PetsRadar Verdict

The SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post may not be the cheapest model on the market, but its thoughtful high-quality design and durable construction make it a winner in our book

Pros

+
32-inch height gives a great stretch
+
Sturdy and durable
+
Easy to assemble

Cons

-
Expensive

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The SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post has amassed close to 20,000 enthusiastic pet parent fans, and once you’ve clapped eyes on this little beauty you’ll quickly see why.

It proudly holds the top spot in our guide to the best cat scratching posts, thanks to its sturdy and durable design and high-quality construction. At 32 inches high, it provides feline furkids with that long stretch they love, and the fibrous woven sisal is the perfect material for them to sink their claws into for a satisfying scratch.

Attractive and neutrally toned, this post will fit beautifully into any home, and if you’re anything like us and hate DIY, you’ll be delighted to know that it’s super easy to assemble!

SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post: Features

It’s the impressive 32-inch height that first caught our attention when we were searching for a worthy winner to wear the best cat scratching post crown. Just like the best cat beds need a decent amount of width and depth for your kitty to curl up comfortably, scratching posts need length to give your furkid the stretch they need to tone their muscles.

This model nails the height factor, but the higher a post is, the more stable it needs to be to ensure your kitty doesn’t take a tumble. Thankfully, the SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post ticks that box too, with a sturdy 16” x 16” base that reduces tipping and wobbling.

The next thing you’ll notice when you purchase this scratcher is the quality of the material. Fibrous and durable woven sisal is used to naturally encourage scratching, and unlike carpet-covered posts, your furkid’s nails won’t snag.

We love the design of this model, which has an attractive appearance thanks to the use of wood, which gives a classically neutral look that will blend beautifully into your home. It’s also fast and easy to assemble, with the two included screws attaching the post to the base.

SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post: User reviews

While the SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post isn’t as affordable as the Amazon Basics Cat Condo Tree Tower with Hammock Bed and Scratching Post, the quality is outstanding, and pet parents seem to feel that the higher price tag is worth it with one reviewer writing:

“My two cats LOVE this scratching post. I finally bought one of these scratchers 3 years ago after passing it in the store several times due to its cost, but I was so sick of having to buy $20-$30 ones that just completely wore out. THREE YEARS OLD and it BARELY looks worn down at all! It never sheds. I have never found a single piece of twine anywhere. They use it probably 15-20 times a day between the two of them (not including the 8 or so hours I'm gone from home every day) so it is heavily used. It's easily the best scratcher I have ever bought and considering how long they last it is DEFINITELY worth the price.”

Thousands more reviewers praise the durability of this scratcher, with many pet parents saying they’ve had it for more than five years, and still going strong. Stability scores another big win for this scratcher, with owners of large cats saying it stands firm even when attacked by 20lbs worth of weight.

Negative reviews are few and far between, but there are a few customers who received posts with cracks in the wooden base and a few others note that their cats won’t use it.

If you find the latter to be an issue, we have a potential solution. Catnip and cats go together like peanut butter and jelly, so before you worry that you’ve made a wasted purchase, try sprinkling some of this dried herb around the base, or incorporate the post into some games with the best catnip toys to encourage them to get scratching.

Should you buy the SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post?

If you’re looking for a long-lasting high-quality cat scratcher that will give your kitty’s muscles the stretch they need to stay toned and strong, then the SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post gets our tick of approval.

While it may be more expensive than some of the other models on the market, it’s made from durable materials that will last for years, has a stable design that will let your cat stretch and scratch safely, and a pleasing appearance that will complement any home decor.

Kathryn is a freelance writer who has been a member of the PetsRadar family since it launched in 2020. Highly experienced in her field, she's driven by a desire to provide pet parents with accurate, timely, and informative content that enables them to provide their fur friends with everything they need to thrive. Kathryn works closely with vets and trainers to ensure all articles offer the most up-to-date information across a range of pet-related fields, from insights into health and behavior issues to tips on products and training. When she’s not busy crafting the perfect sentence for her features, buying guides and news pieces, she can be found hanging out with her family (which includes one super sassy cat), drinking copious amounts of Jasmine tea and reading all the books.