The Best Scratching Posts for Your Cat
While we all adore our feline friends, most cat lovers can agree that we're not so keen on the tattered furniture and shredded curtains they can leave in their wake. But cats need to scratch to care for their paws and claws, stretch their muscles, mark their territory, and work out their anxiety. To keep both you and your cat happy, we suggest investing in a quality scratching post so they can scratch away to their heart's content while keeping your couch in one piece. Check out our top picks for the best scratching posts on the market to pick the right one for your family — felines included.
What to Look For
While researching the best scratching posts on the market, we kept in mind their durability, dimensions, and materials. Our favorite option from SmartCat excels in all those areas, and we love its understated aesthetic. But if you need something lower to the ground, the scratching pad from Pawz Road is a fantastic option. Read on to check out reviews of our favorite scratching posts on the market.
SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post
This scratcher from SmartCat stands out to us for a few reasons, and its durable construction is chief among them. A broad base provides a sturdy foundation to support its considerable height, and it’s heavy enough to stay put without being a nightmare to move. The scratching surface is woven sisal, a natural material that’s more durable than the sisal rope or traditional carpeting sported by many of its competitors. It assembles easily with only two screws so that your feline friend can get scratching almost immediately. It’s a great way to give your cat plenty of room to scratch and stretch without ceding too much of your own territory.
Pros:
- Even without the bells and whistles found on some other posts, this scratcher is an excellent choice for keeping cats active. It’s tall enough to allow cats to stretch fully and tone their muscles effectively, and the wooden perch up top is at the perfect height for jumping.
- It might sound odd to say this about a scratching post, but the understated column design is surprisingly good-looking. Both color options are stylish, and the lines are sleek enough to blend in with a range of styles.
Cons:
- This post doesn’t include any additional features like batting toys or multiple perches.
Pawz Road Scratching Post and Pad
Treasure trove of textures
This floor pad scratcher from Pawz Road gives cats a mixture of textures to enjoy as they exercise, scratch, and play. Its particleboard construction is covered with cat-friendly plush carpeting that features a woven sisal inlay on the base and a horizontal post covered with sisal rope to increase scratching space. A fuzzy ball toy tops off this space-saving design, allowing your cat to bat the day away.
Pros:
- When you’re working with limited square footage, it’s not enough for your furnishings to save space — they have to stay in place, too. That goes double for pet accessories. This scratching pad’s grippy base helps it stay put on hard or soft flooring so that your kitty doesn’t encroach on your living space.
- We appreciate the straightforward assembly process, especially since we end up with a variety of textures without having to invest too much elbow grease into the operation.
Cons:
- We think smaller cats would get the most out of this compact design.
PetFusion Three-Sided Vertical Scratching Post
Triple threat
We love the durable, premium cardboard construction of this scratcher from PetFusion, but what makes it stand out to us is its unique shape. The triangular design allows it to serve several functions at once. The scratcher’s height and multiple angles enable cats to stretch comfortably as they scratch, and they can use the top for perching and jumping during active play. The center hole provides a fun hiding place as well as a super-cozy napping zone that makes the most of the unit’s compact size. It’s made of recycled corrugated cardboard and a strong, non-toxic glue made from corn starch, making it a safe choice for your cat as well as the environment. Silicone floor grips on the base reduce slipping, making it usable on most kinds of flooring. It’s a great choice when you need to get the most functional area out of a small space.
Pros:
- One unexpected benefit to this unique shape is that, unlike traditional posts, it can be rotated to provide three times the scratching surface so that you get more bang for your buck — or, should we say, more scratch for your scratch. Plus, since the piece is one solid shape, there’s no assembly required.
- Catnip is one of our secret weapons for getting our kitties used to new scratching posts, so we love that this purchase includes a package of premium USA-grown catnip leaves.
Cons:
- Though the triangular design is stable, it’s also lightweight, so it might not stay in place as well with heavier cats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where’s the best place to put a cat scratching post?
We’d suggest picking a spot next to the furniture your cat usually scratches. Try to find an area in the house, fully indoors or under a well-covered patio, where your cat feels safe. Putting it in the cat’s favorite room will ensure they get the most use out of it.
How can I get my cat to use their new scratching post?
Sometimes it seems like no matter how enticing a scratching post may be, our cats find our favorite chair even more enthralling. But there are a few steps we can take to encourage our feline friends to use their new scratcher. One way to attract a cat to a scratching post is to use catnip. A generous sprinkling over the post is generally enough to make cats come running. Also, playing with your cat in the area around the post can encourage your cat to use it. You can discourage the cat from using other surfaces to sharpen their nails by covering their favorite scratching spots with tape or making a loud noise to make that area less appealing and redirect them to the scratching post.
About the Author
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Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.