The Best Cat Scratchers
Cats are beloved pets that many people adore, but there is one particularly annoying factor that comes with owning one of these animals – they tend to scratch furniture. Cats that scratch furniture can become a big concern when you find that your cat starts to scratch a brand new couch, ultimately causing you to lose the investment you made in the lounge suite. With the best cat scratcher, however, you can avoid these potential problems by giving your cat a dedicated place to scratch. Different types of cat scratchers are available on the market today. Some of these do offer a higher quality construction than others. Understanding the different materials used in these products and how to look for one that will be ideal for your cat is crucial to ensuring the scratcher will serve its purpose. We share the best cat scratcher options with you, as well as some factors you should consider when buying one.
Best Choice
Cats Love it
Pros:
The PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge is our top selection. This particular scratcher has one of the more unique designs that you are going to find these products. It offers a rounded design that focuses on providing your cat with a two-in-one product. The first function would be to serve as a scratcher. Additionally, the product also doubles as a lounge for your cat.
The cat scratcher is made from a superior cardboard material, and its construction focuses on providing a product that is sturdier than the competitor scratchers that are available on the market. The scratcher comes in three different color options, including cloud White, Slate Grey, and Walnut Brown.
Cons:
The scratcher lounge is one of the more expensive cat scratchers on the market, with a hefty price tag.
Best Most Affordable
Most Affordable Option
Pros:
If you are on a low budget, then definitely consider the Catit Style Scratcher with Catnip. The scratcher is a good option that comes with a layered cardboard system, but still provides the function that you expect from a cat scratcher.
The product does have a lounge design too with a jungle-stripe décor. You also get an additional bag of catnip extra with the purchase of the product. The catnip adds more value to your purchase. The corrugated scratching pad also provides a more effective way for your cat to get the expected experience from a scratcher.
Cons:
Even though affordable, this is a very basic cat scratcher that does not include some of the more convenient features seen in alternative options.
Best Design
More Attractive for your Cat
Pros:
The scratcher has a unique design. It is accompanied by a catnip to act as an attraction for your cat.
Instead of a flat structure, this product rather provides an upright design that allows your cat to scratch in a way that is similar to times when they might be found scratching against the surface of your lounge suite.
The purchase of this cat scratcher comes with additional catnip for free. The catnip leaves can be used to make the scratcher more attractive for your cat, reducing the risk of your pet scratching against your furniture.
Cons:
The price of this scratcher might be too high for some cat owners.
Best Multifunctional
A Unique Scroll Design
Pros:
The product is made from sturdy cardboard material. You can add a feature toy to provide your cat with a fun activity. The material helps to ensure your cat can continuously scratch on the surface without the product wearing out too quickly. A snap-in toy helps to provide an element of fun to the scratching surface.
Cons:
The product’s price tag does seem to be on the higher side, considering the basic structure.
What Really Matters?
Material
Start by considering the material that is used. You will find that most of these products are made from cardboard, as this is a great material for ensuring a cat can scratch when they feel like it.
Even though two products are both made from cardboard, it is crucial to note that the quality of the cardboard may differ between the two options. Thus, when you look at the cardboard material used, consider the condition of the product.
Some companies are using new ways of strengthening cardboard material as well. These will usually be noted in a product’s description by the manufacturer.
Always consider the reviews that other cat owners have left on the product’s page. Reviews are incredibly valuable when it comes to determining the actual quality of a product like a cat scratcher.
Design
The design of a cat scratcher is something that will not have a significant role to play on your cat, but can be something you want to look at because of personal preferences. Additionally, when you decide to buy loose layers of cardboard as a cat scratcher, you may find that this type of product can become messy in your house.
Some of these products tend to come in a variety of colors, and there are unique designs out there. Take these into consideration if you are following a specific design trend with your cat’s items.
Price
Even though a cat scratcher is a seemingly basic product, do take note that the quality and pricing of these items can differ quite a lot. You can pick up a basic option for cheap.
By going into the buying process, knowing how much money you will be able to spend, you can greatly ease the process of finding the best cat scratcher. You will also help to avoid overspending on this type of product.
FAQs
What is a cat scratcher?
Cats are prone to scratching on surfaces around them, and when their claw gets a hold of your new leather couch, the result may be disastrous.
These products are often made from a cardboard material, but some cat scratchers are made with sturdier materials. There is a special pad on the scratcher that promotes the scratching of your cat.
These products do differ in both material and overall features. Some of them will only include a few layers of cardboard that you can put down on the floor for your cat. Other cat scratchers will come with additional features, such as a padded surface that also doubles as a location for your cat to lay down and nap. Many cat scratchers offer various colors and unique designs – these are great for people who want to ensure the scratcher matches the interior of a specific room.
What are the benefits of a cat scratcher?
The main benefit that you would get with the use of a cat scratcher is the fact that the product will help to keep your cat’s claws away from furniture and other soft items in your house that they could scratch. This can save you a lot of money on repairs for furniture pieces that your cat scratched.
A cat scratcher also provides your cat with an activity to keep them busy. Even though these products may seem basic, you may find your cat hanging out at the scratchpad or surface frequently. These scratchers also come in different designs, which is another benefit that you might want to consider.
What is the best material for a cat scratcher?
There are different types of materials that companies tend to use when they manufacture cat scratchers. In the majority of cases, however, you will find that these scratchers are primarily made from cardboard.
Note that not all cardboard is the same. You do get higher quality options on the market. If you want the best cat scratcher that will last for some time, then consider opting for a product that is made from inclined corrugated cardboard. Also, make sure the actual cardboard material is sturdy and durable.
What kind of cat scratcher is best?
The majority of cat scratchers that you will find on the market have very similar features. For your cat, the idea remains the same among these products – they simply want a surface that they can scratch their nails on.
Thus, when it comes to looking at what is the best cat scratcher for your pet, it is important to consider your preferences. Consider if you want loose pieces of cardboard or rather a single structure that your cat can use as a scratcher. Also, consider if you prefer a specific design or color scheme. Another thing to consider is budget – prices do differ a lot with these products, so know how much money you have available to spend on a cat scratcher.
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