Best Cat Scratching Post in 2024 (Reviews and Guide)

Sometimes it can seem like having scratched up furniture is just a part of cat ownership, but fortunately, that doesn’t always need to be the case. The right cat scratching post can give your cat something even more appealing to scratch than your expensive new sofa. 

As you know, the cat product market has imploded in recent years, so you can get cat scratching pads, posts, and trees that suit the needs of your cat, your home, and your wallet.

Let’s look at some of the best cat scratching products out there. Then, we’ll dive deeper into how to choose the best one, how to get your cat to use it, and why cats scratch in the first place. We’ll even teach you how to build your own, should the urge strike you!

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The 7 Best Cat Scratching Posts

There are tons of cat scratching posts available online, so it can be hard to narrow down which one is best for your kitty and home. But don’t worry; to help with your search, we’ve picked out seven of our favorite cat scratching posts worth checking out.

Kitty City XL Wide Corrugate Cat Scratchers

• Best wide scratcher product. Size:18 x 10 x 1.5 inches
• Made of non-toxic corrugated paper, SAFE for playing.
• Helps protect furniture from claw damage
• Recycled Cardboard
• 3 pack option available for better value

If you’re looking for a basic, no-frills cat scratching pad, then the XL Wide Corrugate Cat Scratcher from Kitty City is the one for you. Not only is it one of the best cat scratching pads on the market, but it’s also one of the most economical.

Cats love the noise and shreddable nature of the cardboard, and the extra-large size also lends itself well to naps, providing your cat with just one more sleeping spot other than the nice cat bed you picked out.

This scratching pad comes in two or three packs and is reversible, so you get twice as much use out of it. Just so you know, though, the pad is glued into the frame, so you won’t be able to just pop it out and flip it over.

But the bottom is perforated, so you can peel it off and expose the second side, or you can just run your finger along the edges to pop the glue off and pop the pad out that way. Neither of those is difficult to do, but it throws off some customers used to unglued pads that come out freely.

Manufacturer Specs

• 18x10x1.5”
• 1.01lbs
• Non-toxic corrugated paper
• Recycled cardboard

What We Like

• Great value
• Extra-large size
• Eco-friendly
• Non-toxic corn starch glue
• Double-sided

What We Don’t Like

• Exposing the second side is a little more work than other pads
• Shredded cardboard can be messy

Summary

This cat scratch pad is great on its own but can also be a nice additional scratching surface in a house with multiple cats or just as added variety.

PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge

• CATS LOVE IT: A scratcher, lounge, & SO MUCH MORE (see video on left). Incl premium USA organic catnip leaf. Natural scratching = healthy claws, great exercise, & stress reliever … (better overall wellness)
• YOU’LL LOVE IT: Made of recycled cardboard, non-toxic corn starch glue. Attractive design, neutral colors. Recommended to save your furniture as cats prefer the feel of cardboard. Happy cat = happy you ..
• THOUGHTFUL DESIGN: Curves make for easier scratching & a more comfortable place to rest & play. Naturally attracts cats. Interactive
• GREAT VALUE: 34 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches. Reversible for 2x the use. Superior cardboard & construction lasts longer than other scratchers; preferred by cats (please read our reviews). Large surface area to hold multiple or larger cats & provide generous scratching space

The PetFusion Cat Scratcher Lounge offers your cat a large, robust scratching surface, as well as a curvy lounge area. Made of recycled cardboard and non-toxic cornstarch glue, this scratcher is an eco-friendly option.

Customers love the minimalist design that blends in with their home, and some have even turned the lounge into wall shelves, using L brackets. This is especially great for cats that want to survey their kingdom from up high.

Due to the symmetrical design, when one side gets worn out, you can just flip the lounge over, and it’s like a completely new scratching pad. Some customers even go so far as to cut the lounge open, exposing the scratch surface inside to really get the most use out of it.

This cat scratcher lounge will not only keep your cat’s nails nice and filed, but it will quickly become a favorite napping spot, too.

Manufacturer Specs

• 35×10.5×10”
• 7.2lbs
• Recycled cardboard

What We Like

• Eco-friendly materials
• Comfy lounge design
• Minimalist look blends in with decor
• Durable and long-lasting

What We Don’t Like

• Shredded cardboard can be messy
• Inside space is wasted

Summary

The cat scratcher lounge’s sleek curves provide lots of surface area for scratching and lounging, just like the name implies.

Dimaka 29″ Tall Cat Scratching Post for Big Cats

• Dimensions：15 12/16” x 15 12/16” x 29” Weight: 4 3/16 lb. design for all size cats from kitten to adults, except huge ones.
• Well-made: Scratching Post Tree is made with thick cardboard tube and wrapped with natural fibrous sisal; base is made with heavy chipboard covered with heavy-duty carpet, safe and stable, avoid tipping and wobbling, provides reliability and stability, wooden material, handmade.
• Protect Furniture: The Scratch post attracts cats to play and scratch, natural sisal suitable for cat scratching, effectively prevent cats from catching your furniture.
• Easy Assemble: The product is easy to install and the parts are screwed together for stability and firmness. The required gadgets are included in the package
• Large Size: A more stable and wider base, enlarged sisal posts.

If you’re looking for the best cat scratching post to file nails, look no further than the 29” Tall Cat Scratching Post from Dimaka. The rough sisal material surrounding the post is tough enough to wear down nails and shreddable enough to be safe for your kitty.

The base is covered in carpet, giving your cat an additional fun texture to scratch on, and the hollow cardboard post rewards your cat with lots of noise while being scratched.

This post is tall enough to give your cat a good stretch while scratching, keeping those muscles nice and limber. More importantly, though, it’s sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about it wobbling or tipping over.

This post is pretty basic and relies on sturdy craftsmanship and quality materials instead of extra bells and whistles. If you’re looking for a simple scratching post that gets the job done, this is the one for you.

Manufacturer Specs

• 15.75×15.75×29”
• 4.2lbs
• Sisal, carpet, wood, cardboard

What We Like

• Tall enough to stretch
• Sturdy, stable base
• Attractive scratching surface
• Replaceable sisal rope

What We Don’t Like

• Can be difficult to assemble
• Slides on slick floors

Summary

All in all, Dimaka makes a nice basic post that’s as functional as it is simplistic.

AmazonBasics Cat Tree with Platform and Scratching Posts

• Ideal for small to medium size cats up to 25lbs,1-2 cats
• Multi-platform cat tree with scratching posts
• Helps keep your cat from damaging carpets, furniture, curtains, and more
• Carpeted platforms provide space to relax, play, and climb
• Natural jute fiber scratching posts help keep nails healthy
• Neutral color tones fit in with your home’s existing décor

The AmazonBasics Top Platform Cat Tree is pretty compact, as far as cat trees go, but it packs a lot into the space it does take up. Your cat will love the multiple levels and the ability to scratch from various angles.

The cat tree is mostly made of carpet, but the posts are wrapped in jute fiber, which is pretty similar to sisal. The dual materials give your cat scratching options; plus, the carpet is comfy for lounging and napping on.

This tree is easy to assemble, which means you can get it out of the box and into use that much more quickly. The sturdy construction and lower platforms make this ideal for heavier or older cats who might have trouble jumping very high.

Manufacturer Specs

• 13.4×17.3×21.1”
• 10.87lbs
• Jute fiber and fleece carpet

What We Like

• Easy assembly
• Impact, durable construction
• Multiple levels keep cats engaged

What We Don’t Like

• The carpeted sections don’t hold up to heavy scratching
• The platforms could use more padding

Summary

If you’re looking to get your cat something a little more complex than a basic scratching post but aren’t ready to commit to a giant, multi-platformed tree, this might be a good item to start with.

AmazonBasics Multi-Level Cat Tree with Scratching Posts

• Multi-platform cat tree with scratching posts and enclosure
• Tiered platforms provide space for your cat to relax, play, and climb
• Helps keep your cat from damaging carpets, furniture, curtains, and more
• Natural jute fiber scratching posts help keep nails healthy
• Neutral color tones fit in with your home’s existing décor
• Durable, long-lasting construction

What’s that you say? You want the absolute best cat scratching tree available? Well, you found it: The AmazonBasics Extra Large Cat Tree Tower With Condo is an all-in-one cat playground. There are places for playing, scratching, climbing, napping, and high up areas for getting the lay of the land.

This durable tree comes in three different color combinations, so you can find one to match your home. The replaceable dangling cat toys are a nice touch, too.

The large size makes it perfect for active or multiple cats, and the solid construction keeps everybody safe while playing.

Manufacturer Specs

• 23.62×56.3×19.29”
• 28.5lbs
• Carpet and jute fiber

What We Like

• Sturdy
• Easy assembly
• Large enough for multiple cats
• Replaceable toys

What We Don’t Like

• Bottom screws can scratch floors

Summary

Your cat will love scratching, climbing, and sleeping in this tree, and you will love the durable construction.

M&MKPET Natural Sisal Cat Scratcher Mat

• Natural sisal (woven), Long: 23.6″ Wide: 23.6″
• High-density sewing machine lockring，non-woven fabric and anti-slip epoxy latex design
• Sisal cat scratching mat is stable, not easy to deform, durable and easy to clean
• Cat loves rest and play on sisal mat，you can sprinkle a little catnip on the carpet to train the cat to sharpen its claws
• Not only be a cat scratch pad, play mat, but also a sleeping mat，a litter mat, of course, you can also use it as a mat of the door

The M&MKPET Natural Sisal Cat Scratcher Mat is perfect for cat owners who want cat products that will blend into their home. At first glance, it looks just like a welcome mat, but upon closer inspection, you’ll see that it’s made of woven sisal.

The underside is a non-slip material that keeps the mat in place while kitty’s doing her thing on it, and the material is resistant to bunching and curling. And because it’s a mat, it’s super easy to take it outside and give it a shake or a spray with the hose to keep it looking great.

If your cat is into scratching up your carpets, give this mat a try and see if you can divert some of that instinctual scratching.

Manufacturer Specs

• 23.6×23.6x.5”
• 1.65lbs
• Sisal and latex

What We Like

• Blends in with home
• Easy to clean
• Space-saving
• Natural sisal material

What We Don’t Like

• Might not stay in place for heavy scratchers

Summary

This mat is the perfect, simple solution if you’re looking for a minimalistic scratching surface for your cat.

PetFusion 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratching Post

• CATS LOVE IT: (I) A scratcher, play area, & SO MUCH MORE. (II) Incl premium USA organic catnip leaf. (III) Natural scratching = healthy claws, great exercise, & stress reliever . . . (better overall wellness)
• YOU’LL LOVE IT: (I) Made of recycled cardboard, non-toxic corn starch glue. (II) Attractive design, neutral colors. (IV) Recommended to save your furniture as cats prefer the feel of cardboard. Happy cat = happy you . .
• THOUGHTFUL DESIGN: (I) Vertical based on your cat’s preference or to compliment horizontal scratching; also features a cubby hole for exploration & play. (II) Curves provide numerous stretching & scratching angles. (III) Naturally attracts cats
• GREAT VALUE: (I) 18 x 10. 5 x 16 inches. (II) Rotate for 6x the use. (III) Superior cardboard & construction lasts longer than other scratchers; preferred by cats (please read our reviews). (IV) 6 MONTH : For any manufacturing defect or if you are not completely satisfied

The PetFusion Cat Scratcher Lounge offers your cat a large, robust scratching surface, as well as a curvy lounge area. Made of recycled cardboard and non-toxic cornstarch glue, this scratcher is an eco-friendly option.

Customers love the minimalist design that blends in with their home, and some have even turned the lounge into wall shelves, using L brackets. This is especially great for cats that want to survey their kingdom from up high.

Due to the symmetrical design, when one side gets worn out, you can just flip the lounge over, and it’s like a completely new scratching pad. Some customers even go so far as to cut the lounge open, exposing the scratch surface inside to really get the most use out of it.

This cat scratcher lounge will not only keep your cat’s nails nice and filed, but it will quickly become a favorite napping spot, too.

Manufacturer Specs

• 35×10.5×10”
• 7.2lbs
• Recycled cardboard

What We Like

• Eco-friendly materials
• Comfy lounge design
• Minimalist look blends in with decor
• Durable and long-lasting

What We Don’t Like

• Shredded cardboard can be messy
• Inside space is wasted

Summary

The cat scratcher lounge’s sleek curves provide lots of surface area for scratching and lounging, just like the name implies.

How to Make a Cat-Scratching Post

If you enjoy DIY projects, making a cat scratching post from scratch is actually really easy and is a nice alternative if you are on a budget or would rather not spend too much.

The following lists the materials you’ll need and how to put the post together: 

Materials

• Wooden post: The  folks at Companion Animal Psychology suggest 30” or longer
• Wood base: Between 1’ and 3’ is usually best
• Carpet that’s 2” inches larger than the base on each side
• Sisal rope (calculate how much you’ll need using this formula)
• Hammer and short nails or hot glue gun

Instructions

• Attach the carpet to the base using glue.
• Wrap the edges of the carpet around to the other side of the base and secure with short nails (that won’t go all the way through the board) or a hot glue gun.
• Attach the post to the base using screws or nails from underneath.
• Wrap sisal rope tightly around the post, securing it every so often with the hot glue gun.
• Cover the top with carpet or a beveled wooden block (optional).
• Double-check that the setup is stable before giving to your cat.

Alternative Scratching Post Ideas

• You can also nail or screw a platform onto the top of the post if you want. Just cover it with carpet, and your cat has a nice place to nap. Make sure it’s smaller than the base, though, so it doesn’t tip over when your cat hops up.
• You can use a PVC pipe instead of wood if you prefer—just follow the instructions in this video.

Who Should Buy a Cat Scratching Post?

Cat scratchers are very common items to have for cat owners, but not everyone has one. If you’re unsure whether you should invest in or build a cat scratching post of your own, consider why cats feel the need to scratch:

Why Cats Scratch

Scratching is a natural instinct for cats, which is why it’s so important that we give them appropriate surfaces to scratch. Scratching and shredding surfaces serve multiple functions.

Gets Rid of Excess Energy

While it might not seem like it, a good scratching session is pretty good exercise, so it’s a useful way for a cat to burn off extra energy.

Keeps Them Limber

Cats wouldn’t be able to do all those acrobatics if they didn’t keep their muscles nice and stretched out. Scratching, especially on a long vertical post, stretches just about every muscle in a cat’s body, from the back and shoulders to the limbs and all the tiny muscles in the paws.

Keep Nails Healthy

The most obvious reason that cats scratch is to keep their nails healthy; this means shedding the dead outer layer, as well as keeping them filed down.

Marks Territory

Most people think of spraying or chin rubbing when they think of marking territory, but scratching is also a common way for cats to claim an object. Marking in this way releases scents from the cats’ paws and provides a visual marker on the item.

In summary: Cats need to scratch; it’s an instinctual urge, it’s good for them, and they enjoy it. Therefore, every cat owner should have at least one cat scratching post in the home.  

This is especially true if one of the following applies to you:

You Live in a Small Apartment: Scratching gives cats much-needed recreation, in addition to keeping their claws in top shape. If your cat doesn’t have a ton of room to run around in, a nice scratching post, or even a tree, will provide a way for your cat to exercise and entertain herself.

Your Cat is Home Alone a Lot: This goes hand in hand with the last point. If your cat is left home alone a lot, it’s a good idea to provide as many ways for her to amuse herself as possible while you’re away. A cat scratching post is a good start.

Your Cat Has Behavioral Issues: Cats often scratch to expend excess energy, which can be especially important if your cat has behavioral issues that lead to tantrums or excess scratching. Not only will this save your furniture, but giving your cat a healthy way to expend energy will help her calm down when she needs to.

How to Choose the Best Cat Scratching Post

We’ve all been there: you get super excited about buying something for your cat, and the cat doesn’t want anything to do with it. Well, save yourself the heartbreak by following these simple suggestions, which will increase the chances that your kitty will love the scratching post or pad you bring home.

Keep Your Cat in Mind

This one sounds simple, but if you want to choose the best cat scratching post for your cat, remember to keep your cat in mind when shopping. That means selecting a post based on your cat’s preferences, not what will best match your decor.

There are almost as many cat scratching items in the world as there are different cat personalities: 

Vertical posts: Posts provide cats with an opportunity to stretch the muscles in their entire bodies, which is important for overall health.

Horizontal pads: Some cats prefer scratching on the ground, so try these if you have a carpet scratcher at home.

Angled boards: Angled boards combine the best of vertical and horizontal surfaces, allowing your cat to stretch without taking up as much space as a tree.

Wall-mounted boards: These save space while still providing that valuable vertical scratching surface.

Trees: Trees work for scratching, of course, but also give cats a place to play, climb, nap, and explore.

If you want to make sure your cat’s happy with the variety of scratching surfaces provided, make sure to give them a few different options.

Cater to Your Cat’s Scratching Style

When shopping for scratching posts and pads, it’s important to cater to your cat’s style— scratching style, that is. 

As we mentioned earlier, some cats will scratch anything they can get their claws into, and others are more particular about what direction they like to scratch in. There are basically three types of “cat scratching”:

• Vertical
• Horizontal
• Angled

Chances are, your cat prefers one of these methods over the others, so make sure to keep that in mind when choosing a scratcher. 

That being said, variety is the spice of life, and it’s a good idea to give your cat a couple of different options if you can; this goes for scratching angles as well as material. Maybe try a sisal rope post and a cardboard pad, for example.

Think About the Material

Make sure to look at what the scratching post is made of before you buy it. Focus on natural, non-toxic materials like sisal and cardboard, rather than synthetic carpeting. While opting for posts made from non-toxic materials sounds obvious, there aren’t any regulations that enforce this, so pet owners must do their due diligence. 

Additionally, cats like materials that shred well, rather than carpet—which isn’t as shreddable. It’s also possible for cats’ claws to get caught in carpet loops, which can pull the nail out—ouch!

Look for Sturdiness

Even the coolest-looking cat tree is no good if it’s not built well. If you’re in the market for a vertical cat scratch post, rather than a scratch pad, make sure the pose and base are sturdy and won’t wobble when used. A wobbly post is not only dangerous for your cat if it falls over, but it won’t make your cat feel safe, which means it’s not likely to get used much.

Generally speaking, size and weight are important considerations because if a scratching surface is too light, it might move around while your cat’s trying to use it. Too small, and there might not be enough surface area, especially if you have more than one cat.

On the other hand, if you have a tiny home, you might not want a big, bulky cat scratching monstrosity and might prefer a space-saving model.

Consider Additional Features

Some cat scratch items come with additional fun features, like:

• Toys
• Lookout platforms
• Beds
• Hideouts

Some cats like some features more than others, so this is more about your kitty’s preference. 

How to Get Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post

There’s nothing more frustrating than shelling out a pretty penny for a new cat scratch post, only to have your cat completely ignore it; this is especially true if your cat chooses to scratch your belongings instead.

Before you give up and accept the idea of living in a home where all the furniture looks like it’s been through a tornado, try some of these suggestions and see if you can get your cat to understand what the post is for.

Make it Her Own Spot

The more you can do to make your cat feel like the scratch post is her own special place, the more likely she’ll be to start using it. Encourage interest in the post by putting treats and favorite toys on it or playing near or with the post with her.

Scratching is one way that cats “claim” territory, so if she feels that the post is hers, she might give it a test scratch or two. And remember, a little sprinkling of catnip never hurts when it comes to getting a cat used to a new object.

Offer Variety

If this is your cat’s first scratching surface, try providing a few different kinds so she can decide which she likes best.

Location, Location, Location

Many cat owners make the mistake of putting the cat scratching post in an out-of-way location that the cat doesn’t visit very often. If you want your cat to use the post, it’s best to put it in a prime place where she spends a lot of time.

Positive Reinforcement

Reward your cat for showing interest in the post, especially if she starts using it. The rewards can be in the form of treats or even just praise and petting—whatever she responds to best.

Redirect Behavior

If your cat scratches things she shouldn’t be scratching, redirect her to the post every time she starts to scratch until she gets the message.

Make Other Surfaces Unappealing

You can also make other surfaces less appealing for scratching by putting tin foil or double-sided tape on them; this tends to be more effective than punishment or scolding and can be very effective when combined with positive reinforcement for using the appropriate surfaces.

Final Thoughts

Cats love scratching the heck out of certain surfaces, and the behavior is an instinctive drive that’s not going to go away, no matter how much you love that new furniture set. Luckily, there are a ton of amazing cat scratching posts and pads out there that your cat will love, so you can make sure that kitty can get her scratching out of her system while keeping the rest of your home safe.