The Best Cat Scratchers For Indoor Cats
Scratching is an instinctive habit for all felines, and that includes the indoor variety. It's one of the ways cats mark their territory. And cats don't only scratch for pleasure; it's also out of necessity. As your cat's claws grow, dead pieces of nail will cause irritation. A cat scratcher provides some relief. But which cat scratcher will you choose? We've found quite the selection. Take a look.
What to Look For
In our research, we found that the best cat scratchers for indoor cats are durable, user-friendly, and safe for your cats. For example, Way Basics Simple Cat Scratcher’s unique inclined position offers your cat a way to both trim their nails and exercise their muscles. However, if you’re looking for a space-saving option, consider 7 Ruby Road’s wall-mountable scratcher that uses thick sisal as its base. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.
Way Basics Simple Cat Scratcher
Multipurpose design
Way Basics’ simple cat scratcher is an affordable and practical option. While it’s made from cardboard, it’s quite thick and built to last you a while. It comes with a replaceable (and reversible) scratching board that lasts much longer than the competitors. Both the scratcher and the scratching board are made with toxic-free materials, so you don’t need to worry about ingestion or skin irritation. Plus, it comes with silvervine, which is basically a more potent catnip. Sprinkle some on the scratching board, and watch them go at it.
Pros:
- Given the price, we were surprised at the high quality. You can even purchase replacement scratching boards to increase their longevity.
- It’s made with recyclable materials.
Cons:
- It slides around, so we’d recommend putting it on a carpet or against a wall.
7 Ruby Road Wall-Mounted Cat Scratcher
Cats have feral instincts, and that’s something we can never change. This mountable cat scratcher not only saves you space; it also saves your walls and your furniture. The scratching surface is made with a thick sisal weave that helps keep your cat’s claws healthy and strong. Speaking of strong, once you mount this cat scratcher, it’s not going anywhere. It’s fortified with screws and drywall anchors. Plus, we think its simple wood frame looks good anywhere you mount it.
Pros:
- It’s adjustable, so you can ensure it matches the height of your cat.
- We love that you can also place this on the floor. This scratcher has a nice weight to it and comes with anti-slip pads as well.
Cons:
- The sisal material may be too tough for some cats to scratch.
Navaris Cat Scratch Mat Furniture Protector
Preventative measures
It’s a near certainty that cats with claws will scratch your furniture. Luckily Narvaris has come up with a solution. Their woven sisal scratch mat protector prevents your sofa from damage while also providing your cat with a safe spot to satisfy their urges. The top of the protector is covered in a fabric that’s available in a few neutral colors, so it should look good on most couches.
Pros:
- We appreciate that Navaris has made a protector for both arms of the couch (each sold separately).
- If your cat has already ravaged your couch, this mat provides you with a practical way of hiding it.
Cons:
- The mat has a distinct odor, and it takes a while for it to dissipate.
Peekab Cat Scratching Post
Endless entertainment
Peekab’s scratching post is perfect for hyperactive cats. The post itself is wrapped in durable sisal and can take quite a beating. But when your cat gets bored with scratching, there are three different dangling toys, two of which are adjustable. What’s more, the base features a circular maze with a ball your cat will love to bat around.
Pros:
- Multi-cat owners will be pleased to learn that this scratching post can withstand whatever your kitties throw at it.
- We found that it’s super easy to assemble.
Cons:
- While the scratching post is durable, we wish the base was weighted to prevent tipping.
Fukumaru Cat Scratcher Mat
Scratch the surface
Fukumaru keeps things simple with this scratcher mat. Its no-frills design can be put anywhere, even on the wall. However, if you want to keep this mat on the floor Fukumaru supplies you with four velcro pads so that it stays in place.
Pros:
- This mat isn’t just for claws. We found that cats love rolling around on it to relieve unreachable itches.
- Cats who love to scratch up carpeting will find a lot of satisfaction with this mat.
Cons:
- Picky cats may prefer a more traditional scratcher.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best material for a cat scratcher?
Sisal offers the thickest and most durable option. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best. For example, cardboard cat scratchers may not be as durable, but their lighter material may feel better on sensitive paws. It really comes down to what your cat prefers.
Should I purchase more than one cat scratcher?
Yes, that’s a great idea. Cats are like humans. They grow bored easily if there aren’t enough options. If their cat scratcher starts to wear, they’ll likely move on to something else to scratch, like your sofa. We’d recommend purchasing a few cat scratchers to place around your home.
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