Big Cat Trees: Why They’re a Game-Changer for Active, Large, or Multi-Cat Homes

If your cat is big, energetic, or you have more than one feline in the household, you know the usual towers and scratch posts often don’t cut it. They wobble, break, or don’t offer enough room. That’s where big cat trees come in: tall, sturdy, multi-level structures built to hold weight, give multiple resting places, scratching surfaces, hideouts—and to help cats feel safe, active, and satisfied with their territory.

The Big Cat Trees collection at The Licker Store offers a variety of premium options to meet these needs. In this post, I’ll explore what big cat trees do for your cats, what to look for when buying one, how The Licker Store’s models stack up, and ways to combine them with other cat essentials like litter, wall mounts, trees, harnesses, and more.

Why Big Cat Trees Make a Big Difference

Large or active cats have special needs. They leap harder, weigh more, stretch longer, and often demand more vertical space. Smaller towers or makeshift scratchers tend to be limiting or unsafe in such cases. A well-designed big cat tree addresses several of these issues:

• Stability and safety: A solid base, well-anchored posts, and thick platforms prevent wobble or tipping when a heavy cat jumps or leaps.

• Multiple perches / rest spots: Big cats like options—high vantage points, mid-level ledges, cozy hideaways. Multi-level trees let each cat pick where they feel most comfortable.

• Space to stretch and scratch: Extra large platforms and long scratching surfaces give more room. Cats love to stretch, scratch full extension; cramped poles don’t suffice.

• Endurance: Wood, thick plywood, durable carpeting or sisal, strong fasteners—all build to last longer under heavier loads and frequent use.

For multi-cat homes, big cat trees are even more essential. They provide dispersed vertical territory which reduces conflicts over space and gives shy cats places to retreat.

What to Look for in a Big Cat Tree

When you’re shopping for a big cat tree, especially one that will serve a heavy or large cat (or multiple cats), these features matter:

• Strong foundations: The base has to be wide and heavy. It should resist tipping over when a cat jumps from the top or side.

• High weight capacity: Look for manufacturer specifications on how much each level can hold; choose a tree built to support your cat’s size plus a margin.

• Height and level variety: Big cat trees are most useful when they offer different heights—lower levels for gentle access, higher levels for climbing and observation.

• Scratch surfaces: Integrated scratching posts (wrapped in sisal rope or heavy-duty carpet) are needed. Replacing or reinforcing scratch areas should be possible.

• Durable materials: Use solid plywood, thick posts, real wood or strong composite bases. Carpet or fabric surfaces should be tightly attached.

• Comfort features: Larger or wider platforms, hideout boxes or dens for privacy, thick padding or mats for restful naps.

Highlights from The Licker Store’s Big Cat Trees Collection

The Licker Store’s Big Cat Trees line gives a strong selection of models designed for cats who demand more. Some of the names and prices as of the latest catalog include:

• Rylie Cat Scratcher – approx US $57.99 — a lighter option, likely scratcher + perch style, good for smaller big cats or supplementary usage. The Licker Store

• Sawyer Cat Tree – approx US $326.99 — top of the line in this collection; lots of levels, multiple platforms, lots of space. The Licker Store

• Aisling Cat Tree – US $126.99 The Licker Store

• Aurora Cat Tree, Pixie Cat Tree, Socorro Cat Scratcher, Rosa Cat Scratcher among others. Each with varying height, number of levels, design styles. The Licker Store

What stands out is the range: you have lower-cost models for those wanting a single large perch or scratcher, and premium models for multi-tier, multi-cat structures with substantial height. This gives cat owners flexibility depending on space, budget, and cat needs.

Matching Big Cat Trees with Your Home Setup

To get the best performance (for both you and your cats), big cat trees should be well integrated into your home. Here are ways to do that:

• Positioning: Place near windows if possible. Cats love vantage points to observe outdoor activity. Also consider where cats naturally like to jump—placing a platform where they can leap from furniture or cushions is helpful.

• Room layout: Leave clearance so that when your cat jumps or dismounts, they have space. Avoid placing the tree where people frequently walk so it doesn’t obstruct movement or get bumped into.

• Combine with wall-mounted pieces: Big cat trees are great as anchor pieces, but sometimes you can complement them with Wall-Mounted Cat Trees to give cats pathways, perches, or escape routes up the walls.

• Use with quality litter: A big tree doesn’t solve litter issues, so pair it with good litter options like those from Clay Cat Litter or buying in bulk from Bulk Cat Litter. Clean litter boxes plus interesting vertical space equals fewer behavioral issues (e.g. litter avoidance).

• Outdoor access alternatives: If you take your cat outside with Harnesses and Leashes, the big cat tree gives them a cozy return spot inside.

Care, Maintenance, and Things to Watch Out For

Even the best big cat trees need care. Here are tips to keep them durable and safe:

• Tighten bolts and fasteners occasionally. Wood and materials can shift over time under load, especially with large cats jumping.

• Replace worn or frayed scratch surfaces promptly. If scratching posts are damaged, cats may start scratching furniture instead.

• Clean surfaces and pads. Use removable, washable mats or pillows for perches; vacuum or clean carpeting or fabric surfaces.

• Monitor stability. If a platform wobbles or leans, address it before it becomes unsafe.

• Consider how seasonal factors impact the tree—humidity, dryness, indoor heating or cooling may affect wood or fasteners.

Pros and Limits of Big Cat Trees

Big cat trees offer many upsides but also come with trade-offs. Knowing both helps you make the best choice.

What you gain:

• Much more vertical and resting territory for your cat(s).

• Greater durability; more robust design.

• Better for large cats who need more space and stronger surfaces.

• Reduced competition / territorial issues if there are multiple cats.

What to be mindful of:

• Big cat trees are expensive, especially premium models like Sawyer. Budget accordingly.

• They take up more floor space; require room height, clearance for jumps, and weight capacity.

• Assembly may be more complex; shipping heavy items can cost more.

• Maintenance more intensive—multiple levels, platforms, scratching surfaces.

Final Thoughts: Is a Big Cat Tree Right for You?

If your cat is large, active, or if you have more than one feline, investing in a big cat tree is almost always a good move. It makes the home far more engaging for your cat, gives them outlets for climbing, scratching, resting, and reduces unwanted behavior triggered by boredom or lack of space.

If you go with one from The Licker Store’s Big Cat Trees collection, pick a model that matches your space, weight needs, and design preferences. Pair it with good litter (clay or bulk), offer wall-mounts for extra routes, maintain it well, and your cat will enjoy the height and comfort for years.