You’ve seen them — the giant cat towers online, packed with tunnels, hammocks and dangling mice. But are they worth it? Or will your kitten ignore it and sleep in the laundry basket instead?
Plenty of new owners ask the same thing: “Do I really need a cat tree for my kitten?”
I’ve raised hundreds of kittens, and I’ll be honest — not all cat trees are created equal. Some are brilliant. Others are oversized fluff monsters that never get used. Let’s break down when a cat tree helps, what features to look for, and how to tell if it’s a smart buy — or a waste of carpeted wood.
Why Cat Trees Matter (Especially for Growing Kittens)
Kittens don’t just want to sit around. They want to climb, jump, scratch, and perch. It’s built into their instincts.
When chosen well, a cat tree can:
- Burn off excess energy
- Strengthen growing muscles
- Reinforce good scratching habits
- Build confidence
- Offer safe vertical territory (especially in busy or multi-pet homes)
Vertical space gives shy kittens a sense of control. From above, they feel less threatened — great if you’ve got other pets or children.
Best Cat Trees for Kittens: What to Look For
Not all cat trees are kitten-friendly. Some are designed for large adult cats and can be intimidating for small kittens.
Here’s what works:
Low to medium height
Stick to trees under 1.2 metres. High towers can be scary or dangerous for wobbly-legged babies.
Multiple platforms and hiding spots
Great for napping, spying, or retreating when overwhelmed.
Rock-solid build
If it wobbles, your kitten won’t trust it. Test the sturdiness before you buy.
Sisal-covered scratching sections
Encourage healthy scratching habits early on.
Soft surfaces
Look for plush or carpeted parts that are gentle on paws.
Top UK Cat Tree Recommendations for Kittens
Here are three I’ve tested, recommended, or used with my own kittens:
1. Vesper V-Box Small
- Compact and easy to clean
- Stylish for small UK homes
- Includes a hidey-hole and scratcher
2. Zooplus Natural Paradise Scratching Barrel
- Robust natural sisal matting
- 3 integrated dens
- Natural wood from sustainable forestry
3. PawHut Multi-Level Tree for Kittens
- Budget option
- Neutral colours and decent build
- Basic but does the job well
If space is limited, try wall-mounted shelves or slimline towers. You don’t need a huge space to create a great climbing setup.
Alternatives to Full-Sized Cat Trees
Not everyone wants a tree taking over the living room. Here are some smart alternatives:
- Window hammocks
- Over-door climbing shelves
- Cardboard boxes with cut-out doors
- Foldable tunnels with scratchers
These still offer the vertical fun and hidey-spots kittens love — just without the giant footprint.
When a Cat Tree Might NOT Be Worth It
Cat trees aren’t a must for every home. Skip it (or wait) if:
- You’re renting and short on space
- You already have good climbing furniture (like bookcases or stairs)
- Your kitten is very nervous and still settling in
Always introduce the tree slowly. Some kittens take a few days (or longer) to feel confident using it.
Real-Life Example: The Wobbly Tree
One of my clients bought a flashy three-tier tree with toys, a tunnel, and a hammock. Her kitten climbed it once, wobbled, panicked — and never touched it again.
We replaced it with a basic two-level design. It was wider, lower, and sturdy. That kitten adored it. Scratched it. Slept on it. Used it to launch sneak attacks on the dog.
Moral of the story? Simple and stable beats tall and flashy every time.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Cat trees aren’t self-cleaning. You’ll need to:
- Vacuum off fur regularly
- Use enzyme cleaner for any accidents
- Tighten screws monthly
- Occasionally move or rotate it to keep things fresh
Want to Know When to Upgrade?
Inside Kitten Care for New Cat Owners, I go deeper into:
When to move from kitten-sized trees to full-height cat towers
How to enrich small homes with vertical play setups
The UK brands I’ve tried, tested, and still use
My advice on setting up safe, confidence-boosting zones for nervous or high-energy kittens
If you’re not sure what your kitten really needs — or when they’re ready for the next step — grab the eBook and skip the guesswork. It’s full of real-world solutions that actually work.
faq: Cat Trees and Kittens
Yes — if they’re sturdy, low to medium height, and introduced gradually.
Maybe not — but a scratcher and hiding spot are still key.
They may need a bigger one later, but most kittens use trees well into adulthood.
Try placing treats or toys on different levels. Give it time. Don’t force it.
Sometimes — if it’s well-made, long-lasting, and suits your home.
Kitten Care for New Cat Owners: The Smart, Caring Guide to Raising a Happy, Healthy Kitten
By Ross Davies – Certified Feline Behaviourist
This book is the step-by-step version of what he teaches in one-to-one guidance. It’s expert, reassuring, genuinely practical—and occasionally hilarious (because if you can’t laugh when your kitten pounces on your face at 4am, when can you?).