A cat tree in an RV is not optional. It is the single most important modification you can make for a cat that lives or travels in a small space. Every adventure cat breed — Bengal, Maine Coon, Savannah, Siberian, Norwegian Forest Cat — defaults to elevated positions when stressed, bored, or simply existing. Without a designated vertical option, they use whatever is available: the dashboard, the overhead cabinets, the driver's seat headrest, the refrigerator top. A secured cat tree solves all of this.
The challenge is that most cat trees are designed for houses. They are wide, heavy, and built for stability on flat floors that do not move. RV and camper cat trees need a different set of priorities: compact footprint, low center of gravity or wall-mount capability, travel security, and enough height to satisfy a breed that would climb a real tree if you let it.
Here is what to look for and the best options available in 2026.
What to Look for in an RV Cat Tree
Compact footprint. Floor space in an RV is finite. A cat tree with a 24x24 inch base that works fine in a living room becomes a navigation obstacle in a 200 square foot RV. Look for trees with a footprint under 18x18 inches, or wall-mounted options that use vertical space without consuming floor space.
Travel security. A cat tree that tips during transit is a cat tree that becomes a projectile. Options for securing a cat tree in an RV include bungee cords to overhead storage, L-brackets to the wall, non-slip base pads, and purpose-built travel brackets. Verify that whatever you choose can be secured before you move.
Adequate height. This is where most compact cat trees fail. A 36-inch cat tree satisfies a small domestic cat. It does not satisfy a 16-pound Maine Coon or a long-legged Savannah. For adventure cat breeds, look for trees that reach at least 48-60 inches — tall enough to provide a genuinely elevated observation point.
Sisal scratching surface. Cats scratch. In an RV, the scratching target is whatever is available — which means your upholstery, your slide-out seals, and your cabinet edges. A cat tree with adequate sisal scratching surface redirects this behavior to an appropriate target.
Washable or replaceable components. RV life is harder on cat trees than home life. Outdoor debris, travel dust, and the general wear of a small space mean cat tree components need to be cleanable or replaceable. Avoid trees with components that cannot be removed and washed.
Best Cat Trees for RVs and Campers in 2026
Best Overall: Go Pet Club Cat Tree
The Go Pet Club line offers the best combination of height, compact footprint, and price for RV use. The 62-inch model reaches a genuinely useful height for large breeds while maintaining a footprint that works in most RV floor plans. Multiple perch levels, sisal scratching posts, and a hammock give cats varied options. The base is wide enough for stability but can be secured with non-slip pads and bungee cords for travel. Replaceable components are available directly from the manufacturer.
Best for: Full-time RVers with large breeds (Maine Coon, Savannah, Norwegian Forest Cat)
Height: 62 inches
Footprint: Approximately 20x20 inches
Price range: $60-90
Best Wall-Mounted Option: Catastrophic Creations Wall Shelves
Wall-mounted cat shelves eliminate the floor space problem entirely. Catastrophic Creations makes modular wall-mounted cat furniture that can be configured to fit any RV wall layout. The shelves are secured directly to wall studs — which means they do not move during transit and do not consume floor space. The modular system allows you to build a vertical climbing path from floor to ceiling in a narrow wall section. The installation requires locating wall studs in your RV, which varies by manufacturer.
Best for: Full-time RVers who want maximum vertical space with zero floor footprint
Height: Configurable to ceiling height
Footprint: Zero floor space
Price range: $150-300 depending on configuration
Best Compact Option: Frisco 48-Inch Cat Tree
The Frisco 48-inch tree hits the minimum useful height for adventure cat breeds while maintaining one of the smallest footprints in its category. The base is approximately 16x16 inches — small enough to fit in most RV floor plans without blocking traffic flow. Multiple perch levels and a top platform give cats options. The price point makes it a practical choice for weekend campers who want a dedicated cat tree without a significant investment.
Best for: Weekend campers and part-time RVers with medium-sized breeds
Height: 48 inches
Footprint: Approximately 16x16 inches
Price range: $50-70
Best for Large Breeds: Armarkat Cat Tree 72-Inch
For Maine Coons, Savannahs, and Norwegian Forest Cats, the 72-inch Armarkat provides the height that large breeds actually use. The top platform is wide enough for a 16-20 pound cat to sleep comfortably. The trade-off is footprint — the base is larger than compact options and requires more floor space. Best suited for larger RVs (Class A or fifth wheel) where floor space is less constrained. Secure with L-brackets to the wall for travel.
Best for: Large breed owners in Class A or fifth wheel RVs
Height: 72 inches
Footprint: Approximately 24x20 inches
Price range: $90-130
Best Budget Option: Amazon Basics Cat Tree
For campers who want a functional cat tree without significant investment, the Amazon Basics cat tree provides adequate height (50 inches), sisal scratching posts, and multiple perch levels at a price point that makes it practical for occasional use. The build quality reflects the price — it is not a long-term full-time RV solution, but it works well for weekend and short-trip campers.
Best for: Weekend campers and occasional RV users
Height: 50 inches
Footprint: Approximately 18x18 inches
Price range: $40-60
How to Secure a Cat Tree in an RV for Travel
A cat tree that is not secured for travel is a safety hazard. Options by security level:
- Non-slip base pad (minimum): A non-slip mat under the base prevents sliding on smooth RV floors during transit. Not sufficient for highway speeds or sharp turns, but adequate for slow campground movement.
- Bungee cords to overhead storage (good): Loop bungee cords from the top of the cat tree to overhead cabinet handles or storage hooks. Prevents tipping during normal highway driving. Quick to attach and remove.
- L-bracket to wall stud (best): A metal L-bracket secured to a wall stud and attached to the cat tree frame provides the most secure travel solution. Requires locating wall studs in your RV and drilling, but eliminates movement entirely. The preferred solution for full-time RVers.
- Purpose-built travel bracket: Some cat tree manufacturers offer travel brackets designed for RV use. Check manufacturer accessories before purchasing.
Cat Tree Placement in an RV
Placement matters as much as the tree itself. The best placement options in most RVs:
- Near the main window: Cats use the cat tree as an observation platform. Placement near the main RV window gives them a view of the campsite from an elevated position — the highest-value enrichment combination available in a small space.
- Against a wall with stud access: If you are using L-bracket securing, placement against a wall with accessible studs is required. Most RV walls have studs at 16-inch intervals — verify with a stud finder before drilling.
- Away from slide-out path: Verify that the cat tree does not interfere with slide-out operation before finalizing placement. A cat tree in the slide-out path is a cat tree that gets destroyed the first time you extend the slide.
- Not in the cab: Cat trees in the cab area create driver distraction and safety hazards during transit. Keep the cat tree in the living area, not the cab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats need a cat tree in an RV?
Yes — for adventure cat breeds specifically. Maine Coons, Savannahs, Bengals, Siberians, and Norwegian Forest Cats all default to elevated positions. Without a designated vertical option, they use whatever is available in the RV. A secured cat tree is the single most effective enrichment modification for a small space.
How do I keep a cat tree from falling in an RV while driving?
Non-slip base pad for minimum security. Bungee cords to overhead storage for normal highway driving. L-bracket to wall stud for the most secure solution. Full-time RVers should use L-bracket securing.
What height cat tree do I need for a large breed?
At least 48 inches for medium breeds. 60-72 inches for Maine Coons, Savannahs, and Norwegian Forest Cats. The top platform should be wide enough for the cat to sleep comfortably — at least 12x12 inches for large breeds.
Can I use wall-mounted cat shelves in an RV?
Yes — and for full-time RVers, wall-mounted shelves are often the better solution. They use zero floor space, are secured to wall studs (which means they do not move during transit), and can be configured to use the full ceiling height. The installation requires locating wall studs in your specific RV.
See also: Best Cat Trees for Small Spaces | Best Cat Beds for Small Spaces | How to Cat-Proof an RV | RV Living with Cats: The Complete Guide | The Complete Guide to RV Life With Cats