Best Cat Trees for American Shorthairs: What Actually Works

Best Cat Trees for American Shorthairs: How I’d Choose One That’s Actually Worth It

If you have an American Shorthair, you’ve probably noticed something pretty funny about them: they look like serious little “couch managers,” but the second they spot a bird outside the window, a bug in the corner, or a wand toy moving around, their inner hunter suddenly wakes up.

So when I started looking into Best Cat Trees for American Shorthairs, I quickly realized that choosing the right cat tree isn’t really about finding the tallest one.

What matters more is stability, platform size, comfortable jumping routes, durable scratching posts, and—perhaps most importantly—whether your cat will actually use it.

That last part matters.

Because buying a beautiful cat tree only to watch your cat choose the cardboard box instead is one of those classic experiences every cat owner knows too well.

American Shorthairs are medium-to-large, solidly built cats. Adults typically weigh around 6–15 pounds, with males often being heavier. They’re generally easygoing and adaptable, but they still enjoy playing, exploring, and climbing.

That means a good cat tree needs to serve two purposes at once:

It should work as both a climbing gym and a piece of furniture.

Why Are American Shorthairs Especially Well Suited to a Good Cat Tree?

I don’t think of a cat tree as simply “a tall shelf for cats.”

For an American Shorthair, it can function more like a small vertical activity zone.

These cats aren’t necessarily running around the house like tiny parkour athletes all day. They tend to be fairly laid-back, but they still need regular activity and enjoy playing, jumping, observing, and exploring. PetMD also lists climbing cat trees among suitable activities for American Shorthairs.

There’s another characteristic of this breed that I think is especially important:

They love to observe.

And windows can be incredibly entertaining.

If you can place a cat tree near a safe window where your cat can watch birds, people, trees, or whatever else is happening outside, it can become much more than something your cat climbs once and ignores. It can turn into a favorite daily observation post.

When I evaluate a cat tree, I like to think of it as a tiny apartment:

I think of it almost like a tiny apartment: a place to climb, a lookout spot, somewhere comfortable to nap, and a built-in scratching gym.

Once you look at it that way, choosing one becomes much easier.

1. My First Priority: Stability, Not Height

This is one of the easiest things to overlook.

A cat tree labeled “70-inch cat tree” might sound impressive. But if the base is narrow, the structure wobbles, and the top platform is tiny, that extra height doesn’t mean much.

American Shorthairs are solid, muscular cats. TICA also describes the breed as having a strong and well-balanced build.

So I’d much rather choose:

A slightly shorter cat tree with a wide base and solid construction

than:

A cat-tree skyscraper that starts wobbling every time the cat jumps onto it.

This becomes especially important with larger adult males.

When I’m evaluating a cat tree, I pay close attention to:

1.The size of the base.
2.How the posts and platforms are connected.
3.Whether each platform feels stable.
4.Whether the center of gravity shifts when the cat jumps.
5.Whether the tree needs to be secured to the wall.

If the cat tree is going on hardwood, tile, or another slippery surface, I also pay attention to whether the bottom has an effective non-slip design.

After all, your cat is not going to read the instruction manual and rethink its jumping strategy.

2. Platform Size Matters More Than the Number of Levels

This is something I care about a lot when choosing a cat tree for an American Shorthair.

Imagine a cat tree with seven or eight levels, but every platform is tiny.

It may look impressive, but a full-grown cat might not actually feel comfortable using it.

That’s especially true for a larger American Shorthair.

I’d rather have a few spacious resting platforms.

Your cat should be able to lie down completely, turn around, stretch, or even let its front paws hang over the edge. That’s much more useful than simply giving the cat a higher place to stand.

Pay attention to how your cat normally sleeps.

If your cat likes to:

• Curl up into a ball, look for a cozy enclosed or nest-style platform.
  
• Sprawl out, prioritize larger platforms.
  
• Sleep stretched out on its side, look for generous resting areas.
  
• Watch the outdoors, consider the height and position of the top platform in relation to the window.

In other words, don’t choose the cat based on the size of the cat tree. Choose the cat tree based on your cat’s body and habits.

3. A Scratching Post Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought

American Shorthairs still have plenty of natural instincts to chase, pounce, scratch, and explore.

Purina also notes that the breed enjoys play that allows it to exercise its hunting instincts.

That’s why I want a cat tree to include at least one scratching area that a cat can actually use properly.

The height and placement of the scratching post matter quite a bit.

Cats don’t just scratch to sharpen their claws. They also use scratching as a way to stretch their bodies.

If the post is too short, your cat can only hunch over and scratch a little.

If the post is tall enough, the cat can extend its front legs, stretch its body, and really lengthen itself. That’s much closer to the natural scratching motion cats are built for.

So instead of cramming ten tiny toys onto a cat tree, I’d rather see one or two genuinely sturdy, appropriately sized scratching posts.

Durability matters more than quantity.

4. Multiple Routes Can Make a Big Difference for American Shorthairs

I used to be easily impressed by complicated cat-tree designs.

The more platforms, tunnels, ladders, and little structures, the more interesting they looked.

But cats don’t necessarily need a maze.

A truly functional design should let a cat move naturally:

Climb up → observe → jump to another level → rest → climb back down.

That’s what I mean by having multiple routes.

If the gaps between platforms are too large, your cat has to make a big jump every time. That may be perfectly fine for a young, athletic cat, but it isn’t necessarily the most comfortable setup for an older or heavier cat.

On the other hand, when the platforms create a logical progression, the cat can move at its own pace.

For a young American Shorthair, that can encourage more activity.

For a mature or senior cat, it can make getting around much easier.

So I don’t simply count the number of levels. I look at whether the entire structure creates a natural vertical path.

5. Is a 70-Inch Cat Tree Automatically Better Than a 51-Inch One?

Not necessarily.

This is probably one of the easiest traps to fall into when shopping for a cat tree.

There are plenty of tall solid-wood cat trees on the market. For example, Mewzoom currently offers designs including the 67-inch Okra Modern Cat Tower, 70-inch Natural Dainty Solid Wood Cat Tree, and 70-inch Mewswing.

But I wouldn’t decide that one is better for a particular cat simply because “70 inches” is a bigger number.

If your ceilings are high, your cat loves climbing, and you have plenty of room, a tall cat tree can provide excellent vertical space.

But if:

• Your room is small.
  
• Your cat is getting older.
  
• Your cat doesn’t particularly enjoy high places.
  
• You have furniture restrictions.
  
• The cat tree needs to fit into a tight corner.

Then a 51-inch design—or even something shorter—could be a much better choice.

What I really want is the right height for this particular cat, not the biggest number on the product page.

6. Why Consider a Solid-Wood Cat Tree?

If I had to choose between a lightweight structure that feels wobbly and a sturdy solid-wood design, I’d usually lean toward the latter.

The reason is pretty simple:

A cat tree isn’t a decorative shelf.

It may have to handle jumping, scratching, climbing, and the occasional full-speed launch every single day.

Mewzoom’s current product lineup includes several cat trees made with solid-wood construction, including the Okra, Natural Dainty, Mewswing, and Lonra series.

Solid wood doesn’t automatically make a cat tree “the best,” of course. But it’s one structural feature I’d definitely consider when comparing options.

At the same time, I’d still check:

• The thickness of the wood panels.
  
• The quality of the connectors.
  
• The size of the base.
  
• How the platforms are supported.
  
• Whether the screws are likely to loosen over time.
  
• Whether the cushions and fabric surfaces are easy to clean.

Because the words “solid wood” can’t replace good structural engineering.

7. I’d Definitely Give Your Cat a Quiet Place to Retreat

American Shorthairs are generally easygoing and adaptable. TICA describes them as a breed that adjusts well to family life.

But being adaptable doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate having their own private space.

I’d look for a cat tree with features such as:

• A semi-enclosed cat house.
  
• A separate resting platform.
  
• A soft cushion.
  
• An elevated observation spot.

This becomes especially useful if you have children, dogs, or multiple cats at home.

Having a spot where your cat can retreat and relax without being bothered can make a big difference.

Sometimes your cat isn’t avoiding you.

It’s simply saying:

“I need five minutes of peace.”

8. Where Should You Put the Cat Tree?

This is one of those details people often overlook, even though it can directly affect how often the cat tree gets used.

If you put a beautiful cat tree in the darkest corner of the house while your cat’s favorite place is next to the window, there’s a good chance you’ve just purchased an expensive clothes rack.

I’d usually consider three locations first.

Near a Window

Great for cats that enjoy watching the world outside.

Birds, tree branches, cars, people walking by—your cat may find all of that considerably more entertaining than whatever is on TV.

In the Living Room

Ideal for cats that like being around their humans.

American Shorthairs are generally affectionate while still retaining a degree of independence.

So giving them a high place where they can observe everyone’s activities is a pretty natural setup.

In a Quiet Corner

A good choice for cats that value sleep and downtime.

Just make sure the cat tree isn’t sitting in a doorway, narrow walkway, or another place where someone is likely to bump into it.

9. How Should You Choose for an American Shorthair at Different Ages?

Kittens

I’d focus more on:

• Lower platforms.
  
• Easy climbing routes.
  
• A stable base.
  
• Soft resting areas.

Kittens definitely have energy.

But having energy and having good judgment about distances are two very different things.

Adult Cats

This is the stage where a more complete cat-tree setup can really shine.

You can look for:

• A higher observation platform.
  
• Multiple levels.
  
• Long scratching posts.
  
• Large resting areas.
  
• Plenty of room for play.

Senior Cats

This is when I’d consciously move away from the “higher is always better” mindset.

What matters more is:

• Reasonable distances between platforms.
  
• Easy access to lower levels.
  
• No need for repeated big jumps.
  
• Spacious resting areas.
  
• Excellent stability and traction.

As cats get older, their needs change.

Their cat tree should change with them.

10. The Simple Checklist I’d Use Before Buying

If I were choosing a cat tree for an American Shorthair today, I’d evaluate it in this order:

First, stability.

Does it stay solid when the cat jumps onto it?

Second, the platforms.

Can an adult cat comfortably lie down on them?

Third, the scratching posts.

Are they sturdy and tall enough for a full-body stretch?

Fourth, the routes.

Can the cat move naturally between levels?

Fifth, the location.

Does it fit somewhere your cat actually likes to spend time?

Sixth, cleaning.

Are the cushions and fabric surfaces easy to clean, especially around areas where fur tends to collect?

Seventh, age.

The needs of a kitten, adult cat, and senior cat aren’t the same.

Appearance comes last.

That said, I’ll admit that appearance isn’t completely irrelevant.

After all, the cat tree is going in your home, not a warehouse.

A lot of modern solid-wood cat trees are now designed to blend more naturally with home interiors. Mewzoom’s current lineup, for example, includes everything from minimalist wooden towers and woven details to taller multi-level cat towers.

I think that’s a good thing.

Cats deserve comfortable furniture, but humans shouldn’t have to stare at something that looks like a children’s indoor playground every day.

Best Cat Trees for American Shorthairs: My Final Take

If I had to sum it up in one sentence:

When choosing a cat tree for an American Shorthair, don’t just buy the tallest one. Look for one that’s stable, spacious, scratch-friendly, comfortable for sleeping, and actually suited to your cat’s habits.

American Shorthairs generally have a nice balance of activity, curiosity, and adaptability. They don’t necessarily need a giant cat castle, but they can absolutely benefit from a vertical space that lets them climb, scratch, rest, play, and observe.

Veterinary and breed resources such as PetMD, TICA, and other cat-care sources all recognize the American Shorthair as an active, curious breed that can benefit from opportunities for play and climbing.

I’d especially recommend watching your cat for a day before buying anything.

Where does it sleep?

Does it regularly jump onto cabinets or furniture?

What does it like to scratch?

Does it love looking out the window, or does it prefer following you around the house?

Is your cat a “climb to the top” type or more of a “claim the couch” type?

The answers will tell you more than any product specification sheet ever could.

A good cat tree isn’t really about making your home look more like a “cat household.”

Its real value is giving your cat a little vertical world of its own—a place to stretch, scratch, nap in the sun, keep an eye on the room, and then casually claim the highest platform right when you’re getting ready for bed.

Because in the cat world, the highest spot usually has an owner.

And you already know who it is.