For this post, I have put together a collection of the best cat scratching posts currently available. See my top picks for all types of cat accessories.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Value: Dimaka 29 inch Full Stretch Vertical Tree Cat Corner Post with Plush Balls
- Best Budget: Meerveil 16 inch Cat Scratching Post with Hanging Ball
- Best Sturdy: Ancol Acticat Fat Boy Scratch
- Best Height: SmartCat's 32 inch Ultimate Cat Scratching Post
- Best Furniture Add On : Navaris Cat Scratch Mat Sofa Furniture Protector - Left Side
- Best Kitten: Rosewood Catwalk Charcoal Felt Kitten Post
- Best Wall-Mounted: Catipilla 75 cm Wall-Mounted Cat Scratcher Post
- Best Combo: Trixie Jorge Cat Tower “home sweet home”
- Best Innovative: Cattree Floor To Ceiling Scratching Post Swinging/Climber Bag
- Best Wished List: No products found.
- Best Unusual: JR Knight Wooden Cat Igloo Scratching House
- Most Posh: Copycat Cat Scratcher By Lord Lou
*A rose has thorns, a cat has claws certainly both are worth the risk. – Proverb.
Since scratching is both natural and instinctive you shouldn’t try to discourage your cat but rather redirect their behaviour onto something other than damaging your furniture.
Scratching posts will provide the right motivation to have their own place to do as they please. There are many health benefits including stress relief, stretching their bodies as they flex their muscles and marking their territory.
Most importantly is to maintain healthy claws by removing the outer husk to reveal a trimmer and sharper claw, regardless of whether they’re an indoor or outdoor cat.
As there are a variety of cat scratching posts, you’ll be able to find one that is a happy medium between what meets your cat’s individual needs as well as what will suit your home style.
So we have put a collection of the best cat scratching posts that hopefully will spark your imagination.
Related Links
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- How about a cat igloo bed? Why not glance at our best buys.
Dimaka 29 inch Full Stretch Vertical Tree Cat Corner Post with Plush Balls
- This all rounder is the best of both worlds when it comes to choosing between features of a standard cat scratch post at a reasonable cost without compromising on necessary quality.
- This big size design can take a beating with its added height, weight, toys along with its main function to provide exercise and claw maintenance simply fits the bill without fudging on cost.
- A soft plush design covers a heavy chipboard base supporting a thick cardboard tube, wrapped with natural sisal which ensures a sturdy construction to avoid tipping and wobbling.
- Easy to assemble in 3 steps.
- 100% natural Sisal rope is replaceable so there’s no need for a new post.
- Colours: grey, brown, and beige.
- Size: 14″L x 14″W x 29″H inches. Base: 14″x14″. Weight: 2.27 kg
- Great value for your money. From 573 ratings, 83% of buyers give this 4 stars out of 5.
Meerveil 16 inch Cat Scratching Post with Hanging Ball
- Good things can come in a smaller package minus the extra frills and just might be the ticket without the fuss purchase for your low maintenance pussycat.
- Appears to suit a cat on the smaller side or personality of a less active cat who doesn’t frequently exhibit the need to overly stretch by a scratching behaviour.
- A triangular grey plush corner base counteracts tipping and wobbling movement in proportion to the sisal wrapped & cat play ball column height.
- Size: Corner base 40cm x 40cm. Height 41cm. Weight: 1.2 kg
- Cat lovers rave about this bed. From 1783 ratings, 70% of buyers give this 5 stars out of 5.
Ancol Acticat Fat Boy Scratch
- This heavy weight scratching post enters this competition at a whopping 2.5kg making it a tough guy to beat on the block winning with undeniable stability so if your cat likes to play rough it will surely become their #1 contender to box out in the exercise ring.
- Wrapped with 60 metres of hardwearing sisal catnip infused rope with a dark chocolate colour plush base combats a blinding right hook with claws designed to take the punishment even if you have several cats.
- Effortless two part assembly.
- Due to the nature of its base size, you’ll need to make space.
- Size: 45.7L x 45.7W x 94Hcm. Weight; 2.5Kg. Pole Circumference: 24cm.
- A firm favourite from highly satisfied reviews. From 1451 ratings, 87% of buyers give this 5 stars out of 5.
SmartCat’s 32 inch Ultimate Cat Scratching Post
- No doubt this ultimate cat scratching, four-sided post and woven sisal rope cover will make a handsome addition to any home with a niche detailed varnished MDF base giving that special touch of class whilst providing incredible health benefits to your much loved feline friend.
- This tall and superior well designed structure is enough to allow your cat to really stretch themselves out and claw away without the worry of toppling over so expect it to last for several years.
- “If you find a better scratching post for the price, I will fly to your home and eat it. I’m that confident this is the best product around.” – Jason Fitzpatrick, Founding Editor of Review Geek who’s SmartCat lasted over 7 years before buying it again!
- It’s so sturdy because the top plate, base plate, and post itself weigh in at a significant heft which when all connected together with two large screws will keep the post from wobbling or rotating.
- Size:: 40.6L x 40.6W x 81.3Hcm. Weight 6.1Kg
- Beige colour. (Also available in dark grey).
- Unbeatable review time after time. From 1216 ratings, 85% of buyers give this 5 stars out of 5.
Navaris Cat Scratch Mat Sofa Furniture Protector – Left Side
- “Finally my sofa is safe again”.
- If your cat seems hell bent on using your sofa as their personal scratching post, it may be high time to surrender the fight to your furry friend’s desire by investing in a sofa furniture protector side arm cover with a generous amount of space to claw without damaging your furniture.
- The charcoal grey soft linen wraps over the upper arm rest and tucks under the cushion while the sofa sisal guard covers the entire right outside wall travelling around to the arm face providing excellent coverage.
- Two strong velcro straps at the base anchors hook securely onto the legs to keep the mat firmly in place allowing the cover to be attached or removed easily.
- Whilst this cover allows for minor fitting manoeuvrings, bear in mind this piece is somewhat suited for a squarish arm style therefore making it essential to consider whether your sofa’s arm resembles similar dimensions to avoid any possible returns.
- Available for both the right and left side but sold separately.
- Size: 70L x 60Wcm. Material: Sisal on linen.
- For a left sided sofa. Also available in right sided.
- Great product and extremely well made. From 1163 ratings, 86% of buyers give this 4 stars out of 5.
Rosewood Catwalk Charcoal Felt Kitten Scratching Post
- Are you looking for a suitable cat scratching post to train your kitten to use before your furniture falls prey or perhaps they’re already starting to claw? Well, look no further…
- Rosewood’s Catwalk collection presents this stylish, charcoal felt covered wooden base with a two toned cornered accent. A cute cat face toy filled with Catnip entices your kitten to play.
- This combination of kitten friendly and natural materials of felt, wood and strong plaited paper roped post is completely safe for your kitten to exercise with delicate claws giving you peace of mind.
- Sturdy enough for kittens or small cats.
- Size: 30L x 30W x 36.5Hcm. Weight: 1.02Kg
- A firm favourite with kitten lovers. From 1366 ratings, 82% of buyers give this 4 stars out of 5.
Catipilla 75cm Wall-Mounted Cat Scratcher Post
- Do you own a big strong cat? If so, this Catipilla’s Wall-Mounted Scratch Post gives you added reassurance that it wont wobble or topple over like floor based podiums, no matter how rigorously used.
- This out the way wall-mounted post option a really neat way to save floor space.
- The post is wrapped in 100% unbleached natural South American sisal rope, and rotatable if one side gets worn down extending it’s lifetime. The cylinder can also be replaced.
- Outdoor mounting capability in a sunny, breezy location to allow for fast drying after wet weather. The aluminium end caps and inner plastic will not dampen or warp. Extra wall fixings can be purchased if you want multiple mounting locations for your cat post.
- Installing is easy, taking just 5-10 minutes.
- Size: 12cmL away from wall. 10cmW of tube. Weight: 2.1kg
- A great space saver. From 2 ratings, 100% of buyers give this 5 stars out of 5.
Trixie Jorge Cat Tower “home sweet home”
- “home sweet home”… All cats dream of a little piece of heaven within a home to call their own so why not grant them a wish with their very own Trixie Jorge Cat Tower three storey condo?
- This fabulous, all inclusive piece of real estate offers an attractive package including an exclusive large, woven sisal scratch pad along with places to hide, play, climb or sleep away the days all in one place!
- The lookout balcony on top is the crowning glory for your kitty Highness to regally survey over his kingdom whilst the two lower level cubbyholes provide the ideal, quiet retreat.
- Reversible foam cushions sit upon each level. Machine wash covers 30°C. Inner cushion is hand wash only.
- Size: 40L x 40W x 78Hcm. Weight: 1Kg. Supports 12lbs load. Fabric colour is a light & dark grey combo.
- Cat owners highly recommend this “home sweet home”. From 920 ratings, 82% of buyers give this 5 stars out of 5.
Cattree Floor To Ceiling Scratching Post Swinging/Climber Bag
This is the most remarkable ceiling mounted climbing bag relatively unknown on the market.
- At 240cm tall, this hard wearing sisal carpet will allow an easy grip for your cats to claw up and down to their hearts content especially for those who enjoy climbing trees providing the ultimate form of outdoor exercise indoors.
- Can be used as a stand-alone, or hung to give access to high perches like upper stair landings/railings in houses and apartments which offers alternative ways to move from floor to floor. May also be added to existing tree posts.
- Easy to hang & remove using the ceiling mounting hook. The length is adjustable via the fastening cable. It’s possible to fold/roll up the bottom if you have a low ceiling.
- Tips: Hang lower to begin by resting the base on the floor to restrict swinging motion so as to build confidence. One can also anchor at the bottom with a weight or position hanging bag close to a wall.
- Made from high-quality beige coloured sisal carpet, closes with a 260cm zipper.
- Size: 240cm high. Diameter approximately 16cm.
- Includes 5 padded cushions to fill the bag and hanging hook.
- Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 1customer rating (1 customer review)
PAWZ Road Cactus Scratching Post
No products found.
- Rated as “Most Wished For” cat scratching post, this eye catching three green cactus post arrangement will bring both flair and function into any cat lover’s home.
- It’s almost like having a real living cactus simulated by the unusual green natural sisal which is sure to attract your cat’s natural call to the wild.
- The sandy coloured round base and prickly cactus tops are covered in soft knobbly paw-friendly carpeting are a welcome to carefree climbing. A bobble toy awaits to be pounced on and swatted during playtime with extra cubby spaces for paws and claws to explore.
- Sizes: Medium model: tallest post 53cmH, Diameter 32 or Larger model: tallest post 68.5cmH, Diameter 42cm.
- Simple to assemble this sturdy construction.
A firm favourite with happy customers. From 512 ratings, No products found. give this 5 stars out of 5.
JR Knight Wooden Cat Igloo Scratching House
- This high quality solid wood multi-layered board, wooden cat house igloo with small windows on both sides is an architecturally attractive design for any home.
- This portable design makes it convenient to carry around with the natural bamboo handle at the top of the cat house.
- The entire outer roof of the house comprises a wide scratching post made of high-density 100% recyclable and replaceable which last up to two years and is gentle on cat’s claws. You can also rotate the cardboard by flipping the strips so the wear and tear is evenly distributed.
- A rattan ball hangs above a soft nest cushion inside which can be removed for washing.
- You can contact the seller about replacement cardboard, as they have the proper size to fit.
- Easy to assemble.
- Size: Triangle Dimensions 54L x 30W[corrugated cardboard] x 53Hcm. Weight 5.2 kg.
Very sturdy overall. From 204 ratings, 79% of buyers give this 5 stars out of 5.
Copycat Cat Scratcher By Lord Lou
The question is “But is it art?” Why not invest in a timeless masterpiece guaranteed to add a touch of class in the name of Art?
- Beautifully created by cat-lover Dutch designer Erik Stehmann in a dream inspired and researched collaboration with Lord Lou.
- Available in three images: Mona Lisa, The Flowers in a Glass Vase and The Girl with the Pearl Earring.
- Copycat is the genuine high quality forgery when it comes to replicating works of The Old World master painters. It’s hard-wearing sisal fibres ensures slow degeneration thus able to stand the test of time at the mercy of your cat’s critics claws. So, why not sit back and enjoy watching your cat put its own signature on a long awaited restoration project?
- Can be hung up on the wall or stabilise it on the floor with the stand to purrfectly accent any interior room.
- Size: 70Hcm×50Wcm.
“…They are ideal for placing in a room that you won’t want to look as if you have turned the house into a cat sanctuary”.- Customer review by Dawn from, GB. 2021.
Cat Scratching Post Sale & Today’s Bestsellers
What To Consider When Buying A Cat Scratching Post
Before buying a cat scratching post, it’s essential you have a think over your needs and what features you require. These include the following:
Vertical vs. Horizontal Scratch Pads
If unsure which kind to go for, try to match your cat’s scratching behaviour with the right post.
If they like to climb up the side of your sofa to elongate their entire body and stretch it out, you might consider a vertical pole. Horizontal is probably best if they prefer pawing on rugs and chair arms.
Customer Reviews vs right product, right choice
Encountering conflicting reviews based on buyer’s experiences can become confusing or even misleading, when trying to figure out whether to buy it or not.
The devil is in the detail when it comes to making good choices.
- It may be the case where people haven’t done enough research before purchasing a cat scratching post and land up choosing one that never would have matched their specific needs in the first place. Subsequently rendering it a useless purchase which could have been avoided.
- Consider the vast options carefully based on your cat’s characteristics like age, breed, size, health, behaviour, and personality. Your home space may also play a factor in what can be accommodated realistically.
- I encourage everyone to do their due diligence so as not to be disappointed in case your cat shows no interest in using the scratching post or it wears out prematurely due to mismatched factors.
Pricing Pros vs Budget Cons
You really do get what you pay for so invest in a good quality and well constructed post that will be built to stand the test of time.
Sisal wrapped posts and corrugated cardboard can be replaced in certain posts.
Structure Requirements vs Extra Features
Make sure that the cat scratching post you are getting has all the features you are looking for. This is because I believe that there’s no point in buying it, if it can’t do the main task you’re buying it for.
Size: Consider how much space you have in our home and where you want to put it including height, base, and width.
Base: Choose a wider base where possible to ensure stability.
Height: Taller scratching posts allow cats to fully stretch the muscles in the shoulders and back as well as sharpening the nails. Measure from their ears down the back to the base of their tail, double that length and then add a few inches extra to your final measurement to give sufficient room to stretch out.
Weight: Heavier posts are far more less likely to tip over. Bear in mind where or when you may need to move around your home if needs be.
Construction Materials
Sisal: A type of plant fibre made into a rope, similar to twine, extremely durable, replacement sisal and rewrap it to replace the used material.
Carpet: Looped carpet should be avoided as to avoid snagging cat’s nails, Carpet not responsibly attached can also use staples and glues that could be harmful, injuring a cat and merits occasional safety checks if there’s cause for concern.
Wood or cardboard: Soft woods and paper based materials that shred naturally please cats scratching instincts and are kind on paws & claws.
Extra features
Some include toys such as pompoms or feathers which can keep them somewhat entertained but the main focus should be on the essential health benefits.
Why not try accessorising your cat’s own scratching post by attaching their favourite toys instead? Many times customers comment on how quickly the supplied toy came off so you may find the need to replace toys at some point anyway.
Cat Scratching Post FAQS
Scratching removes the dead outer husk of their outer nail to keep them sharp and in great condition as well as strengthening their claws so they don’t break when required.
If you would like to deter your cat from scratching a specific piece of furniture then a cat post put close to the furniture is usually well received.
One can try to discourage them to use their previous favourite piece of furniture with anti-scratch sprays and replace with a catnip spray on the actual post.
If you think I left any out that should be included or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Dominic
