Living in a small apartment with a cat can be tricky. You want to give your furry friend a fun space to climb, scratch, and nap—but you also need to save room for yourself. That’s where the question comes in: cat tree or cat shelves?
Both are great for cats, but which one works better for small homes?
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each and help you decide what’s best for your space.
Cat Trees: Compact, Tall, and All-in-One
A cat tree is like a mini playground for your cat. It usually comes with scratching posts, platforms to jump on, and cozy spots to rest.
Why Cat Trees Work for Small Spaces
If you choose the right design, a cat tree can take up very little floor space but still give your cat lots of room to explore.
For example, some Mewcats cat trees are built to be only 2 square feet at the base, but rise up to 6 feet tall. That means you’re using vertical space instead of crowding your floor. It’s perfect for apartments or small rooms.
You can place the tree against a wall or in a corner to keep it out of the way. This setup lets your cat climb and play without taking over your entire living area.
Bonus: No Drilling Required
Unlike wall shelves, cat trees don’t need to be drilled into your walls. If you’re renting or want something easy to move, this is a big plus.
Cat Shelves: Sleek and Customizable
Cat shelves are mounted directly to the wall. They’re simple, stylish, and can be arranged in creative ways.
Why Cat Shelves Are Great
- They don’t use floor space, which is great if every inch counts.
- You can make a climbing path along a hallway or above your couch.
- Some shelves double as wall art and make your space look modern.
But keep in mind—you do need to drill holes in your wall to install them. This may not be allowed in some rentals, and shelves can be harder to move once installed.
Also, cat shelves usually don’t offer built-in scratching areas or enclosed resting spots. So you may still need to buy extra pieces like a scratching post or cat bed.
Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Cat Tree | Cat Shelves |
| Uses Floor Space | Yes (small footprint) | No |
| Easy to Move | Yes | No |
| Needs Drilling | No | Yes |
| Scratching Posts | Yes | Usually no |
| Cozy Resting Areas | Yes | No |
| Customizable Layout | No | Yes |
If you want a quick, ready-to-use solution that gives your cat everything in one place—go with a cat tree. Especially if you’re short on time, don’t want to drill, or plan to move soon.
If you want to design your own wall setup and don’t mind installing shelves—cat shelves can be a fun and space-saving option.
Final Thoughts
Both cat trees and cat shelves are great for small spaces—you just need to choose the one that fits your lifestyle best.
If you want something easy, stable, and full of features, a cat tree for apartments is a smart choice.
If you love DIY and want a custom look, cat wall shelves are a stylish option.
Either way, your cat will thank you for giving them more room to play, climb, and nap.
Want to find the best space-saving cat furniture? Check out our collection at Mewcats.com and give your cat a home they’ll love—even in a small space.
