Scratching is a perfectly natural part of cat behavior. Aside from helping condition their claws, scratching also helps cats stretch their muscles, mark their territory and even express emotions. However, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your furniture to keep Fluffy happy and healthy. The best cat scratching posts provide a safe and appropriate outlet for your cat’s instinctive urge to scratch.
Cat scratching posts can be either freestanding or wall-mounted. Materials, size and shape can vary as well. The PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge is loved by both pet parents and cats alike. Between its modern design and a satisfying yet sturdy scratching surface, it isn’t hard to see why.
What to know before you buy a cat scratching post
Cat scratching post materials
Many cat owners are left scratching their heads when it comes to choosing between scratching posts made of wood, sisal, carpet and cardboard. Taking a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages of each can help you find the best fit for your feline.
Wood scratching posts: These tend to be attractive and most are exceptionally durable and sturdy. Accidental tip-overs are rarely an issue with these scratching posts. However, quality wood scratching posts can cost a pretty penny and not all cats enjoy using them.
Sisal rope scratching posts: Sisal rope scratching posts are an exceedingly popular option, not only for their affordability but also for their efficacy at conditioning claws. Unfortunately, they can start to look a bit straggly and may begin to shed after a while. Trimming away loose strands every now and then can help neaten things up a bit.
Carpet scratching posts: These are generally inexpensive and easy to find. What’s more, many cats simply adore clawing at carpet scratching posts. On the downside, the carpet doesn’t condition your kitty’s claws quite as well as other materials, and cats can easily confuse the carpeting on their scratch post with the carpets on your floor, potentially causing undesirable behavior.
Cardboard scratching posts: These come in many forms. While smaller, inexpensive models, also known as scratching pads, are often quickly destroyed, premium models that are carefully made with thick, high-quality cardboard can last surprisingly long. While the vast majority of cats absolutely love sinking their claws into cardboard posts, cheaper models can be messy and often require frequent replacements.
Size
Before purchasing a cat scratching post, it’s a good idea to consider your available floor space first. While most basic scratching posts tend to be relatively compact, width and height can vary. In terms of height, it’s usually best to opt for a model that’s at least one-and-a-half times as long as your cat. This will give your feline friend plenty of room to stretch their muscles while they scratch. To find out more, read the full cat scratching post buying guide from BestReviews.
Stability
Stability is essential to your cat’s safety. The last thing you want is for your post to come crashing down, potentially injuring your fur baby. For extra stability, especially in cases where the post is taller than it is wide, opt for a model with a wide, heavy base.
Cat scratching post features
Shape
While traditional cat scratching posts typically resemble basic round pillars, you can find models in just about any shape imaginable. Some are wide rather than tall to provide lounging and sleeping space. Others may be square or rectangular and some also have a hollow center, providing felines with a wider variety of scratching surfaces.
Style and design
Many cat scratching posts are fairly basic, but there are plenty of standout designs out there, as well. Whether you’re looking for something sleek and modern or cute and quirky, odds are that with a bit of searching, you’ll find just what you’re looking for. With that in mind, you should never sacrifice function for style — no matter how cute or attractive the design may be.
Toys
Toys aren’t a standard feature on cat scratching posts, but it is possible to find some with feathers or pom-poms attached to the top. These can be particularly appealing for kittens and can help spark interest in adult cats as well.
Cat scratching post cost
Cheap cardboard scratch pads can cost as little as $5, but keep in mind that these don’t usually last very long. Basic sisal and carpet scratch posts are usually priced anywhere between $15-$40, depending on the size and features. Larger scratch posts and high-quality cardboard models in modern designs can cost anywhere from $25-$60.
Cat scratching post FAQ
Where’s the best place to position a new cat scratching post?
A. It depends on your cat’s experience with scratching posts. Are you replacing an old scratching post or introducing one to your kitty for the first time? If it’s a replacement, your best bet is to simply plant it in the exact same spot as its predecessor. If this is your cat’s first scratching post or you’re purchasing an additional post, try to place it in or near one of your cat’s favorite areas. Remember, one of the reasons cats scratch is to mark their territory using scent glands located in their paw pads. This means your cat is more likely to take to a new post if it’s placed near an area they’ve already claimed.
Are cat scratching posts with beds or lounging areas worth buying?
A. Considering how much time the average cat spends sleeping or just lounging about, an extra bed certainly can’t hurt. While some cat scratching posts feature a platform on the top for perching or relaxing, others may come fitted with hammocks. Still, others have a horizontal design that accommodates lounging without the need for a separate bed.
Which cat scratching post should I get?
Best of the best cat scratching post
PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge: available at Amazon and Chewy
Our take: A firm favorite among both cats and pet parents, this attractive cat scratching post boasts a sturdy frame that won’t tip and a multifunctional design that doubles as a lounger.
What we like: Its high-quality construction holds up amazingly well, even with the most enthusiastic scratching. It works as both a scratching post and a lounger, and stands out from the crowd with a sleek, modern design. Maintenance is surprisingly easy, and PetFusion’s six-month warranty offers complete buyer confidence.
What we dislike: This post is somewhat heavy and difficult to move, but it’s also robust and durable.
Best bang for your buck cat scratching post
4 Paws Stuff Tall Cat Scratching Post: available at Amazon
Our take: A surprisingly affordable cat scratching post with a sturdy build, stable base and generous dimensions.
What we like: This post features a tall 22-inch post with a wide, stable base to prevent tipping. Its natural sisal construction is loved by most felines and does an excellent job of keeping claws in tip-top shape. Most users found it exceptionally easy to assemble.
What we dislike: Sisal can shed after some use and this post’s design isn’t particularly compact.
Honorable mention cat scratching post
Smart Cat The Ultimate Cat Scratching Post: available at Amazon
Our take: This is an extra-large scratching post with enough scratching room to accommodate more than one cat and extra length for a satisfying stretch.
What we like: Well-crafted, with a durable sisal scratching surface and a wide, stable base, it has extra height, ideal for deep stretches, climbing and enthusiastic scratching. The flat top easily doubles as a perch and assembly is a breeze.
What we dislike: On the pricey side, and its extra-large size can take up quite a bit of floor space. Erica van Blommestein is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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