The Best Scratching Posts for Your Cat
If you're a cat owner, then you know how important scratching is for your furry friend. This natural urge helps to keep their claws sharp, stretch their muscles, and mark their territory. But if you don't have a scratching post they actually like, then you've probably noticed some unsightly marks on your favorite pieces of furniture. From compact options to massive scratching towers, there's one suitable for every household and feline. To help you find the best one for your needs, we've put together a list of some of the best cat scratching posts available today.
Amazon Basics Cat Condo Tree Tower
The purr-fect post
Featuring two scratch posts instead of one, this choice offers a cozy hammock for napping in between scratching sessions. The posts are made from natural jute fiber to help keep your kitty’s nails healthy, while the hammock and base are made from plush carpeting. We also love that the neutral color tones fit in nicely with virtually any home decor. Plus, this post also has a hanging toy ball for some added fun.
Pros:
- Offered in two different colors
- Designed for durability
- Great value for the price
Cons:
- We wish it were just a little taller
Zeny Cat Tree
Why get just a scratching post when you could have more? With super solid construction, this 53-inch tall cat tree offers three scratching posts along with multiple platforms and hideaway houses to keep your kitty entertained. The scratching posts are made of sisal rope for all-day scratching. The lounging spots of this cat tree are covered in quality plush material that your furry friend will love. And we love that it’s big enough for more than one cat to enjoy. So if you’re looking for a scratch post and some, we recommend this model.
Pros:
- Easy assembly
- Suitable for multiple cats
- Offered in five different colors
Cons:
- There may be some shedding of the carpet if your cat scratches there
PetnPurr Cactus Cat Scratcher
Cute and functional
Cactus-shaped cat scratching posts are quite popular and this one is our favorite. It’s offered in two different heights so you can choose the right size for your space. It’s also made with strong sisal material for long-lasting scratch sessions, and the cute cactus design adds a fun flair to any room. This scratching post also has a very quick assembly process, taking only minutes to set up to save you time. With a dangling ball to play with and a soft carpeting base to roll around on, your cat is sure to be please and preoccupied.
Pros:
- Fun, unique design
- Made from durable sisal material
- Quick assembly
Cons:
- The color is a bit different in person than in the photos
4Claws Wall Mounted Scratching Post
Space-saving fun
Sometimes simple is best, especially when you don’t have the space for tons of cat necessities. Thankfully, this tall, vertical scratching post mounts to your wall for sturdiness and keeps your space clutter-free. You’ll receive stainless steel mounting screws and wall anchors to install on almost any surface. Plus, it’s created with an aluminum frame and natural sisal, making it environmentally friendly and extra-durable. So if you’re in need of a scratch post but may not have space for a tower, we suggest this option by 4Claws.
Pros:
- Ideal for small spaces
- Great value for the price
- Simple, minimalistic design
Cons:
- We wish it was slightly longer
PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher
For the contemporary cat
Not all cat accessories look attractive in your mindfully designed home, but this choice fixes that. This cat scratcher is larger than most yet also has a very modern, streamlined design. Great for lounging and scratching, it’s made with eco-friendly recycled cardboard and non-toxic corn starch glue to keep your kitty safe. Two-tiered and long, this thing is built for interactive play while the curves allow for easier scratching and more comfortable napping. And the attractive shape and colors are an added plus.
Pros:
- Naturally attracts cats to scratch
- Holds up to four large cats
- Large surface area
Cons:
- This is a more expensive option
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when purchasing a cat scratching post?
We suggest you first keep in mind the size of the space you plan to put your new scratching post. This will determine how tall and how wide of a post you should get. We also recommend you think about the type of objects your cat currently scratches on, so you can find a post that mimics the feel and look to ensure they use your new post. We then suggest you think about purchasing more than one post, especially if you have more than one cat. And finally, think about the overall design of your scratching post, in case you’d like it to blend in or stand out from your current home decor.
Where should I place my new scratching post?
Placement can play a huge part in your cat’s acceptance of the new object. We suggest you place the post in the room that your cat uses the most, or near the furniture that your cat currently scratches on. It might also be a good idea to place the cat scratching post in a high traffic room, as cats scratch partly to mark and claim dominance. So wherever the most animals or people are near, means that is usually where you’re cat will scratch. Doing this will help to encourage your cat to uses the post and your money isn’t wasted.
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