It’s no secret; cats love to scratch. Sofas, baseboards, drapes, and carpets are all fair game. Their not-so-cute tendency to shred and destroy stems from an age-old instinct to mark their territory, stretch their legs, and sharpen their claws. While it’s impossible to stop the behavior, there are a few things you can do to redirect it.
Cat scratching posts and mats are a popular solution for limiting a cat’s wayward scratching tendencies. One or two strategically placed posts may be the secret to encouraging a cat to reconsider its scratching options. The posts will not only rescue your furniture but will also encourage mental and physical stimulation.
When looking for a cat scratching post, it’s helpful to consider where and on what type of surface your cat prefers to scratch. Does your feline prefer vertical objects, such as a sofa arm or doorframe, or is it more likely to scratch carpeting?
To make things easier, check out this shopping guide filled with top-notch options. Keep reading to find the best cat scratching post for your cat.
Our Top Picks
As you choose a scratcher or post to keep your cat entertained and exercised, it’s good to know that not just any post will do. Think of a cat scratcher as your cat’s home gym. There are several factors worth considering when choosing the best cat scratching post for your fluffy, four-legged friend.
A post’s size, shape, stability, and scratching surface composition all affect a cat’s scratching and stretching experience. If the post is too short or the scratching surface not durable enough, your cat may wander back to its old ways.
To help you find the best cat scratching post for your cat, we’ve recommended by category some top picks.
Photo: amazon.com
The SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post is a no-frills post for serious scratching and exercise. The extra height ensures a cat will have plenty of room to stretch, and the extra-wide base eliminates tipping. The post’s surface is completely covered with woven sisal rope––which is highly resistant to fraying––for scratching and stretching from any angle. The post is available in beige or gray and measures 16 inches by 16 inches by 35 inches.
Photo: amazon.com
The Kitty City XL Wide Corrugate Cat Scratcher comes in an affordable pack of three. Save the other two scratchers for future use, or place all three throughout your living space for your cat’s ultimate scratching adventure. The scratching surface is made from recycled cardboard and is corrugated for durability. The Kitty City has a wider width compared to similar models, and the cardboard completely covers the surface to accommodate a variety of stretching movements. The scratchers each measure 18 inches by 10 inches by 1.5 inches.
Photo: amazon.com
The 4CLAWS Wall-Mounted Scratching Post is a great choice for small spaces. The post is mountable against the wall for minimum visibility, and the mounting kit includes four stainless steel mounts with adhesive backings. But it’s not limited to wall space––the post can be secured against a cabinet or other anchored surface. Its natural color scratching surface is made from premium recycled cardboard, and the edges are finished with a classic white trim. The post measures 5.5 inches by 5.7 inches by 26 inches.
Photo: amazon.com
The FEANDREA Cat Tree mixes stability with perching and lounging options. The tree’s two columns are wrapped with natural sisal rope for serious scratching and stretching. The dual-condo creates great spaces for napping––or a game of peekaboo. The extra-large top platform has raised edges and can hold two cats. The base of the tree is reinforced with battens for added stability and it is also equipped with anti-topple fittings, in case you prefer to securely fasten the tree to the wall. The tree measures 23.6 inches by 15.7 inches by 33.1 inches.
Photo: amazon.com
The Catry Cat Tree Hammock Bed combines cat-scratching joy with ample space to perch and lounge and can accommodate multiple cats at one time. For extra comfort, the hammock is made from fleece material and the perch is fur-lined. The tree’s cat scratching columns are made from paper rope and can hold cats up to 10 pounds. A hanging feather teaser adds a little extra playfulness. The tree’s neutral tones blend easily with home decor, and it measures 18.9 inches by 13 inches by 27.8 inches.
Photo: amazon.com
The PetFusion Vertical Cat Scratching Post provides an ideal space for your cat to mark its territory, stretch, and exercise its paws. The PetFusion is made from recycled cardboard. With its modern design and neutral colors, this scratcher can blend in easily in a variety of spaces. The three-sided design gives cats access to both vertical and horizontal scratching positions, and the center cubby hole gives cats a spot to lounge in or explore. The scratcher comes in a standard size that measures 26 inches by 5.7 inches by 5.5 inches and a large size that measures 24 inches by 21 inches by 10.5 inches.