12 Best Scratching Posts for Cats You Can Buy on Amazon
Cats need to scratch to keep themselves healthy. Scratching helps cats work out, relieve their stress, remove claw sheaths, and mark their territory. The best scratching post for cats is one that your cat will use. And it might take several attempts to find the right one. It is important not to just decide that your cat is stubborn or won’t use a scratching post. I haven’t met a cat that doesn’t eventually find a scratcher that works for him.
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Tips for Choosing the Best Scratching Posts for Cats
Think like a tree. In the wild, cats scratch on trees. In our houses, they usually pick a door frame or the couch. They look for the sturdiest surface in the house.
When you are shopping for the best scratching post for cats, you should consider the material it is made out of, the height, and sturdiness of the post. Offer Kitty options for vertical and horizontal scratching surfaces.
Remember, you are buying the scratching post to please your cat, not yourself. Function should always come before form because Kitty doesn’t care how it looks. She cares about how it works for her.
Related Post: Help! My Cat is Scratching the Furniture
The Best Cat Scratching Posts are:
- Tall enough for your cats to stretch out fully when they’re using it. At least 2.5-3 feet tall. Bigger is usually better when it comes to scratching posts.
- Covered in a rough material that Kitty can sink his claws into and shred.
- Strong and stable. The taller the post, the heavier and wider the base must be to keep it stable. This is the most important factor. If the post isn’t stable then Kitty won’t use it. The couch or doorway is extremely stable.
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Most Attractive Materials for Cat Scratching Posts
You can find scratching posts for cats made out of carpet, fabric, cardboard, sisal, jute, and wood. Kitty wants material he can really sink his claws into and shred.
Many posts are carpeted. Carpeting is not the best material for a post because Kitty’s claws can get caught in it. It doesn’t really give the “oomph” Kitty wants in a scratcher compared to some of the other options. Kitty might get confused. After all, how is his carpeted post any different than your wall-to-wall or precious oriental rug?
Sisal fabric is the best choice for a scratching post. Most cats will pick a sisal scratcher over any other option, including your couch.
Cats love woven sisal due to its rough texture. Rope sisal is not as appealing. It can become sharp after scratching leading to Kitty giving up on the post all together. Sisal is tough enough to help work down your cat’s claws.
If Kitty resists all the options presented, or if he studiously refuses to stop scratching up the door frames or moldings, consider offering a log. Choose a hardwood like oak or maple. You can either make a vertical post that fits all the conditions of a premade scratcher or make a horizontal post by attaching the log to a piece of plywood with a felt backing to protect your floors. If DIY is not your thing, try this cedar post on Amazon.
Do Cats Like Horizontal Scratching Posts?
Most cats like flat or angled cardboard scratchers. They don’t last long, but that means you can get some novelty-themed options for holidays or special occasions. Cardboard scratchers are usually the cheapest option and, because they are typically made from recycled corrugated cardboard, they are an eco-friendly option.
There are also horizontal or angled scratchers with sisal or jute panels built in. They obviously will last longer than the cardboard scratchers and make much less of a mess. Ideally order Kitty both a vertical post and some horizontal or angled options.
Your Guide to the Best Scratching Posts for Cats
Scratching Posts
Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post
It’s called the ultimate scratching post for a reason. It ticks all the boxes for what to look for in a scratching post for cats. We have several of these and my cats love them.
Kitty City Round Scratching Post
Similar to the version above, 32″ sisal fabric wrapped post. This one is round and has a carpeted perch on the top. Another favorite of my cats.
Designed by a cat specialist, this oversized jute scratching post for cats offers some unique features. The base is large and heavy. The post cat be rotated to allow for longer life. An replacement perch is included as well. Two colors to pick from.
Use as part of a climbing wall or mount it at Kitty’s favorite scratching height.
Horizontal or Angled Scratchers
I won one of these at a cat show raffle. My cats enjoy it. It replaced the messy cardboard scratcher we take on road trips.
If you have a cat that is a door frame scratcher, this is the answer for you. Hang it next to the door frame Kitty uses, dust it with catnip, and reward Kitty for using it. He’ll transfer his attentions to the scratcher soon. Also works as a floor scratcher. Put it over the space on your rug that Kitty uses to work out.
Another flat floor covering option. You can hang it on the wall as an alternative. Or stick one of these on it if Kitty is scratching the back of your sofa.
Novelty Scratchers
High density cardboard. Good source of exercise for Kitty. Very good for stress relief that will improve your cat’s overall health and balance.
Double decker playhouse. Scratch it, climb it sleep on it. MDF board with recycled cardboard for the scratch pads. Flip them for double the scratching pleasure.
Buy them in bulk. This set of 5 double-sided cardboard scratchers. Messy but effective and inexpensive.
Furniture Protectors
Sisal Wraps for Couches or Chairs
These are a great idea. Available in a variety of colors and right/left options.
Set of right and left available here.
