Cat Scratching Posts
Which cat scratching post or tower is right for your cat?
Finding the best cat scratching post depends on your cat’s individual preferences and needs. A good scratching post should be stable, tall or long enough to allow your cat to stretch, and covered with a texture they enjoy, such as sisal, cardboard, or carpet.
With various options from cat trees to compact scratching pads and boards, you can choose based on your cat's space, size, and personality. See the table below for an overview of different types and their features:
| Type | Tall Cat Scratching Post |
|---|---|
| Key Benefits | Allows full-body stretch and vertical scratching. Often made with sisal. |
| Best For... | Cats that like to scratch while stretching upright. |
| Type | Small Cat Scratching Post |
| Key Benefits | Compact and space-saving; easy to place anywhere. |
| Best For... | Kittens, small spaces, or cats new to scratching furniture. |
| Type | |
| Key Benefits | Combines scratching surfaces with hideouts for resting or play. |
| Best For... | Cats who enjoy enclosed spaces or multi-function furniture. |
| Type | Heavy Duty Cat Scratching Post |
| Key Benefits | Designed for durability and stability. Withstands heavy use. |
| Best For... | Large or strong cats like maine coons; multi-cat households. |
| Type | |
| Key Benefits | Lightweight and recyclable; satisfying texture for many cats. |
| Best For... | Cats that prefer softer, shreddable surfaces. |
| Type | Cat Tree Scratching Post |
| Key Benefits | Integrated into multi-level cat trees; combines climbing, resting, and scratching. |
| Best For... | Cats that like variety and enrichment in their environment. |
| Type | |
| Key Benefits | Soft, smaller in size, and often combined with toys. |
| Best For... | Young cats are learning to scratch and explore textures. |
Type | Key Benefits | Best For... |
|---|---|---|
Tall Cat Scratching Post | Allows full-body stretch and vertical scratching. Often made with sisal. | Cats that like to scratch while stretching upright. |
Small Cat Scratching Post | Compact and space-saving; easy to place anywhere. | Kittens, small spaces, or cats new to scratching furniture. |
Combines scratching surfaces with hideouts for resting or play. | Cats who enjoy enclosed spaces or multi-function furniture. | |
Heavy Duty Cat Scratching Post | Designed for durability and stability. Withstands heavy use. | Large or strong cats like maine coons; multi-cat households. |
Lightweight and recyclable; satisfying texture for many cats. | Cats that prefer softer, shreddable surfaces. | |
Cat Tree Scratching Post | Integrated into multi-level cat trees; combines climbing, resting, and scratching. | Cats that like variety and enrichment in their environment. |
Soft, smaller in size, and often combined with toys. | Young cats are learning to scratch and explore textures. |
Which cat scratching post or tower is right for your cat?
Finding the best cat scratching post depends on your cat’s individual preferences and needs. A good scratching post should be stable, tall or long enough to allow your cat to stretch, and covered with a texture they enjoy, such as sisal, cardboard, or carpet.
With various options from cat trees to compact scratching pads and boards, you can choose based on your cat's space, size, and personality. See the table below for an overview of different types and their features:
| Type | Tall Cat Scratching Post |
|---|---|
| Key Benefits | Allows full-body stretch and vertical scratching. Often made with sisal. |
| Best For... | Cats that like to scratch while stretching upright. |
| Type | Small Cat Scratching Post |
| Key Benefits | Compact and space-saving; easy to place anywhere. |
| Best For... | Kittens, small spaces, or cats new to scratching furniture. |
| Type | |
| Key Benefits | Combines scratching surfaces with hideouts for resting or play. |
| Best For... | Cats who enjoy enclosed spaces or multi-function furniture. |
| Type | Heavy Duty Cat Scratching Post |
| Key Benefits | Designed for durability and stability. Withstands heavy use. |
| Best For... | Large or strong cats like maine coons; multi-cat households. |
| Type | |
| Key Benefits | Lightweight and recyclable; satisfying texture for many cats. |
| Best For... | Cats that prefer softer, shreddable surfaces. |
| Type | Cat Tree Scratching Post |
| Key Benefits | Integrated into multi-level cat trees; combines climbing, resting, and scratching. |
| Best For... | Cats that like variety and enrichment in their environment. |
| Type | |
| Key Benefits | Soft, smaller in size, and often combined with toys. |
| Best For... | Young cats are learning to scratch and explore textures. |
Type | Key Benefits | Best For... |
|---|---|---|
Tall Cat Scratching Post | Allows full-body stretch and vertical scratching. Often made with sisal. | Cats that like to scratch while stretching upright. |
Small Cat Scratching Post | Compact and space-saving; easy to place anywhere. | Kittens, small spaces, or cats new to scratching furniture. |
Combines scratching surfaces with hideouts for resting or play. | Cats who enjoy enclosed spaces or multi-function furniture. | |
Heavy Duty Cat Scratching Post | Designed for durability and stability. Withstands heavy use. | Large or strong cats like maine coons; multi-cat households. |
Lightweight and recyclable; satisfying texture for many cats. | Cats that prefer softer, shreddable surfaces. | |
Cat Tree Scratching Post | Integrated into multi-level cat trees; combines climbing, resting, and scratching. | Cats that like variety and enrichment in their environment. |
Soft, smaller in size, and often combined with toys. | Young cats are learning to scratch and explore textures. |
How often should I change my cat's scratching posts?
Cat scratching posts typically last between 6 to 12 months, depending on usage. If the surface becomes worn down or your cat seems less interested, it may be time for a replacement.
How often should I change my cat's scratching posts?
Cat scratching posts typically last between 6 to 12 months, depending on usage. If the surface becomes worn down or your cat seems less interested, it may be time for a replacement.
Does a cat scratching post file nails?
Scratching posts don’t file nails like a nail clipper, but they can help shed the outer layers of a cat’s claws naturally, supporting instinctive grooming behaviours.
Does a cat scratching post file nails?
Scratching posts don’t file nails like a nail clipper, but they can help shed the outer layers of a cat’s claws naturally, supporting instinctive grooming behaviours.
How big should a kitten scratching post be?
A kitten scratching post should match your kitten’s size and scratching habits. For vertical posts, aim for a height that’s at least 1.5 times your cat’s body length (excluding the tail). For horizontal scratchers, it should be long enough for your kitten to stretch out comfortably.
How big should a kitten scratching post be?
A kitten scratching post should match your kitten’s size and scratching habits. For vertical posts, aim for a height that’s at least 1.5 times your cat’s body length (excluding the tail). For horizontal scratchers, it should be long enough for your kitten to stretch out comfortably.
Do cats prefer tall cat scratching posts?
Many cats appear to enjoy tall cat scratching posts because they allow for a full stretch while scratching. However, preferences vary. Some cats prefer horizontal surfaces or different textures. Offering a mix can help you discover what your cat enjoys most.
Do cats prefer tall cat scratching posts?
Many cats appear to enjoy tall cat scratching posts because they allow for a full stretch while scratching. However, preferences vary. Some cats prefer horizontal surfaces or different textures. Offering a mix can help you discover what your cat enjoys most.