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The 11 Best Cat Scratching Posts for Every Type of Kitty and Home

Give your furniture a break

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Collage of the best cat scratching posts.
Chewy/Amazon/Getty Images

Cat got your couch? High quality cat scratching posts can deter cats from scratching furniture, walls—even toilet paper. It also makes them happier. Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant with Rover, tells us scratching makes cats feel good physically and mentally. “[Scratching] allows them to stretch their back muscles, condition their claws and also mark their territory,” she says. Having well-placed cat scratching posts throughout your home is a must. We looked at tried and true brands like Frisco and SmartyCat, plus some fresh faces like Mau Pets (whose Cento Tree we love). Overall, we think the best cat scratching post is the Frisco Heavy Duty Sisal Cat Scratching Post for its stability, height and material.

The Best Cat Scratching Posts At-a-Glance

1

Best Overall

Frisco Heavy Duty Sisal Cat Scratching Post

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2

Best Cardboard

Mau Lifestyle Cardboard Cat Scratcher

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3

Best for Kittens

MECOOL Cat Scratching Post for Kittens

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4

Best for Sisal

AGYM Sisal Cat Scratching Post

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5

Best Wall Mount

xympo 34" Wall Mounted Cat Scratcher

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Meet the Experts

  • Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and Certified Cat Behavior Consultant with Rover. She has two decade’s worth of experience with cats. You can even book a session with her through Feline Minds. If you read Jackson Galaxy’s 2017 book, Total Cat Mojo, like we did, you got a taste of Dr. Delgado’s expertise. She co-authored it!
  • Dr. Janet Cutler is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and a Certified Cat Behaviorist at Cat World. She has a Ph.D. from the University of Guelph in Canada and teaches students at Ontario Veterinary College all about companion animal behavior. She also trains dogs and cats through her company, Landmark Behavior.

How We Chose the Best Cat Scratching Posts

Taking into account all the advice from our experts below, we looked at the height and length of cat scratching posts, the materials used and how sturdy the product is when choosing the best options. We then considered price and how much space each took up. User reviews definitely came into play, as did our own experiences with cats at home.

Wet vs. Dry Cat Food: Which Is the Best Option?


Frisco Heavy Duty Sisal Cat Scratching Post
Chewy

Best Overall

1. Frisco Heavy Duty Sisal Cat Scratching Post

What We Like

  • very tall
  • sisal material all the way up incredibly sturdy

What We Don't Like

  • assembly required with included tools
  • large base takes up space
  • not ideal for small breeds

Frisco

The Frisco Heavy Duty Sisal Cat Scratching Post checks off just about every box. It’s tall (35 inches) and wrapped entirely in thick sisal rope. This is a material most cats love. The manufacturer says this post is ideal for cats who weigh between 11 and 25 pounds, which could mean it’s too big for small cat breeds or tiny kittens. We also like the neutral color palette (beige sisal and gray accent options) and the pom toy connected to the top which may encourage cats to stretch and scratch. Though assembly is required, one reviewer noted, “It was a cinch to put together in less than five minutes and it's sturdy as heck.” It better be sturdy - it weighs 12 pounds! 

Fast Facts

  • Dimension: 18” L x 18” W x 35” H
  • Weight: 12 pounds
Mau Lifestyle Cardboard Cat Scratcher Cat Scratching Post
Chewy

Best Cardboard

2. Mau Lifestyle Cardboard Cat Scratcher

What We Like

  • cardboard refills available
  • adjustable height and direction
  • doubles as lounge chair

What We Don't Like

  • pricey for cardboard scratcher
  • assembly required with included tools
  • could wobble

Mau

The cardboard cat scratcher from Mau is beautiful, but we wouldn’t expect anything less from this all-star cat furniture company. Finicky cats may appreciate the fact that you can turn this horizontal scratcher into a vertical scratcher simply by adjusting the wooden base. Refills are available on Mau’s website. One drawback is that cats who jump on one end of the scratcher may topple it or wobble it, but users don’t seem to find this to be a huge issue. In fact, many note their cats have taken to lounging and sleeping on this scratcher. “Both cats are enjoying this, both for scratching and lounging. Very easy to put together with excellent instructions. And they provide a little Phillips screwdriver along with the screws!”

Fast Facts

  • Dimension: 13” W x 21.5” L x 4” H
  • Weight: 4 pounds
MECOOL Cat Scratching Post for Kittens Cat Scratching Post
Amazon

Best for Kittens

3. MECOOL Cat Scratching Post for Kittens

What We Like

  • made with 100% natural sisal hemp
  • easy assembly

What We Don't Like

  • adult cats may tip it over
  • lightweight

MECOOL

Kittens need smaller scratching posts because they are more fragile and lightweight. So, be sure you buy the 22-inch version, not the 32-inch version of this post which is meant for adult cats. A large breed will probably knock this thing over easily. We love that it’s made with 100 percent natural sisal hemp and all you have to do is screw the various parts together (no tools necessary). Plus, reviewers rave about the additional puff balls dangling off the post. “One of the standout features is the hanging ball. My kitten absolutely loves playing with it… It's a great addition that adds an extra layer of fun and engagement to the scratching post.”

Fast Facts

  • Dimension: 11.8” L x 11.8" W x 22" H
  • Weight: 3.3 pounds
AGYM Sisal Cat Scratching Post Cat Scratching Post 1
Amazon

Best for Sisal

4. AGYM Sisal Cat Scratching Post

What We Like

  • sturdy
  • thick post diameter, 100% natural sisal
  • non-toxic

What We Don't Like

  • assembly required with included tools

AGYM

While many of the scratching posts on our list are made with sisal, this one stands out for its thicker and sturdier build. The base is .6 inches thick and the post itself is 6.3 inches wide at the bottom and almost 5 inches wide at the top. It resembles a skyscraper and is meant for both kittens and adult cats to use. The carpet-covered wooden frame won’t topple, even with large cat breeds. One of the more than 700 five-star reviews states: “One of my babies is a long and tall cat, weighing 11 pounds, so he easily reached the top. The tower swayed slightly, yet with the secure base, was not in danger of tipping over.” Choose between navy, brown or beige carpet accents.

Fast Facts

  • Dimension: 15" L x 14" W x 32" H
  • Weight: 10 pounds
xympo 3422 Wall Mounted Cat Scratcher Cat Scratching Post 1
Amazon

Best Wall Mount

5. xympo 34" Wall Mounted Cat Scratcher

What We Like

  • saves space
  • natural sisal
  • tall

What We Don't Like

  • requires holes drilled into the wall

AGYM

Small spaces require a little extra finagling when it comes to cat accouterments. This wall-mounted, round sisal cat scratching post doesn’t take up floor space, yet it provides 34 inches of high quality sisal for your cat. In a neutral beige color, it blends well into white walls (the only problem is yes, you do have to drill into your walls). Use the screws and anchors provided to make sure the post is installed properly and won’t fall out when your cat sinks her claws into it. It’s recommended to place this about four inches above the floor. Users also love that the sisal goes all the way to the top with no extra dangling pom poms to get in their way. One reviewer broke it down this way: “Pros: It takes up no floor space. It has a finished top and bottom… It doesn’t get knocked over by a strong cat. Cons: If you want to move it, you will leave two holes in the wall to fix.”

Fast Facts

  • Dimension: 3" L x 2.8" W x 33.7" H
  • Weight: 3 pounds
TINWEIUS 01A Cat Tree Scratching Activity Center Cat Scratching Post
Amazon

Best Tower or Condo

6. TINWEIUS 01A Cat Tree Scratching Activity Center

What We Like

  • four levels
  • lots of scratching surface area
  • 3 feet tall
  • works for all breeds/sizes

What We Don't Like

  • made with jute instead of sisal
  • small base

TWDEPART

In a way, cat condos with built-in scratching posts can also save you some space. Instead of buying a scratching post and plopping it down next to your cat condo, combine the two with this cat tower by TINWEIUS. We love that there’s a full 36 inches of jute-wrapped support posts available to cats. Some condos only offer a small section to scratch; this condo offers tons. Plus, a hiding spot and a tall perch. The manufacturer recommends placing the condo against a wall for optimal sturdiness, and many reviewers agree. Some place a heavy object on the base to ensure jumping kitties don’t wobble it too much. One drawback is the use of jute instead of sisal. The Carpet Workroom says that both are strong fibers, but jute is softer and will likely wear down faster. But, for this price, it’s hard to beat. 

Fast Facts

  • Dimension: 26" L x 16.1" W x 35.43" H
  • Weight: 15.5 pounds
VETRESKA Cat Scratching Post for Large Cats Cat Scratching Post
Amazon

Best for Big Cats

7. VETRESKA Cat Scratching Post for Large Cats

What We Like

  • fun color and shape
  • extra tall
  • sturdy base
  • one-step assembly

What We Don't Like

  • expensive
  • made with jute instead of sisal

VETRESKA

Say hello to the prettiest cat scratching post we’ve ever seen! This is a cat-friendly plant your kitties will love to scratch and climb. At 41 inches tall with a wide base, this jute-wrapped post is made with sturdy PVC pipe. (There’s also a 31-inch option if you want to add to the collection.) Big cats will be able to really stretch out and jump on this cactus without toppling it over. The post has passed impact, torque, over-load and tension tests. Yes, this is made with jute instead of sisal, which tends to wear down more easily. However, users say this thing really lasts. “I’ve had this scratch post for over two years now, and my cat absolutely loves it… I’m regularly impressed by its strength and durability.”

Fast Facts

  • Dimension: 17.7" L x 17.7" W x 41.3" H
  • Weight: 20 pounds
SmartCat Bootsie's Combination Scratcher Cat Scratching Post Cat Scratching Post
Chewy

Best Horizontal Post

8. SmartCat Bootsie's Combination Scratcher

What We Like

  • woven sisal material
  • can mount to wall or leave on floor
  • works for all breeds/sizes, great for senior cats
  • one-step assembly

What We Don't Like

  • no replacement material available

SMARTCAT

Some cats, like my Foxy, love to sit on carpet and scratch at it. This is not fun for the carpet. Instead, offering your cat a horizontal scratcher like this one from SmartCat lets them dig their claws into woven sisal fiber. We love that you can leave it on the ground, where it won’t slip because of the rubber feet at each corner, or you can mount it to the wall with a single screw. This saves a lot of space, whether it’s against the wall or simply sitting on the floor. Since the sisal is woven and doesn’t wrap around the wood, there’s no way to replace it if your cat destroys it, which is a drawback for sure. Take a note from this cat owner and place two in strategic spots: “We have bought two of these. We mounted one vertically on the wall and one on the floor. The cat we got it for LOVES them both!”

Fast Facts

  • Dimension: 24” L x 7” W x 2.5” H
  • Weight: N/A
Kazura 31'' Tall Cat Scratching Post Cat Scratching Post
Amazon

Best Budget

9. Kazura 31'' Tall Cat Scratching Post

What We Like

  • two materials
  • pom poms attached
  • tall

What We Don't Like

  • may be too flimsy for large cats

Kazura

Cat accessories (and vet bills) can get expensive. But, it’s possible to give your cat a good life on a budget. This 31-inch tall scratching post from Kazura is less than $20 and offers both carpet and natural sisal for scratching, providing variety to your cat on top of a sturdy base. The manufacturer says this post is ideal for medium breeds; based on size and materials, we think large breeds might be too strong for it, but one user with a “massive cat” says “My cat is very big and tall, and regular scratchers just don’t cut it. He’s also picky about the material on scratchers and won’t touch the nicer looking stuff with thicker rope. This one fits the job without looking cheap!”

Fast Facts

  • Dimension: 15.7" L x 15.7" W x 31" H
  • Weight: 6 pounds
7 Ruby Road Wall Mounted Cat Scratcher Cat Scratching Post
Amazon

Best for Small Spaces

10. 7 Ruby Road Wall Mounted Cat Scratcher

What We Like

  • lays flat against the wall, design-friendly shape
  • 100% natural sisal
  • works for all breeds/sizes

What We Don't Like

  • requires holes in the wall
  • sisal may pull apart after a few months

7 Ruby Road Store

Unlike the other wall-mounted scratching post on our list, this one from 7 Ruby Road lays flat against the wall (well, it sticks out one whole inch, but we think this is still great). This saves even more space and still allows your cat to stretch and scratch. It’s 22 inches long and can also be used on the floor if your cat decides that’s where she wants her claws. The beauty of a wall-mounted cat scratcher is its versatility. You can mount it lower for kittens or higher for adult cats. Some users with heavy scratchers notice the sisal pulls away from the wood after a few months of use. One user fixed it with a hot glue gun. Another says, “I purchased two of these sturdy scratching surfaces and mounted them on either side of an Ikea cabinet…These pretty, oval boards take up no room in my small row house.”

Fast Facts

  • Dimension: 22" L x 5.7" W x 0.75" H
  • Weight: 3 oz.
SmartyKat Scratch Scroll Cat Scratching Post
Chewy

Best for Small Spaces

 
11. SmartyKat Scratch Scroll

What We Like

  • affordability
  • two materials
  • unique shape

What We Don't Like

  • may be hard for cats to stretch out fully
  • might flip over

7 Ruby Road Store

For multi-cat households with various opinions on scratching, this scratch scroll may be the key to keeping the peace. We like that it offers sisal and carpet, not to mention a dangling feather and a small space to hide or play in. For $20, we think this is a great deal. One drawback is this scratcher doesn’t allow for a good stretch. Some users note their cats have flipped it during playtime too, so it may not be ideal for rambunctious kittens. If your cat prefers carpet (or likes to lounge where they scratch), this is the product for you.

Fast Facts

  • Dimension: 18.5" L x 11.42" W x 7.09" H
  • Weight: 2.65 lbs.

What to Look for When Shopping for a Cat Scratching post

Our experts agree on two big things to look for when shopping for a cat scratching post: it must be stable enough that it won’t sway or move when your cat uses it and it should be made of material your cat likes to scratch.

“Most cats prefer a sisal-rope type scratcher,” says Dr. Delgado. “Other cats like carpet or cardboard, or just bare wood. The best thing to do is to give your cats options because they might like more than one type of material to scratch!”

  • Height: Dr. Cutler says a scratching post should be tall enough so your cat can fully stand and stretch their muscles. Look in the 32 to 36 inch range (smaller for kittens). If you have a large cat breed, you may need to go bigger. 
  • Material: Take Dr. Delgado’s advice and provide your cat with the material they like best. If you aren’t sure, try a few different options (maybe starting with budget-friendly scratching posts) to test their preferences.
  • Sturdiness: Cats like to scratch sturdy objects (which is why they love couches). “If the scratching post is wobbly or unsteady, many cats won’t use it,” says Dr. Cutler. Any scratching post you purchase should be sturdy enough to stay standing as your cat scratches it. If your cat is super aggressive, a wall-mounted option may make the most sense.
  • Space: Depending on how much room you have in your home, it might be a good idea to save space with a wall-mounted option or a cat condo that doubles as a scratching post.

How Often Should You Change Your Cat Scratching Post?

“A well-made scratching post should last years,” Dr. Delgao says. “Cardboard scratchers may not last as long, depending on how often your cat uses them and how many cats you have.”

If you have a cat, you know scratching can be a daily occurrence. Dr. Cutler says excitement, frustration or uneasiness can inspire scratching. Plus, scratching keeps claws in tip top shape and lets cats mark territory through scent glands in their paw pads. To do this, felines need material they can really sink their claws into. Once a scratching post or scratch pad becomes frayed, worn or completely destroyed, it’s time to replace it.

Cats returning to bad habits like scratching furniture or carpet could mean their scratching posts are no longer getting the job done.

“You should also check the post every once in a while to make sure it isn't becoming unstable or doesn’t need repair,” Dr. Cutler says. “Some surfaces like carpet become damaged, so it’s also important to check them to make sure that there aren’t any pieces coming loose that your cat might eat.”

It’s also worth noting that International Cat Care advises at least one scratching post per cat, plus one extra. Place them around your home in areas your cat likes to be. From personal experience, I can tell you having one positioned directly in front of the arm of the couch is a great way to deter cats from hacking away at a nice piece of furniture.

Should I Get a Vertical or Horizontal Cat Scratching Post?

This is a question for your cat. You can buy 100 horizontal scratching posts, but if your cat doesn’t use them, they’re useless. Look at where your cat likes to scratch and place posts (or wall-mounts) accordingly. A vertical post can prevent couch damage and a horizontal post can prevent carpet damage.

Dr. Delgado adds, “Many cats like both. So why not offer them some of each?” This could mean a variety of styles and textures.

Dr. Cutler agrees: “You may even find they’ll use both under different circumstances.”

What's the Best Height for a Cat Scratching Post?

Your cat should be able to stand up and stretch out completely with a scratching post. The Humane Society and Dr. Cutler advise posts 32 inches or taller. Dr. Delgado thinks you could go even larger, recommending scratching posts at least three feet tall, which is 36 inches.

“For a horizontal post, it should be long enough that your cat can fully stand on it and stretch and scratch horizontally,” Dr. Delgado adds.

Super tall posts could be a problem for kittens, who like to climb with their kitty claws. Falling from high heights could cause leg fractures, so wait to buy a very tall scratching post until your kitten becomes an adult.


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Freelance Writer

Sarah Ashley is a Chicago-based freelance journalist. She has covered pets for PureWow for six years and tackles everything from dog training tips to the best litter boxes. Her...

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