Cats don’t scratch up your carpet, couch and beloved furniture because they’re feeling particularly destructive. It’s an instinctual need that your kitty has. Their claws are designed for scratching and doing so means that your cat can clean their nails, mark their territory, and even relieve stress.
When you bring a feline friend into your life, it’s up to you to ensure that they have the right tools available for safe scratching. If you don’t have one of the best cat scratching posts handy, then your furry pal will more than happily find something else to take their frustration out on – usually your expensive sofa!
Who Should Buy a Cat Scratching Post
Anyone with a cat needs a scratching post. Ultimately, scratching is just something that your kitty needs to do, and they’re going to scratch whether you like it or not. A scratching post is how you ensure that you can control the level of damage done to your possessions.
Cats don’t scratch because they want to annoy you – they do it because they need to and it generates a feeling of kitty well being. Scratching is an instinctive behavior which delivers a bunch of benefits, such as:
Things to Think About Before Buying
A scratching post is one of the most important accessories you can buy as a pet parent, especially if you are a first time cat owner! The value of these items means that there is usually a wide range of options to choose from. You can find flat scratching posts that you lay on your carpet or floor, angled posts to place against the wall, and huge, tall trees with perching surfaces. Here are a few features you might want to consider when making your choice:
FAQs
What difference does the texture of the cat scratcher make?
Your cat scratcher needs to be something that your kitty can really dig their claws into. A rough texture might not feel particularly appealing to us, but it’s great for your cats. Products like sisal rope will help to pull away loose pieces of nail that your cat can’t remove on its own. It also allows your kitty to exfoliate their paws and keep their nails as healthy as possible.
How do I get my cat to use a new cat scratcher?
Convincing a kitty to use a new scratcher can be a little tough. Sometimes, the moment you unbox the scratcher, your kitty will run in and start playing. Other times, it’s not so simple. A good option is to rub some catnip onto the base of the scratcher and the scratching surface. This will encourage your cat to check the new furniture out. Reward your kitty for using the post with pets and treats and remember that adding toys to a scratcher can also make it easier to grab a cat’s attention.
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How do I know what kind of cat scratcher my cat will like?
It’s tough to tell what kind of scratching post your cat’s going to enjoy before you’ve tested a few options out. Pay attention to where your cat usually does most of their scratching. If they scratch the floor frequently, this could be a sign that they want a low scratching post. If they’re constantly jumping and climbing, a larger tree could be on the cards.
How do I decide between an upright, incline, or flat cat scratcher?
Again, this is a choice that depends on you and your cat. Think about the kind of behavior your cat usually demonstrates – like jumping around or trying to climb to high areas. This might indicate that you need an upright scratcher. On the other hand, if your cat likes to scratch up your rugs, a flat option may be more effective.
The Best Scratching Posts
The best scratching post for your needs will depend on your feline friend. However, we’ve done some searching to track down some of the top choices for all needs.
1. AmazonBasics Cat Condo Tree Tower - Best Condo Cat Scratcher Option
Simple, but effective, this Amazon made cat scratcher from AmazonBasics is one of the most appealing condo options we’ve seen, offering an elevated cat hammock section where your furry pal can unwind. There are two fantastic sisal rope scratching posts on this condo, great for keeping your kitty away from your carpets, furniture, and curtains.
As well as being a great choice for your cat, this AmazonBasics Condo Cat Tree tower comes with neutral color tones to fit with your home’s décor perfectly. Plus, you get a handy ball to attract the cat to the scratching posts too. Unfortunately, the furry material on this post can shed quite easily.
2. SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post - Best Premium Cat Scratcher
Scratching posts are great for helping your cat to really stretch his muscles and release tension. If you want to give your feline friend the best possible experience, then you need a post that’s tall enough. This SmartCat Pioneer scratching post comes with a 32-inch height so your cat can really tone their muscles. There’s also a super heavy and sturdy base to prevent wobbling and tipping.
The durable and fibrous sisal helps to naturally inspire scratching, and there’s nothing that might accidentally snag your kitty’s nails. These scratching posts are even easy to assemble. Unfortunately, this scratching post comes with no feet on the base, so it could damage hard floors.
3. Lean-it Scratching Post 25"angle - Best Leaning Cat Scratcher
A leaning scratching post can be an excellent way to help your kitty stretch if you don’t have a lot of space for full cat towers in your home. This handy Lean-it scratching post comes in a range of colors to suit your design choices. There’s also the option to learn your post against any floor or wall surface, so you can use it however you choose. There’s a carpeted finish to help encourage your kitty to scratch naturally, and the stylish end cap prevents unnecessary slipping.
One appealing thing about this post is that it comes in wide and extra-wide sizes for bigger cats. However, the carpet on it can disintegrate quite quickly if you’re not careful. Plus, the leaning design could mean that it tips over from time to time.
4. Akarden 20.5'' Tall Cat Scratching Post - Best Value Cat Scratcher
This sturdy scratching post from Arkaden is a fantastic accessory for your feline friend, measuring about 20.5 inches tall. The post is made with a heavy chipboard that helps to prevent tipping when your kitty is scratching. Plus, there’s a plush ball included on the post to help attract your cat and encourage them to scratch more frequently.
Great for preventing your kitty from clawing, scratching, and causing damage to your furniture, The Arkaden scratching post is easy to assemble and disassemble. It also doesn’t take up too much space in your home. Unfortunately, it probably won’t be ideal for bigger cats.
5. Kitty City XL Wide Corrugate Cat Scratcher Pad - Best Pad Cat Scratcher
A cat scratcher doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. The Kitty City XL corrugate cat scratcher pad is a simple way to prevent your feline friends from tearing up your carpets. Just place the corrugated cardboard pads in the areas where your cat is most likely to scratch, and they’ll have a safe solution for sharpening claws.
The recycled cardboard is good for the environment, and it attracts your kitty with the perfect texture for scratching. Plus, this particular product comes in a pack of three, so you can have the pads in multiple places around your home. Unfortunately, they do make quite a mess.
6. Nova Microdermabrasion 53 Inches Multi-Level - Best Multi Level Cat Scratcher
If you really want to go all out for your feline friends, why not try this Nova Microdermabrasion cat tower. This product comes with a wide selection of scratching post platforms at different angles and heights, to suit any cat. Plus, there’s enough room for multiple kitties to play at the same time. The tree is intended for smaller cats, with lots of perching places and spots where they can hide.
Give your kitties the time of their life with a spacious cat tower that allows them to run around freely and relax whenever they like. Not only is this tree versatile, but it looks good too, with multiple color options to choose from. Just don’t try and use this product with bigger cats.
7. PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratching Post - Best Multi Sided
No matter how durable the cat scratching post you choose might be, your feline friend is always going to end up destroying it. Fortunately, you can make your scratcher last longer by choosing the right design. This 3-sided vertical scratching post is made with non-toxic materials to keep your kitties safe as they scratch and play. When one of the sides gets worn out, just flip it over and start a new one.
The thoughtful design of this scratching post means that your kitty can run around through the post, and even sit inside if they want to. The cardboard scratcher even won awards from the Cat Fancy Magazine. Just remember that cardboard scratchers can make quite a mess.
8. LUCKITTY Small Cat Scratching Posts Kitty Coconut Tree
An adorable scratching post with plenty of charm, this LUCKITTY small post is great for growing kittens that need help managing claw health. This coconut tree comes with a strong and durable sisal covering, which naturally attracts cats for scratching. Plus, it’s easy to put together, with just a few screws required for assembly.
The leaves of the coconut tree act as a lounging spot for your furry pal, while making your home look adorable. Plus, there’s an included “coconut” ball that your cat can play with when scratching too. Just remember that this is for smaller cats, so it won’t be ideal for larger adults.
9. AmazonBasics Cat Scratching Post
This is one of the more unique cat scratching posts we’ve seen, with two cubbyhole sections where your kitties can hide if they don’t feel like playing. There’s a high scratching post that’s great for climbing and stretching, and the durable coating ensures that your fluffy friend won’t destroy the item too quickly.
The most exciting part of this cat condo is that it comes with a selection of replaceable spinning toys on the top of the post, great for attracting kitties to their new accessories. Plus, the natural color tones are great for a range of interior décor styles. Unfortunately, it’s just too small for some cats
10. Dimaka 34" Tall Ultimate Cat Scratching Post
The 34-inch tall scratching post from Dimaka is a fantastic choice if you want to make sure that your adult cats can really stretch their muscles whenever they scratch. This handy scratching post comes covered with fantastic sisal rope, which is designed to stand the test of time. You also get a smooth plush surface at the bottom to keep your cat cozy.
To help encourage scratching, the Dimaka post comes with a ball attached to the very top of the post, which you can even add catnip to if you like. Plus, there’s a range of five colors to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that suits your home. Unfortunately, it can rock a little with some stronger cats.
11. Catry Hammock Bed
Want a place for your kitty to sleep and a scratching post in one? The Catry Hammock bed has you covered. This attractive scratcher comes with a hammock section connected to two separate scratching posts. There’s also a perching area on top of the tallest post for a secondary cat.
With premium quality materials throughout, the fleecy sections of this scratching post are sure to feel fantastic when your kitty is enjoying an afternoon nap. The sisal posts are also wonderful for scratching, with a durable performance that stands the test of time. Unfortunately, the lightweight base could mean that this product is quite easy to tip over.
12. Pet Links Claw Cone
Finally, give your kitty a simple but effective way to sharpen their claws with this wonderful cone-shaped scratcher. The Petlinks claw cone is brimming with great materials to ensure that it stands the test of time, no matter how much your furry friend loves it. The product comes with dangling ribbons and a catnip-filled mouse to attract your pet.
With a texture that cats love to sink their claws into, this Petlinks scratcher is sure to deliver the kind of results you want for your furry pal. Just keep in mind that it is quite easy to tip over and might not be ideal for some larger cats.
Final Thoughts on the Best cat Scratching Posts
A cat scratcher is one of the most valuable purchases you can invest in for your furry friend. Not only does it protect your furniture from unnecessary damage, but it keeps your cat’s claws healthy too! The right scratcher will reduce stress, boost kitty wellness, and save you a fortune in carpet repairs.
Our ideal choice is the AmazonBasics Cat Condo Tower. This product is easy to use, with multiple scratching sections to choose from, and a handy place for your kitty to perch when they’re ready to relax. Good luck finding the scratcher that’s right for you.
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