefer sisal rope or fabric over carpet for a cat scratching post, because looped carpet catches claws and shreds unevenly. Every tower here uses sisal posts, so count how many scratching surfaces you get; the Grey 150 cm with six sisal poles leads on that front. For flat scratchers, it is worth adding a dedicated cat scratching post too.
Think about stability and base size. A wide, heavy base matters more as the tower gets taller. The 22 kg, 93 cm wide 182 cm model feels planted, whereas a light, tall tower needs to sit against a wall. If in doubt, heavier is safer.
Choose surfaces for your climate and cat. Plush and cashmere style tops are cosy in cooler NZ rooms, while smooth wood and rattan stay cooler in summer. Heavy shedders are easier to keep tidy on smooth finishes; snugglers will prefer plush caves and capsules, much like the ones in our roundup of cosy cat beds.
Keep it indoors and place it well. All of these trees are indoor only to protect the fabric and wood. Put the tower where your cat already likes to be, ideally near a window, and seed the platforms with a favourite toy or a treat to get a hesitant cat using it. It can take a few weeks for a cat to fully adopt a new tree.
The verdict
For most NZ homes with a big or busy cat, the Cat Tree Scratching Post Scratcher is the standout thanks to its height, multiple condos and generous sisal. Value hunters should grab the feature packed Grey 150 cm, design lovers the rattan 164 cm, and small space owners the compact 103 cm or the charming Cactus 115 cm. Whichever you choose, pick sisal, match the height to your cat and place it somewhere your cat already loves to be.
FAQs
Are cat trees worth it?
Yes. Cats need elevated space to climb, perch and feel secure, and a cat tree provides that plus a dedicated place to scratch. Behaviour specialists note vertical space lowers stress, and a good sisal post protects your furniture by redirecting claws away from sofas and carpet.
How tall should a cat tree be?
For most adult cats aim for roughly 120 cm to 180 cm, and at minimum as tall as the highest spot your cat already climbs to. Active adults enjoy 150 cm and up, while kittens, seniors and nervous cats are safer on shorter towers around 100 cm to 115 cm.
Do cats prefer sisal or carpet on a cat tree?
Cats generally prefer sisal for scratching. Carpet loops can catch claws and shred unevenly, which cats find frustrating. Carpet or plush is better kept for the resting platforms, while sisal posts handle the scratching, which is how every tower in this guide is built.
Where should I put a cat tree?
Place it where your cat already likes to spend time, ideally beside a window so it can perch and watch outside. Cats use climbing furniture far more when it sits in a lived in part of the house rather than a spare room away from the action.
How do I get my cat to use a new cat tree?
Set it up in a busy area, rub or sprinkle catnip on the posts, and place treats or toys on the different levels to build positive associations. Play near it and be patient, as cats can take a few weeks to adopt new furniture, and moving it to a better spot often helps.
Are these cat trees suitable for large or multiple cats?
Yes, but match the model. Big or multi cat homes suit the tallest, heaviest towers with several condos, such as the flagship Cat Tree Scratching Post Scratcher or the 182 cm model. Compact 103 cm and 115 cm towers are better for a single kitten or a smaller, calmer cat.