Best cat scratching posts for every type of feline and home setup

The best cat scratching posts are designed to keep your cat’s claws in top shape, prevent boredom, all the while keeping your furniture scratch-free.

Scratching posts are must must-have item for cat owners, and if you have multiple cats then investing in multiple posts is definitely worth it. If you notice your cat is scratching your furniture, sometimes all it takes is placing a scratching post nearby to get them to move their focus onto their post.

But why do cats scratch the furniture, or why do they scratch the wall, for that matter? Cats scratch for a variety of reasons, including stretching muscles, marking territory, sharpening their claws, or simply out of boredom. Scratching is a natural behavior – and should be encouraged – just not on the furniture.

When putting this guide together, we took into account the quality of the materials, size, stability, and how much scratching surface was available to round up the seven best options on the market right now (spoiler alert: the SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post was our favorite!)

Let’s check out which others made the list and keep reading till the end, as we’ve got expert advice from Dr Hannah Godfrey on how to choose the best scratching post for your cat.

Best cat scratching posts

How we chose the best cat scratching posts

When picking the best cat scratching posts, there were several key areas that we chose to focus on.

Quality of materials: Wherever possible, we selected models with sisal scratching posts. Known to offer an outstanding scratching surface for cats, sisal feels good under their claws and is highly durable.

We also wanted to include a durable cardboard option with impressive functionality as once again, this provides a superior scratch when compared to other materials, such as carpet.

Size: Cats tend to favor vertical scratchers that are at least 24 inches high as not only do they get the opportunity to sharpen their claws but a scratcher of this height provides them with a chance to have the kind of big stretch their muscles need.

For this reason, we’ve largely focused on vertical scratchers that meet or exceed this requirement with a few shorter options to cater to smaller cats and kittens.

Scratchable area: We favored models with the greatest amount of scratchable surface area to ensure your cat has plenty of room to sink their claws into.

Stability: The last thing you want is a scratching post that can be tipped over easily, and while that can happen even with the most stable posts if you have a large cat who’s a vigorous scratcher, we’ve chosen models that the majority of reviewers describe as being sturdy.

Here’s more information on how we test, review, and rate products.

How to choose the best cat scratching post

There’s nothing more disheartening than investing in a cat scratching post only to see your fussy feline give a haughty flick of the tail and walk straight towards the side of your sofa. So what should you look out for to better the odds of your pet actually making use of it?

Material: Consider what the scratching post is made of. There’s a dizzying array of materials available, but what might appeal to you might not appeal to your cat. Sisal fabric is a great option because it’s heavy-duty and shreds under your kitty’s claws in the same way the bark of a tree would.

Try to avoid carpet-covered scratching posts, as you’re trying to encourage your cat to go for the scratching post and not your floors, so a different material is best.

Sturdiness: Select a scratching post that’s sturdy and doesn’t wobble or move about. The reason cats like sofas and trees is that they stay stable when scratched, which allows them to safely sharpen their claws. Look for posts that have solid bases so they won’t topple over.

Size: Height and layout are important considerations, too. Cats tend to favor vertical scratching posts because they allow them to stretch out, but if you’ve ever seen pulls in your carpet, then you know they’re not averse to scratching horizontally from time to time either. Providing a tall and flat scratcher can be a great way of covering your bases.

Added features: A cat scratcher with features can be a great investment that keeps your kitty amused for hours. Think multi-level cat trees that offer platforms, fluffy or sisal hanging toys, hammocks, ramps, and poles. Let your cat’s personality guide you as to whether a maxed-out model is the way to go.

Other cat scratching posts to consider

There were two other cat scratching posts that we loved but didn't make the list. The PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratch Lounge is great if you're looking for a scratching post that also doubles as a place for your cat to relax.

The Cat Scratching Post & Couch-Corner is great for drawing your feline's attention away from the couch and onto their scratcher. This one slides right under the couch. However, some have said that cats can easily slide it out of place.

Do cats scratch for attention?

Cats are complex beings, just like us, and they scratch for lots of different reasons. It can be to stretch their muscles, keep their claws sharp, spread their scent, and sometimes, yes, just for attention.

"If you encourage them to scratch by giving them fuss and praising them, they’ll continue to do it," explains Dr Hannah Godfrey, "But did you know that it’s not just positive attention that can fuel this behavior? If you shout, scold them, or pick them up and move them away, you could still be inadvertently encouraging them."

The key to stopping furniture scratching is to give your kitty a better alternative, which means scratch posts, mats, or trees. From there, it's all about reinforcing the behaviors you want to see, explains Dr Godfrey.

"When they use these items to scratch, praise them and give them a fuss or a treat. If they claw at the furniture, carpet, or somewhere else you’re not so keen on, ignore the behavior. They'll soon make the association that it's better to scratch in those purpose-built places!"

What scratching posts do cats like best?

Different cats seem to like different types of posts, but there are some generalities.

“Research has shown that most cats prefer a scratching post made of rope/sisal,” explains Dr Joanna Woodnutt. “It should be vertical, and tall enough that they can stretch out fully. It should also be stable – they aren’t going to use it if it wobbles when they try!”

But that’s not to say rope/sisal is perfect for all.

“Cardboard is preferred by older cats, so it’s worth trying a couple of materials if your cat isn’t enjoying their scratching post,” Dr Woodnutt advises.

One way of figuring out what your cat may like is to consider where your pet is currently scratching.

“If your cat is scratching furniture, look at what they’re scratching and where – is it a vertical surface or horizontal one? What material is it?” Dr Woodnutt continues.

“You can try to replicate this when choosing a scratching post for your cat. Placing a scratching post near where your cat is already scratching will help them use it, too – you can always move it (slowly!) later once your cat reliably uses the post.”

What is the best height for a cat scratching post?

First of all, look at your cat!

“A scratching post needs to be tall enough that a cat can stretch out fully when using it,” Woodnutt advises. “For most cats, 90cm (36 inches) is plenty, but if your cat is a larger breed, you’ll need a larger post. Since posts of this height can be unstable, look for one with a large base or an upper bracket to attach, or one that is part of a cat tree.”

Read next: Vet’s guide to cat nail clipping or ways to protect furniture from pets

Dr. Hannah Godfrey

Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and began work straight away at a busy mixed practice. Initially, she treated all species, but focused on small animals from 2014. She has a passion for soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, and canine and feline dentistry, having completed additional training in these areas.

She then began working at a smaller, independent practice close to home, in order to devote more time to her other love – writing comedy fiction. In February 2023, she moved from permanent clinical vet work to become an Editor for a global medical communications company. She hasn't given up clinical work altogether, though, and still does regular locum shifts at her local vet practices.

Dr. Joanna Woodnutt

Dr Joanna Woodnutt qualified as a veterinarian from the University of Nottingham where she then went on to practice companion animal medicine in the Midlands. She really took to the consulting side of things and helping clients with medical problems such as dermatology, behavior and nutrition - anything that involved helping clients understand their pets better.

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Megan Milstead.