The Best Festive Cat Scratchers
Doesn't it seem like cat scratchers are being made cuter every day? No matter what type you have in your home, a festive version for that special time of year couldn't be a bad idea. These adorable toys come in the form of gingerbread houses, evergreen trees, candy cane cottages, and more. They also come with a variety of features — think climbing platforms, hiding spots, and of course, places for kittens to scratch their claws. Read on to find some of the best versions on the market this holiday season.
What to Look For
Taking durability, style, and other fun features into consideration, we gathered and reviewed the best cat scratchers on the market today. We asked all of the right questions: Will this last through that special time of year? Is it easy to assemble? Can it be used by multiple cats at the same time? If you’re looking for a product that’s as fashionable as it is fun, for example, the Boluo Tall Post scratcher is worth checking out. And if you want a toy with multiple play opportunities, the Zerofeel tower may be a good fit. Read on to learn more about each of these and our other favorites.
Furhaven Gingerbread House Cat Scratcher
Play and hide
This cat house looks like an adorable gingerbread house on the outside, complete with frosting shingles, candy cane pillars, and a wreath above the front door. Inside, your kitty will find a scratching pad and their own supply of catnip. After the toys and treats have been used up, simply remove them and leave the house up as a little hideout to nap or play in.
Pros:
- The scratcher is double-walled for increased durability.
- It’s only made of cardboard, so it’s safe for cats that like to chew on everything.
Cons:
- Some larger cats may have trouble fitting inside. However, you can always leave the room off to give them more space.
Boluo Cat Scratching Post
Festive fun
This tall cat scratcher is designed to resemble the traditional holiday tree. It has two textures for your pet to explore — naturally durable sisal rope and soft carpet. The extra-large base keeps the tree upright in even the most energetic play sessions. And the 360-degree design makes it easy for more than one cat to play at the same time.
Pros:
- If you have a larger cat, this scratcher could be a good choice since they don’t have to climb inside of anything to reach it.
- It’s perfect for kittens who love to climb pant legs.
Cons:
- This requires some assembly, but the process is quick and doesn’t require tools.
Axnine Cat House with Scratcher
Hassle free
This cute cat house brings color to your holiday decorations. There’s a scratcher inside with a packet of catnip to entice your pet to play with it. The door fits most cats, and the windows are fun for them to look out of. But most of all, this product stands out due to its incredibly simple assembly process. You can have it put together with no tools just a few minutes after you open its package.
Pros:
- We found this is durable enough to be used every day.
- You can replace the scratching pad if your cat uses it up before you’re ready to put the house away.
Cons:
- Instructions could make the assembly process even simpler, but they aren’t provided.
Zerofeel Cat Scratching Post
Rest and play
This red and green cat tree offers tons of ways to play. To start, your pets can climb and jump to sit on the platforms. They can also bat at the hanging toys and scratch their claws on the ultra-strong, sisal-rope center. The base is made of heavy chipboard for added stability. And assembly only includes two steps, so your kitty can start exploring right away.
Pros:
- Even though this is made with festive colors, it’s fairly neutral and could easily be left out year-round.
- It doesn’t take up much room, making it great for apartments or other small spaces.
Cons:
- It may feel a little small for the most adventurous pets.
Midlee Gingerbread House Cat Scratcher
On the hunt
This cardboard cat gingerbread house is simple and sweet. It has a festive feel without going overboard. The scratcher inside is made of durable, corrugated cardboard and can be replaced when it’s all used up. Perhaps the best feature, however, is a realistic mouse that dangles in the front doorway instead of mistletoe. It’s sure to have your hunting cats batting the day away, enjoying their holiday gift to the fullest.
Pros:
- We found that this house is easy to put together.
- It comes with a packet of catnip, which can help you convince your cat to try it out if they’re hesitant at first.
Cons:
- If your cats are active, this probably won’t last longer than a month or so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which scratching material lasts the longest for cats?
Jute and sisal rope typically lasts the longest. Corrugated cardboard is another good choice, but it may need to be replaced every few weeks if your cat scratches their claws often.
How can I convince my cat to try their festive toys for the first time?
Sometimes catnip can help pets explore new toys. However, you may just need to leave the items up in your space while your cat gets used to them. It’s a good thing these festive cat scratchers are stylish, right?
About the Author
Why Trust Us
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.