Cat Scratching Posts

Thomas Hobbs
13 min readSep 28, 2024

Cats, known for their adorable antics and playful nature, can sometimes cause a bit of a mess in our homes. One of the ways they express their energy and curiosity is by scratching furniture or carpets. To help prevent this, we've compiled a list of the best cat scratching posts on the market. Whether you're looking for a stylish addition to your living space or a durable and functional option, our cat scratching posts roundup has got you covered.

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Reviews

Sturdy Multi-Level Scratching Post Cat Tree for Kittens

Sturdy Multi-Level Scratching Post Cat Tree for Kittens | Image

Say hello to your cat's new playground - the Bestpet Cat Tree. Standing at a towering 36 inches tall, this cat tree is perfect for your kitty to stretch its legs and have the time of its life. Designed as a multi-level furniture cat condo, your cat can indulge in its natural curiosity and instincts to climb, scratch, and snuggle. Handcrafted with a stable chassis, this cat tower ensures the ultimate safety for your furry friend, and includes a snug and cozy room for your cat to hide and play. Your kitty deserves the best, and this Bestpet Cat Tree will be sure to provide endless entertainment for your furry companion.

Amazon Basics Cat Scratching Post for Cats

Amazon Basics Cat Scratching Post for Cats | Image

Experience ultimate feline entertainment with this Amazon Basics Cat Scratching Post with Brush, designed for kittens to medium-sized cats up to 9 kg. Ideal for single cats or multiple households, this durable and scratch-friendly post helps keep your furry friend focused and their mind content while protecting your furniture and carpets. Featuring a natural jute fiber core and a carpeted wooden base, the brush and durable design provide endless fun and grooming for your kitty. Plus, it's a long-lasting addition to your home that keeps your pet and your property happy.

Giant Sisal Cat Scratching Post for Medium-Sized Cats

Giant Sisal Cat Scratching Post for Medium-Sized Cats | Image

Say goodbye to destroyed furniture with the Giant Cat Scratching Post by One Fast Cat. Designed for mid-energy feline friends weighing 10-15 lbs, this sisal-wrapped, ash wood finish masterpiece provides the perfect space for their scratching and stretching needs. With a circumference that mimics a medium-sized tree trunk, your cat has ample room to express their natural instincts while also perching at the top to keep a watchful eye on their surroundings. Perfect for encouraging climbing skills, this scratching post reduces stress and anxiety, leading to a more contented and happy cat. Patent pending and compatible with the Cat Laser Wand, this sturdy, replaceable-surface scratching post is the ultimate addition to your cat's playground.

Two by Two Coconut Jute Cat Scratcher Post

Two by Two Coconut Jute Cat Scratcher Post | Image

The Two by Two Coconut Jute Scratching Post is a versatile cat furniture that brings endless entertainment to your feline friends of all sizes. Crafted from durable jute and a wide base, it offers an engaging activity center that spins for double the fun. Its stable design and convenient portability make it ideal for keeping your cat occupied, while its easy assembly ensures a hassle-free experience for you. With its sturdy build and captivating features, this scratching post is quickly becoming a favorite for both you and your pet.

Basics Medium Gray Cat Scratching Post

Basics Medium Gray Cat Scratching Post | Image

The Basics Medium Cat Scratching Post offers your feline friend the perfect space to sharpen their claws and keep them in tip-top shape. The post features a durable, replaceable hanging toy attached to it, and it comes with a natural jute fibre surface that cats will love to scratch on. The sturdy base ensures that it won't topple over easily, making it safe and reliable for your furry friend. Plus, it's an ideal addition for attracting cats to this scratching post instead of scratching up your carpets and furniture around the house.

Bestpet Multi-Level Cat Condo Tower with Scratching Post

Bestpet Multi-Level Cat Condo Tower with Scratching Post | Image

Meet the Bestpet 54in Cat Tree Tower - the ultimate scratching post and multi-level cat condo for your furry friend! This 8-level tower is designed to keep your kitten active and satisfied with its multi-functional features. Its durable, sturdy construction ensures your cat has a safe and secure space to play, while the plushy faux-fur cover adds warmth and softness for your feline companion to enjoy. With two interactive toys included, this cat tree is not just a scratching post but also an exciting playground for your kitty. Whether you're looking to improve your cat's physical and mental health, or simply want to provide them with a comfortable and fun-filled environment, this Bestpet cat tree has got you covered.

Premium Cat Scratching Post by Petmaker

Premium Cat Scratching Post by Petmaker | Image

Say goodbye to frustrated feline friends and scratched furniture with Petmaker's 28-inch Sisal Burlap Cat Scratching Post. This tower of scratching bliss stands at 27.75 inches tall, providing a safe, durable space for your furry friend to channel their natural instincts vertically, instead of horizontally on your precious home furnishings. Built with the finest sisal material, your kitty's claws will find their favorite new playground, ensuring their grooming needs are met while preserving your precious leather sofas. And don't worry, this post is an exclusive product of Petmaker, so counterfeits and unauthorized sellers need not apply.

Quality Stain-Resistant Stain-Resistant Cat Scratching Post with Durable Wood Construction

Quality Stain-Resistant Stain-Resistant Cat Scratching Post with Durable Wood Construction | Image

Meet the Urban Cat Cat Carpet Scratching Post, perfect for felines who love using their claws on soft, inviting carpets. With a durable wood base that can withstand even the most energetic swipes, this post will keep your upholstery safe while satisfying your cat's natural scratching instincts. Standing at a height of 32", it's ideal for adult felines to fully stretch their feline bodies, promoting regular exercise and overall well-being. Made from high-quality materials, this cat scratching post features a thick, catnip-infused carpet that provides long-lasting satisfaction and stimulation.

Ultimate Cat Scratching Post for Stress Relief and Territory Marking

Ultimate Cat Scratching Post for Stress Relief and Territory Marking | Image

Introducing the SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post, a luxurious addition to your furry friend's playtime. This 32-inch tall post allows your cat to fully stretch and tone their muscles, marking their territory without causing damage to walls or curtains. The sturdy base eliminates wobbling, while the fibrous woven sisal covering provides a durable and long-lasting surface for scratching. Not only does it look fantastic with its neutrally toned gray color, but it also assembles quickly and easily with the included screws, making it a great fit for any home.

Carpet Cat Scratching Post for Saving Furniture

Carpet Cat Scratching Post for Saving Furniture | Image

Introducing the Whisker City Carpet Scratching Post, a perfect addition to any feline-friendly home. This thoughtfully designed post not only encourages positive scratching behavior, but also saves your cherished furniture from a claw-filled fate. Crafted from high-quality, easy-to-assemble carpet material and featuring a stylish gray color that blends seamlessly with your interior, this post ensures your cat stays content and healthy, while keeping your space looking great. With a 4.5-star rating from satisfied customers and a variety of positive review tags including 'Ease of assembly, ' 'Pet approval, ' and 'Visual appeal, ' this post is a must-have for cat enthusiasts everywhere.

Cool Cactus Cat Scratching Post - Frisco by Chewy

Cool Cactus Cat Scratching Post — Frisco by Chewy | Image

Say hello to the Frisco Cactus Cat Scratching Post, a playful addition to your feline friend's world. Made from sturdy sisal, this cactus-inspired post stands tall and boasts a stable baseboard, making it the perfect spot for your cat to stretch, paw, and scratch while providing support. The cozy top and bottom sections are covered in plush, moppy fabric, offering your little buddy a comfy nap spot. Reviewers love the durability and the cute design, but do note that it might need replacing if your cat outgrows it or if the scratching post becomes too worn out. Overall, the Frisco Cactus Cat Scratching Post is sure to make a beloved addition to your pet's life.

Kitty City Premium Woven Cat Scratching Post Perch

Kitty City Premium Woven Cat Scratching Post Perch | Image

Introducing the Kitty City Premium Woven Sisal Scratching Post Perch, an attractive and sturdy addition to your home that caters to your feline friend's scratching needs. With a neutral tone that blends well with any decor, this extra-tall post is designed to provide the perfect scratching surface for your cat. The natural sisal woven mat creates a durable surface that promotes healthy scratching habits, and the included jingle ball toy adds an extra element of fun. The BV Pet Safety Certified product assembles easily with just 3 screws, making it a convenient and hassle-free addition to your living space.

Kitty City Sisal Scratcher and Cushion for Cats

Kitty City Sisal Scratcher and Cushion for Cats | Image

Treat your beloved feline to a luxurious experience with Kitty City's Sisal Post Cat Scratchers and Cushion. This versatile combo not only provides them with a high vantage point to observe their surroundings but also offers a cozy spot for them to nap. Constructed from soft foam and poly fleece, this snug cushion promises a comfortable spot for your cat to unwind. Designed to fit the Kitty City Scratching Post, this platform offers a perfect perch for your feline friend. Plus, with dimensions suitable for most cats and an easy-to-clean design, you can keep your kitty content without any hassle.

Buyer's Guide

Cats are known for their playful nature and one of their favorite activities is scratching. Scratching posts are a popular solution to this behavior, providing a designated space for cats to sharpen their claws and relieve their energy. In this buyer's guide, we will discuss the key features and considerations when choosing a cat scratching post, as well as some general advice to ensure your cat stays satisfied and maintains healthy claws.

Importance of Cat Scratching Posts

Scratching posts are essential for maintaining a cat's physical and mental health. Regular scratching helps to remove the outer layer of their claws, keeping them sharp and healthy. Without an appropriate scratching post, cats may resort to scratching other surfaces, such as furniture, carpets, or even curtains.

Key Features to Consider

When choosing a cat scratching post, consider the following features:

  1. Post Material: The post should be sturdy and durable to withstand frequent scratching. Common materials include cardboard, sisal, carpeted, and wood. Sisal is a popular choice due to its durability and natural texture. 2) Post Stability: Ensure the post is stable and won't wobble or tip over when your cat uses it. A wide base or a weighted bottom can help with this. 3) Post Height: The height of the post depends on your cat's size. Generally, the post should be at least twice as tall as your cat when it's fully extended.

Additional Factors to Consider

In addition to the key features, consider the following factors when selecting a cat scratching post:

  1. Post Design: Some scratching posts have multiple surfaces or angles for cats to experience different textures. 2) Placement: Place the post in a visible location where your cat can easily find it, and near a window for added entertainment if it's a horizontal post. 3) Ease of Cleanup: Choose a post that's easy to clean and maintain, especially if it has a carpeted surface.

General Advice and Maintenance Tips

Once you've chosen the perfect cat scratching post, follow these tips for optimal use and maintenance:

  1. Encourage Scratching: Place treats, catnip, or toys on the post to entice your cat to use it. 2) Regularly Trim Nails: Keep your cat's claws trimmed to prevent over-sharpening and damage to the post. 3) Inspect and Replace: Regularly inspect the post for wear and tear, and replace it if necessary to ensure it remains in good condition for your cat's use. By following these guidelines, your cat will remain satisfied and content while maintaining their healthy claws.

FAQ

What are cat scratching posts?

Cat scratching posts are furnishings designed to give cats a vertical surface to scratch and climb on. These posts are covered with a sisal rope material that cats find attractive for scratching, providing an outlet to mark their territory and maintain their nails in good condition. Additionally, many cat scratching posts also feature perches and multiple levels to create an interactive vertical environment for cats to use for rest, play, and observation.

Scratching posts are a must-have for cat owners to promote healthy scratching habits and prevent cats from scratching inappropriate surfaces, such as furniture, throughout their homes. Many cat scratching posts are available in various designs, sizes, and materials, making it easy for cat owners to choose one that fits their cat's preferences and their home's interior decor.

Why do cats scratch?

Cats have several reasons for scratching. One primary reason is to mark their territory, as scratching releases pheromones that signal to other cats about the cats that use the post or area. In addition, scratching helps cats remove the dead outer layer of their nails, maintaining their nails' health and sharpness.

Scratching is also a natural form of exercise, stimulation, and play for cats. It helps maintain their physical and mental well-being by providing them with an outlet to express their natural hunting instincts, climb, and scratch. By providing a designated scratching post in their home, cat owners can redirect their cats away from inappropriate scratching surfaces and maintain a healthier, happier cat.

How do I choose the right cat scratching post?

When selecting a cat scratching post, consider the following factors: the size and height of the post, the material used for the scratching surface, and the overall design and aesthetics. Ensure that the post is tall enough for your cat to fully stretch out while scratching. Many scratching posts are adjustable or have interchangeable parts, allowing you to extend the post as your cat grows.

Select a scratching post with a sisal rope surface, as this is the most popular and effective material for encouraging cats to scratch. Some scratching posts also feature an inner core made from a different material, such as cardboard, to add additional durability and resistance. Additionally, pay attention to the post's construction and stability, as it should be sturdy and well-balanced to accommodate your cat's scratching and climbing habits.

Will a cat scratching post attract other cats or animals?

A cat scratching post may attract other cats or animals if the post is located in an area of high foot traffic or is visible from outside the home. However, this should not deter cat owners from providing a scratching post for their cat, as the benefits to a cat's health and behavior outweigh any potential risks of attracting other animals.

To minimize the chance of unintended visitors, consider placing the scratching post in a less visible or secluded area of the home. If you have multiple cats, adding a cat scratching post in each of their individual living environments can help promote a healthy scratching routine and prevent competition over a single scratching post.

How do I install a cat scratching post in my home?

Installing a cat scratching post in your home can be done in a few easy steps. First, select a suitable location for the post, such as a corner or near a window, where your cat can easily reach and access it. Ensure that the location is not too close to other objects or surfaces that your cat may accidentally knock over or scratch. You can either purchase a free-standing scratching post or fix the post to a solid surface, such as a wall or a room divider, using appropriate mounting hardware and tools.

Once the post is installed, allow your cat some time to explore and become familiar with the new scratching surface. Encourage your cat to use the post by gently scratching the surface or rubbing a small amount of catnip on it. Over time, your cat will likely develop a preference for the designated scratching post, making it a regular part of their daily routine.

How can I maintain and clean my cat's scratching post?

To maintain and clean your cat's scratching post, simply remove any visible debris, dirt, or pet hair with your fingers or a vacuum cleaner. If necessary, use a small brush or comb to remove any embedded dirt or debris from the sisal rope surface. In the event of scratches or minor damage to the scratching post, you can use some heavy-duty duct tape to cover and protect the affected area until your cat grows out of their scratching phase or outgrows the post.

Regularly check and adjust the post's stability and balance to ensure that it remains sturdy and secure for your cat to use. With proper maintenance and care, your cat's scratching post can provide a durable and long-lasting surface for your cat to scratch and climb on for years to come! Remember to always encourage and reward your cat's use of the designated scratching post, making it a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your cat.

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