Best Cat Scratching Post
Ancol Acticat Fat Boy Scratching Post
The Ancol Acticat Fat Boy is very aptly named. This cat scratcher is massively larger than most.
- Height: 71cm
- Pole diameter: 28.8cm
- Base Width 50cm
- Base Length: 50cm
The fat boy claims to be one of the biggest cat scratchers (in terms of post diameter) in the world, I’ve scoured the internet for one that is bigger and have failed to find anything that can even come close to competing, so it is likely to be the very biggest commercially available cat scratcher.
Because of its size, it is able to withstand a lot of scratching by even the most energetic cats. It can also last many years. At 71cm, it is also a tall cat which means that most cats can stretch out on it.
It comes in chocolate brown with white sisal wrapped around it.
- It’s big, enormous – huge!
- Very stable.
- Sisal covered scratching post.
- It will last for a very long time.
- It’s size means it dominates a room, you can’t just place it subtly next to the TV, it becomes a statement piece because it is so imposing it will be the first thing everyone sees.
- Because of its size, the item dominates any room.
Kong Naturals Cat Scratcher Incline is the #10 Best Cardboard Cat Scratcher
The cardboard scratcher is simple and cats love it. The angled scratching pad provides a great stretch and is reversible and replaceable for years of use.It features a cubby hole and built-in toy, making it a multifunctional addition to the home. To help entice your cat to use the Kong Naturals scratcher, the product comes with mountain-grown catnip.
This is an affordable option at a low price, with a starting cost of less than $10. However, it has a few problems. Because it’s made from lightweight cardboard, the scratcher can slide around during use. It may be worth weighing it to ensure it stays in one place when scratching vigorously.
This inclined design will not give your cat that vertical stretch you want if they like to scratch while stretching.
Indoor And Outdoor
- Indoor cat scratching post – Indoor cats do not get the opportunity to claw on rocks or trees. They need different scratching posts. There are many options for them: condos, vertical, horizontal and angled; cat scratcher box, cat scratcher or cat scratcher beds, as well as cat scratcher boxes.
- Outdoor cat scratching post – Outdoor cats have a habit of sharpening their front claws by scratching. Wooden fence posts or tree stumps act as useful cat scratch posts in this regard. You can’t stop your pet from going on a tour of the local area, so it won’t stay inside all day. It is important to arrange for an outdoor scratching post. You can read the reviews to know more about the outdoor scratching posts for cats.
Smartcat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post
SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Board is a stylish furniture-grade scratching board that looks great in every home. The square post stands 32 inches tall and has durable sisal covering that won’t snag your cat’s claws. The wooden base is 16 x 16 inches and won’t tip over even when the larger cats use it. It’s also easy to assemble and only requires two screws.
While the SmartCat Pioneer is one of the more attractive scratching posts on this list, it doesn’t sit stable on hard floors because of the hardware, and it can cause scratches, so it’s only suitable for a carpeted floor.
Dimaka Cat Scratching Post
The Dimaka Cat Scratching Post is a larger post that is well suited to larger cats. The post is 29 inches high and has a base measuring just 16 inches. The sisal wrapping is lightweight, weighing in at less than four pounds. It can be easily moved from one room to the next. The sisal wrapping is durable, but you can order replacement posts if one should wear out. If you have to place it on hardwood floors, the carpeted base will look great and protect your floor from scratches.
Our cays liked the Dimaka Cat Scratching Post, and it remained stable when our bigger cats were using it, especially if we place it in the corner of the room. However, it was one of the most difficult to assemble of all the models on this list. You will need to use two hands for the base. We also pinched our skin while building it, so you will need to be more careful.
K&H Pet Products Scratch Ramp Cat Scratcher
If you’re looking for the ultimate cat scratcher, then look no further than the K&H Pet Products Scratch Ramp Cat Scratcher. The cleverly crafted combination of a scratching pad and toy, with catnip — makes it a great choice for cats. Some cats need a little encouragement to start using their cat scratcher, and with this offering from K&H Pet Products, you get plenty of chances to tempt your cat.
The large cardboard area encourages scratching, while the two balls within a runner will keep your cat entertained and ready to get their claws out (making it the best cat scratcher to file nails). In fact, the only thing we didn’t like about this cat scratcher is that the included bag of catnip is small. It’s possible to want to add more. However, it is likely that your cat will take to the scratcher immediately — there are no cats required.
Bring the great outdoors in with a fun cat bed! We love the Hepper Cactus Cat Bed because it’s soft, cozy, and adorable.
At Excited Cats, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Angled
You can keep things exciting for your cat and place angled scratching posts around surprising places. Finding out an angled scratcher in the corner of a closet or under the bed is fun and interesting for your pet. These posts permit your cat to scratch from a different position every time it uses the scratcher.
Made from corrugated cardboard, the scratchy ramp for cats helps in working more muscles. Your cat may be rubbing their back against the ramp, with their front end toward the top and their claws towards the bottom. Giving your pet the liberty to scratch in both positions not just entertains it but keeps your kitty healthy, flexible, and agile.
Dimaka Ultimate Cat Scratching Post
The Dimaka Ultimate Cat Scratching Post is another post that has a wide base to keep it upright while the cat uses it. The center pole is three inches thick and stands 34-inches tall. It’s eco-friendly and uses a surprisingly sturdy cardboard tube. It was simple to assemble and took only a few minutes for it to be ready for the cats once it had been opened. It has a soft, plush ball at the top that will encourage playing and climbing. You can also get it in a variety of colors to match any décor.
The Dimaka Ultimate was a favorite among our cats. It’s lighter than some other options we have seen. However, the rope did start to pull away after a few weeks, and it frequently needed repair.
The Floor to Ceiling Cat Scratch Board by Whomes
This floor to ceiling post is perfect for cats who love to climb. It measures up to 288cm in length and can be adjusted for any ceiling between 288cm and 240cm.
You don’t need to worry, it isn’t shipped in a 240cm long box – the post is broken up into four easy to assemble parts which all screw together.
Entwined with fibrous sisal rope and featuring three platforms staggered up the pole with enough space for your cat to be able to jump from one to the other the WHomes scratcher is sure to catch the eye of anyone who visits your house.
- Height: 288cm
- Length: 27cm
- Width: 28cm
- Weight: 6.92kg
This enormous scratching post will fit nicely into a spacious kitchen or conservatory, however if you don’t have a lot of space to spare in your home buy this with caution as it will dominate small rooms.
It is also important to keep it away from bookshelves or shelves containing fragile ornaments. Your cats may jump on them and cause havoc!
- Ceiling height adjustable from 235cm to 285cm. Easy-to-adjust, spring loaded with non-slip ceiling attachment
- Protects cats’ claws: Two of the four posts have natural fiber twine wrapped around them, which is non-toxic and odourless.
- Extra soft luxury PL SCH The beige plush has a beautiful natural colour that matches any room decor.
- We have made the platforms larger and we are now able to offer extra large options. Each platform is 44 cm x 25 cm plenty of space for your cats
- Easy to emble: clear step by step instructions help you build the tree in no time. All necessary parts are included.
- Floor to ceiling scratcher.
- Cats love the high vantage points it provides.
- Embedded with sisal rope.
- Dominates small rooms.
- It can be difficult to mount and may need professional assistance to attach it to the ceiling.
- It is not recommended for families with young children, as the child may try to climb up it.
#1 overall Best: Pioneer Smartcat, The Ultimate Scratching Site
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This Amazon Bestseller is often rated the best scratching posts on the market. It has more than 7400 reviews from customers and an impressive 4.6-star rating. It is described as sturdy and durable by customers. Thanks to its sturdy design and brawny 16″ x 16″ base, this scratching post can withstand rigorous scratching, along with climbing, jumping, and playing.
If your cat likes climbing the post, they might also like to use it with the optional perch designed to fit on top of the scratching post.
It measures 32″ tall and has four wide sides, so your cat will have plenty of space to stretch and scratch. This scratching board is suitable for homes with neutral tones.
Pricing
It can be tempting to go for a cheap scratching post, after all your cat is going to scratch it and scratch it until eventually it has fallen to bits and needs to be thrown out…so why not buy a cheap one?
A cheap scratching board isn’t worth the trouble.
If the rope quickly falls off or platforms on your cat tree become unstable then your cat is likely to tire of it quickly and will return to more functional places to sharpen their claws such as your furniture.
Cheaper cat trees and scratching posts are usually made from very basic materials which are lightweight and instable meaning they can easily be knocked over.
High quality scratching trees will last much longer, your cat will get more use out of them and over time they will cost you less than multiple cheap ones.
The Best Cat Trees
The banana leaves have an attractive feel and appearance so this is a good choice for anyone who doesn’t want to ruin the feng shui of their home with a more typical boxy cat tree.
- Height: 158cm
- Depth: 58cm
- Width: 103cm
- Weight: 15kg (estimated)
It measures 159cm high and 103cm in width. This allows your cat to explore and climb. It has two banana leaf hiding places, with the lower hiding place being more enclosed for cats to hide in and the higher one being open for your cat to take advantage of his vantage point and observe the world from.
Two more open, flat platforms are available that are well cushioned and comfortable for cats. All of the platforms feature soft cushions with covers which can be removed and washed.
Paradise has six sisal-covered scratching posts that range in height from about a meter up to approximately 30 cm.
- Looks great on banana leaves
- Environmentally friendly banana leaf construction.
- 6 sisal covered scratching posts.
- At the summit, a sheltering viewing platform.
- It is quite expensive.
- Requires quite a bit of assembly.
Rhrquality Cat Scratching Barrel
RHRQuality’s cat scratching bar is available in beige or light grey. It is ideal for large cats that need lots of room to stretch their legs.
Measuring 110cm tall it is big enough for even the largest of cats to be able to fully stretch out and sharpen their claws.
- Width: 44cm
- Height: 110cm
- Weight: 18kg
The large diameter means it has a good solid base and will not be easily toppled over, it can also accommodate a lot of weight with ease (see the girl sat on top of it).
It has a soft trimmings around each opening and a cushioned top which will ensure that your cat can relax in comfort when he or she is not busy scratching it.
It is covered in sisal carpet, and has three compartments for cats to use as hiding places. There are also spaces on the top where your cat can sit. This is perfect for big cats or cats that like to hide and watch the world go by.
- Natural sisal carpet, 44 cmO in diameter. Quality cat tree total 18KG.
- There is a large lying area on the top, and there are 3 within.
- Base stand 44cmO (made extra heavy for stability).
- Perfect for big cats who need lots of scratching space.
- 3 hiding spaces.
- Covering made of sisal.
- It takes up lots of space.
- It takes up lots of space.
Smartcat The Ultimate Scratching Post
Here’s something from Pioneer Pet that will ensure she gets a good, long stretch as she scratches. This sturdy sisal column will help her to tone her muscles and trim her claws.
The scratching post will be useful for many years and give your cat the perfect place to use her claws. This could work for you if your cat has a problem with clawing.
The “box looking design” should satisfy most of the kitties. It is certain to provide your darling cat with hours of stress free clawing time.
Pros:
- It is sturdy and will not crash down very easily
- It stands taller than other products on the market
- The price is good
Cons:
- After a couple of weeks, the fabric can become brittle.
- Some cats don’t like it
- The top is slippery
Types Of Scratching Posts
It can be difficult and expensive to find the right cat scratching posts. It is possible to buy several posts, but your cat will ignore them. It would rather march up to its favorite scratching post, your couch, to satisfy its instincts. You decide scratching posts are all a hoax, designed only to promote commercial interests. They have no real value.
Unfortunately, most cat parents choose a cat scratcher that they like and not a post that the kitty wants to use. It is important to find a replacement that your cat loves to claw over your old dresser.
These categories will help you make an informed choice.
How to get a cat to use a scratching post?
Use catnip to entice your cat to the post. You can hang catnip bags or sprinkle catnip throughout the fabric and base. Spend time with your cat near the bar and encourage them to play. Make it part of the game by playing with your cat next to the bar.
#5 Best Budget: Fatcat Bigmama Scratchy Box
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Easily one of the most affordable cat scratchers on the market, this model is priced just under $10. The scratcher is eco-friendly and recyclable corrugated card and can be reversible for a double scratching lifespan.
It also comes with catnip that you can sprinkle onto it to get your cat scratching. This cardboard scratcher measures 2″ by 10″ by 19″ and comes with two yarn toys in the corners.
#4 Best Small Scratcher: Catit Scratcher Lounge
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The cardboard lounge is available in two designs and has a unique curved design. The scratcher’s shape and size make it an excellent choice for cat lovers who love to stretch and scratch horizontally.
The Catit Scratcher Lounge measures 19.5″ by 8.5″ by 3″ and is reversible so you get double the usage. Corrugated cardboard provides a scratching surface for your cat and protects your furniture against claw damage.
#6: Smartcat Bootsie’S Combination Scratcher is the Best Horizontal Scratching Site
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If you have a cat who enjoys horizontal scratching, this combination scratcher may be a good choice. The combination scratcher measures 24 by 7 inches in length and width. It can also be used horizontally or vertically. You can even mount it to the wall or hang it over a door.
The combination cat scratcher has been made of heavy-duty materials for years of enjoyment. It’s made from durable sisal material that naturally encourages scratching and features rubber feet to keep it from sliding on the floor.
Material for Construction
These types of posts are made from wood and cardboard. The base will usually be made from some type of wood, whether it is engineered wood or chipboard, although you will find some that are made from recycled, compressed, or corrugated cardboard. The material used for the column section of the post also matters.
Wood is strong and won’t break, but the screw or any other fastening may prove to be a weakness. While some columns are constructed with cardboard, these posts have a higher likelihood of breaking, snapping, or being bent.
What number of Scratching Posts should I have?
A single scratching board may suffice for one cat, but many cat owners only have one. However, cats are fickle, picky, and they can be territorial and possessive. You will require more than one scratching post if your cat has multiple cats. Even if one cat is the only one, it’s a smart idea to give them a selection and offer scratching spots in different areas, such as the bedroom and living room. One post for each cat is better than one extra.
What do cats like to scratch?
Cats love to get into rough surfaces with their claws.
Cats love fibrous materials such as sisal rope as this replicates the type of things they would seek to scratch in the wild.
Perch
Some posts have a perch at the top of their columns, even though they do not contain hammocks or beds. The perch offers your cat somewhere to sit so that they can survey what is around them.
Although the perch may not be large enough for you to lie down on, it should still allow enough room to place your feet. In some cases, it is also possible to buy an additional perch cover which is a cushion that extends the usefulness of the column top.
The Scratching Post Weight
One more thing you will want to consider when choosing your next scratching pad is the weight. Heavier posts will be less likely to tip over, but they will also be more difficult to move around your home. While shopping, you will want to strike a balance. We recommend the heaviest one that you can still transport around your home.
Best Overall
SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post offers serious exercise and scratching. Extra height means cats have more space to move around and tipping is eliminated by the wider base. For scratching or stretching at any angle, the entire surface of the post is covered in woven sisalrope. It is extremely resistant to fraying and is very durable. This post comes in gray or beige and measures 16 by 16 by 35 inches.