Best Tall Scratching Post for Cats: Find the Ideal Option

Last Updated: 4 months ago

Finding a worthwhile, tall cat scratching post is a difficult task. But there’s no need to worry.

I’ll make it effortless by showing you my ten favorite options and a detailed buying guide.

You’ll soon know everything needed to select a safe, tall cat scratching post.

Let’s start with a quick look at our top picks, then keep reading for all the glorious details.

Top Tall Scratching Posts at a Glance

• Winner: Cat’s Choice Large Tub Cat Lounger
• Most Stable Option: SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
• Best Bargain Buy: Dimaka Cat Scratching Post
• Best for Large Cats: MidWest Homes for Pets Cat Scratching Post
• Most Adaptable Option: Kitty City Cat Scratching Post

Best Tall Cat Scratching Posts Reviews

1. Winner: Cat’s Choice Large Tub Cat Lounger

Cat’s Choice Large Tub Cat Lounger is easy to love as a pet owner.

After all, it has a highly durable and stable wood construction.

I’m fully confident in its ability to last several years, even with regular usage.

My confidence only increases with reviews, such as Marie K’s, that state “the workmanship and quality is excellent too.”

Physical Attributes

• Handcrafted in the USA
• Crafted from solid wood, unoiled sisal rope, and household grade carpet
• Square sisal wrapped post 
• Circular top perch
• Arrives fully assembled with helpful instructions
• Two color choices (brown or beige) 

Measurements

• 20″ W x 20″ L x 32″ H

Benefits

• Easy setup
• Durable, stable wood construction 
• Comfortable top perch
• Perfect for scratching with endless amounts of sisal rope 
• Customizable added features (contact seller)

One of the more overlooked aspects of this option is its easy setup. Most cat scratching posts are often unnecessarily complicated, but this one keeps the assembly process simple. 

I was also more than pleased with its stable and durable wood construction. I’m often overly cautious about what my cats play on, but this one wouldn’t cause me any stress. 

More importantly, I’d have difficulty getting my cats off this product’s top perch. It provides an excellent resting area while high enough for bird or dog watching.

Another highlight is the vast amount of sisal rope wrapped around this scratching post. It should even be more than capable of meeting the scratching needs of multiple cats.

If these weren’t enough, buyers could contact the seller about customized features. It’s another way to ensure your cat ends up loving it.

Drawbacks

• Slow shipping (14 to 28 days)
• A higher-priced option

The only downsides with this option are its slow shipping and high price. But these issues are easy to overlook with a quality product such as this cat scratching post.

How it Compare to Others

Its longevity alone makes it an ideal cat scratching post. But I also have to mention how suitable it’s for meeting the scratching needs of multiple cats. 

For instance, it’s wrapped in 150 feet of unoiled sisal rope. My cats would have a field day with this scratching post.

2. Most Stable Option: SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post

Stability is a must-have in any worthwhile tall scratching post. 

SmartCat’s Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post has it in spades with its construction.

Its wide 16″ x 16″ base won’t have any issues dealing with even the most rambunctious cats. 

I doubt even my most energetic cat will tip or wobble it.

Physical Attributes

• Vertical scratching post
• Constructed from woven sisal fabric
• Wide 16 x 16 base
• Beige color tone
• Two screws included for assembly 

Measurements

• 16 x 16 x 35 inches
• 35.2 Ounces

Benefits

• Durable, stable construction 
• Wide base eliminates wobbly or toppling
• Lightweight design
• Easy to assemble 
• Affordable price

Drawbacks

• Packaging issues, as an Amazon customer, HS, reported that there’s “arrived cracked.”
• No rubber feet for the base

How it Compare to Others

Aside from its top-tier stability, I also find its lightweight design appealing. I wouldn’t have trouble moving from room to room whenever my cat needs a new play area.

The assembly being effortless doesn’t hurt matters, either. Multiple customers made it a point to praise the process within their reviews. 

3. Best Bargain Buy: Dimaka Cat Scratching Post

Bargains should not feature designs like Dimaka’s Ultimate Cat Scratching Post. 

But this option manages to find a balance between quality and affordability.

More importantly, cats adore its natural fibrous sisal rope and plush ball.

Physical Attributes

• Constructed from a thick cardboard tube
• Wrapped with natural fibrous sisal 
• One plush ball
• Five color options (beige, blue, dark brown, gray, and light brown)
• All assembly tools included

Measurements

• 34 inches tall

Benefits

• A more affordable choice
• Promotes claw health with strong scratching rope 
• Lightweight design and easy to move
• Multiple color options for better home decor meshing
• Easy to assemble and disassemble

Drawbacks

• An Amazon reviewer, Anakonda, said leaves “white strands around the house.”

How it Compare to Others

Finding another high-quality option for a low cost will be very difficult within this marketplace. It’s a perfect fit for anyone who considers themselves a bargain like myself.

The strong scratching rope needs some praise, as well. It’ll be a formidable foe for any cat while keeping its nails in good shape. 

4. Best for Large Cats: MidWest Homes for Pets Cat Scratching Post

Maine Coon owners would be crazy not to consider MidWest’s Cat Furniture Scratching Post.

It’s ideally suited for large cats with its enormous base and strong natural sisal rope post.

This large option isn’t too shabby when it comes to height, either, coming in at 41 inches. 

Putting all these attributes together makes it a large cat’s dream.

Physical Attributes

• Sleek, minimal construction
• Wrapped in natural sisal rope
• Large base covered with ultra-soft brown faux fur
• Brown/tan fur color
• All assembly tools included

Measurements

• 19L x 19W x 41H Inches

Benefits

• Modern-styled design
• Tough, durable sisal rope 
• Ideal for large cats
• Oversized base for stability
• Easy to wipe base clean 
• Simple assembly 

Drawbacks

• Faux fur breaks down easily 

How it Compare to Others

The large base and tough sisal rope post do provide an edge. But its 41-inch is what sets it over the edge for larger breeds.

This scratching post won’t have any trouble with the ruckus play of a Maine Coon. Instead, it’ll stand tall and look good while keeping your cat’s scratching at bay. 

5. Most Adaptable Option: Kitty City Cat Scratching Post

The Kitty City Woven Sisal Scratching Post will adapt well into almost any home. 

For instance, its neutral-toned color scheme doesn’t stick or cause a scene. 

Buyers can expect this option to do its job without any hassles.

It can even hold multiple cats with its 40-pound limit.

Physical Attributes

• Utilizes woven sisal fabric
• Wooden base platform
• Fitted with a top perch
• Jingle ball toy
• Fleece cover top 
• Neutrally toned coloring

Measurements

• 17.7 x 17.7 x 32 inches

Benefits

• Adaptable design with neutrally coloring
• Cozy top resting area
• Straightforward assembly with included screws
• Holds cats up to 40 pounds
• Beautiful wooden base platform

Drawbacks

• Sisal fabric doesn’t last as long as other options.

How it Compare to Others

Overall, its adaptability makes it a valuable commodity.

It’ll make a long list of cat owners happy by blending into their home decors without much effort.

6. Most Durable Option: SEIOHW Cat Scratching Post

Scratching posts aren’t known for being durable, but SEIOHW’s Cat Scratching Post is changing the narrative.

Its robust construction consisting of a reinforced base makes it possible. 

But it also does an excellent job entertaining cats with its four playing areas. 

The product ends up being very useful to have in a pet owner’s home.

Physical Attributes

• Reinforced base with heavy-duty plates and soft plush covering
• Natural sisal rope
• Equipped with one top perch
• Hanging mouse toy
• Two color options (brown or light grey)

Measurements

• 15.74 x 15.74 x 32.0 inches
• 8 pounds

Benefits

• Robust, long-lasting construction
• Prevents wobbling and tipping with reinforced base
• Simple design adapts easily into homes
• Offers four play areas (sisal rope, mouse toy, perch, and plush covered base)
• Supports all ages of cats

Drawbacks

• Complex assembly with one Amazon reviewer, Latiger, describing it as the “hardest part.”

How it Compare to Others

Aside from its durability, this scratching post keeps things simple and playful. It’ll do wonders for keeping a cat from attacking its owner’s furniture. 

I mean, the interactive mouse toy alone would keep my cat busy for hours. 

7. Cutest Option: PetnPurr Handmade Cactus Cat Scratching Post

PetnPurr’s Handmade Cactus Cat Scratching Post stands out with its cute cactus design. 

But don’t think this adorable scratching post isn’t high-quality in other areas. 

After all, it has a durable wood base and is wrapped from top-to-bottom with sisal rope.

It’s more than ready to handle any cat’s scratching needs.

Physical Attributes

• Handcrafted 
• Cactus design
• Wood platform base
• Utilizes carpet-grade sisal rope
• Two decorative flowers

Measurements

• 17.7 x 17.7 x 43 inches

Benefits

• Adorable cactus design
• Top to bottom sisal rope
• No tipping or wobbling with a stable base platform 
• 5-minute or less assembly
• Suitable for cats of all ages
• Ideal for vertical stretching, scratching and climbing

Drawbacks

• Flowers come off easily
• A more costly option

How it Compare to Others

It’s hard to beat a product that combines an adorable design with quality performance.

This cat scratcher embodies those two attributes and earns its place as one of the best.

As a result, it’s not surprising to see this option is among the more expensive available scratching posts.

8. Best Wall-Mounted Option: Odoland Cat Scratching Post

Our final option, Odoland’s Wall-Mounted Cat Scratching Post, is a bit different from the others.

It attaches to a wall within a household to offer extra security while saving space.

These qualities make it a versatile choice capable of fitting into almost any area.

Physical Attributes

• Wall-mounted design
• Made from solid synthetic wood
• Hand wrapped with natural jute rope
• Two resting shelves 
• Cat wand charmer toy included

Measurements

• 36 inches tall

Benefits

• Saves interior space with wall mounting
• Versatile design adapts into many spaces
• Equipped with two comfy resting shelves
• Fair price
• Uses Eco-friendly, non-toxic materials

Drawbacks

• One Amazon reviewer, Shaunzie, stated the shelf was “too small” for large cats.

How it Compare to Others

Space-saving designs are always a winning attribute for pet owners. Buyers also have to love its two comfy resting shelves. 

I only wish these shelves were a bit bigger, so large cats could comfortably fit onto them. Unfortunately, this issue could make it a hard sell for larger breed owners.

9. Best for Cat Snoozing: GeoPetCo Casper Jumbo Cat Scratching Post

GeoPetCo Casper Jumbo Cat Scratching Post does an excellent job at making their product enticing.

I can’t imagine my cat turning down the opportunity to lay on its cozy cuddle beds. 

But its comfort and scratching convenience are only the tips of this product’s iceberg.

As one customer on Etsy put it, this tree isn’t “only perfect for scratching, but also climbing!” 

Physical Attributes

• Handmade
• Covered with natural sisal matting
• Made from natural baltic birch
• Two large snuggle beds (machine washable)
• Velcro attachments for beds
• Extra-thick, wide base post

Measurements

• 54 inches tall

Benefits

• Stable, stylish construction
• Comfortable resting areas for multiple cats
• Easy to clean
• Perfect for scratching and climbing 
• Blends into most home decors
• Extra secure with attachment onto walls 

Drawbacks

• A more cost option

How it Compare to Others

Everything about this scratching post was made with care by the Etsy seller. It won’t have issues being a stable and fun resting area for any cat. 

Moreover, I can’t say enough about how easy it’ll blend into most home decors. Other scratching posts often stick out like a sore thumb.

10. Best for Reluctant Cats: FelixKatnipPosts Cat Scratching Post

Reluctant cats will meet their match with FelixKatnipPosts’s Natural Sisal Cat Scratching Post. 

It’s infused with organic catnip to get even the shyest cats out of their shell. 

These cats will benefit from its “really tight,” strong sisal rope. 

It also has a highly durable design to prevent it from tipping and scaring them.

Physical Attributes

• Handmade
• Post consists of natural sisal rope
• Wide base with a maple wood finish
• Made in the USA
• Infused with organic catnip

Measurements

• 36 inches tall

Benefits

• Entices reluctant cats with catnip
• Highly durable 
• Classic design with beautiful wood base
• Tightly wrapped, strong sisal rope
• No tipping or wobbling

Drawbacks

• Slow shipping (3 to 4 weeks)

How it Compare to Others

This product’s catnip aspect is a unique and valuable asset. But its classic design with the maple wood base finish stands out, as well. 

In other words, this product isn’t something that’ll need hiding in my home. I wouldn’t be surprised if a guest or two even asked where I got it.  

How Do You Pick the Best Tall Cat Scratching Post?

Buying a tall scratching post isn’t as simple as picking one on Amazon at random. You’ll need an understanding of several crucial buying aspects:

Materials

In most cases, sisal fabric and sisal rope will be the best materials for scratching posts. Sisal fabric is a favorite choice as it’s strong and shreds under a cat’s claws. 

The shredding aspect is essential because it’ll help curb a cat’s destructive scratching. Plus, it feels great and provides them with comfort. 

However, this fabric isn’t perfect, as there’s one downside to it. Sisal fabric has a habit of sagging after a couple of months, which affects its long-term durability. 

Meanwhile, sisal rope is much more durable and long-lasting. It’ll end up saving buyers a lot of money and cleanup compared to sisal fabric. 

But sisal rope isn’t as enjoyable to use for cats. Cats often prefer the fabric because sisal rope doesn’t offer the smooth shredding motion.

If neither works, other notable materials are used in these scratching posts.

A cardboard scratcher can work as a short-term option. Your cat will love it and rip the post apart very quickly, so their durability is an issue.

But I’d stay away from scratching posts made from carpeting. Cats love them, but it’ll make them think it’s okay to scratch carpet, something we want to avoid.

Scratching Post Stability

Tall cat scratching posts usually consist of a free-standing post connected to a baseboard. As you can imagine, the base needs to become stronger as its post gets taller.

So it’s essential to research each option’s construction and consider its stability. After all, a wobbly scratching post will scare and potentially injure your cat. 

I’d suggest only buying options with a wide, solid, and durable baseboard. It wouldn’t hurt for the post to have non-skid feet to prevent sliding issues.

Additional Features

Sadly, some cats won’t take to the scratching post right away. So an easy way of avoiding issues is buying one with enticing features.

These accessories and some catnip can do wonders for enticing a reluctant cat. It sure helped with mine as I sprinkled a little catnip, and the post became his favorite area.

Most cats will give into using the post because they love scratching anything. After all, “scratching is a normal, instinctive cat behavior.”

Common features include hanging plush toys, condos, perches, and hammocks. They have proven to help a cat get comfortable with scratching posts. 

Of course, these features will increase the price significantly. But they can make a world of difference for any picky cat. 

FAQs

Final Word

Our guide provided a picture of what’s available in the tall cat-scratching post marketplace. You now need to use what you’ve learned to find one suitable for your cat. 

But if you have a question or a comment, don’t hesitate to use our comment section. I always love to hear from other cat owners about their experiences buying these products!

My final recommendation would be to buy Cat’s Choice Large Tub Cat Lounger. It offers everything someone could want in a scratching post, plus a few other extra incentives. 

What is your favorite tall cat scratching post? Please share below!

Resources:

• ASPCA.org
• PetMD.com
• HumaneSociety.org

Last update on 2024-04-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API