Best Cat Scratching Post in 2024: 14 Options Tested and Reviewed

27.05.2022

Cats need to scratch something for a number of reasons. If you don’t provide your feline with the best cat scratching post to satisfy its urge, you can prepare yourself to get your favorite furniture ruined. No matter how hard you try to re-direct a cat away from your home fittings, it would always look for the appropriate surface to scratch its claws.

Therefore, training cat to use a scratching post is what everyone needs for keeping furniture intact and cat satisfied. Have you been going back and forth searching for the cat house scratching post for your feline? I will take you through the best scratching posts for cats to help in choosing one.

Product
My Pick
SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post – Gray, Large 32 Inch...
Runner-Up
PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge, Reversible Infinity...
Premium Option
Vesper Cat Tree, High Base, Walnut, 52045
Rating
-
-
-
Pros
Cheap cat scratching post
Comes with catnip
Multiple scratch areas
Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
My Pick
Product
SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post – Gray, Large 32 Inch...
Rating
-
Pros
Cheap cat scratching post
Prime
Amazon Prime
Read my preview
Runner-Up
Product
PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge, Reversible Infinity...
Rating
-
Pros
Comes with catnip
Prime
Amazon Prime
Read my preview
Premium Option
Product
Vesper Cat Tree, High Base, Walnut, 52045
Rating
-
Pros
Multiple scratch areas
Prime
Amazon Prime
Read my preview

A Detailed Overview of the Best Cat Scratching Post Options

Let’s take a look at these 14 best cat scratching post reviews and see which tool catches your eye.

1. Pioneer Pet SmartCat The Ultimate Scratching Post – The Best Cat Scratching Post

If you need a sturdy, heavy duty cat scratching post that is high enough to give your cat the best scratching experience, then you should totally go for the Pioneer Pets Smart Cat Ultimate scratching post.

The 32-inches tall cat scratching post is designed to allow your cat not only to shorten the claws but to stretch out their muscles, which is the exercise needed for strengthening their bones. The 16 x 16-inches base is really strong and will not tilt over.

The scratching post is made from sisal fabric that allows your pet’s claws to run smoothly through it. The product dimension for this fabric and wooden cat scratch post is 16 x 16 x 35 inches, and it weighs 2.2 pounds. Check out the advantages and the only bad point I find about this item:

PROS:
  • High enough to stretch even for a large cat
  • Sturdy base
  • Cheap cat scratching post
CONS:
  • The fabric wears off after a few weeks of use

2. PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge – One of the Small to Large Cat Scratch Posts

If you are a fashionable person like me, then this couch corner cat scratching post will appeal to you as well. Not only is it a lounge for your cat to relax, but it also adds to your home décor. Your cat can sleep on it, hide inside the big holes beneath the post, and scratch its claws at any part of the item.

It is made from non-toxic cornstarch glue and recycled cardboard and thus, safe for your cat. This cats scratch post weighs 7.5 pounds and has a dimension of 34 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches. It comes already assembled.

Check out the advantages and the only disadvantage I see about this item:

PROS:
  • Comes with catnip
  • Universal for cats of all sides
  • Sides can be flipped
CONS:
  • May not be suitable for cats that love to scratch strictly vertical surfaces.

3. Trixie Pet Product Baza Cat Trees – Beautiful Cat Hammock Scratching Post

If this is not the cutest cat scratch post, I don’t know what another one is. First, this item comes with an incredibly soft plush hammock where the cat can relax, and a hard metal rim covered in soft fabric too to withstand the weight of a cat. It also has a pompom toy attached to it for your feline’s amusement. The vertical scratch stand is doubled, so the product won’t wear out quickly and can be used by more than one cat.

Read the pros and cons of this item below:

PROS:
  • It has a metal rim for better support
  • It has a hammock for cat relaxation
  • Dual scratch posts
CONS:
  • Few complaints that it wobbles

4. Vesper Cat Furniture – Nice Tree Scratching Post Condo

Having two or more felines means that there will be a lot of power tussles amongst cats regarding who owns what territory. How about investing in this smart cat ultimate scratching post? It has multiple scratch posts and soft foam cushions for your multiple cats to play or rest before or after scratching.

Also, it is the best red cat scratching post that I have ever seen. The product is available in all colors, to say. Here are the benefits and the only disadvantage of going with this item:

PROS:
  • Suitable for multiple cats
  • Multiple scratch areas
  • Easy to install
CONS:
  • A bit expensive

5. Catit Style Scratcher Jungle-Stripe Lounge – Ruling among the Best Cat Scratching Posts

If you have been looking for a simple scratching tool that can also work like a cat’s bed, look no more. Here is a compact and useful cat scratch post with nice jungle strips at the front.

You may ask, is that the best scratching post for cats? This modern-looking cat scratch post with its corrugated surface will give your feline the freedom to stretch its body and relax when it’s tired. You can use this as a replacement cat scratch post in case your cat runs out of areas to scratch on a surface. However, you can find out what is the best item for your cat only trying different items.

Here are the benefits and drawbacks of this scratch tool:

PROS:
  • Comes with catnip
  • Very affordable
  • Cats can relax in it
CONS:
  • Cannot be tilted over
  • It may not appeal to felines who dislike horizontal cat scratch posts

6. Catit Style Scratcher with Catnip Tiger – Fashionable Item for Your Feline

This is a beautifully designed one-size cat scratch post. This product will help keep your cat’s claws trimmed, and it is also comfortable for cats to stretch with. It is made from corrugated cardboard with is lightweight and durable. And I want to point out the stylish zebra print at the front side.

Here are the good and bad points of this model to consider:

PROS:
  • Helps to trim cat’s paws
  • Can accommodate large cats
  • Made from corrugated cardboard
CONS:
  • Too expensive

7. AmazonBasics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts – Great Tool for Multiple Cats

As much as cats love to scratch, they love to climb. This three-layer cedar scratching post for cats comes with seven scratch posts on platforms where a cat can rest after playing and scratching. At the top, there is a big comfy bed for a cat to sleep in. I want to note that this is a perfect scratching post for two or more cats because of its layers.

Here are the good and bad I see about this item:

PROS:
  • Has seven sisal scratch posts
  • Assembling is easy
  • Comes with a resting platform at the top
  • Can work for multiple cats
CONS:
  • Can accommodate only one cat or kitten

8. Catit Scratcher with Catnip – Simple, Reliable Item

Cats indeed love to scratch things, but they can be very stubborn to use what you want them to use. Simply place catnip or your feline’s scent on the scratch post, and it will attract your cat to the tool. Also, you can place the scratch product close to areas where your cat loves to scratch in your house.

Note that this may not work for pets who prefer vertical surface. They will see this scratcher and simply ignore it. So, here are the pros and cons to summarize:

PROS:
  • Cats can relax on it
  • Easy to move around
  • Comes with catnip
CONS:
  • Will not appeal to every cat

9. PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratching Post – Multiple Scratching Angles to Match Your Cat’s Preference

When cats are angry or happy, when they want to play or just woke up, they start scratching. The point is, scratching stuff is one of the most important parts of a cat’s daily needs. This is why this three-sided scratch post for cat will suit your cat perfectly. Your cat can scratch multiple surfaces and relax inside the triangular cutout.

In my opinion, it is a pretty nice scratch post. Here are the benefits and the disadvantage of this product:

PROS:
  • Comes with catnip
  • Has three angles to scratch from
  • Suitable for multiple cats
CONS:
  • Not suitable for larger cats

10. Feandrea Cat Tree Cat Scratching Post with a Hammock PCT86W – Great Pets at Home Cat Scratching Post

If you need not just a regular cat scratching post hammock but also a place where your feline can rest, play, and scratch, go for this one. This is a typical cat condo with scratching post. So, you can get an all-in-one cat furniture.

This scratch post was designed to be stable with the use of heavy-duty natural particle boards. The great thing about this item is that it is easy to set up. A friend of mine who has two cats made use of this. According to her, all parts of the scratch post were carefully labeled, and she set it up all by herself in no time. It also comes with fluffy toys.

This cat tree scratching post weighs 15.9 kg and has a dimension of 154 x 50 x 84 cm. Here are the pros and cons of this scratch post to highlight:

PROS:
  • Works fine for 2+ cats
  • Easy to set up
  • Strong base
CONS:
  • May not be strong enough for large cats

11. 4 Paws Stuff Tall Cat Scratching Post Cat Interactive Toys – Scratching Post for Cats DIY Option

This small cat scratch post is 22-inches long and ideal for your kitten to scratch and play on. The tree stump cat scratching post is made from natural materials that are safe for your feline. Set up for this DIY cat scratching post is very easy and requires just little effort to get it all assembled. To learn how to repair sisal cat scratching post, you can check for videos online.

Below you can read about the pros and cons of this tool summarized:

PROS:
  • Ideal for small cats
  • Comes with pompom
  • Easy to assemble
CONS:
  • Sisal ropes may be too rough for cats’ paws

12. Petstages Cat Scratcher Cat Hammock Cat Scratching Post – Smart Cat Scratch Post

When purchasing a cat scratcher, you have to look at not just cost but also longevity and effectiveness of the scratching post. I consider this item as one of the best cat trees scratching posts due to its useful design. Also, it is not a pricey product so that it can fit in almost every budget.

The ‘x’ smart design gives your feline a place to relax after scratching. As cats love to scratch after taking a nap, this is a perfect representation of a rest-and-scratch post. If your cat appears too stubborn to use this product, it comes with a pouch of catnip to get the cat used to the tool.

Below are the good and bad sides of this scratching post:

PROS:
  • Comes as a comfortable couch
  • Catnip pouch provided
  • Can accommodate cats of all sizes
  • Very affordable
CONS:
  • May wear out after a few scratches

13. 7 Ruby Road Cat Scratching Post for Floor or Wall Mounted Use — The Best Natural Option For Your Cat

This Scratching Post is a great decor item to be placed on both the floor and wall. It all depends on your cat’s preference. The item is made of natural material — sisal, which has a woody origin. When the scratching post becomes unusable, it will not decompose for a long time harming the environment.

The kit includes special glue and hooks for installation. The installation will not take long, and the cat can quickly start sharpening its claws. Besides, the board is easy enough to move and will not leave traces on your wall or floor, since the mounts are delicate enough and do not require drilling.

The manufacturer provides a 30-day guarantee, which will protect the cat’s owner from a wrong purchase.

PROS:
  • Eco-friendly
  • Saves your space
  • Durable
  • Easy installation
CONS:
  • Not suitable for large cats

14. Cat Craft 12″ x 16″ Base Beige Fleece Jute – Small Cat Scratch Post

If you have a small cat and need a convenient cat craft refillable scratching post that will not only allow your feline scratch but also has a space for hanging toys like mini pompoms, here is the right product for you. It comes in various sizes, up to 36 inches to allow your cat stretch fully. You can always remove and replace the toys or add rope for cat scratch post if you want.

However, the issue that I have had with this item is that it may not be sturdy enough to allow the medium to large cats comfortably use it. The product dimension for this product is 12 x 16 x 37.2 inches, and its weight is 6 pounds. Check out the pros and cons highlighted below:

PROS:
  • Toys can be easily replaced
  • Ideal for smaller cats
  • Thick stable base
CONS:
  • No top base for a cat to sit on

15. Molly and Friends Bed on Top of A 27″ Sisal Wrapped Scratching Post – Among the Best Wooden Cat Scratching Posts

Are you trying to save space in your home but still look at some fancy cat scratching posts? Then you should totally go for the Molly and Friends cat scratching post. This is the perfect solution for cat owners who do not want to go through the stress of extensive installing or setting up a scratch post. Simply put this tool on the floor and let your cat explore it immediately.

This cat tower with scratching post is strong and suitable for cats of all sizes. This product also comes as a cat bed with scratch post, which means that when your feline is tired of scratching and playing, it can jump on the comfortable bed on the top of the post to get a good rest. Here you can read about the pros and disadvantages of this post:

PROS:
  • This wood cat scratch post
  • has a comfortable bed
  • This is a large scratch post for cats
  • Durable
CONS:
  • May wear out when used by more than one cat

Why Do Cats Need Scratching Post?

Cat scratching posts are sturdy wooden or corrugated cardboards, wrapped with fabric or rope, for your cat to scratch at will. You need to understand that for cats, scratching things is a natural behavior. There are a few strong reasons why a cat needs a scratching post:

1First, it is beneficial for your cat’s claws. Cats never stop growing nails, so, occasionally, they need a surface to scratch on to pull out the old nails and reveal the news ones.

2Secondly, cats are territorial. Thus, they tend to scratch surfaces and leave their scents to ward off other cats. Unless you feel your sofa is a great scratching post, then, by all means, ignore this message.

3Scratching posts are highly beneficial for your cat’s muscles, neck, body development generally because this tool allows cats to stretch the tendons and muscles.

4And lastly, cats feel relieved and satisfied when they scratch posts.

It is important to know that scratching is necessary for cats.

 

? Do not declaw your cat because it poses a serious health challenge and affects the balance and walk of a cat. Instead, it is worth buying a suitable scratching post to treat your feline and save your furniture.?

How to Make Your Cat Scratch a Scratching Post: Introducing Your Feline to the Tool

Why do cats use scratching posts? Instinctively, felines know they need to drag their paws through anything soft or hard and scratch old nails. Also, by scratching different surfaces, cats mark their territory. However, you probably do not want to see cat marks around the house. This is why you should introduce your feline to the cat scratching post as soon as you purchase one.

Note that you cannot purchase a scratch post and assume that the cat will see the difference between it and your sofa. So, you need to introduce the scratching post to the cat first.

Do you want to know how to get a cat to use scratching post? Here are a few tips for you:

? Place the scratch post in a place where your cat will find it. You can put it near entrances, windows, its nap zone, or in front of anything the cat likes to scratch. If you keep the scratch post in a place that doesn’t get cat’s attention, cat won’t use scratching post.

For example, if your feline likes to scratch your sofa, put the scratch post vertically in front of it. Also, cats tend to scratch things after they wake up from a nap. So, it would be wise to keep a cat scratch post close to its nap zone.

? Another way you can train your cat to use the scratch post is to take it to the cat scratch post and gently move its paws in scratching motion on the surface.

? You can also use its scent or catnip to attract the feline to the scratch post. It will feel safer to use it when it recognizes its scent or when the catnip to attract its attention. This is basically how to teach your cat to use a scratching post.

Thoughts about Scratching Posts for Cats

Even if the question on how to get cats to use scratching post used to be the challenge, I hope that this post became of help for you. From the text above, you can see that by purchasing cats scratch posts, you can protect your furniture and provide your feline with an essential tool.

No matter if you need scratch posts for big cats or small cats, there are many useful options that can fit a cat of any size. There are also universal scratching posts you can take into consideration. Instead of checking online how to make scratching posts for cats, I recommend going with a specially designed item as most of them come at really affordable prices.

Besides wooden scratch platforms to look out for, you can also try a driftwood cat scratching post, a gumtree cat scratching post, or a manila rope cat scratching post. But from my experience, I can tell you that cats prefer fabric and wood scratching posts, and wooden ones are the most durable options.

Looking at the 14 products here, what is the best scratching post for cats would you go for and why? Have you purchased any of these scratch posts before? Please let me know in the comments!

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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