Best Cat Scratching Post: Comprehensive Reviews and Buyer Guide for 2025

Cats have claws. Cats are going to scratch. That is just what they are going to do. If you go to a zoo (the best one is where the animals are kept in something that mirrors their natural habitat as much as possible) you may see the tigers clawing on a tree.

This is an instinct you cannot and should not try to break them from. Some cat owners thought they could break their cat's clawing habits by throwing the cat outside every time she clawed something.

The cat just learned that if she wanted out all she had to do was claw something. We will not even speak of the cruel practice of declawing.

In Case You Are in a Hurry…

There are many reviews, our top picks, and helpful information in this article, Best Cat Scratching Post, for all cat owners who think that scratching posts are best for their feline friends. However, if you just want to cut to the chase….

Our Best Cat Scratching Post: PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge

At first glance, it looks like some modern style, art sculpture that would likely be titled infinity. And your lovely pet will get infinite pleasure out of this very unique scratching post! It is hard to believe that something like this is made out of ordinary cardboard. It is glued together in such a way a grown man can stand on it without making it collapse.

The gentle curvature gives your cat a place to lounge between claw sessions and the open structure invites a curious cat. The size of the whole thing is thirty-four inches long so a whole clowder can share.

This scratcher won the coveted Eco-Excellence Award in 2015. A 2016 BuzzFeed viewer selection ranked this among the Top 19 Cat Scratchers. This product was featured on Animal Planet's My Cat from Hell.

If this scratcher can tame mischievous little hellcats, surely it will please your little angel. There are many more reasons that are on the side of this product, therefore this scratcher well deserves 5-star ratings.

Best Cat Scratching Post Reviews

1. PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge
2. Go Pet Club Cat Tree Condo Furniture
3. AmazonBasics Large Cat Condo Tree Tower
4. SmartCat The Ultimate Scratching Post
5. Sofa-Scratcher Cat Scratching Post
6. AroPaw Cat Toys Interactive
7. TRIXIE Pet Scratchers Miguel Cat Tower
8. THUNDESK Wall Mounted Cat Scratching Post
9. Catit Scratcher with Catnip
10. Catit Style Scratcher with Catnip

Garfield, America's favorite cantankerous cat, has had a love/hate relationship with scratching posts since the strip's inception in 1979. He usually makes short work of the rubber mouse on a spring.

The best cat scratching posts not only has to be sturdy enough to support the weight of a cat as hefty as Garfield, but the fabric has to be sturdy enough to put up with his vigorous scratch sessions.

Garfield once claimed to have a Gucci scratching post. Believe it or not, Gucci does make pet accessories! These include collars, leashes and doggie sweaters. No scratching posts sport the linked G's logo. That's alright, cats are not exactly interested in fashionable labels anyway.

While you should expect to give more money for best quality, you can rest assured you will not be asked to pay Gucci prices. Now take a little time and meet our top picks.

1. PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge

Accept no substitutes! This is more than just a scratcher. It stimulates your cat's curiosity and appeals to their natural instincts. Your cat will love this and so will you! Some scratchers will quickly become jejune in the eyes of a cat, but this one keeps them coming back for more.

It is not just a scratcher, it is also a lounge and a little hideaway that cats need sometimes. And it's a very nice style as well! It may look like a delicate piece of artwork but in truth it is actually very firm and stable, sure to withstand long amounts of playtime even with the heftiest and most energetic of cats.

Features and Benefits: The organic catnip leaf attracts the cats and encourages them to use the scratcher. It is constructed from recycled cardboard and cornstarch glue so it is both good for your cat and good for the environment. The curves add to both the cat's interests and your aesthetics.

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2. Go Pet Club Cat Tree Condo Furniture 

Here is another product with good ratings. Is it a scratching post or a jungle gym? This goes a step beyond the ordinary scratching post and gives your cat something that is the kitty equivalent of a bit of playground equipment.

Not only will your cat be able to claw to her hearts content, but she will be able to climb, hide, bat around a piece of rope or even just curl up and take a nap in one of the hammocks. It has two, so if you have a couple of cats they won't fight over who gets the hammock.

Features and Benefits: The base of this scratching post is compressed wood of high durability that should last a long time. The faux fur finish is warm and cozy. It comes with many entertaining toys such as hanging toys, ladder, condos, basket, tunnel and a look out perch.

The perches have raised edges for support and comfort. The reinforced scratching posts are covered in sisal, the most popular clawing material. Two hammocks are perfect for cat naps. 

Related Post: Best Cat Trees For Large Cats 2025

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3. AmazonBasics Large Cat Condo Tree Tower 

It is not one, not two, not even three but four scratching posts in one unit! Yes, you read that right! Three posts support an extra level so your cat can practice her jumping and climbing skills. The fourth scratching post on the upper level supports a softly lined “crow's nest” where cats can nap or just survey her territory.

Features and Benefits: The dual platform gives your pet opportunities to jump and climb. The scratching posts are wrapped in jute, a popular materiel for scratching. The round platform on top can double as a cat bed. The square shaped base adds stability and can easily fit into a corner.

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4. SmartCat The Ultimate Scratching Post

Here's something from Pioneer Pet that will ensure she gets a good, long stretch as she scratches. Help her tone her muscles, trim her claws and give her some mental stimulation with this sturdy column of sisal.

This scratching post is sure to remain useful for years to come, giving your cat the best place to get her claws to work. If your cat is an incorrigible clawer, this could be the solution to your problem.

The ”box looking design” should satisfy most of the kitties. It is certain to provide your darling cat with hours of stress free clawing time.

Features and Benefits:  As you could read above, the durability of the post is good enough to let the cat stretch out fully. It is covered in high durability fibrous sisal that cats love to scratch. The base is sturdy to prevent tipping and wobbling. The whole thing is easily assembled with a couple of screws.

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5. Sofa-Scratcher Cat Scratching Post & Couch-Corner

If your cat just will not leave the sofa alone, this particular post will have you covered. It may be pretty sneaky, as it means tricking the cat into thinking she's clawing the furniture.

The shape of the Sofa-Scratcher Squared means you can simply slide it under the leg of a sofa where it is at the perfect height to get cats attention. Your cats may discover that the sisal fabric offers a much more pleasant clawing experience than Naugahyde or whatever else your couch is made of.

Features and Benefits: The corner shape of the post helps it fit firmly in place. The premium quality woven sisal is the best materiel for scratching. The super slim base of corner protector slips under the sofa legs and anchors them in place. It assembles easily with three Phillips head screws.

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6. AroPaw Cat Toys Interactive

Not only will this shape provide your cat with an acceptable place to work her claws but it will give her physical exercise and mental stimulation.

Features and Benefits: The felt scratch board gives your cat a safe and acceptable clawing surface. The  best thing is that there is a mouse attached firmly unto the rotator, giving your cat something to chase while staying in one area.

The product also comes with 2 squeaky mice that will surely get your cats' attention. You will enjoy watching her try to catch the mini tribble! The whole piece is 10 x 10 x 2.6 inches in diameter and can be placed just about anywhere.

Related Post: Top 13 Best Cat Toys Reviews

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7. TRIXIE Pet Scratchers Miguel Cat Tower 

Here is a one of a kind design that will work if you have a small space and a small cat. Bigger is not always better, after all. It folds easily for temporary storage. (You will want it to be out as often as possible so cat always has a place to claw.)

The X shaped frame provides your cat with a tent on the bottom and a soft perch on top. In between clawing on the diagonal sisal surface, cat can bat at the two dangling balls. Much of the rest of the structure is covered with a plush lining soft as Kitty's fur.

Features and Benefits: The piece folds up and can be stored quickly and easily. The wide hammock and condo are lined with the best soft plush material. The scratching surface is made of claw inviting sisal. The cushion insert is removable for convenience and ease of cleaning.

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8. THUNDESK Wall Mounted Cat Scratching Post

If your cat prefers vertical scratching and you're short on space, this wall mount would be perfect for the both of you. It is easy to mount on any clean vertical surface with hooks fastened with adhesive pads.

This is sure to save on your décor items by giving your cat a place to work her claws and stretch. Thundesk will also give you a 30-day money back guarantee!

Features and Benefits: The tall surface accommodates vertical scratching and stretching. As it mounts to a wall, the sturdiness factor is unbeatable. Comes with 2 screws for wall mounting purposes and 4 rubber feet to avoid skidding in case you will put it on the floor.

Installation is easy. The base construction is solid pine wood to make it non-toxic and strong durability. Said product has an earthy and sleek design making it easy to blend into your interior. It does not take up much space as well.

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9. Catit Scratcher with Catnip 

Those cats just love the catnip! This scratcher comes with some catnip to encourage cats to use the scratcher and leave your furniture and drapes alone.

With this scratcher your cat can sharpen and clean her claws while flexing her muscles and working off some nervous energy. The Catit Scratcher with Catnip will encourage your fuzzy buddy to stay healthy and active.

Features and Benefits: The corrugated scratching surface is satisfying to claw. The wide design gives your cat lots of room to claw. The board is the best for cats who like horizontal scratching though it can be place vertically if that is what your cat likes. It comes with catnip to entice your cat to use it.

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10. Catit Lounge Style Scratcher with Catnip 

The Catit Style Patterned Cat Scratcher with catnip provides your cat with a corrugated scratching surface, while helping to protect your furniture from claw damage.

Catit Style Patterned Cat Scratcher is a modern twist on conventional scratchers. A cat's need to scratch is instinctive. It helps them to sharpen and remove the dead outer layer of their claws, stretch and flex their bodies and work off energy.

Features and Benefits: The scratching surface in the center is quite large, providing ample space for healthy clawing. The free catnip that it comes with will encourage the cat to come back for repeated sessions.

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Why your cat needs a scratching post

Cats may have been domesticated as indoor pets, but they are still in need of exercise and mental stimulation just as any other pet would be. Your cat needs to scratch and you do not need your home to be scratched.

The best way to make everyone happy here is to give your Kitty something she has full permission to claw to her heart's content.

The scratching posts provide the most practical solution to let Kitty not only get her clawing in but to get her the daily exercise she needs. These are just a few reasons why your cat needs a scratching post.

How to choose a best cat scratching post

There are four basic characteristics to search for in a scratching post for your cat.

• Height and Sturdiness: cats like tall scratching posts, at least size of thirty-one inches. The post must be sturdy enough to stay in one place no matter what is thrown at it.
• Appropriate Material for Scratching and Shredding: do not use carpet or a material too similar to your sofa. That will confuse your cat. It should be something heavy duty like sisal. Corrugated cardboard works and may make your cat feel a bit nostalgic.
• Surfaces that are Both Horizontal and Vertical: cats like a little variety when it comes to scratching. They like to scratch the ground and they like to reach up and scratch. Different angles can make things interesting.
• A Variety of Surface and Material Textures: while cats are known to be creatures of habit, minor variations can whet their curiosity and encourage playtime.

Here you can read about three basic types of cat scratchers. Which one from the list below do you think your cat would like best?

• Post scratchers: like the name suggests, this is your classic cylindrical post covered in textured material on a textured base. Some might have a little tether ball attachment for kitty to play with.
• Lounge scratchers: the only thing cat loves more than a good clawing session is a nice, long nap. These scratching posts have curved areas where your gumby cat can just stretch out or branches where your little leopard can perch.
• Wall scratchers: some cats just can't get enough of vertical surfaces. Wall scratchers are the best for cat lovers who need to save space. Let your Pussy-casso display his latest masterpiece on a wall mounted scratcher.

Features to consider

A cat tree should offer your pet a multitude of levels to climb and perch on. There should also be an ample amount of scratching surface. A lovely little bonus would be a fun toy for cats to swat at. Here is what you need to consider when choosing a cat tree for your kitten:

Scratching post material

Now, what kind of material should your cat's scratching post be made of? You might like something that matches the décor, but that could confuse Kitty as to just what she should be scratching. When choosing a cat scratcher, remember that you are choosing the best for your cat, not for yourself.

Most of the bright colors and interesting patterns are to catch the eye of the human owners. Your cat really could not care less about such things. Some pet stores will allow you to bring your pet in to help you choose the best merchandise. Do that if you can. Consider the following when you are out shopping for a scratching post.

• Sturdy material cats love to shred: cat loves the smooth strokes, the satisfying sound. You need something made of a material that can take a good ripping from a cat's claws.
• Avoid cat scratching posts covered in carpet: not only will carpet confuse your cat over what is appropriate to scratch and what isn't, carpet has a tendency to snag little claws.
• Sisal fabric is a great scratching surface: it's just the prefect material. It feels great on little paws. It is sturdy enough to take whatever Kitty can do to it and yet shreds pleasingly.
• Sisal rope versus sisal fabric: the rope just is not satisfying to cats. It leads to a frustrating scratch and stop motion. Cats much prefer a long, smooth, continuous scratching experience.

Why Cats Claw?

Cats do not claw furniture and drapes because they disapprove of your decorating choice! In fact, they may be giving their approval of their living space by doing something that will leave their scent on it.

Some animals with claws will make a claw mark on something as high as they can reach to let everyone know this is their territory.

One of the reasons can be trying to remove a dead outer layer of their claws. They may also be just trying to stretch and flex. Sometimes cats claw to express excitement or conversely to relieve stress.

What Can You Do?

If you do not want your beloved pet clawing drapes and furniture, your best bet is to get a scratching post. Cats love to sink their claw into anything with a coarse or nubby texture.

You can get your cat to use the scratching posts by making it attractive and the other clawing surfaces unattractive. Rub catnip on the post and use a cologne or citrus scent on the couch and drapes. Foil and double sided tape might also teach cat to stay away.

While you shouldn't punish your cat for clawing you can interrupt her by making a startling noise. Make sure to say “Good kitty!” when she does use her scratching post/posts.

Conclusion

There's more than one way to get a cat interested in a scratching post! These things come in a more varying array of designs than you would think.

When choosing one of our top picks, think about what your cat likes. Does she prefer vertical or horizontal scratching? Does she like chasing things or batting at dangly things?

Does she like to hide? Does she jump or climb at every opportunity? Keep Kitty's preferences in mind and you are sure to get the post that's best for her.