Tallest residential cat-scratching tree

The tallest cat-scratching tree in a domestic setting is a concrete structure that stands 4.9 m (16 ft 1 in) high from the floor to a “crow’s nest” at the top and has been constructed in the home of Will Powers (USA) in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, as measured on 18 June 2025.

The tree, which has been given a lifelike appearance, with twisting branches, rough bark and a series of vines and bracket toadstools running up the trunk, was crafted from some 2,100 lb (950 kg) of concrete. It was built and painted by fantasy sculptor Arend Smith of Ravendark Creations. As well as the fungi, which can be used by cats as a means to scale the tree, there is another route they can take through the hollow trunk.

The tree is part of a dedicated “cat habitat” which is a section of the house given over to the feline residents. There is an exit in the base of the tree that leads down to another level which is essentially a giant litter box (measuring 8 x 5 x 5 ft; 96 x 60 x 60 in). This in turn has a porthole that leads out into an outdoor enclosure with shelves and plants that Will has dubbed the “catio”; beneath this (the “under catio”) there is yet another space being nurtured into a moss garden, which offers another access point – into the house’s basement – for an alternative entry/exit for the cats.

The Powers household is well acquainted with superlative feline feats. It has been the source of two cats to hold the record of tallest domestic cat (including the current holder – Fenrir, a Savannah cat who stood 47.83 cm (18.83 in) to the shoulder as of 29 January 2021); and also two holders of the longest tail on a domestic cat, most recently Maine Coon Altair, with a 40.83-cm (16.07-in) tail as confirmed on 25 October 2021, though this has since been claimed by another Maine Coon named Mr Pugsley Addams.