The Best Wall-Mounted Cat Trees

Written by Austin S.
Updated: February 13, 2023
© RJ22/Shutterstock.com

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Does your cat jump up on furniture or countertops? Does your cat like to sleep on top of bookshelves or the highest spot in the room? Have you seen your cat try and climb your curtains or window screens?

Cats love to climb. Instinctively they feel safer when they can survey their environment from higher up, plus it’s fun for them to jump and explore. Creating a stress-free spot for your cat to climb, scratch, and relax helps your cat feel comfortable and secure. It may also prolong the life of your furniture.

Without safe places to climb and get above the activity of your home, your cat can get stressed out and end up hiding under the bed or in other accessible spots. The same instinct for protection and security leads them to nap in dark, hidden places but can be a sign of stress rather than comfort and safety.

For this review, we focused on wall-mounted cat trees that maximize your cat’s enjoyment and fun while meeting a variety of budgets.

  1. CatastrophiCreations Garden Complex Wall Mounted Cat Tree Shelf Set
    • Exercise, play, and stress-relief area
    • Has spaces for cat grass
    • Attractive and easy to keep clean
    • Fabric can be removed and washed
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. The Refined Feline Lotus Branch Wall Mounted Cat Wall Shelf
    • Available in different sizes and colors
    • Stylish flowing wood shape design
    • Constructed from solid and plywood
    • Large enough to accommodate multiple cats
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. TRIXIE Lounger Wall Mounted Cat Shelves
    • Includes a plush hammock and kitty condo
    • Comes in cream and brown
    • Designed for easy climbing and scratching
    • Exteriors made of rope and plush
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. PetFusion Cat Activity Wall Shelves
    • Doesn't take up much room
    • Includes scratchable stairs and a cozy perch
    • Attractive and straightforward design
    • Espresso finish
    Check Amazon
  5. 7 Ruby Road Cat Hammock Wall Mounted Cat Shelf
    • Sturdy wall perch supports up to two cats.
    • Includes steps covered in jute, to help cats reach hammock.
    • Hammock section is padded for extra comfort.
    Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Wall Mounted Cat Trees

#1 Best Overall: CatastrophiCreations Garden Complex Shelf Set with Cat Grass Planter

In our review, the best overall wall-mounted cat tree is CatastrophiCreations Garden Complex Shelf Set with Cat Grass Planter. It’s more than a wall-mounted cat tree; it’s an exercise, play, and stress-relief area for multiple cats.

The Garden Complex costs more and is larger than the other options we reviewed, but it is the best option if you want to spoil your cats and get them off your furniture and out of your plants.

In addition to multiple levels for climbing, scratching, and lounging, the CatastrophiCreations Garden Complex Shelf Set has spaces for cat grass. Four planters are included, but you’ll need to provide the plants. Your indoor cats get a taste of the outdoors and plenty of comfort and safety.

The set is also attractive and easy to keep clean. You can choose from four wood finishes, and the fabric can be removed and washed. Each component does need to be anchored into a wall stud.

A couple of reviewers said that the screws broke easily. Others said that it was too expensive.

Pros and Cons of the CatastrophiCreations Garden Complex Shelf Set with Cat Grass Planter

ProsCons
This wall-mounted cat tree provides enough space for multiple cats to exercise and play.It costs more than other options in this review.
It features multiple levels for climbing, scratching, and lounging, as well as spaces for cat grass. (Four planters are included, but you’ll need to provide the plants.)Each component must be anchored into a wall stud.
It’s available in four wood finishes.A couple of reviewers said that the screws broke easily.
You can easily remove and wash the fabric.Some reviewers said that this wall-mounted cat tree was too expensive.
Best Overall
CatastrophiCreations Garden Complex Wall Mounted Cat Tree Shelf Set
  • Exercise, play, and stress-relief area
  • Has spaces for cat grass
  • Attractive and easy to keep clean
  • Fabric can be removed and washed
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best for an Elegant Room: The Refined Feline Lotus Branch 

If you love your cat but don’t adore the look of most wall-mounted cat furniture, the Refined Feline Lotus Branch may be the answer for you. Available in four colors, the flowing wood shape is covered with a comfy Berber carpet. Your cat can perch and doze in style.

The shelf is constructed with a combination of solid wood and ply to give it a curved and elegant shape that is also durable. If the carpet wears out after lots of scratching and happy naps, you can replace it easily. The shelf is both functional and attractive, adding a polished look to any room.

At 61 inches long and 10.5 inches deep, the shelf is large enough to accommodate multiple cats. The manufacturer recommend installing it into the wall studs, not just the drywall. Heavy-duty wall anchors are included.

This product received only three negative reviews, including “The predrilled holes didn’t line up,” “It’s too big, too heavy, awkward, clumsy, incomprehensible!,” and “Not worth the money.”

Pros and Cons of the CatastrophiCreations Garden Complex Shelf Set with Cat Grass Planter

ProsCons
This wall-mounted cat shelf is available in four colors.It should be installed into the wall studs, not drywall.
It’s made from a combination of solid wood and plywood and is covered with comfortable Berber carpet.Predrilled holes didn’t line up.
It measures 61″ x 10.5, so it’s long enough to accommodate multiple cats.It’s big and heavy.
Heavy-duty wall anchors are included.One reviewer said it wasn’t worth the money.
Best for an Elegant Room
The Refined Feline Lotus Branch Wall Mounted Cat Wall Shelf
  • Available in different sizes and colors
  • Stylish flowing wood shape design
  • Constructed from solid and plywood
  • Large enough to accommodate multiple cats
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best Value for the Price: TRIXIE Lounger Wall Mounted Cat Shelves

With the TRIXIE Lounger Wall Mounted Cat Shelves, your cat will be able to choose their favorite lounging spot. With exteriors of rope and plush, each piece is designed for easy climbing, scratching, and comfortable lounging. The set includes a plush hammock and kitty condo and two steps for easy access. 

With two plush sleeping spots and steps to bridge them, your cat gets a luxurious, reasonably priced, out-of-the-way lounging area. The set is available in four neutral colors.

The manufacturer recommends mounting the two sleepers into the wall studs, and all the hardware you need is included. 

Some reviewers reported that the instructions were poorly written and that installation was difficult.

Pros and Cons of the TRIXIE Lounger Wall Mounted Cat Shelves

ProsCons
These wall-mounted cat shelves include a plush hammock, a kitty condo, and two steps for easy access.You must mount the two sleepers into the wall studs.
It’s available in four neutral colors.Some reviewers thought the instructions were poorly written.
Hardware is included.Installation was difficult for some reviewers.
Best Value for the Price
TRIXIE Lounger Wall Mounted Cat Shelves
  • Includes a plush hammock and kitty condo
  • Comes in cream and brown
  • Designed for easy climbing and scratching
  • Exteriors made of rope and plush
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best for Limited Space: PetFusion Cat Activity Wall Shelves 

The PetFusion Cat Activity Wall Shelves is ideal for people who don’t have expansive wall space to spare. It allows you to provide a comfortable, padded perch for your furry friend without taking up much room on your wall.

The three-piece set includes two scratchable stairs and a cozy perch you can arrange to allow your cat to climb up and down with ease. The attractive and straightforward design has an espresso finish topped.

You can also purchase 18″ x 8″ and 8″ x 8″ stairs to use individually or add to the three-piece set.

The perch is designed to hold up to 30 pounds, fit for cats young or old. You can attach the nest securely into drywall without a drill unless you have plaster walls or want to anchor it into a wall stud.

Several reviewers experienced a variety of issues installing these shelves. If you’re considering purchasing this product, please read the negative reviews to get a comprehensive understanding of potential installation issues.

Pros and Cons of the PetFusion Cat Activity Wall Shelves

ProsCons
This three-piece set is ideal for people who have limited wall space.Several reviewers experienced a variety of issues installing these shelves.
It includes two scratchable stairs and a cozy perch.
It has an espresso finish.
The perch can hold up to 30 pounds.
You can attach the stairs into drywall without a drill.
Best for Limited Space
PetFusion Cat Activity Wall Shelves
  • Doesn't take up much room
  • Includes scratchable stairs and a cozy perch
  • Attractive and straightforward design
  • Espresso finish
Check Amazon

5. Best Eco-Friendly Option: 7 Ruby Road Cat Hammock With Two Steps

The 7 Ruby Road Cat Hammock With Two Steps delivers compact, attractive, and user-friendly wall-mounted cat furniture with a hand-washable cotton hammock and sustainable, eco-friendly wood. 

The hammock is big enough for two small or one large cat and comes with an optional (add-on) pad for extra comfort. The steps are wrapped in jute rope for scratching and good traction. 

Your cat will lounge in comfort in its special hammock. Everything you need to install the set is included.

Reviewers indicated that the steps and hammock were flimsy and may not withstand the weight of heavier cats.

Pros and Cons of the 7 Ruby Road Cat Hammock With Two Steps

ProsCons
This compact wall-mounted cat tree includes two steps and a hammock.Reviewers indicated that the steps and hammock were flimsy and may not withstand the weight of heavier cats.
The hammock is made of hand-washable cotton and the wood is eco-friendly.
The hammock can accommodate two small or one large cat.
An optional (add-on) pad provides extra comfort.
The steps are wrapped in jute rope for scratching and traction.
Best Eco-Friendly Option
7 Ruby Road Cat Hammock Wall Mounted Cat Shelf
  • Sturdy wall perch supports up to two cats.
  • Includes steps covered in jute, to help cats reach hammock.
  • Hammock section is padded for extra comfort.
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

When choosing the best wall-mounted cat trees, there are three important factors you need to consider: stability, fit, and materials. Here is how to shop for the right fit for your home and cat as you look at these three factors.

Stability

There are two ways to look at the stability of a wall-mounted cat tree. The first is the construction. Your cat will jump and play all over it, so you want it to be made of sturdy materials that can withstand the activity without wobbling.

Second, unless you have a very small cat, most cat trees bolted into the wall without any floor support will be most stable when screwed into a wall stud. It is not required for every model, but it’s good to consider that option.

Fit

You want to make sure that the sleeping platform is big enough for your cat to lounge and enjoy. You also want all the pieces to fit into the space in your home where you would like to see them installed.

Materials

Some wall-mounted cat trees are only wood without any covering or padding. While this can be okay, and some cats don’t mind, platforms covered with carpet or material are more comfortable, and stairs covered with jute or sisal rope are less slippery, good for scratching, and easier to climb.

The Different Types of Wall Mounted Cat Trees: Pros and Cons Compared

When shopping for a wall-mounted cat tree, it is good to know about the available types. Each type fits into a different space, is a better fit for single or multiple cats, and has clear pros and cons.

Individual Components: Has three or more separate pieces you mount individually, such as two stairs and a platform.

ProsCons
Easier to fit into smaller wall spacesMay not be set up for multiple cats unless you use two or more sets
You can arrange the individual pieces to work for your catLimited climbing, scratching, and playing for your cat
They give your cat access to a private, elevated vantage pointTo mount the platform high enough, you may need to use existing furniture as your cat’s first step

An Expandable Modular System: You can start with a smaller set and continue to add new places for your cat to rest, play, scratch, and climb.

Pros
Cons
You can start small and add new pieces as your budget allowsCan take up considerable wall space
Great for multiple catsCan be expensive compared to the alternatives
There is plenty of space to play, jump, exercise, scratch, and lounge
Can include elevated feeders in houses with multiple pets

Includes Floor Base: Usually a single tower similar to a free-standing cat tower, these extend all the way to the floor.

PROSCONS
Stable since they are anchored to the wall and connected to the floorTakes up floor space while other wall-mounted options do not
Scratching posts connect the levelsMost only offer a vertical climbing experience
Can be placed in the corner of a roomSome are not very tall so your cat doesn’t get that above-everything perspective

Verified Review: User Experience

Most users rave about the CatastrophiCreations Garden Complex Shelf Set with Cat Grass Planter, which is why we gave it our top rating. They love how its modular nature allows them to customize an exciting exercise and rest area for their cats. They mention its sturdiness, even for multiple or larger than average cats. Users reported positive customer service experiences with the company who “bent over backward” or “responded promptly” to help them. Others mention that the complex is easy to install and customize once you get the hang of it but that you don’t need to put it all up at once. You can take your time and figure out what will work best in the room and for your cats. One reviewer said the stress relief provided by the wall-mounted system helped stop one cat’s bad habit of urinating in the wrong places. The consensus seems to be that it’s expensive but worth it!

Most reviews for the PetFusion Cat Activity Wall Shelves are positive, saying the shelves are sturdy and the cats love them. However, one user mentioned that his otherwise agile cat was not able to get onto the platform when he arranged the three pieces as shown in the product photo. He had to remove the steps, fill in holes, and place them differently so his cat could enjoy them.

The TRIXIE Wall Mount Cat Tree Lounge Set also has many raving reviews, saying the pieces are attractive and their cats love them. One user said it kept her cat off her desk, which was impossible before buying the set. The most frequent complaint about this system is the included hardware is not as sturdy as it can be, and the instructions are hard to follow. A few went ahead and purchased their own heavy-duty mounting hardware with good results. Several happy users strongly recommend bolting them into the wall studs for stability.

There was a similar consensus for the 7 Ruby Road Cat Hammock Wall Mounted Cat Shelf with Two Steps. Users report it looks good in the room, and their cats were climbing all over it right away. Several users say two cats can fit in the hammock, even when one is heavier than average. However, they strongly recommend mounting at least one side of the hammock into a wall stud and purchasing higher quality mounting screws than come with the set.

Purchasers of the Refined Feline Lotus Branch say it looks like home decor, not pet furniture. They say their cats love it, and many report their kitty was climbing on it before they finished mounting it. They recommend using the wall studs for stability and say it’s easier to install with two people since it’s heavy.

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About the Author

Growing up in rural New England on a small scale farm gave me a lifelong passion for animals. I love learning about new wild animal species, habitats, animal evolutions, dogs, cats, and more. I've always been surrounded by pets and believe the best dog and best cat products are important to keeping our animals happy and healthy. It's my mission to help you learn more about wild animals, and how to care for your pets better with carefully reviewed products.

The Best Wall-Mounted Cat Trees FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Do cats really like wall-mounted cat trees?

Most cats love perching on the highest object available, whether it’s your bookshelves or your refrigerator. Wall-mounted cat trees give them a place all their own where they can look down on their humans from on high.

If you have a senior cat or one with mobility issues, you can mount the cat tree above your couch or other furniture to make accessing their new perch easier. Alternatively, mount the shelves lower so they won’t have to jump as high.

Are wall-mounted cat trees safe?

A well-made wall-mounted cat tree is generally safe if it’s mounted per the manufacturer’s instructions. For example, most manufacturers recommend that you anchor components to wall studs, not drywall for stability.

You should also consider whether your cat exceeds the weight recommendations for the product. And if they have vision problems, including issues with depth perception, a conventional cat tree may be a safer option.

 

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.