A good cat scratching post can save your furniture from becoming the target of scratching and sharp claws.
Scratching is natural for cats. It helps them stretch their muscles, remove old claw sheaths, and mark their territory.
When cats don’t have a proper place to scratch, they often turn to couches, carpets, or curtains.
All cats need a cat scratching post. It is a must have piece of equipment if you own cats.
Cat scratching posts come in many shapes and sizes.
Some scratching posts are simple vertical posts, while others are part of larger cat trees or play centers.
Cat scratching posts are made from materials like sisal rope, carpet, cardboard, or wood
. Each material offers different benefits, and many cats have preferences about what they like to scratch.
When choosing a scratching post, pay attention to stability, height, and material.
Stability is crucial because cats need to be able to lean into the post without it tipping over. Height should allow your cat to stretch fully while scratching.
As for material, sisal rope tends to be most durable and appealing to cats, but your cat might prefer something else.
Table Of Contents
Best Cat Scratching Posts
We’ve put together this list of top cat scratching posts to save your furniture from claw damage.
These posts give cats a dedicated place to scratch, which helps maintain healthy claws and stretch their muscles.
1. Amazon Basics Cat Scratching Post
Pros
- Tall design (31.5″) lets cats fully stretch while scratching.
- Sturdy base prevents tipping during enthusiastic scratching sessions.
- Natural jute fiber provides an ideal scratching surface cats love.
Cons
- Assembly required (though it’s quite simple).
- Dangly toy attachment isn’t very durable.
- Base takes up significant floor space (15.75″ square).
We tested this Amazon Basics scratching post with several cats of different sizes, and it quickly became a favorite.
The medium sized post stands over 31 inches tall, giving even larger cats plenty of room to stretch upward while they scratch. The natural jute fiber covering feels rough enough to satisfy their scratching instincts without being too harsh on their claws.
What impressed us most was the stability. The wide, heavy base keeps the post firmly planted even when our more energetic cats climbed or jumped on it. We’ve had lightweight posts tip over before, but this one stayed put.
The grey carpeted base and top platform also give cats comfortable spots to perch and observe their domain.
Assembly took less than 10 minutes with just a few screws to secure everything.
The included dangly toy was a nice bonus, though it didn’t last long with our more aggressive players.
For the price point, we found this scratching post to be an excellent investment.
It’s saved our furniture from claw marks and gives our cats a designated spot to engage in natural scratching behavior.
2. SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
Pros
- Incredibly sturdy with wide base that doesn’t tip over.
- 32-inch height perfect for full stretching.
- Durable sisal material stands up to years of scratching.
Cons
- Higher price point than basic posts.
- Simple design lacks additional features.
- Smooth top isn’t ideal for cats who like to perch.
The SmartCat Ultimate cat scratching post is genuinely in a league of its own. When we set it up (which took just minutes with the included screws), we immediately noticed how solid it felt compared to cheaper models.
The 16″ x 16″ base gives it remarkable stability – even our most enthusiastic scratchers couldn’t make it wobble.
The sisal material covering the post is far superior to carpet covered alternatives. Our cats’ claws grip it perfectly without getting stuck, and after months of daily use, it shows minimal wear.
The 32-inch height is perhaps its best feature. Our cats fully stretch their bodies while scratching, which helps tone their muscles and satisfies their natural urge to mark territory.
The neutral beige color blends nicely with our furniture, making it less of an eyesore than many pet products. While it lacks bells and whistles like attached toys or perches, this focused design is actually a strength. Our cats have completely ignored our furniture since we introduced this post.
For anyone tired of replacing flimsy scratching posts or protecting their sofa, we consider this an essential investment.
3. MECOOL Cat Scratching Post
Pros
- Natural sisal material is perfect for scratching instincts.
- Hanging ball toy adds play value.
- Sturdy base prevents tipping during active use.
Cons
- Size works best for kittens and smaller cats.
- Assembly instructions could be clearer.
- Some cats may need encouragement to use it initially.
We tried this 22-inch scratching post with our resident test cats and were impressed by its quality for the price. The natural sisal rope covering is exactly what cats love to dig their claws into, and it’s holding up well after weeks of use.
The weighted base provides good stability – even when our more energetic cats really went to town on it.
The hanging ball toy is a nice bonus that really caught our cats’ attention. It’s springy and fun, giving them something to bat around while they stretch and scratch.
We placed this next to a window where one of our cats likes to watch birds, and it quickly became her favorite spot to stretch and scratch.
Assembly took about 10 minutes with the included tools. The parts screw together easily, though the picture-only instructions might confuse some people at first.
The neutral beige color blends well with most home decor, and at just under 12 inches square at the base, it doesn’t take up much floor space.
For larger adult cats, you might want to consider their taller model, but this one is perfect for kittens and smaller felines.
4. Meowoou Cat Scratching Post
Pros
- Sturdy 6.6 lb base prevents tipping during energetic scratching.
- Fun hanging ball toy adds extra entertainment value.
- Decorative plant design looks nice in modern homes.
Cons
- Assembly required (though tools are included).
- Some cats may ignore the hanging ball toy.
- Plant leaves could be more abundant for jungle effect.
When we set this up, we were impressed by how stable it felt. The wide base with plush fabric creates good friction on the floor, and even when our larger test cats stretched to full height, the post stayed firmly in place.
The natural sisal material gives cats a satisfying scratching experience.
The hanging ball that dangles from the post was a hit with most of our test cats. It makes a slight noise when batted, which seemed to trigger their hunting instincts. We noticed even older cats would occasionally take a swipe at it while passing by.
What sets this scratching post apart is definitely its appearance. The simulated plants on top create a palm tree effect that’s surprisingly stylish.
Our testers commented that unlike most cat furniture that screams “pet accessory,” this piece actually adds a decorative element to the room.
We found it especially nice for apartment dwellers who want to give their cats a natural looking scratching option without sacrificing style.
5. TWDEPART Cat Tower with Scratching Post
Pros
- Super quick and easy assembly – took us under 5 minutes.
- Soft plush material that cats love to sleep on.
- Multiple play elements keep cats entertained.
Cons
- Scratching board feels a bit loose.
- Might be too small for larger cat breeds.
- Some cats may need time to warm up to it.
We recently tried out this cat tower in our home office, and it’s been a hit with our furry testers. The design is compact enough to fit beside a desk without taking up too much space, making it perfect for keeping your cat company while you work.
When we unpacked it, we were impressed with how straightforward the assembly was – just a few minutes with the included tools.
The top platform is covered with incredibly soft plush material that our cats couldn’t resist napping on. We noticed they especially loved the elevated position that gives them a better view of their surroundings.
The natural sisal scratching board satisfies their scratching instincts, though we did find it could be attached more securely.
The variety of hanging toys and spring balls really caught our cats’ attention. They spend quite a bit of time batting at them and seem genuinely entertained.
The lightweight design also makes it easy to move around the house when we want to change things up. For smaller spaces or as a secondary cat tree, this offers great value.
6. TRIXIE Parla Cat Scratching Post
Pros
- Stable base prevents tipping during enthusiastic scratching.
- Easy 5-minute assembly with included hardware.
- Soft plush covering on base provides comfortable lounging spot.
We’ve tested many scratching posts over the years, and the TRIXIE Parla stands out for its simplicity and durability.
At just over 24 inches tall, it gives cats plenty of height to stretch fully while scratching.
The sisal rope covering is tightly wound around the post, giving cats that satisfying resistance they crave.
Setup couldn’t be easier – we had it assembled in under five minutes with no special tools needed.
The gray plush covering on the base looks nice in most homes without drawing too much attention.
It’s neutral enough to blend into your decor, unlike some of the more garish cat furniture we’ve seen.
The 15.75-inch square base provides good stability, though very enthusiastic jumpers might cause it to wobble slightly.
We found the sisal material has held up remarkably well even after weeks of daily use.
For the price, you really can’t beat the quality and functionality of this basic but effective scratching post.
7. Amazon Basics Cat Scratcher with Brush
Pros
- Sturdy design prevents tipping during enthusiastic scratching.
- Integrated brush helps with self-grooming.
- Quick and simple assembly takes just minutes.
Cons
- Brush attachment may come loose with rough play.
- Base could be larger for better stability.
- Height may be too short for larger cats.
We recently set up this Amazon Basics scratcher in our living room, and our cats were interested right away.
The natural jute fiber covering is tightly wound around the post, giving cats a satisfying surface to dig their claws into. It’s perfect for redirecting scratching behavior away from furniture.
The built in brush feature is a nice touch that some of our cats enjoyed rubbing against throughout the day.
At 16.5 inches tall, it’s an ideal height for small to medium cats, though our larger kitty would have preferred something taller.
The compact size fits nicely in corners without taking up much floor space.
Assembly was fast. We had it pretty well put together in less than five minutes.
The base is heavy enough to prevent tipping during normal use, though very energetic cats might knock it over occasionally.
For the price point, we found this to be a solid option that serves its purpose well while helping maintain our cats’ nail health.
8. Ahomdoo 34-Inch Cat Scratching Post
Pros
- Extra tall design perfect for stretching.
- Heavy-duty construction withstands. aggressive scratching
- Includes fun toys like hanging ball and mice.
Cons
- Takes up more floor space than smaller posts.
- Assembly required (though it’s simple).
- May tip if cats jump from the top.
This scratching post impressed us with its 34-inch height, which lets cats fully stretch while scratching.
The thick sisal rope covering provides a satisfying texture that our test cats preferred over carpet or cardboard options.
When we set it up, even our most scratch happy kitties couldn’t budge it thanks to the wide, stable base.
Assembly took approximately 10 minutes with the included tools.
The neutral gray color blends nicely with most home decor.
We noticed the sisal rope is tightly wound and secured well, preventing the fraying and shedding we’ve seen with cheaper models.
The added toy features like the hanging ball and mice give cats extra reasons to use the post.
After several weeks of testing, we saw no signs of wear despite daily use from multiple cats.
9. ANWA 32″ Tall Cat Scratching Post
Pros
- Premium sisal material that cats love to scratch.
- Extra-stable base prevents tipping during vigorous use.
- Includes three built-in toys for added entertainment.
Cons
- Assembly required (though it’s quick).
- Sisal may shed slightly with heavy use.
- Some toys might not hold up to aggressive play.
This sturdy sisal scratching post offers great value with its stable base and built in toys that will keep cats entertained and also away from your plants while protecting your furniture.
The height is perfect for adult cats to fully stretch while scratching, which is important for their muscle health and satisfaction.
Even our largest cat could extend completely without the post wobbling.
The base deserves special mention. Unlike cheaper models that tip over easily, this ANWA post features a reinforced base covered in soft flannel.
Our cats enjoyed lounging on it when they weren’t busy scratching.
The stable foundation means we didn’t have to constantly reposition it throughout the day.
The three toys were a nice bonus that added play value.
The dangling plush ball on top encouraged jumping, while the mouse toy and spring ball on the base provided different play options.
The included Allen key, made setting up easy.
10. SOCATER 33-Inch Cat Scratching Post
Pros
- Impressive 33-inch height perfect for stretching.
- Made with natural sisal that cats instinctively prefer.
- Extra wide base prevents tipping during active play,
Cons
- Can slide on smooth floors during vigorous use.
- Assembly requires careful alignment of screw holes.
- Sisal may shed slightly in the beginning.
The height is truly impressive – at 33 inches, it allows even large cats to fully stretch their bodies while scratching. This natural stretching position is something many shorter posts don’t provide.
The sisal material feels rough and textured, just like tree bark that cats instinctively want to scratch.
We noticed this post held up remarkably well even after weeks of dedicated use.
The 15.7-inch square base is significantly wider than most competitors, keeping the post upright even when cats launch themselves at it.
Assembly was straightforward with the included instructions.
The four screws secure everything tightly together.
While it can slide a bit on hardwood floors during enthusiastic play sessions, placing it against a wall solved this minor issue.
Buying Guide For A Cat Scratching Post
Size and Height
The scratching post should be tall enough for your cat to fully stretch while using it.
Kittens need shorter posts, while adult cats prefer taller ones that allow them to stretch their bodies completely.
Stability
A good scratching post won’t wobble or tip over.
We suggest looking for posts with a wide, heavy base that stays put even when your cat scratches vigorously.
Material
The surface material is crucial for your cat’s satisfaction.
| Material | Benefits | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Sisal | Natural texture cats love | High |
| Carpet | Soft and familiar | Medium |
| Cardboard | Affordable, disposable | Low |
Design Types
Posts come in various designs to suit different spaces and cat preferences:
- Vertical posts (traditional upright posts)
- Cat trees (combination of posts, platforms, and hideaways)
- Horizontal scratchers (for cats who prefer scratching on the floor)
- Corner models (space saving for smaller homes)
Location Considerations
We’ve found that placement matters!
Cats like scratching posts in social areas where they spend time with you, not hidden away in unused corners.
Remember to match the post to your cat’s scratching style. Some cats prefer vertical scratching, while others like horizontal surfaces.
