Cats who are domesticated who live in the house some or all of the time may choose to scratch carpets, stairs and furniture. They do this because it is a natural behavior.
If your cat was feral, he would be out there scratching up trees a real treat. Doing this keeps his claws sharp, helps remove old material from the claws and helps him groom himself, scratch himself and mark his territory with scent glands that’s are inside the paws. Claws are also used for catching and killing prey, another natural kitty behavior.
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To help your cat keep his claws in great shape, and to help your cat avoid scratching up your things, you can provide him with the best cat scratching post. This will help your pet relieve his urge to scratch whilst also enabling him to stretch and exercise too.
It really should be an essential part of your kitty kit.
Would you like some tips on how to buy the perfect scratching post for your cat? How about some handy tips on the best products to buy? Some Q&A’s answered too? We got you!
We’ve a handy guide to all things cat scratchers, to help you sort the wheat from the sisal rope and get the best product for your pet.
How to Choose the Best Cat Scratching Post
Avoid Focusing On Your Taste Alone
A huge mistake that pet owners can make when they buy any kind of pet furniture, is buying a piece that appeals to their taste. Nothing wrong with making a pet furniture aesthetic work, but only if you put the function of the piece first. Your primary concern should be the suitability of the cat scratching post, its aesthetic should come second.
Choose The Right Height
Cats are less likely to use a scratching post that doesn’t enable them to scratch to their full height (when standing on back feet). This helps them to properly stretch their back and shoulders, scratching as they would up a tree.
If you get a post too small, they are less likely to use it, and it could be uncomfortable for them to use. Yes cats do scratch in any position, but fully extending is a part of that yogi like repertoire.
Keep It Safe
Choose a scratching post that is not wobbly so that your cat feels safe using it. Your cat shouldn’t have to use a post that could fall on them when they scratch it. The way to ensure it is safe is to choose a product with a heavy base. Usually, the taller the post, the thicker and heavier the base needs to be.
Think Carefully About The Post Material
Although it can be tempting to choose a post covered in carpet, it might actually encourage your cat to scratch elsewhere in your home. To your cat, if scratching the carpet on a post is OK, why not the carpet in the living room?
You should also take care to choose a strong material that can stand your cat pulling and scratching it. Sisal rope is known to be a really good choice, but it should be thick so that it’s durable. Sisal fabric and corrugated cardboard are other good choices that could be more satisfying for some cats.
Don’t Discount A Hollow Scratching Tube
You might be tempted to get a solid scratching tube because you think that it will be a better quality, more durable, and generally better value overall. However, hollow scratching tubes can be a great choice. As long as they are attached to a strong base, they can be very strong and very satisfying for cats to use.
Different Shapes Work For Different Cats
Cats enjoy a choice of surfaces to scratch, so if you can give them multiple scratchers some vertical, some horizontal, that is a great way to go. Some scratchers might offer multiple surface choices too, so you don’t have to get more than one product to satisfy your cat’s needs.
The Best Scratching Posts For Your Cat
To help you get a head start in your search for the perfect scratching post for your cat, here are some of the best products currently available to buy:
SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post
The Best Cat Scratching Post to File Nails
The neutrally toned SmartCat Pioneer is the perfect scratching post for pet owners looking for a sturdy piece of pet furniture. It’s 32 inches in height, giving most average sized cats plenty of room to stretch and extend, working those strong back muscles.
The product is paired with a strong and sturdy 16 by 16 inch base that keeps the whole post nice and stable, for a safe scratch. Owners will also love that the post uses woven sisal, a fibrous and durable material known to provide cats with a satisfying scratch without any nail snagging.
Why We Like It:
- Tall at 32 inches
- Sturdy 16 x 16 inch base
- Strong durable sisal rope
- Easy to assemble
What We Don’t Like:
- Base is uncovered and a little slippery
- Material can rip away at the base
PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratching Post
Gives Your Cute Cat Three Scratching Surfaces to Choose From
If you’re looking for an innovative scratching post that actively encourages cats to use it, then the PetFusion 3-sided post could be the right choice for you. It is available in two sizes and features a triangle shaped design, offering cats three surfaces to scratch. The use of catnip in the build means cats are also likely to feel enticed to scratch.
Owners will appreciate the neutral color scheme of the product, as well as the use of non-toxic corn starch glue and recycled cardboard.
Why We Like It:
- Made with recycled cardboard and non-toxic corn starch glue
- Offers cats three surfaces to scratch
- Pleasing aesthetic and design
- Infused with catnip
What We Don’t Like:
- Cardboard direction may not appeal to cats when they scratch
- May not entice some cats who prefer a traditional shape
Best Pet Supplies Catify Slope Cat Scratcher Pad
Perfect Cat Scratcher for Compact Homes
The Best Pet Supplies scratcher pad is shaped like a doorstop and is made from corrugated cardboard. Designed to last, you get two scratcher pads in a pack, both able to withstand plenty of enjoyable scratching time from your cat.
Owners will appreciate that the product is made of 100% non-toxic recyclable materials, ensuring kitty’s safety.
Why We Like It:
- Durable corrugated cardboard
- Two products in a pack
- 100% recyclable and non-toxic
- Also available in narrow and wide designs
What We Don’t Like:
- Fairly lightweight
- May need to be used in addition to full height scratching posts to suit kitty’s full scratching range
Catit Cat Scratcher Boards with Catnip
Entices Your Cat to Scratch With Catnip
Shaped a little bit like a sofa, the Catit cat scratcher board is designed to encourage your cat to scratch and lounge as they please. Made from corrugated cardboard, it stands up to plenty of scratching use, helping to protect your furniture from sharp kitty claws.
Owners will appreciate that the product is only 17.5 inches long, so it’s compact enough to suit any compact space.
Why We Like It:
- Compact
- Durable
- Cute jungle print
- Cats can also use it as a lounger
What We Don’t Like:
- Cardboard scratched off can be messy
- May need to be used in addition to full height scratching posts to suit kitty’s full scratching range
Sofa-Scratcher’ Cat Scratching Post & Couch-Corner
Perfect for Cats Who Just Won’t Leave the Sofa Corners Alone
Do you struggle to encourage your cat away from the sofa when they scratch? If you do, then you could try this Sofa-Scratcher cat scratching post and couch-corner.
Covered in sisal material, it is curved (or square) and tall, shaped to fit in with any sofa corner. You secure it in place using the super-thin base which goes underneath the sofa legs.
Owners with cats who are struggling to stop attacking the furniture will love how easily this solution works around the issue, protecting the corner of the sofa. Even better, the product comes either curved or squared and in a range of different colors, to suit your homes aesthetic.
Why We Like It:
- Comes in a range of colors
- Can be squared or curved
- Secured using the sofa weight, not sticky pads
- Helps cats who are struggling to scratch away from the sofa
What We Don’t Like:
- In a higher price range
- May lean away from the couch when scratched, which can be off putting for cats
Petstages Easy Life Lounge Hammock
Aesthetics Aren’t Everything, but if They Are, This is the Cat Scratcher for You
Aesthetics are not everything when it comes to cat scratchers, but if they were, this one could well be a bit of a winner. It’s in an X shape which serves as a cat scratcher and lounger in one. One half is made from a sturdy piece of curved wood, and the other, from reinforced corrugated cardboard. It works well to provide a cat with a choice of use, and it looks stunning, what more could you need?
Owners will love that the product folds away when it is not in use, which is really handy in extremely tidy or compact households.
Why We Like It:
- Doubles as a lounger and scratcher in one
- Folds away when not in use
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Infused with catnip to entice cats
What We Don’t Like:
- The unusual shape may not encourage some cats to scratch
- In a higher price range
PetnPurr Cactus Cat Scratcher
The Purrfect Cat Scratcher For Planty Cat Owners
Planty cat owners, you’re going to want to get your bank cards out stat! They say you shouldn’t buy a cat scratching post for aesthetics but, when one comes along that looks like a cactus, it’s hard to resist. What may make you feel a little better about investing in this gorgeous kitty accessory, is that it does have more to offer than its cool planty aesthetic.
The product is covered in durable sisal material, which cats love to scratch. It is also stable and very easy to assemble, so your cats can begin enjoying it right away.
Why We Like It:
- It’s very cool looking
- Covered in sisal material which cats love to scratch
- Easy to assemble
- Comes with a dangly play ball
What We Don’t Like:
- Can slide around when used on hardwood floors
- Sisal rope does not go all the way to the top, so the scratching reach is limited
AMZNOVA Cat Scratcher
The Best Budget Buy for Cat Owners
If you’re looking for a simple cat scratcher that your cat can enjoy, look no further than the eco-friendly AMZNOVA pad. It is budget friendly, compact and made from recyclable durable corrugated cardboard. Even better, once kitty is done scratching one side, you can flip it over and they have a fresh side to use.
Customers will love the range of product colors available, helping you tailor your purchase to your cat’s personality, or to your home aesthetic.
Why We Like It:
- Double sided use
- Choose from a selection of colors
- Budget friendly
- Compact
What We Don’t Like:
- Can be messy
- May be too small for larger cats to use
FAQ
Are you still looking for a little clarification on which cat scratchers to buy for your gorgeous furry friend? Here are some of the most common cat scratcher questions answered:
Isn’t it easier just to get my cat declawed?
Please don’t. It’s not necessary and many people don’t realize that rather than it be the same as having your fingernails removed (which is bad enough), it’s actually the same as having your fingers removed at the first knuckle. Your cat doesn’t deserve this fate. You can read out more about the problem with declawing here.
What kind of cat scratcher is best?
It’s all about the individual needs of your cat. Ideally, the product will be durable, sturdy and tall/big enough for your cat to use.
If I trim my cat’s nails do I still need a scratching post for cat?
Scratching is part of your cat’s natural behavior so they will want to scratch regardless of whether or not you trim their nails. Even if you trim your cat’s nails, please do still treat him to a scratching post so he can stretch and sharpen those claws as and when he needs to.
How many scratching posts should a cat have?
Ideally, the cat will have as many scratching posts as he needs. If he regularly scratches in two spots in the house, then ideally you will get two posts, and place one in each spot. It’s about giving your cat adequate scratching replacements for the furniture in your home he is most drawn to.
Should I get a cat scratcher or a cat tree/condo?
If you want a more substantial piece of furniture for your cat, then a cat tree could be a great idea. They usually have scratching surfaces on them, whilst giving your cat plenty of areas to lounge, sleep and play too.
My cat won’t use its cat bed, so is it likely to ignore the cat scratcher too?
Firstly, don’t give up on the cat bed. It can take a cat a little time to get used to their fancy new cat bed, but often, they come around in the end. The same goes for items like cat toys, and the cat scratcher too. It will take a little encouragement from you, but eventually, they can be trained to use the product you bought instead of the things you don’t want them to use. For a little more on training your cat not to scratch furniture, check out this Youtube video from cat expert Jackson Galaxy.
A cat scratching post is an essential part of keeping your kitty healthy and happy. With the right research, and perhaps a little persuasion, soon enough your cat will stop shredding your furniture, and start scratching their beautiful new post instead.