Choosing a cat tree for a small apartment: start with the footprint
SMALL-SPACE CAT GUIDE
The cat tree looks small in the photo. Then it arrives, and the bottom platform takes up the only clear path to the window.
Before you compare colors or count sleeping platforms, work out how much room you can spare. A few measurements will help you narrow the options without guessing from a product picture.
1. Mark out the space on your floor
Pick a possible spot and measure its width and depth. Include the skirting board, nearby furniture and anything that swings into the space, such as a door or cupboard.
Use a piece of paper or removable tape that is suitable for your floor to outline the listed base dimensions. Walk past it. Open the nearby doors. If the outline is already in the way, a tower above it won’t solve the problem.
2. Look beyond the base measurement
A bed, ladder or upper platform may stick out farther than the base. Check the overall dimensions as well as the footprint. If a listing doesn’t make the difference clear, ask the seller before ordering.
Height needs a separate check. Measure beneath shelves and sloping ceilings, and consider how you will reach the upper surfaces for cleaning.
3. Compare the trade-offs
| Option | Space to check | Before you choose |
|---|---|---|
| Compact freestanding tree | Base and overhanging platforms | Assembly, stability and any required wall anchoring |
| Wall-mounted shelves | Wall area and access around furniture | Wall construction, suitable fixings and landlord permission |
| Low perch and separate scratcher | The combined footprint of both pieces | Whether the arrangement suits your cat and the room |
No format is automatically the best. A wall shelf saves floor area, but it introduces installation requirements. Two small pieces can be easier to place, but together they may use more room than one tower.
4. Read the details that matter after delivery
- Stated capacity: check the manufacturer’s limits and intended use, especially for more than one cat.
- Perch dimensions: compare the usable resting area, not just the width of the whole tree.
- Cleaning: find out which covers come off and follow the care instructions.
- Replacement parts: check whether worn covers or scratching sections can be replaced.
- Returns: read the terms for an assembled item and keep the packaging until you have checked the fit.
Your measuring checklist
Write down the available width, depth and height; the product’s base and overall dimensions; and any installation requirements. Keep that note beside you while comparing listings. It is easier to rule out a poor fit on paper than to repack it later.
Follow the specific manufacturer’s installation and use instructions for any product you choose.