If you’re a cat parent with scratched furniture you may weLl be wondering what is the best cat scratching post. Whether your cat goes outside or spends most of her time indoors you’ll need a post for her to scratch.
In this article we’ll be looking at six of the best cat scratching posts available at the moment, plus why your kitty needs to sharpen her claws. I may receive a small commission on any sales made but this in no way reflects the price you pay.
How to pick the right scratching post for your cat
If you’ve ever wandered around a pet store you’ll probably have seen a vast selection of scratching posts in all shapes and sizes.
You’ll have noticed how some are very elaborate, while others are just plain poles covered in sisal or some other type of rope. You’re first thought may be to pick something that will look good in your home.
However, you also need to see things from your cat’s point of view. While I’m not suggesting you ask, just try to think like a cat!
If you make a good choice your cat will stop clawing the arm of the sofa in preference for the scratching post. If your cat goes outdoors she’ll probably sharpen her claws on the nearest tree or fence post. However, indoors, a table leg can make a great alternative!
Things to consider
Some of the things you need to consider include height and sturdiness of the post. Cats need to stretch full length, so a large cat will need a taller pole. In contrast, a little kitten or small cat will be fine with a shorter one.
Sturdiness is also essential as a heavy cat can easily topple a scratching post if it’s not sturdy. If this were to happen to your cat, she may well revert back to her favorite table leg!
Another important thing to consider when choosing a scratching post is the material. Your cat loves shredding and the more noise the better. If you’ve ever had important papers shredded by your cat you’ll know what I mean!
Though I’m sure a four legged paper shredder may be good in some cases, I’m certain you’d rather most of your papers stayed intact!
Carpet can often be the preferred choice of cats, but if you want your best carpet to remain in one piece, I don’t recommend a scratching post with carpet covering.
This is because your cat will assume it’s ok to tear your carpet as well as the the post! Unfortunately, unless your cat is very clever she won’t know the difference, or not care!
There are a variety of materials with sisal being one of the most popular. This is because it’s durable and has a similar texture to tree bark. Jute or hemp is another option, but is softer and less durable.
Cardboard scratchers have become a popular alternative to posts. However, though cheaper, most are easily shredded and not durable.
In addition, you may find yourself forever cleaning up bits of cardboard off your floor. Wooden posts are a bad idea as they can leave splinters in your cat’s toes.
Octagon Cat Scratching Post, Mushroom Scratching Post for Kittens & Cat, Natural Sisal Cat Scratchers for Indoor Cats (Brown
Octagon mushroom scratching post is suitable for small kittens, but isn’t tall enough to allow adult cats enough vertical space to stretch.
The mushroom scratching pots and patch of grass look cute and will help encourage your kitten to sharpen her claws. However, you may want to place a few toys on the base to make it even more tempting.
A few customers reported the base not being heavy enough to stop it tipping over. However, it’s only designed for kittens, so shouldn’t be a problem.
The poles are covered in 100% natural sisal rope, making it safe for your furry friend to bite and chew. In addition, it’s easy to assemble with only two steps required for each mushroom.
Average rating 4.5 out of 5
You can buy Octagon mushroom scratching post here
PAWZ Road 32″ Cats Ultimate Scratching Post
Pawz road scratching post is ideal for adult cats of all sizes. At 32 inches tall it provides plenty of vertical space for your cat to stretch her muscles.
A large wooden base ensures the post keeps steady and doesn’t topple over. In addition, a covering of plush fabric makes it comfortable for your cat to stand on.
The top plank is also covered in plush fabric and can make a great place for perching and surveying the surroundings. In addition you get a hanging toy to encourage your cat to swat and pounce.
The post is covered with 100% sisal rope, making it safe as well as durable. Sisal is a tough, natural material taken from a plant native to Mexico.
It can stand up to plenty of rough treatment and doesn’t shred easily. This is what makes it perfect for scratching posts.
Assembly is easy and only requires 2 screws which are included. In addition you also get step by step instructions.
Average rating 4.6 out of 5
You can buy Pawz road scratching post here.
Coching Cat Scratcher Cardboard Curved Shape Scratch Pad with Premium Scratch Textures Design Durable Scratching Pad Reversible
Though I previously said most cardboard cat scratchers don’t last very long, I included Coching as it’s made from heavy duty cardboard. This makes it much stronger and less liable to shred.
Made from 100% recycled cardboard, and corn starch glue, it’s safe and environmentally friendly. In addition, the texture of the scratcher resembles tree bark which cats love tearing.
Coching scratch pad is reversible, so you can use both sides. This makes it last much longer, saving you money as well as your furniture. In addition, you have the option of several different sizes, as well as a flat or wave shape.
Average rating 4.5 out of 5
You can buy Coching cat scratcher here
LUCKITTY Small Cat Scratching Posts Kitty Coconut Tree-Cat Scratch Post with Hammock and Hang Ball for Cats and Kittens-Plush and Sisal Scratch Pole Cat Scratcher (Post &Hammock
Luckitty small scratching posts are ideal for kittens. However, just like Octagon posts they’re not designed for adult cats.
You get two posts, with the tallest standing at 22 inches, and shorter one 10 inches. The cute coconut palm leaves are made from bright green plush and designed to fit on to the larger pole. This helps draw your kitten’s attention.
Both posts are covered in jute rope. As it’s softer than sisal it provides a safe place for young kittens to scratch.
In addition to the posts you also get a hammock and perch. The hammock can be attached to both poles, making a comfortable place for your little kitten to rest.
The larger pole comes in two parts, and screws are included. All holes are ready made and it’s easy to assemble.
Average rating 4.4 out of 5
You can buy Luckitty small scratching posts here
Cat Tree Multi Level Cat Tower with Scratching Post Cat Kitten Activity Center Play House Entertainment Furniture (30inch)
CoutureBridal Cat Tree is suitable for kittens and medium size cats. Defiantly not for large breed kitties though.
The pole is 30 inches tall and covered in sisal rope. This makes it durable and able to stand up to plenty of clawing from your cat.
In addition, you get a condo which fits onto the base. As it has a wide opening your cat should have plenty of room to view her surroundings while she takes a rest.
A small raised cat bed fits onto the base and is lined with a soft carpet material. This would probably fit a kitten or small size cat. Also, a plush hanging toy provides your cat with something to bat and play with.
Plus, you get three perches, one of which sits on top of the pole, another halfway down, and the third on top of the condo. This will give your kitty a choice to places to sit and survey her surroundings.
All pieces are covered in brightly colored carpet making it a fun and attractive piece of cat furniture. It’s also easy to assemble with no tools required.
Average rating 4.7 out of 5
You can buy CoutureBridal Cat Tree here
PutnPurr 32.5” Tall Alpaca Cat Scratching Post with Dangling Ball for Large, Multiple Cats. Designed for Vertical Stretch, Play and Lounge
As Putnpurr cat scratching post stands at 32 inches tall it’s ideal for larger cats, allowing a full vertical stretch. In addition, the base is a generous 18 inches, making it less likely to topple.
A soft plush covering makes the base a comfortable place for your cat to rest. I addition, you get a plush hanging toy to keep your furry friend entertained.
The post is covered with sisal rope making it long lasting. As mentioned previously, sisal can take a lot of scratching and pulling from even the heaviest of cats.
A fun alpaca face design adds a whimsical touch to this Putnpurr scratching post. Plus, as it’s made in a neutral color it will fit in with most decor
Average rating 4.8 out of 5
You can buy Putnpurr cat scratching post here
Akarden Cat Scratching Post, 360 Degree Rotating Cat Claw Scratcher with Hanging Ball, Cat Furniture, Soft Smooth Plush, 26.3” in Height
Akardan cat scratching post is made from a thick cardboard tube covered in sisal. This makes it hardwearing and able to stand up to plenty of use from your cat’s sharp claws.
The base is made from heavy duty chipboard, ensuring the structure keeps stable and doesn’t tip over. As the base is covered in carpet it gives your cat a comfortable place to sit.
In addition, you also get several hanging toys which can rotate 360 degrees on a hanger. This gives your cat a good workout as she stretches to bat and swipe the toys.
The post is tall enough to allow most average size cats a good stretch. Assembly is easy with all screws provided. As a few customers reported the structure as tipping over, you may find it unsuitable for large cats.
Average rating 4.2 out of 5
You can buy Akardan cat scratching post here
Catry Cat Tree Bed with Sisal Covered Scratching Post
Catry scratching post stands at just over 22 inches tall. This makes it better suited to kittens rather than fully grown adults.
As the pole is covered in sisal it’s hard wearing and will stand up to rough treatment from your cat. The sunflower perch is covered in jute fiber with a soft felt material for petals. This gives your kitten a comfortable place to lounge and rest after play.
The sunflower is easy to attach by removing a small part and screwing it in place. As the base is made from mdf it’s sturdy, keeping the pole and sunflower stable.
Average rating 4.8 out of 5
You can buy Catry tree bed with sisal covered scratching post here
What is the best scratching post for your cat?
I hope this article has helped you decide on the best type of scratching post for your cat. Whether you have a young kitten or golden oldie your cat needs somewhere to scratch and sharpen her claws.
Scratching serves two purposes, to remove dead outer layers from claws and to mark territory. Both are extremely important for your cat’s wellbeing, and if you don’t provide a suitable place for your cat to scratch, she’ll find her own!
As well as providing your cat with a scratching post you could also consider getting a cat tree. Even if your cat goes outside, it’s important she has her own space where she can sit and survey her surroundings or take a nap. Cat trees allow your feline friend to perch high up off the ground which feels safer.
If you’ve enjoyed this post and found it useful please share. Feel free to share this pin on your “pets” board,
Also if you have any questions or would like to share experiences please leave a comment below.
Wishing you a purrfect day:)
Kathy
Oh. My. Days. I am absolutely loving these. Especially the sunflower one but my favourite has to be the little palm tree with hammock.
I no longer have a cat but live in hope that my husband will get over his phobia! One of my past cats (the enigmatic Ziggy) was the absolute master of destroying the settee and pretending not to even see the scratching post we had bought for him. (Along with the igloo bed and some other quality bits and pieces.) They didn’t exist as far as he was concerned!
He was so rude! (Got to love cats!) I have to admit though, I hadn’t given too much consideration to the height and sturdiness etc that you have mentioned here. I hope your other readers have more success with scratching posts than I did.
Keep up the good work.
Best,
Jean
Thank you Jean:) The palm tree with hammock is my favourite as well, but sadly my cat is too big for that! Ha ha, ignoring the scratching post and bed sounds typical! Cats are known for being very selective and finicky! I hope your husband overcomes his fears and realises how lovely cats are:)
Out of all cat-related products that a cat owner can have, a scratching post is the number one must-have ultimate item! Yes, dogs can be destructive but they are easily trainable. On the other hands, cats are seriously stubborn. LOL Moreover, they actually scratch things to keep their claws sharp and healthy or something like that, am I right? So yeah, a scratching post is a must-have item.
Anyways, thanks for sharing this post, Kathy. The one with the coconut (palm) tree is my favourite haha. I’ll be recommending and sharing this post. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Thank you Ivan:) Yes, without a scratching post, the furniture becomes a prime target for cats! Actually, it is possible to train cats, but of course only on their terms! The coconut palm is my favourite too! Glad you enjoyed this post and thanks for stopping by:)
Hi Kathy!
I have two lazy-ish boys who are not big scratchers. We’ve had the most luck with an infinity shaped scratcher we found on Amazon. But I am IN LOVE with the mushrooms. I almost just want to get it as a house decoration haha! (things we say as cat moms)
Mushrooms are one of my favorite things to cook with and I love little shroom nic-nacs. I think my boys would like this too since it appears to be shorter! They can lay and scratch at the same time!
We were gifted a 6ft tower and they just aren’t into it as much even though it’s in front of a huge window. Oh well!
Hi Haley, thank you for your comment:) Yes, the mushroom scratchers are really cute and would be fun as just part of your decor! I also love cooking with mushrooms as they’re so versatile! Maybe your cats will eventually use the tower. One thing about cats is they can be finicky. Thanks for stopping by, and glad you enjoyed this post:)
Definitely one of the top products for cat lovers, but even these are not enough sometimes, to stop the cat from ruining your furniture.
I guess this is down to the age of the cat because the older they are the less likely they will destroy your furniture.
We tried the large frames with posts which we thought she’d love but hardly went anywhere near it.
A tall sturdy one is what we opted for but they are not cheap and what annoys me, is that the ones that you can unscrew should be made in a way that you can swap the top with the bottom but unfortunately, they don’t. Well, I haven’t come across one.
Re-stringing the posts are not cheap either especially the tall ones.
Remember to keep clipping their toes frequently which will help with costs.
A lot of them are made of cardboard and therefore don’t last long.
Thank you for sharing a great article.
Hi Mick, thank you for your comment:) I know what you mean about scratching posts and furniture. My last cat was very docile in her senior years and rarely scratched the furniture. My present cat on the other hand is very young and loves digging his claws in the arm of the sofa! I think scratching posts help deter a lot of the time, but as cats have minds of their own, there’s no guarantee! However, you can get scratching pads that fit onto the sides of a sofa. That sounds unfortunate about the tall scratching post you bought. It does seem logical that you should be able to swap the base for the top, but maybe some makes allow for that. Yes, a lot of cardboard scratchers don’t last long, but some like the one I shared here are made from reinforced cardboard. Glad you enjoyed this post and thanks for stopping by:)