Cat scratching posts are an important product for family pet owners given that they permit cats a method to scratch and play without damaging the sides of your furnishings or walls.
According to Joey Lusvardi, a qualified cat habits specialist, scratching is a natural habits for cats and assists not just keep claws healthy however likewise functions as an interaction tool and can even help them ease tension. “Your cat is going to scratch things if you don’t give them a place that’s acceptable for them to scratch,” Lusvardia describes, keeping in mind that a cat scratching post is an exceptional addition to the space and can guarantee your furnishings stays unharmed while supplying your fur child with an outlet for this crucial and healthy practice.
With many cat scratching posts available, picking the ideal one for your cat can get a bit frustrating — which is why we did the legwork for you. We evaluated 18 popular cat scratching posts and enjoyed how our cats responded to them over a two-week duration, limiting to our leading options. We assessed every one for cats’ choices, ease of assembly, resilience, durability, and building and construction quality. We likewise thought about the style and how the design would fit effortlessly into your home.
Here are leading individuals Tested selects for the very best cat scratching posts, consisting of the very best cat apartment, tower, and even an enjoyable, interactive choice with toys.
Best Overall
SmartyKat Scratch Scroll Cat Scratcher with Feather Toy
Chewy
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No assembly needed
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Super light-weight, making it simple to move from room to room
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Includes a plume toy for additional stimulation
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Cats enjoyed taking a snooze in the tunnel and atop the curved surface area
After screening more than a lots choices, we (and our cats) enjoyed this cat scratching post one of the most. Its structural style enables cats to get on it, and the felines enjoyed the consisted of plume toy. It likewise doesn’t require any assembly, which is a major plus. It felt sturdy, high quality, and very durable to withstand lots of scratching — it contains both sisal fabric and a carpeted surface to entice scratching. Plus, we loved the neutral color that could blend in with your home decor. Since it’s super lightweight (less than 3 lbs.), it can be easily transported to different areas of the home to keep cats busy. On top of that, the design features a little tunnel that allows cats to hide out, which they loved, but they also enjoyed taking a cat nap on the curved top surface as well.
One drawback? As this sits on the ground, some cats who love to climb may prefer a taller scratching post. The scratching post is an excellent value, as you get a scratching post and a toy for under $30 (when it’s not on sale), which means it tops the list as one of our favorite pet products.
Price at time of publish: $19.97 (orig. $29.99)
Dimensions: 18.5 x 11.42 x 7.09 inches | Weight: 2.65 lbs.
Best with Toys
PETMAKER Cat Scratching Post With Toys
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Assembly is so easy and quick, you won’t even need to read the instructions
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Three scratching posts in one, making it an excellent value
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Comes with multiple different dangling toys for cats to play with, which kept our kitten busy
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Cats can rest on the top perch or the bottom
Featuring three scratching posts in one, this option comes with several different dangling toys for cats to play with — ours especially took to the hanging mouse. We tested this out on a playful kitten who was completely obsessed with it and spent hours keeping busy and hunting the included toys. We also liked that when the cats got sleepy from playing, they could take a rest on the top perch or the bottom. It was also quick and easy to assemble.
Since it is on the shorter side, it’s possible that larger or more destructive cats will knock it over; however, we found that it was overall very sturdy. Its lightweight structure makes it easy to move around to different rooms as needed, although it would have been nice to have a few more color options to choose from.
Price at time of publish: $41.43
Dimensions: 15.75 x 15.75 x 19.25 inches | Weight: 4.98 lbs.
Best Condo
PAWMONA 3 Story Cat Tree Condo Barrel Tower
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Durable, well-made, and the heavier weight means it won’t easily get knocked over
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No assembly required
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Lots of play opportunities with toys, windows, and perches
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On the more expensive side compared to other options on our list
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Weighing 23 lbs., it’s not as portable as other options we tested
There are several First, there is no assembly required, which is always appreciated in a cat condo. On top of that, it is aesthetically pleasing and won’t sacrifice your home decor for typically less-than-stylish cat accessories. Despite having a more minimalistic barrel design, the cat condo also boasts lots of play opportunities with three windows, two dangling toys, and a podium top that allows cats to sit up high and nap or peek out the window. Plus, it’s covered in a scratching material so there’s plenty of space for multiple cats to get their frustrations out. We found it to be durable and sturdy enough not to be knocked over, even with larger cats.
Albeit on the more expensive side, we think this cat-scratching condo is totally worth it, considering all of its design features, durability, and how chic it looks.
Price at time of publish: $179.99
Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 38.5 inches | Weight: 22.9 lbs.
Best Tower
SmartCat The Ultimate Scratching Post
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Quick and easy to assemble
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Strong and sturdy base, despite being super lightweight
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Tall enough for cats who like to stretch while they scratch
If you want a simple and interactive cat-scratching tower, consider this sleek option. After testing this post out over the course of two weeks, we found that it was super easy to assemble, has a durable and sturdy base despite only being 2 lbs., and is an excellent choice for those looking for something that blends into home decor better than other cat accessories. Because of the vertical design, this tall tower is also perfect for cats who like to stretch while they scratch. This post does just contain one scratching surface, which is a sisal fabric that most cats enjoy. While not every cat will take to this post, those who love to stretch and climb on towers will get lots of use out of it.
Price at time of publish: $49.99
Dimensions: 6.3 x 6.3 x 12.6 inches | Weight: 2.2 lbs.
People / Maddy Newton & Brooke Kane
Best Design
The Refined Feline Calypso 31 Inch Rattan Cat Scratcher
Petco
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Stunning sculptural design made from rattan, a popular home decor material
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Sturdy and heavy enough for bigger cats
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Tall enough for cats to get a full stretch
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Durable enough that it does not shred, even after heavy use
Aside from function, design is also important to consider when shopping for cat scratching posts, since they have the potential to become an eyesore in your space if it doesn’t blend well with your home decor. Compared to all the cat scratching posts we tested, this option had the best design by far. It’s a beautiful and strong post that looks more like a sculptural piece of art than a cat scratcher, and it’s made from a rattan material which is especially trendy right now in the interior design world.
In addition to its looks, we found it was easy to assemble, durable, and sturdy enough for even large cats to climb into. However, the rattan post may not catch the attention of some cats who prefer to scratch a sisal or carpet fabric. We used catnip spray on it at first before our cat took to it, but after he realized he was supposed to scratch away, he really loved it. Despite it being pricier, if you know your cat will take to the rattan, we think it’s a good value for the design and durability alone.
Price at time of publish: $114.99
Dimensions: 16 x 31 x 16 inches | Weight: 9 lbs.
Best Wall-Mounted
7 Ruby Road Mounted Cat Scratching Post
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Lightweight enough to mount with Command Strips, making set-up a breeze
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High-quality materials made with a stylish wooden frame
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Space-saving design is great for those who don’t have enough room for a tower
If your cat loves to scratch up high, but you don’t have the space for a standalone cat-scratching tower, this wall-mounted option is a fantastic alternative. This simple scratcher is aesthetically pleasing and would look nice with various home decor styles. We love how lightweight it is — yet, it’s still durable enough to withstand lots of scratching. It was easy to mount to the wall using Command Strips if you don’t want to put holes in the wall. It’s also constructed from high-quality and eco-friendly wood and natural woven sisal for a safe and effective scratch. And, if you want to switch it up for your cat, you can attach the included non-slip feet to the back of the post so your kitty can play with it on the floor, too. Important to note: If your cat likes to climb or perch, this post doesn’t have that option. We also found it to be a bit expensive for a relatively simple design.
Price at time of publish: $39.99 (orig. $45.99)
Dimensions: 22 x 5.7 x 0.75 inches | Weight: 0.2 lbs.
Best with Catnip
Frisco Scratch & Roll Scratcher Cat Toy with Catnip
Chewy
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Ready to use right out of the box
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Lightweight and easy to move from room to room
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Cardboard insert provides a safe scratch and is easy to replace
Part scratching post, part toy, this round and standalone scratch pad features an insert for the cardboard scratchpads, which are easy to replace. This requires no assembly — simply take it out of the box, and it is ready to go. It also provides a nice scratch that isn’t too harsh on claws. We also liked that it included a ball on a track for hours of play. On top of that, the interactive cat toy comes with a package of catnip to add to the fun. (Catnip also protects cats against mosquitos, which is an added bonus!)
After testing this product, we found that the material is durable enough for lots of play, it’s easy to move from room to room, and the ball feature helps captivate our cat’s attention, which is good for their mental health, too. However, you do need to buy and replace the scratch pads as they wear out after use.
Price at time of publish: $17
Dimensions: 5 x 2 inches | Weight: Not listed
People / Alicia Long
Things to Consider Before Buying a Cat Scratching Post
Design and Material
Before purchasing a cat scratching post, Dr. Jennifer Bruns, DVM, MPVM at PetSmart Veterinary Services, says to consider the type of scratcher your cat might like best. “Cat scratching posts are most typically found in simple vertical and horizontal configurations, but pet parents can also consider mat scratchers for kitties that might prefer to scratch carpeted floors, or multipurpose scratchers such as cat trees that allow a cat to scratch, lounge, and play in one space,” says Dr. Bruns. If your cat prefers to scratch carpets, the 7 Ruby Road Wall-Mounted Scratcher may be a good option since it can be laid down like a mat, as well as being mounted on a wall.
In addition to design, Dr. Bruns says to also look at the scratching material. “Many scratching posts feature durable sisal rope or fabric, but pet parents can also opt for cardboard scratchers that might wear out faster but provide an option for replacement inserts,” she explains. If you think your cat might prefer to scratch a cardboard surface, the Frisco Scratch & Roll Scratcher Cat Toy is one of our top picks because it combines a toy and scratching pad in one, and you can easily replace the center cardboard scratch pad when it wears out.
Durability and Weight
Another thing to consider when shopping for cat scratching posts is durability. “Pet parents should ensure that any scratching post they purchase is sturdy enough to support their cat without tipping over to avoid injury to their pet as well as to themselves,” says Dr. Bruns. When looking at whether or not a cat scratching post is durable enough for your pet, it helps to consider the weight. Lightweight options might be best suitable for smaller cats and kittens, while heavier options like The Refined Feline Calypso Cat Scratcher, which weighs 9 lbs., can stay upright and stable with more weight on it.
Space and Fit
The right cat scratching post also needs to fit within your space. “Make sure you get one that can fit into an area in your home where your cat prefers to be and where your cat can engage in the post with plenty of space,” says Erin DeAngelis, a cat product specialist at Pet Supplies Plus. If your cat prefers to play in a few different rooms, it’s also a good idea to provide a couple of options, such as a condo style for your living room and a smaller post or wall-mounted style for your office.
When considering your space, it also helps to think about your decor — especially for those who want something that blends into your home with ease — and choose an option that matches your style. With so many options to choose from, Lusvardi says there are more design-friendly scratching posts out there (like the gorgeous The Refined Feline Calypso Cat Scratcher and the sleek PAWMONA 3-Story Cat Tree Condo Barrel Tower) that will match your preferences. “Ultimately, having a few scratching posts around is a much better look than having furniture that’s been shredded,” he notes.
People / Adam Jacobi
How We Tested
To find the best cat scratching posts, we researched dozens of designs and then conducted real-world testing on 18 options, carefully monitoring how our cats took to the posts over a two-week period. In addition to our cats’ preferences, we also considered ease of assembly, durability, and sturdiness, as well as material and construction quality. And, since some cat scratching posts are essentially furniture, we also made note of the overall design and style of the scratchers to find ones that not only function well but also look nice within the home.
After two weeks of testing, we narrowed it down to the seven best cat scratching posts based on these key factors. The products with the highest average ratings earned a spot on this PEOPLE Tested list.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, The Sunday Edit, Brit & Co, Romper, and more. For this article, she interviewed several experts, including certified cat behavior consultant Joey Lusvardi, Dr. Jennifer Bruns, DVM, MPVM, cat product specialist Erin DeAngelis, and Samantha Patterson, an educator at Pet Food Express. She also consulted PEOPLE Tested insights, where we evaluated dozens of cat scratching posts on ease of assembly, durability, construction quality, and (most importantly!) our cats’ preferences.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the really best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We likewise regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their items must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested supplies suggestions you can rely on — every day, every purchase.
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