The best cat scratching posts

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The best cat scratching posts

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cat scratching posts buying guide

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  • Cats need to scratch, so to save your sofa and your curtains, you need a sturdy cat scratching post or scratcher.
  • Scratching posts may be vertical, horizontal, or inclined, and some of them can be wall-mounted. Each cat has their own unique preferences, of course.
  • In our research, the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post is the best of the bunch because it offers the ideal combination of functionality and durability without detracting from your home decor.

A good scratching post is essential for a happy and healthy cat. Not only does a scratching post give your cat an outlet for their natural desire to scratch, but it also serves as a form of exercise. Most importantly, it will also save your furniture from destruction.

When it comes to choosing a cat scratcher or scratching post, there are many different models to consider. Some scratchers are made from corrugated cardboard, an inexpensive but functional material, while others are made from more durable sisal rope or fiber. Scratching posts may be vertical, horizontal, or inclined, and some of them can be wall-mounted. Each cat has their own unique preferences, so don't be afraid to try out a few different options before you make your choice.

If they haven't started to already, don't wait for your cat to start clawing at your furniture - invest in a quality cat scratcher or scratching post now to avoid problems down the line. There are many options to choose from in cat scratchers, but don't worry: We've done the hard work for you in comparing the options to bring you our top picks.

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Here are the best cat scratching posts you can buy:

Updated on 11/01/2019 by Lisa Sabatini: Updated prices, links, formatting, and text.

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The best cat scratching post overall

The best cat scratching post overall
With a sturdy base and a 32-inch height, the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post allows your cat to achieve a full stretch while also satisfying their need to scratch.

The ideal cat scratcher would be made from durable materials with a design that is both attractive to your cat and functional. Our top pick for cat scratchers and scratching posts is the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post. Not only does this scratching post satisfy your cat's need to scratch, but it allows for a full stretch and it won't topple over under his weight.

Measuring 32 inches tall, the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post allows for even the largest cats to achieve a full stretch, while the sturdy wooden base prevents the post from tipping. The post is wrapped in durable sisal mats to encourage scratching, and it offers more long-lasting durability than sisal ropes or carpet. This scratching post features an attractive, neutral-colored design and it is quick and easy to assemble.

Listed among its top ten picks for cat scratching posts, Heavy notes that this cat scratcher is tall enough that even the largest cats can achieve a full stretch and praises the durability of the sisal mat versus sisal rope or carpet. This scratching post is the number-one pick for Petslady in a review that speaks to the post's easy assembly, stability, and functionality. The post also receives favorable ratings from Thoroughly Reviewed and Conscious Cat.

Pros: Made from durable materials, 32-inch length allows for full stretch, sisal mat is more durable than rope or cardboard, sturdy base prevents wobbling and tipping, provides mental and physical stimulation, simple design and neutral color to suit home décor, quick and easy assembly

Cons: May tip over if the cat jumps on it, some cats don't like the sisal mat material (some cats prefer rope), some users have trouble with assembly

Buy the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post on Amazon for $49.99 Buy the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post from Petco for $49.99

The best cardboard cat scratcher

The best cardboard cat scratcher
With a unique wedge-style design to encourage both scratching and stretching, the Kong Naturals Incline Scratcher is a great scratcher for any cat.

Cardboard is one of the least expensive materials used in cat scratchers, but many cats prefer corrugated cardboard to rope or carpet. A cardboard cat scratcher offers your cat an enjoyable experience because it shreds easily and makes a satisfying sound. Our top pick for cardboard cat scratchers is the Kong Naturals Incline Scratcher with its unique wedge-style design and its no-mess construction that is sure to capture and keep your cat's attention.

The Kong Naturals Incline Scratcher features an incline design that encourages both stretching and scratching. It is made from all-natural and recycled materials in a two-sided design for twice the use. This cat scratcher comes infused with catnip and you can purchase replacement pads so your cat never has to go without their favorite scratcher. You'll also love the fact that shredded cardboard residue is trapped inside the scratcher instead of making a mess on your floor. To recharge the scratcher, simply spritz on some Kong Natural Catnip Spray.

We're All About Cats also named this the best cardboard cat scratcher, saying that the "angled scratching pad provides a great stretch and is reversible and replaceable for years of use." This scratcher also receives positive ratings from Petslady, particularly for its eco-friendly and ergonomic design.

Pros: Made from natural and recycled materials, incline design encourages scratching and stretching, comes with American-grown catnip, features unique no-mess pads, eco-friendly and ergonomic, scratch pads are reversible for twice the use

Cons: May not last as long as other scratchers, glued-on label may be difficult to remove, may not support the weight of very large cats, not the most attractive design

Buy the Kong Naturals Incline Scratcher from Chew for $7.99
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The best cat scratcher lounge

The best cat scratcher lounge
Durably constructed and thoughtfully designed, the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge combines the comfort of a lounge and the functionality of a cat scratcher.

For a product that combines the comfort of a lounge and the functionality of a cat scratcher, our top pick is the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge. This scratcher lounge is durably constructed from recycled cardboard and made with a thoughtful curved design to encourage scratching while also providing your cat with a comfortable place to nap. Covered by a six-month warranty and double-sided for maximum longevity, this cat scratcher is a must-have. We like it so much, we also named it the best overall in our buying guide for the best cat beds.

Made with a unique curved design, the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge appeals to your cat's senses and feeds their instincts while satisfying their need to scratch and stretch. This scratcher lounge is durably constructed from premium cardboard that outlasts most cardboard scratchers on the market while also minimizing mess. With an attractive modern shape and neutral coloration, this cat scratcher will fit perfectly with your existing home décor scheme as well.

The PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge receives rave reviews from pet owners and pet review sites alike. Green Little Cat calls it the "best recycled cardboard cat scratcher and lounge," praising it for its generous size and long-lasting durability. This cat scratcher is a top choice for Fluffy Kitty, and a review from Conscious Cat makes note of its two-sided design which doubles the usability. Best Reviews gives this scratcher their Best of the Best award for cat scratching posts as well.

Pros: Modern design, dual function as a lounge and scratcher, made from premium cardboard that lasts, quality construction for long-lasting durability, stimulates the cat's natural instincts and curiosity, neutral colors work well with home décor, reversible for twice the use, comes with a six-month warranty

Cons: More expensive than some cardboard cat scratchers, may be larger and heavier than other cat scratchers on the market, some cats prefer rope or carpet to cardboard

Buy the Pet Fusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge on Amazon for $49.95

The best wall-mounted cat scratching post

The best wall-mounted cat scratching post
Why you'll love it: Made from premium pressed cardboard with a tall vertical scratching surface, the 4Claws Wall-Mounted Scratching Post offers better durability and stability than many cat scratching posts on the market.

If you're looking for a simple scratching post that takes up minimal space and satisfies your cat's need to stretch and scratch, we recommend the 4Claws Wall-Mounted Scratching Post. This scratching post has a space-saving design and it mounts directly to the wall for added stability. Made from 100% recycled cardboard materials, this scratching post is a great option for cats of all ages.

The 4Claws Wall-Mounted Scratching Post is made from recycled premium pressed cardboard so it appeals to your cat's natural desire to scratch. With its tall vertical design, this scratching post also allows your cat to achieve a full stretch and it has a curved bottom which allows your cat to scratch their rear claws as well as their front claws. It comes with stainless steel mounting hardware for hassle-free installation as well as durability and sturdiness.

Cat Overdose names this scratcher one of its top five picks, noting that it can be used horizontally as well as vertically according to your cat's preferences. This wall mount cat scratcher also receives positive reviews from Heavy.

Pros: Vertical surface encourages scratching and stretching, mounts directly to the wall for stability, comes with mounting hooks and installation guide, made from premium pressed cardboard, space-saving design

Cons: Mounting hooks may damage the wall during removal if caution isn't taken, some cats prefer rope or carpet to cardboard, cardboard material may not hold up as well as sisal rope, may not be big enough for very large cats

Buy the 4Claws Wall-Mounted Scratching Post on Amazon for $29.99
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The best combination cat scratching post

The best combination cat scratching post
With its unique 3-in-1 design the SmartCat Bootsie's Combination Scratcher offers the ideal combination of versatility, durability, and stability for your cat.

Each cat is unique in their preferences for scratching. Some cats like to stretch as high as they can when they scratch while others prefer a horizontal scratching surface. No matter what your cat's individual preferences, the SmartCat Bootsie's Combination Scratcher is a great option. This scratcher features a unique 3-in-1 design for vertical or horizontal use, and it can also be leaned against a wall to create an inclined surface.

Durably constructed for long-lasting performance, the SmartCat Bootsie's Combination Scratcher comes with hardware for a wall mount as well as rubber feet to prevent slipping. The scratching surface is made from durable woven sisal fiber which naturally appeals to your cat's desire to scratch and outlasts cardboard and other more traditional scratching post materials. This scratching post measures 24 inches tall so your cat can stretch out, but its slim profile saves space in your home.

A review from Cat Overdose speaks to the long-lasting durability of the sisal fiber scratching surface as well as the stability of the design. As one of its top ten picks for cat scratching posts, Heavy describes this cat scratcher as an affordable, durable, and versatile post that can be hung on the wall, mounted on a door, or placed on the floor. Meowtee also gives this scratching post positive ratings, speaking to the product's resilient and durable scratching surface as well as its natural appeal for cats.

Pros: Unique 3-in-1 design for three mounting options, features a durable woven sisal scratching surface, rubber feet provide stability and prevent slipping, comes with an easy wall-mounting system, 24.5-inch height encourages stretching as well as scratching

Cons: May not be big enough for very large cats, some cats simply don't like the sisal scratching surface, some users find that it has a chemical smell at first that wears off over time, not double-sided

Buy the SmartCat Bootsie's Combination Scratcher on Chewy for $19.99

Check out our other buying guides for the best cat gear

Check out our other buying guides for the best cat gear
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Best budget cat carrier: Necoichi Ultra Light Portable Cat Carrier

Best cat carrier for air travel: Pet Magasin Luxury Soft-Sided Cat Carrier

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Best cat carrier backpack: Pet Gear 1-GO2 Plus Traveler Rolling Backpack Carrier

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The best cat harness and leash

Most cats won't let you get a harness anywhere near them, but some do like a stroll in the park. For those special cats, you need a cat harness and leash. There are several types of cat harnesses available, from basic to vest-style. Here are the best cat harnesses and leash you can buy:

The best cat food

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The best medicated cat shampoo

Shampoo for cats is easy to find online, but the sheer volume of options can make it difficult to choose. Lucky for you, we've done the research to bring you our top picks for the best medicated shampoo for cats.

The best cat bowls

Some cats are picky about their food bowl. That's why it's important to choose the right one for their needs. When it comes to choosing the best cat food bowl for your cat, there are a number of factors to consider. Here are our top picks for the best cat bowls:

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