A cat tree for a small apartment should fit your cat's resting and climbing needs as well as your floor plan. Measure the full footprint, projecting platforms, usable perch space, and the route onto and off the tree. Then check the exact model's stability and installation requirements before deciding whether its height is an advantage.
A compact base alone does not make a tree a good fit. The following room-fit exercise helps you compare cat furniture at PawShips without guessing from a photograph.
Map the space the whole tree will occupy
Choose a possible location and measure its width, depth, and available height. Include baseboards, shelves, door swings, curtains, vents, and nearby furniture. Read whether the advertised dimensions describe the base or the widest assembled point; an upper hammock can project well beyond a small square base.
Use removable tape that is suitable for your flooring to outline the base. Mark any overhang separately. Walk past it carrying your usual laundry basket or grocery bag. Open nearby doors and drawers. If the arrangement makes everyday movement awkward, revise the location before ordering.
Do not leave loose tape where a pet can play with it. Remove the markings after the exercise and keep the measurements on a room sketch.
Measure the places your cat will actually use
Compare a perch's usable interior with a resting spot your cat already enjoys. Outer dimensions may include a raised rim or thick padding. For enclosed compartments, ask for the entrance dimensions and inside floor area, not just the overall tower size.
Trace the proposed climbing route from the floor. Which platform comes first? How far apart are the next steps? Can your cat turn around and descend without needing to leap onto an unrelated shelf? Choose an accessible arrangement for the individual cat. If jumping or climbing has become difficult, discuss that change with your veterinarian rather than selecting a taller challenge.
| Measurement | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Base width and depth | Where the supports sit on your floor. |
| Maximum assembled width and depth | Whether platforms or hammocks extend into a walkway. |
| Usable perch and compartment space | Whether the resting areas match your cat's preferred sleeping space. |
| Step positions and overall height | Whether there is a workable route up and back down. |
Check stability and required anchoring
Read the assembly manual before buying. Find the stated load limits, intended number of cats, support requirements, and any wall attachment. Do not assume that a tall freestanding tree is acceptable without its supplied restraint.
Installation details can be specific to the product and wall. For example, TRIXIE's instructions for model 49890 distinguish mounting methods for different wall constructions and call for two adults. That illustrates why a generic screw or an improvised fixing is not a substitute for the selected model's manual. It is not a claim that PawShips stocks that model.
In a rental, resolve required fixing permissions before ordering. If the prescribed installation is not possible, compare a different design whose complete setup you can follow. After assembly, check all fittings as directed and stop use if the structure loosens or becomes unstable.
Choose the location from your cat's point of view
Cats Protection's indoor-cat guidance includes places to climb, hide, scratch, and rest. A tree can contribute several of these opportunities, but it does not need to provide everything in one corner.
Review the surroundings at each platform height. Keep the tree away from accessible blind cords, heaters, and unsecured windows or balconies. A pleasing view is useful only when access remains secure. Preserve an open approach and an easy way down; do not wedge the tree into a position where another pet can block the only route.
For several cats, consider whether separate resting locations would serve them better than crowding all their resources onto one tower. Our indoor-cat enrichment routine helps you plan the wider room. If you mainly need another resting spot, compare cat beds as a separate option.
Complete your room-fit worksheet
- Chosen location and available space: __________
- Base and widest assembled dimensions: __________
- Usable resting area and entrance size: __________
- Route up and down: __________
- Required anchoring and wall compatibility: __________
- Doorway, cord, window, and cleaning checks: __________
- Missing measurements to request: __________
For scratching-surface comparisons, use our cat scratching-post guide. Choose the tree only after both the room worksheet and the installation instructions make sense for your home.
Photo: Arina Krasnikova / Pexels