What’s the Best Scratching Post for Cats?

We’ve tried cutting our cats claws but she’s a little wriggler so every time she sees the clippers, she’s ready to bolt.

Fortunately, we have a range of scratching posts and cat trees throughout our home and this seems to go some way to keep her nails
sharp and short.

We wanted to gather together some of the top-rated products to find out what’s the best scratching post for cats and what makes them so popular with customers. 

In a hurry to get shopping?  Here are two cat scratching posts that are highly rated.  As always, we use affiliate links so if you click through and make a qualifying purchase, we may make a small commission at no cost to you 😊

Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Scratching Posts for Cats

You should think about the size of your cat.  Larger cats may want to sit on their back legs and scratch upwards so you should pick a bigger post or it might be better to choose a cat tree.  Measuring your cat from nose to tail and then comparing this to the manufacturer’s dimensions will help ensure you’re picking the right size.    

• Look at what your cat is doing when it’s clawing
  at furniture or wallpaper: do they scratch sitting or standing on their
  back legs upwards? or do they do it horizontally? Our cat does both but she seems to prefer an upright post so that’s what we usually buy. See what your cat does more often and buy accordingly.

• The more cats in your home the more posts you may need as some pets don’t like sharing. Place the posts wherever there’s a lot of
  foot traffic.
• Cat scratchers will take a battering so it’s important to pick one that’s durable. Customer reviews are often a useful way of seeing whether a product is robust enough to last a few months or years.
• Scratching posts are made from different types of material everything from sisal rope to cardboard and carpet. Sisal rope is one of the most popular types and can be replaced and rewound if necessary.
• If you travel with your cat a lot, then you can buy smaller scratching posts which would easily fit into a bag and could be used in a hotel room.

• If you have limited floor space (or if your cat doesn’t have many places to escape to), you might consider a cat tree.  Cat trees often have inbuilt scratchers and
  as they go up rather than across, they’re great for space-saving in apartments.  Cat trees also encourage climbing which will keep indoor cats happy.  

10 Best Scratching Post for Cats

Best Budget Scratching Post – AmazonBasics Cat Scratching Post and Hammock

Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It’s more towards the budget end of things but it has great reviews for being durable. You can add a dangling toy, too, to encourage playtime and scratching. 

We love how this is a cat hammock as well as a scratching post.  It provides a comfortable place for your cat to curl up and watch over their territory.

Key Features:

• Dimensions:15.75 x 15.75 x 19.69 inches
• Weighs: 8.95 Pounds
• It comes in 4-pieces but is very easy to accessible
• Use a vacuum to remove cat hair and shedding material
• Made from natural jute fiber

Pros

• It has two scratching posts with a soft hammock in between
• It comes in a choice of beige color or gray to suit the interior of your home
• There’s a dangling toy included to encourage play and indulge a hunting instinct.
• It’s an Amazon bestseller with over 12,000 reviews. 

Cons:

• Some customers have reported that it sheds quite a lot onto the floor. 

We really like how this is two posts and a hammock rather than just a single vertical post. We prefer the gray design to the beige but it’s great that you have a choice. 

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Best Scratching Post for Large Cats – SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post

Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

You’ll find a lot of cat trees for Maine Coons and large cats but some owners just want a simple scratching post.  This is a solid and durable post that’s big enough for large cats – but we’d always recommend measuring your own cat first. 

We love the neutral tone of this post.  Ideal if you don’t want it to stand out. 

Features:

• Project dimensions: 16 x 16 (base) x 35 inches
• Weight: 2.2 Pounds
• You use dowels to join the base pieces and then screws for the post
• Made from sisal fiber (not rope)

Pros:

• It allows the cat to get a full stretch
• Sturdy base which makes it harder to topple
• This is one of the more attractive cat scratching posts available and its neutral color means it should fit into most homes. 

Cons:

• You can’t switch the top and the bottom so if the very bottom or very top begins to age you can’t reverse it. 

We love how tall this is which makes it a viable option for large cats.  We’ve found a lot of cat posts do tend to me for small to medium cats so it’s great that this is available. 

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What’s the best cat scratching post to file nails? Petstages Cardboard Cat Scratchers

Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

We love how this includes extra activities including a feather tassel and a trackball.  Be sure to click through to the other items on the pages, too, as the company has a range of other designs that you may find more suitable. 

This is made from sisal rope which makes it durable and very well suited for filing nails. 

Features:

• Dimensions: 21 x 12.75 x 12.75 inches;
• Weighs: 3.31 Pounds
• It’s easy to assemble

Pros:

• Additional play elements included
• Catnip blasted
• Attractive design

Cons:

• Might not be tall enough for bigger cats. Always check before buying.

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Best Horizontal Scratching Pad – PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge

Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

We love how stylish this horizontal scratching post is and it should blend into the décor of almost all homes. It’s ideal for owners who don’t like some of the more traditional pet items. This isn’t just a scratcher – it’s also a comfortable surface for your cats to relax and lounge on. The manufacturer recommends that you put it in a sunny spot of the house and we think it’s a fab idea. 

You can reverse it so that you get twice the amount of usage from it.

Features:

• Dimensions: 34 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches
• Weighs: 7.5 Pounds
• It’s made from recycled corrugated cardboard, non-toxic corn starch glue, premium satin cardboard siding.
• No need to assemble

Pros

• You can attach them to the wall to make them into cat shelves, too.
• Has a cat nip scent to encourage cats to use it.
• Can be used for play with fishing line feather toys moved through the gaps.
• Featured on Animal Planet’s ‘My Cat from Hell’.
• The large surface area means more than one cat can use it at a time.  If you buy a second one, you have a much larger surface area. 

Cons:

• The shredded cardboard will eventually start to shed and make a small mess on your floor that will need to be swept or vacuumed up. 

This is one of our favorites because we just love the design.  We’ve got so many cat scratchers that look out of place in our home but this really blends in and most of our visitors don’t even realize it’s a cat scratcher. 

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Best Scratching Post for Kittens – 4 Paws Stuff Tall Cat Scratching Post

Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This scratching post is ideal for kittens but it could also be big enough for them to grow into. There are additional interactive play elements, too, which makes it more than just somewhere for your kitten to stick its claws into. 

It’s wrapped in sisal rope which is known to be a durable material for posts. 

Features:

• Dimensions: 11.41 x 11.41 x 22.04 inches
• Weight: 4.49 pounds
• Thick MDF base with Velcro included for stability
• Easy to assemble

Pros:

• Two toys for the cat to play with: marble moving ball in the base and a dangling pom-pom.
• Eco-friendly materials including the sisal rope

Cons:

 

• Some reviewers have written that it can tip over quite easily.

We really like the additional toys included in this which is why we’ve included it as ideal for kittens. There’s a lot to keep them occupied. 

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Best Fun Cat Scratch Post – VETRESKA Cactus Cat

Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

We absolutely love this cactus post.  It’s a fun and bold design that will instantly become a talking point for any visitors.   It comes in two sizes, too, so you can pick the right one for your cat and for your home. 

 It’s handmade which is why it looks so great

Features:

• The large is 17.7 x 17.7 x 41.3 inches
• The small is 14.6 x 14.6 x 31.5 inches
• The stable base makes it ideal for climbing 

Pros:

• It’s made from natural sisal which is one of the most durable materials for a scratching post
• It has a very cute and striking design
• The cactus arms encourage climbing

Cons:

• Whilst we love the design, we can imagine that a lot of people won’t.

It’s worth bearing in mind that there’s a cheaper $29 version being advertised by another company on social media.  This isn’t the same product and instead appears to be a scam – so please be careful about where you order it from. 

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Best lounge cat scratcher – Catit Cat Scratcher Boards with Catnip

Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is a really simple horizontal cat scratcher that would be ideal for anyone hoping to travel with a cat either in a motorhome or RV or go with their cat in a hotel room.  Of course, this is popular for use in the home, too. 

This has catnip included in it so help make it more attractive to your pet

Features

• Dimensions: 8.86 x 19.69 x 3.15 inches
• Weight: 12.8 Ounces
• Can be used either side up

Pros:

• It’s easy to store when not needed
• Includes cat nip
• Comes in a range of designs

Cons:

• Cardboard may eventually begin to shed and need sweeping or vacuuming up.

This has so many positive reviews on Amazon it’s hard not to include it in our list.  The horizontal element makes it ideal for cats more used to stretching out low and scratching than getting high-up. 

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Best floor to ceiling scratching post – S-Lifeeling Cat Climbing Toys Tower

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We were quite surprised to see that there weren’t all that many floor-to-ceiling cat scratching posts available on Amazon.  This was the best reviewed.  If you’re just looking for a multiple-level tower or post, then we’re reviewing some other types below.  We do like how simple this is and how high the post and the platforms are – ideal for cats who like to climb. 

This is ideal for people who are short on space.  The spring-loaded pressure pole won’t damage the ceiling but will keep it in place. 

Key Features:

• Dimensions:  27 cm x 43 cm (10.6inch x 17 inch), and 286 cm (113 inch) long.
• Each layer height is 55cm (21.6inch)
• Board thickness 1.5 cm
• Weighs 10 kg
• 4-planks and 4-posts to assemble
• Floor-to-ceiling range is from 90inch to 112inch 

Pros:

• The material is made from carpet which is easy to vacuum and less likely to shed over your floor.
• Using a floor-to-ceiling scratching post can be safer for more active cats who may topple smaller posts either. 
• This cat tree will help to keep claws short but is also a great way to encourage climbing.
• Comes in a range of three-colors

Cons:

• It’s not made in the USA which may not be ideal for everyone.

   

• If you want to use a sisal rope around the posts, you need to buy that separately. 

This is an example of how diverse the range of cat scratch posts can be. You don’t have to go small and you can buy a product that has more than one usage: good for claws, climbing and perches. 

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FAQs

Why does my cat run to the scratching post when I come home?

Your cat may be doing it for several reasons known only to them but here’s what we think our cat is doing when she does it to us. 

When we walk in our cat runs to the scratching post because she’s marking her territory. She’s making the area safe for her (and presumably us) and she may even be making the point that we’re welcome to come into it.

She’s also doing it because she’s excited and has had a burst of energy at seeing us walk in.

Why do cats like to scratch?

Cats are very territorial and they release pheromones through their paws to communicate the boundaries of their own space with other cats.  Putting a scratching post in a busy walkway of the house can help cats feel more at ease especially if you have an indoor cat.

Cats also use scratching to file their claws.  You may still have to give them a helping hand by using a clipper (or ask your vet) but outdoor cats will find trees and rough surfaces in the garden and neighborhood useful.

Scratching is also good exercise and it gives the cat a good stretch. You’ve no doubt already noticed how adept your cat is at doing yoga poses so scratching is a great way of pulling the muscles in their backs and legs tighter. 

It may also be that your cat just enjoys certain textures.  It’s an issue in our home because our little menace loves to scratch wallpaper or sofas seem to take the biggest hit in our household.

What type of scratching post is best for cats?

It depends on what texture your cat prefers but sisal rope is the most popular material and it’s also pretty durable.  Cardboard is another sort and is used in particular on horizontal loungers.  If you’re worried your cat might not be interested, you can always add catnip or buy one already infused with catnip to make it more enticing. 

How many scratching posts should a cat have?

We’d recommend that you have at least as many scratching posts as you have cats.  If you have an indoor cat, it’s good to give them a choice and you may find adding additional posts or loungers in your home will save your furniture. 

How often should you change cat scratching post?

It’ll depend on how much of a battering it takes. If you have more than one cat you may need to replace it sooner.  We’ve found that it’s quite obvious when we need to buy another one because you’ll see the cat struggling to use it effectively.

Sisal rope scratchers may just need to be re-wound around the post or you can buy a replacement rope if the base and post is still fine. 

 

We’ve bought posts that have lasted a couple of months and then others have lasted for two years.  One of our cat’s current posts is coming undone and has started to shed but she’s still getting a lot of pleasure from it.  There’s no reason to change a scratching post other than when it’s falling apart or if it’s too dirty to clean. 

Will a cat use a second-hand scratching post?

Some cats will happily use a second-hand post but not all.  As we mentioned earlier in the FAQs, cats use scratching posts to mark territory so even though humans can’t smell the pheromones used to do this – cat’s can. 

Your cat might find it stressful having the scent of another cat on its post.  You could try cleaning the post but we’d advise buying a new scratching post.  They don’t have to be expensive and it’ll ensure your cat isn’t left anxious about other cats stopping by. 

Is there a spray to keep cats from scratching furniture?

You can buy several products to help keep cats from scratching furniture. 

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Do scratching posts really work for cats?

Scratching posts do work for most cats but for stubborn felines you may have to try different sorts and styles to convince them to scratch a post and not your furniture.  You could try adding catnip or integrating play into the post.  We’ve listed a few above that have interactive toy elements or you could use your own things.  Cats can be fickle about new things so don’t be too discouraged if they don’t start using it right away.  Our cat wouldn’t touch one for two months until we moved it and now its her most used one.

The best scratching post for cats will look different to every owner.  You may be constrained by budget or by space or you might want something with a little design to compliment your décor.  There’s a big range of posts available for you to pick from and we hope we’ve helped to narrow down the search. 

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