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What is the Best Cat Scratching Post Today?

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Buying a scratching post for your cat can be an exciting and frustrating experience. With the many cat scratch posts available, who wouldn’t be excited to shop? But it can be frustrating when your cat ignores the post you bought. In this article, I will help you in looking for the best scratching post for your feline friend.

How to Shop for a Cat Scratching Post

I’ve bought some cat scratching posts before which my cats totally ignored. Worse, they just continued to scratch my sofa.

I’ve learned that one reason why cat owners fail to choose the right scratching post is this—they get a scratching post that looks good to them. But they don’t choose a cat scratch post that appeals to the end-user.

But how would you know what your cat likes in a scratch post? Here are some of the things to look for:

1

Height

The rule of thumb is this—the taller a scratch post, the more attractive it is for a cat. A tall scratching post would let your pet to fully extend and pull back her back and shoulder muscles.

Don’t expect your cat to scratch a post that’s too short. She won’t crouch down just to scratch! It is very uncomfortable for cats to do so. It also won’t enable her to stretch her muscles.

2

Sturdiness

One reason why cats like to scratch sofas and chairs is because these are very stable. Thus, it is imperative that you get a scratching post that won’t easily move.

Trust me– a wobbly scratching post is the last thing that your cats would focus on. Your cat knows that the post will flip over. So forget to get an unstable scratching post as it would just be a waste of money.​

3

Material

Cat scratching posts can be made of carpet, wood, cardboard, and rope. Many cat lovers say carpet is the best choice but I believe it is really up to the behavior or tendency of the cat.

For example, cats who like to spend time outdoors are more likely to scratch on a post made of wood. It’s because they usually scratch on trees or fence posts.

Those who spend more time indoors may find scratch posts made of carpets and rope very appealing.​

How about cardboard scratchers? If your budget is limited, then it may be a practical choice. Just be warned that scratchers made of cardboard aren’t the most durable.​

One particular material is very attractive to cats—sisal. You can’t go wrong with a scratcher made of sisal as cats love the feeling of scratching the fiber that comes from the agave plant.​

4

Shape

Cat scratchers differ in shape. Many are built like a tower, while others are shaped like the letter “S.”

I suggest you get a simple scratcher designed like a tower if your cat likes to stretch upward. A tower with a platform is ideal if you have an active pet who likes climbing.​

If your cat likes to roll and scratch, then an S-shaped scratcher best suits her.​

4

Extra features

These extra features aren’t exactly the most important requirements in a cat scratcher. But sometimes, these features can affect your purchasing decision.​

For example, if you are faced with the prospect of choosing between two similar scratchers, then a post with features like a little hiding spot or a hanging toy might appear to be the more practical choice.​

Top Cat Scratching Posts

Now that we are clear as to what you should look for in a cat scratcher, here are five scratching posts I would recommend you get for your pet:

​1. TRIXIE Pet Products Parla Scratching Post

https://www.amazon.com/TRIXIE-Pet-Products-Parla-Scratching/dp/B000NE2X3U/

The Ripple Rug - Cat Activity Play Mat - Made in USA - Fun Interactive Play - Training - Scratching - Thermal Base - Multi Use Habitat Bed Mat

What makes this a highly recommended scratching post for cats? Let me count the reasons.

One is that it is made of high-quality sisal. As I mentioned earlier, cats won’t be able to resist sisal rope. They are just attracted to this type of fiber, like bees are to honey.

The sisal used in this scratcher is durable. My friend bought one a year ago, and it has remained strong and connected up to this day.

​Second, this scratching post is quite tall at around 16 inches. Going back to my friend, his cat is long and weighs around 15 pounds. But this scratcher has been able to hold its own against such a big pet. Suffice to say, this is a tall and durable post.

​Third, the color is nice. It’s neutral which makes it easy to match any décor. I think most cats will be attracted to the color.

​Of course, there are certain things that I didn’t like with this scratcher. One is that the base doesn’t have any carpet.

​Also, it could have been a lot better if there was a toy hanging from it.

​Still, this is a good scratcher for any active cat.

Pros:

  • It is made of high-quality sisal
  • It is tall and durable
  • It has a nice neutral color

Cons:

  • There’s no toy
  • The base is bare and not carpeted

2. KONG Naturals Incline Scratcher Cat Toy

https://www.amazon.com/KONG-Naturals-Incline-Scratcher-Cat/dp/B0018N38P2/

The Ripple Rug - Cat Activity Play Mat - Made in USA - Fun Interactive Play - Training - Scratching - Thermal Base - Multi Use Habitat Bed Mat

This scratcher comes with a catnip and a toy that should keep your cat engaged. You can sprinkle the scratcher with the catnip to entice your cat to scratch the post. The toy, meanwhile, is inside the hole and can keep her busy.

This scratcher is made of cardboard so it is really meant to be destroyed by cats. You can reverse the pad so you can maximize the use of this scratcher.

This item measures 19.2 inches long, 7.5 inches wide, and 1.5 inches deep. It is long enough for an adult cat to stretch.

Keep in mind, though, that this scratcher is inclined. I was surprised that the orientation of the scratcher can entice cats to try it.

Of course, there are some drawbacks of getting this scratcher toy. Obviously, this cardboard scratcher won’t last for a long time. But you would not really mind it because the item is relatively cheap.

There are also side holes in this scratcher. However, the hole openings are a bit small. Even kittens will have problems getting into the holes.

Pros:

  • It has a catnip and toy that can keep cats engaged
  • The scratcher is long enough for cats to fully extend
  • The scratcher is relatively cheap

Cons:

  • The scratcher is not designed to last a long time
  • The hole openings are quite small

3. Pioneer Pet SmartCat The Ultimate Scratching Post

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Pet-Ultimate-Scratch-Scratcher/dp/B01FKXH6Q2/

The Ripple Rug - Cat Activity Play Mat - Made in USA - Fun Interactive Play - Training - Scratching - Thermal Base - Multi Use Habitat Bed Mat

If you are looking for a post that’s really long, then you should consider getting this scratcher. With a 32 inch length, this scratcher will really give your cat the chance to stretch her back muscles.

​Despite being long, this post is strong. I doubt if your cat can topple this post. The wide 16 by 16-inch base reduces the possibility of the post tipping and wobbling.

​Assembling this scratcher should not take you a long time. It is relatively easy to assemble. There are a couple of screws included, with the post attaching to the base very quickly.

This post is made of durable sisal. As I have said earlier this is the kind of material that appeals to cats. I am sure that your cat won’t be able to resist scratching this post thanks to the sisal material.

​Finally, the post can last for a long, long time. I have read reviews online that their scratchers have lasted for years!

This scratcher has its downsides, though. One is that it lacks features like toys and hiding spot is a downer. While assembling the scratcher is easy, it would have been a lot better if the manufacturer threw in an assembly guide.​

Pros:

  • It is made of durable sisal that cats are naturally attracted to
  • It can last for a long time
  • It is very long so cats can fully extend using this scratcher

Cons:

  • It doesn’t have a toy
  • There is no assembly guide

4. SmartCat Bootsie’s Three-in-One Cat Scratcher

https://www.amazon.com/SmartCat-3831-Bootsies-Combination-Scratcher/dp/B000ALY0OQ/

The Ripple Rug - Cat Activity Play Mat - Made in USA - Fun Interactive Play - Training - Scratching - Thermal Base - Multi Use Habitat Bed Mat

This is another long cat scratcher that your feline friend will surely love. With a length of 24 inches, this post should be long enough for your cat to fully extend.

​You can opt to make this scratcher stand vertically, or place it flat on the ground. The unit comes with a drywall anchor if you elect to mount it to the wall.

​What I love about this post is that it is very stable. There are four rubber feet that keep it flat on the ground. The rubber feet also prevent the post from slipping. Thus, it is very unlikely that your cat will be able to tip it over.

It is also very durable. My friend bought this scratcher a few months ago and it remains in good shape. There have been no noticeable sheddings. I’m really impressed.​

This would have been a perfect scratcher if there were two mounting holes at the back. Moreover, there is an odor that comes from the scratcher. This is very noticeable during the first few days of using it.​

Pros:

  • It is made of durable sisal
  • It is very stable with four rubber feet preventing it from falling or slipping
  • It can be placed vertically or horizontally

Cons:

  • There should be two mounting holes to further make the scratcher stable
  • There is an odor coming from the unit

5. Cat Furniture, Cat Trees & Cat Scratching Posts

https://www.amazon.com/Cat-Trees-Condos-Scratching-Posts/dp/B00JEADDCO/

The Ripple Rug - Cat Activity Play Mat - Made in USA - Fun Interactive Play - Training - Scratching - Thermal Base - Multi Use Habitat Bed Mat

This is the longest scratcher in the list with a height of 41 inches. Even the largest cats will be able to fully extend with this scratcher.

The scratcher is wrapped with high-quality sisal as well. I have seen two cats scratch at the post simultaneously and they seemed to enjoy it. I was even more impressed at the stability of the base. It is very solid and won’t easily tip over.

Speaking of the base, it is covered in a brown faux fur. You can simply wipe it clean. The post is also very easy to assemble. You’ll only be needing a few minutes to do it. There’s an Allen Wrench provided with this unit that you can use to set it up.

As a bonus, there’s also a ball that your cat can play with.

I only wished that the top perch is a lot wider so that active cats can have a platform to climb to. And there’s no assembly guide to help you in putting together this scratcher.

Pros:

  • Very long scratcher at 41 inches
  • Made of high-quality sisal that cats love to scratch
  • The base is solid and won’t easily tip over
  • Fairly easy to assemble

Cons:

  • The top perch doesn’t have a wide platform for cats to climb to
  • There is no assembly guide

Conclusion

These are the five best scratchers for cats today. I am certain your cat will love scratching their nails on any of these scratchers, and keep her happy even she hasn’t been fed.

If I were to buy just one scratcher, I will go with the Cat Furniture, Cat Trees & Cat Scratching Posts. I think that being the tallest post in this list makes it also the best scratcher.

Do you agree with my pick? Let me know what you have in mind by sharing your thoughts in our comments section. Better yet, share this article on social media.

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