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Did you know your cat needs to scratch? It might seem like an annoying habit, but scratching is actually a healthy, instinctive behavior. Scratching helps cats to stretch their muscles, mark their territory, de-stress, and keep their claws short. It’s also a great boredom buster!
Investing in a good scratching surface gives your cat their own place to claw as much as they need, without sacrificing your furniture! With a range of designs for different cats and homes, let’s take a look at our best cat scratchers (including posts, towers, space-saving designs, and more).
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Best Cat Tree Scratching Post
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Best Wall-Mounted
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Best Budget Cat Scratcher
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The Tuft + Paw Frond combines a modern cat tree with a full-length sisal scratching post. Three adjustable platforms give cats plenty of options for climbing, perching, and napping, while the tall central scratching surface allows for a satisfying stretch. Its streamlined design also takes up less visual space than traditional cat trees. |
The CanVan Wall-Mounted Cat Scratching Board turns scratching space into part of your decor. Each rope-wrapped board mounts vertically to save floor space and can be combined with additional boards in eight colors. The reversible design doubles the usable scratching surface, and you can rearrange or add boards whenever you want a different look. |
The Frisco Cactus Cat Scratching Post gives cats a sturdy sisal-wrapped surface for stretching and scratching, with a stable base to handle enthusiastic clawing. Plush fabric at the top and bottom adds a soft texture for rubbing and nuzzling, while the cactus design makes this scratcher a little more fun to leave on display. |
The Tuft + Paw Frond combines a modern cat tree with a full-length sisal scratching post. Three adjustable platforms give cats plenty of options for climbing, perching, and napping, while the tall central scratching surface allows for a satisfying stretch. Its streamlined design also takes up less visual space than traditional cat trees.
The CanVan Wall-Mounted Cat Scratching Board turns scratching space into part of your decor. Each rope-wrapped board mounts vertically to save floor space and can be combined with additional boards in eight colors. The reversible design doubles the usable scratching surface, and you can rearrange or add boards whenever you want a different look.
The Frisco Cactus Cat Scratching Post gives cats a sturdy sisal-wrapped surface for stretching and scratching, with a stable base to handle enthusiastic clawing. Plush fabric at the top and bottom adds a soft texture for rubbing and nuzzling, while the cactus design makes this scratcher a little more fun to leave on display.
Best Cat Tree Scratcher: Tuft & Paw Frond Modern Cat Tree
The Tuft & Paw Frond Modern Cat Tree elevates the classic cat tree, integrating three sisal scratching posts and doubling up as a cool art sculpture.
Key features:
- Sisal-wrapped column
- Three adjustable perches
- Solid ash and premium plywood
- Extra-wide base
What we like: It’s made from solid ash and premium plywood with ash veneer, supported by an extra-wide base to ensure it holds steady. The three oval perches are adjustable for custom climbs, and the central column is fully wrapped in satisfying sisal.
What to consider: It takes around 30 minutes to put together, and it’s pricier than average, but you’re paying for something that looks super chic and gives your cat a mini jungle-gym as well as three scratching posts all in one!
The Tuft + Paw Frond combines a modern cat tree with a full-length sisal scratching post. Three adjustable platforms give cats plenty of options for climbing, perching, and napping, while the tall central scratching surface allows for a satisfying stretch. Its streamlined design also takes up less visual space than traditional cat trees.
Best For Large Cats: PAWZ ROAD 32-inch Ultimate Cat Scratching Post
The PAWZ ROAD 32-inch Ultimate Cat Scratching Post is our top pick for large cats, with a 32-inch tall design for maximum stretch.
Key features:
- Made for maximum stretch
- All-natural woven sisal
- Plush observing platform
- Hanging ball toy
What we like: The post is wrapped in all-natural and high-quality woven sisal, with a cool fountain-esque design. It’s very robust and topped with a plush standing platform for watching and observing, plus a hanging ball toy for added fun.
The wooden base is thick and sturdy at 15 x 15 inches to ensure no wobbling or tipping, with a plush cover for softness and safety. It comes in black, beige, green, and grey, so you can pick something that best suits your home.
What to consider: Assembly is required, but it’s very straightforward with only two screws and step-by-step instructions.
The PAWZ Road 32-Inch Cat Scratching Post gives cats plenty of height to fully stretch while scratching its durable natural sisal surface. A sturdy wooden base helps prevent wobbling and tipping, while the flat top adds a small observation perch. It also includes a detachable hanging bird toy for extra playtime.
Best For Kittens: EveryYay Daisy 3-Sided Cat Scratching Post
The EveryYay Daisy 3-Sided Cat Scratching Post is our top pick for kittens. With an adorable design that doubles up as an interactive play station, it encourages good scratching habits from the jump!
Key features:
- Three jute scratching daisies
- Crinkle paper petals
- Hanging feather bumble bee
- Ball track base
What we like: Not only does your kitten get three jute scratching posts in the shape of cute little daisies, but the flower petals are filled with crinkle papers for extra sensory fun.
There’s also a hanging bumblebee toy with a feathery tail for batting and swatting, and a tunnel track base. It comes with a few balls for the base, but you can use any toys that fit inside it.
What to consider: It’s not the most resilient design, which is fine for kittens; just keep an eye on it as they get bigger – or with multiple kittens!
The EveryYay Daisy Cat Scratching Post adds a little personality to the usual scratching post design. Its three-sided jute scratching surface gives cats an appropriate place to work their claws, while a toy track base and crinkly flower petals add extra ways to play. The cheerful floral design is easy to assemble.
Best For Senior Cats: Cat’s Choice Angled Cat Scratcher
The Cat’s Choice Angled Cat Scratcher is our top pick for seniors and cats with limited mobility, with an accessible, horizontal design.
Key features:
- 20-degree angle for ideal stretch
- Natural sisal and quality hardwood
- Weighted soft carpet base
- Ships fully assembled
What we like: The 20-degree angled post mimics the posture of some of the surfaces cats love the most – couch arms, door frames, and carpet edges – allowing them to scratch at an incline that gives them the stretch they need.
It’s handmade to order by furniture craftspeople with over 30 years’ experience in the USA, using high-quality solid wood and natural unoiled sisal rope for scratching. The base is weighted at 10 lbs to avoid tipping over, and it’s wrapped in plush, household-grade carpet that’s 100% pet-safe.
It ships fully assembled for effortless unboxing and comes in gray, green, blue, brown, and beige.
What to consider: It’s pretty expensive, but it’s of premium quality and handmade to order. You can also buy two at a discount!
This angled scratching post gives cats a different option from traditional vertical designs, with a position that mimics popular scratching spots like couch arms and carpet edges. It combines natural unoiled sisal with a softer carpeted section, while the solid wood construction and 23-inch base provide stability during full-body scratching.
Best Disposable Cat Scratcher: Conlun Oval Cat Scratcher Box
The Conlun Oval Cat Scratcher Box is our top disposable pick, with a large cardboard box and four corrugated inserts for contained, mess-free scratching.
Key features:
- Cardboard box with corrugated inserts
- 100% recyclable organic cardboard
- Double-sided to last longer
- 50% more durable
What we like: It’s made of 100% recyclable organic cardboard, with non-toxic corn starch glue for 50% more durability that withstands even the most aggressive scratching.
The enclosed design keeps floors clean, and the double-sided inserts space out restocks to save money. It comes in small, medium, and large sizes, plus single or double packs for multi-cat homes.
What to consider: It’s important to read the size options carefully, because they support different weights/strengths.
The Conlun Cat Scratcher Box combines a horizontal scratching surface with a cozy spot for lounging after playtime. It includes four double-sided corrugated cardboard refills for longer use, while the enclosed design helps contain shredded cardboard. At 16 x 12 inches, it’s a compact option for kittens and smaller cats.
Best Built-in Bed Pick: FRISCO 24-in Real Carpet Cat Scratching Perch
The FRISCO 24-in Real Carpet Cat Scratching Perch is our top pick for those looking for something that doubles up as a cozy sleeping spot.
Key features:
- Elevated perch and hanging ball toy
- Household-grade plush carpet
- Angled sisal scratching ramp
- Handmade in the USA
What we like: The perch and base are wrapped in rich, plush, household-grade carpet, with a sturdy, durable solid wood frame. The sisal scratching ramp is slightly angled for the perfect stretch, and it has a hanging ball toy beside it for extra fun.
It’s chicly designed for stylish owners and comes in neutral grey and beige colors to fit seamlessly with any decor. It’s also handmade in the USA and comes fully assembled, so your cat can enjoy it straight out of the box!
What to consider: It’s a little pricier than most scratching posts, but that’s to be expected for the dual-purpose and high quality.
This one-story cat tree combines a sisal-covered scratching ramp with a plush carpeted perch for lounging and napping. It’s handcrafted in the USA with solid wood posts and household-grade carpet for added durability and stability. A built-in toy adds another way to play, and the entire tree arrives fully assembled.
Best Wall-Mounted: CanVan Wall Mounted Cat Scratching Board
If you’ve got a doorframe or wallpaper scratcher, consider the CanVan Wall Mounted Cat Scratching Board! It’s also a great pick for those looking to save floorspace and doubles up as a cool, decorative wall piece.
Key features:
- Wall-mounted rope scratching board
- Eight color options
- Reversible design
- One-year warranty
What we like: The space-saving wall scratcher is wrapped in durable rope and comes in eight colors, including hot pink, sage, moss, and hot chocolate, so you can pick something that suits your style.
You can also mix and match with multiple boards and easily rearrange them to refresh your space, with an intuitive mounting system that’s simple to install. As your cat scratches the boards, it creates a living art piece that evolves over time, and they’re reversible, too, so you can start fresh without buying a whole new board.
What to consider: It’s not cheap, but it’s cool and unique, and the reversible design makes it a long-lasting buy. Also, keep in mind that the listing is for a single board. So, if you want to recreate the design in the pictures, you’ll need to order at least 3.
The CanVan Wall-Mounted Cat Scratching Board turns scratching space into part of your decor. Each rope-wrapped board mounts vertically to save floor space and can be combined with additional boards in eight colors. The reversible design doubles the usable scratching surface, and you can rearrange or add boards whenever you want a different look.
Most Fun Design: FRISCO Giraffe 51″ Wicker Cat Tree & Condo
The FRISCO Giraffe 51″ Wicker Cat Tree & Condo is our favorite fun pick, with a cool, quirky giraffe design featuring a built-in condo with a penthouse view.
Key features:
- Wicker giraffe design
- Sisal legs and neck
- Built-in cat condo with dangly toy tail
- Machine-washable plush cushion
What we like: It livens up any living space with a wicker head and condo, a dangly plush toy tail, four sisal legs, and a long sisal neck for multi-level scratching.
The condo also comes with a removable, machine-washable plush cushion, and assembly is quick and easy with no tools necessary – simply slot and twist the pieces together. Job done!
What to consider: It’s another pricey pick, but you get a lot for your money: five scratching posts, a bed, a dangly toy, and a cool furniture piece all in one!
The Frisco Giraffe Cat Condo combines multiple sisal scratching surfaces with plenty of extras for lounging and play. Its legs and long neck provide several places to scratch, while cats also get a private condo, elevated perch, and dangling plush toy. The removable cushion is machine washable, and assembly requires no tools.
Best Luxury Pick: Kona Side Table & Hidden Cat Scratcher
The Kona Side Table & Hidden Cat Scratcher is our top luxury pick for stylish owners, with a modern design that doubles up as a chic furniture piece.
Key features:
- Sleek and modern side table
- Hidden angled scratcher
- Replaceable corrugated insert
- Premium hand-finished natural wood
What we like: The hidden scratcher lies on the back side of the table leg, with a corrugated insert at a slight angle for an enjoyable stretch. The table itself is made from premium, natural wood with hand-finished wood grain and sturdy joinery.
It’s roomy enough on top for a lamp or plant, and the sleek lines and curves elevate any room. It comes in two colors, oak or walnut, and you can buy it with one, two, four, or six scratcher refills, but they’re also sold separately for ongoing restocks.
What to consider: It’s expensive as it’s technically a furniture piece, but it’s a premium product that will last a lifetime.
The Kona Side Table & Hidden Cat Scratcher cleverly works a replaceable corrugated cardboard scratching surface into an actual piece of furniture. Made with a solid oak top and oak-veneered plywood base, it gives cats a dedicated place to scratch without adding another bulky item to the room. Replacement inserts are sold separately.
Best Budget Pick: FRISCO Cactus Cat Scratching Post
The FRISCO Cactus Cat Scratching Post is our top pick for buyers on a budget, with a small and simple design that gets the job done.
Key features:
- Green sisal cactus design
- Three sizes and single or tri-post options
- Soft moppy top and base
- Hanging ball toy
What we like: There are three heights to choose from, ranging from 22 to 33 inches, as well as single and tri-post options for multiple cats. They both have a soft moppy fabric at the top and the base for nuzzling, with a hanging ball toy and sisal-wrapped posts.
The tri-post one also has pretty pink flowers for added cuteness, and it’s easy to put together.
What to consider: It’s not the sturdiest post, so hard scratchers and boisterous players could knock it over.
The Frisco Cactus Cat Scratching Post gives cats a sturdy sisal-wrapped surface for stretching and scratching, with a stable base to handle enthusiastic clawing. Plush fabric at the top and bottom adds a soft texture for rubbing and nuzzling, while the cactus design makes this scratcher a little more fun to leave on display.
FAQs
How to get my cat to use a scratching post?
If you’re struggling to tear your cat away from your furniture, try placing the scratching post next to their favorite spot and rub some catnip on it. Reward them when they use it, and once it becomes the go-to, you can move it where you want. High-traffic areas, doorways, and sleeping spots are best!
How tall should a cat scratching post be?
At least 28 – 36 inches so your cat can stretch fully when they use it.
What material is best for a cat scratching post?
Sisal rope and jute provide the best resistance and safe claw grip.
How many cat scratching posts do I need?
At least one per cat!
When should I replace my cat’s scratch post?
You should replace your cat’s scratching post when the rope frays or the core is exposed.
Final Thoughts
Scratching is a natural, beneficial behavior that your cat needs to do, so why not invest in a good scratching post and save your furniture in the process?
Which of our recommendations are you excited to try? Let us know in the comments below, and for more cool cat furniture pieces, check out our top exercise wheels for cats!
Author
Nicole Etolen
Writer
