The Best Cat Scratching Posts in 2022
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- The Best Cat Scratching Post
- 1. SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post
- 2. Catry Cat Tree Hammock Bed with Scratching Posts
- 3. Catit Cat Scratcher Boards with Catnip
- 4. PetnPurr Cactus Cat Scratcher
- 5. AmazonBasics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts
- 6. 4 Paws Stuff Tall Cat Scratching Post
- 7. MXiiXM Cat Tree Tower and Scratching Post
- 8. Classy Kitty Cat Carpet Scratching Post
- 9. Dimaka Tall Ultimate Cat Scratching Post
An essential feline behavior, cat scratching can also become destructive, with your kit choosing your favorite furniture as the place to hone their claws. So, getting a scratching post designed specifically for your cat can save your home as well as help to keep him lean, happy and healthy.
Cats scratch for a host of reasons – from cleaning their claws and stretching their muscles to marking their territory and even getting a little stress relief. Which is why bringing a cat scratching post into your home is a win-win for you both. But with a host of styles and designs to choose from, which post is best for your scratch-loving cat? We flex our own testing muscles to help sharpen your final choice, with our best cat scratching post guide.
The Best Cat Scratching Post
1. SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post
Key Features
32-inch vertical scratcher
Quality woven sisal
Wide base prevents wobbling
Quick and easy to assemble
Smart by name, our best choice is this well-designed square scratching post that will also look smart in your home. Made from natural woven sisal that’s a pleasure for your kit to scratch, the square column shape is also stable on the floor. Measuring 32 inches in height, there’s plenty of reach for your cat to get that good body stretch and the wide base stops the post from wobbling. Plus, you can also buy an extra perch to fit on the top for when your kit is ready to chill out. Whilst not the cheapest vertical cat scratcher in our review, the quality of this post is obvious and will give your cat plenty of scratch time without risking a snagged claw.
2. Catry Cat Tree Hammock Bed with Scratching Posts
Key Features
Two-post cat tree design
Made from fleece and paper rope
Top perch and side hammock
Added teaser toy
For scratching, perching, playing or catnapping, this multi-purpose cat tree is a hardworking addition to your pet’s accessories. Using rope made from fleece and paper, the two tubular towers are stable, and the durable surface works well for your scratch-loving cats. Designed for cats up to 10 pounds, you also get a top perch plus a fabric hammock, with the whole design secured with a stable floor base. The height of the main scratch post is 28 inches so tall enough for a full body stretch and the top perch is made from fluffy fleece for a comfortable snooze. This two-post design would also work well as a kitten scratching post, and there’s an added teaser toy to keep them entertained.
3. Catit Cat Scratcher Boards with Catnip
Key Features
Unique chaise longue design
Made from corrugated cardboard
Includes catnip
18 inches in length
While not a conventional scratching post in the vertical sense, this unusual scratcher board is a neat way to occupy your kit. Plus, the shape acts as a cat chaise longue for when your puss needs to have a rest! Made from corrugated cardboard, and with a horizontal scratching post design, your cat can also hop on board for a little nap after a full-on scratching session. And, you get added catnip to make the whole experience a total feline pleasure. The ridged surface of the board also encourages that instinctive scratching action, and the whole board is nice and long, to encourage your kit to really stretch out. As a portable and easy to use board, we think the Catit is one of the best cat scratching posts at a bargain price.
4. PetnPurr Cactus Cat Scratcher
Key Features
Cactus shaped cat scratch post
Wrapped in natural sisal
25.6 inches in height
Includes catnip dangling ball
We love the cactus shape to this cat scratcher made of natural sisal to make it super-attractive to your cat. Although not the tallest post you can buy, the PetnPurr is big enough for most adult cats to get a decent body stretch as they scratch. And its cactus design will add a cute focal point to your feline’s favorite spot in your home. The durable sisal rope gives a long-lasting scratching surface experience, honing those claws and exercising their paw and leg muscles. Another plus to this cat activity tree is that it’s usable straight out of the box, so no home assembly is required.
5. AmazonBasics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts
Key Features
Triple platform cat tree
Seven scratching posts
Top comfort pet bed
Jute, cardboard and MDF
This activity tree from AmazonBasics is an awesome addition to your pets’ home entertainment needs. With a triple platform design, including a total of seven jute, MDF, paper and carpet posts to get their claws into, this is the ideal scratching tree for multi-cat households. It has a neat and stable design, creating a condo tower with spaces to rest as your kit scratches and climbs. Plus, there’s a cat bed perch at the top for when they are ready to watch the world go by. The design is also compact and room friendly meaning you and your cat can happily get on with your day, side by side.
6. 4 Paws Stuff Tall Cat Scratching Post
If you want a simple and cost-effective way to satisfy your kit’s scratching habit, then check out this tall scratch post from 4 Paws Stuff. Using a high-quality sisal covered 22-inch post, this pole is ideal for both kittens and smaller adult cats. The single post stands nice and stable, thanks to the solid pressed wood base and the whole design is made from eco materials that are totally pet-safe. The base also fixes to the floor with Velcro tabs to prevent any slipping. There’s no perch but plenty of space for your kit to scratch and latch on. And the design includes a top track that houses a spinning ball for extra feline entertainment. Straightforward, with enough extra touches to keep your pet scratch-happy, this is a good value post that will last a decent amount of time.
7. MXiiXM Cat Tree Tower and Scratching Post
Key Features
Scratch post for younger cats
Sisal rope wrapped pole
Skid-resistant base
11.81-inch maximum height
For the smaller cat or kitten, this tree tower is a compact scratching center to keep them healthy and happy, without breaking your bank. The tree pole is made from tough cardboard, covered in natural sisal covered that is gentle on those smaller paws and young claws. You also get a faux fur covered, skid-resistant wide base plus perch for when your little kit needs to take a rest break. It isn’t the tallest vertical pole – coming in at just shy of 12 inches – so not suited to larger cats. But for the little feline in your life, this is a wonderful addition to their daily life. Plus, you also get a couple of hanging toys to stimulate their young minds and to encourage their natural play.
8. Classy Kitty Cat Carpet Scratching Post
If you’re limited with space in your home but need a decent scratching post for your older cat, then this scratching post could fit the bill. At 32 inches high, this is a good post for full body stretches as well as scratching but there’s no added frills to take up too much room. The post is a solid construction, covered with a claw-friendly soft surface that mirrors a plush carpet. And the choice of neutral tones works well with most home decors. Stain-resistant, durable and, thanks to the square base, nicely stable, this is an easy scratching post for older paws and claws.
9. Dimaka Tall Ultimate Cat Scratching Post
Key Features
34-inch single pole
Cardboard post wrapped in sisal
Wide base for stability
Dangle ball for extra entertainment
The Dimaka caters for the larger cat, with this 34-inch scratching post that encourages full stretch and feline muscle strength. The tall tube is made from super-thick cardboard for extra stability and strength, and then tightly wrapped with claw-friendly natural sisal for total scratching pleasure. We really like the large base too, as this minimizes any wobble, even if your large cat gets a little carried away. Plus, to keep them entertained (and away from your furniture) there is a plush hanging ball that just wants to be batted all day! Easy to assemble and not so large that it takes up too much space in your home, this is a great buy for large cats or multi-cat households.
Best Cat Scratching Post Buying Guide & FAQ
How to Choose a Scratching Post for Your Cat
Depending on your cat and their scratching preferences, there are numerous types of posts to choose from. Here are the key things to look for before making your final pick:
Size: The ideal cat post will depend on the amount of available space you have, as well as the size of your cat or cats. And also take into account surrounding floor space around the post as your kit will also like to lounge near to it, too. But you also need to remember that the larger posts, while look amazing, are heavy although this extra weight does add more stability. In short, the post needs to fit your home, your cat size, whether you have multiple cats, and their scratching preferences.
Height: The height of the post is also an important consideration, as it needs to be at least as tall as your cat when they are fully stretched out. A simple way to measure your cat for the right height of tree is to measure from their ears to the base of their tail, then double the measurement so you get a post which gives your kit plenty of height to stretch out.
Material: The material needs to feel (and sound) pleasurable to your cat as they scratch so avoid artificial fibers as they can also cause static shocks as your cat goes in for the scratch. They also prefer materials that will shred so opt for natural fibers such as sisal scratching posts which tick all the boxes for your kit.
Design: Some scratching posts are more elaborate and over the top than others and so, as you are going to put it on display, make sure you are happy with the design and that it fits in with your home.
Wall mounted scratching post or stand-alone: You can also choose between a post that can be fixed onto the floor or wall or opt for a freestanding design. A wall-mounted scratching post takes a little longer to set up and is more permanent but does prevent your cat from knocking it over.
Vertical or horizontal: Another choice, but the orientation of the post will reach different muscle groups when your kit goes in for a scratch. Some cat trees are designed for both but are the more elaborate when it comes to design. Whichever orientation you opt for, make sure the height is sufficient to give your pet a good body stretch.
Perch: Scratching posts or cat trees with a perch can serve two purposes; enable safe scratching and also provide a high up safe space for your kit to lounge on and watch the world go by.
Other features: Hammocks, viewing platforms, hanging toys, climbing steps, there are numerous other add-ons to make your cat’s scratching post a luxurious feline condo. But all these extras do add size and weight to the post, as well as increasing the price. Make sure you have the space and your kit will appreciate all the extras before you buy. For more options, check out our detailed review of cat hammocks.
Benefits of Using Cat Scratching Posts
Cats are natural born scratchers, and can do it when they are happy, calm, ready to play, needing to stretch and flex their claws and paws or even stressed. It is also an instinctive behavior by which they like to mark out their territory. Here are the main benefits of using a scratching post for cats:
- They help to protect your carpet and furniture. If your cat needs to scratch and there is no post, then they will go for the next best thing. And this could be your lovely sideboard, table or sofa.
- A scratching post helps to keep their claws healthy by removing the outer sheath layer and expose new growth as well as giving them the chance to stretch and exercise their paws and leg muscles.
- It supports their all-round body strength, as the act of scratching also stretches their back and shoulder muscles, helping to prevent stiffness too. Tall or tower posts are particularly good for this all-body feline workout.
- Scratching can also boost blood flow – particularly beneficial after a long afternoon catnapping.
- A cat scratcher can help soothe and calm a stressed or anxious cat and prevent them from taking all that tension out on your furniture and home.
Related Post: Cat Stairs And Steps and Cat Trees
Our Top Pick
The SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post is our review's smart choice when it comes to a well-built and long-lasting scratcher that will look good in any home. A decent 32 inches in height, this vertical post is covered in woven sisal for a pleasurable experience for your pet, while giving them a good body stretch too. And the wide base ensures the whole post stands stable and wobble free for hours of sisal scratching for your feline.
FAQ
Q: What is the best material to use for a cat scratching post?
Woven sisal is the best material for the scratching surface of a cat scratcher post, as it’s a super sturdy material that feels and sounds good as your kit shreds it under their claws. Sourced from a fibrous Mexican plant, you can also get sisal rope and matting which both have a lovely natural look and feel. Natural sisal also comes in a fabric form, which many felines prefer as they can get a good grip as they go in for a cat scratch. Cardboard and uncovered wood can also work well as a scratching surface but make sure you avoid anything with artificial fibers, especially carpet as this could unwittingly give your kit permission to have a scratch on your living room carpet.
Q: Where should I place my cat scratcher?
Getting the best place for your cat scratchers mean your kit is more likely to use them. High traffic areas in your home are ideal; tuck it away in dark or isolated area and they will usually just ignore it. High traffic areas have two benefits – cats like to mark their territory and will want they scratching hard work visibly seen. And by using a scratcher in a well-used area of your home, you can save your furniture from the cat claw treatment! Cats also like to have a good scratch when they first wake up, so putting scratching posts near to their favorite sleeping spot is also a wise idea. And finally, putting a cat scratcher tree in a high traffic area that is also near to a window is a double-whammy for your kit, as they also like to perch and watch the outside world-especially wildlife - go by. You may also like our article on cat window perches.
Q: How do I attract my cat to a scratching post?
When bringing scratching posts into your home, your feline may not take to them straight away as cats can take a little while to get used to new things. However, they are curious and with a little time and space, will soon be acquainting themselves with their new scratching post toy. However, you can take a few steps to get your pet more comfortable with the post’s presence and get them making the most of what it offers:
Ensure you put in a relevant position for your cat – near to somewhere they like to spend time, already like to have a little scratch or take their naps.
If they already like to scratch a piece of furniture or wall, discourage your cat by covering it with aluminum foil or something unappealing when they go in for a scratch.
If your cat likes it, try using a little catnip – simply rub a small amount onto the post to entice them in.
You can also gently take your kit’s paw and rub it against the post to encourage them to have a go on their own. But don’t force them if they are obviously reluctant or struggle to get away.