Cats are curious creatures, and one of their favorite things to do is scratch. It helps them mark their territory but sometimes they just do it due to excitement. Scratching is both an exercise and a routine for cats that help them sharpen their claws, but if you find them scratching your furniture or even your sofa, it might be time to buy a scratching post.
There are many different types of scratching posts on the market these days. Choosing the right one for your cat can be confusing, so we prepared this article to help you make the right choice. Don't miss our recommendations and our buying guide fact-checked by veterinarian Exequiel F. Brobio, DVM.
Quick List - Top Cat Scratching Posts
Pet Express
Scratch Tower With Platforms Offers Comfort and Stability
Exequiel F. Brobio, DVM, is an experienced Veterinarian with deep, practical experience in animal health and medicine. He provides customer technical support for animal health products and services, including pet and other animal healthcare-related products for veterinarians.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
There are many different types of scratching posts. Generally, cats love any surface they can dig their nails into, so it does not matter whether you buy a vertical or horizontal scratching post. You can buy the one your cat prefers the most. If your cat likes scratching floors, rugs, or carpets, then the horizontal kind might be best.
However, the length of the scratching post matters based on the size of your cat. The scratching post must be able to fully accommodate your cat's whole body as they stretch along its length.
If you get a scratching post that is just high enough to be reached by your cat, it will encourage them to use it regularly.
You should also consider the space you have for the scratching post. If you have limited floor space, you can choose a simple scratching post or one that you can mount on the wall. If you have enough space for it, you may even buy a cat condo or cat tower, which is wide and tall enough for cats to climb.
It's important to check the dimensions of the scratching post before you buy it. This will help you decide if it fits the space you have assigned for your cats inside your home.
Make sure to place the cat scratching post in an open space so that your cat can freely use and play with it.
The fabric of your cat’s scratching post is also important. Cats prefer surfaces they can dig their nails into. Slippery surfaces are not ideal. The material of your scratching post should also be quite thick as they prefer surfaces that help them shed the outer layer of their nails.
If you’ve ever noticed your cat scratching at a cardboard box, you can also get a scratching post with a cardboard surface. The holes in between the cardboard are a great surface for scratching, but because it is not durable, it will shred easily, and you may have to replace it every so often.
However, cats love cardboard, and fortunately, it is an affordable option compared to sisal. If it is your first time getting a scratching post for your cat and you just want to give it a try, a cardboard type would be best.
Since cardboard is flexible and feels good under their paws, most cats are drawn to scratchers made from it. Additionally, it is less dense than other scratcher materials like sisal rope, so it is less likely that your cat's claws would become tangled in it.
Sisal fabric is a great material used in most scratching posts. It is a woven fabric with tiny holes in between. Cats are able to get their nails into this fabric easily. The texture of sisal fabric is durable, and it is also eco-friendly.
Another alternative to sisal fabric is sisal rope. This is also commonly used in scratching posts, and it is usually wrapped around vertical scratchers. Sisal rope makes cats feel like they are shredding something underneath their claws, which gives them great satisfaction.
Sisal rope is the best material for a scratching post that can endure your cat's destructive behavior since it is surprisingly strong and long-lasting and can withstand many years of your cat's attempts to shred it.
If your cat tends to scratch your sofas or carpets and even pillows, avoid using a scratching post with a similar surface. If your scratching post is made of the same material as your carpet, for example, they will not see it as an alternative.
Introduce other types of material when they are stropping. Doing so will help them remember where they are allowed to scratch.
Try using cat scratching posts made of abaca rope, which is suitable for scratching or other activities that help cats satisfy their marking behaviors. Abaca is not only durable, but it will also entice your cat to scratch it instead of other home fixtures or furniture.
Scratching posts come with many additions these days. Choosing one with variety can be good for your cats because it will incorporate more fun into their playtime. Check out the points below to help you choose the right scratching post for your cat.
This is the most common type and is usually a column wrapped in either sisal rope or fabric. Other simple scratching posts include ones that you can lay on the floor like a mat or one that you can hang on your wall. Slanted scratching surfaces can be fun for your cat, too, because the angle gives your cat a better grip.
Many cat scratching posts nowadays, even the simple ones, come with built-in toys. Some of these toys include little feathers or even toy rats suspended on strings. Having toys on your scratching post provides a fun exercise for your cat and will keep them from getting bored.
With a large selection of cat toys, you may have even more fun with your cat! Whether you're looking for catnip toys that your cat would like, a cat scratching post so your cat can get some nice claw exercise, or a cat tunnel or cat teaser to add more fun to playtime, keep an eye out for cat toys that have been specifically created to engage your cat's five senses.
If you’d like for your cat to exercise while he scratches, you can opt to buy a cat tower. A cat tower is a type of furniture for cats that include scratching posts and perches where your cat can sit or lounge around. Cats love to climb, and this would be a great way for them to do that in your home.
Some scratching posts go the extra mile by having a cat condo. A cat condo is a bigger version of a cat tower, with scratching posts, perches, and little cubby holes. Because cats love wiggling into small spaces, this will not only help them in stropping but also give them a place to play.
The more room or space for the cat to play with, the more enticing the cat scratching post will be. It helps them become more comfortable in using it, and it also prevents them from being bored.
Stropping is a physical activity for cats. They often use it to stretch and flex their muscles, so using a weak scratching post with no reinforcements is not a good idea. The scratching post must be well supported because cats tend not to use scratching posts if they feel like it is not stable.
Avoid choosing a scratching post with a heavy top. Some scratching posts have additions to them, like cat perches or cat condos. If these don’t have a good base, they might fall over when your cat scratches them. A better alternative would be scratching posts with a heavy foundation.
Scratching posts with a good base will be favored by your cat. Since cats tend to pick sturdy surfaces to scratch, try to choose a post with a good base. It won’t fall over even when your cat scratches it, and it would also be more durable.
A scratching post with good mounting or base is essential in determining durability or longevity. The more durable the mount or base is, the more rigid it is, which means it can take the impact of your cat's jumps and hops better.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Orientation | Dimensions | Material | Base Stability | Additional Features | |||||
1 | PETKIT 4 in 1 Cat Scratching Toy | ![]() | A Toy That Offers Play, Scratch, and Relaxation | Wall | 44 x 44 x 7 cm | Corrugated Board | Wide Base | 4-in-1 Functionality, Circular Track with 2 Balls, Replacable Parts | |
2 | GCATS Cat Scratching Post | ![]() | Vertical Scratcher with Modern Design for Stylish Homes | Pole | 18 x 18 x 80 cm | Sisal | Wide Base | ||
3 | Bonsi Cat Scratching Post | ![]() | Scratch Post With Interactive Plush Ball Toy For Extra Excitement | Pole | 17.5 x 25 x 28 cm | Sisal | Wide Base | Includes Plush Ball Toy, Heavy Base | |
4 | Pet Express Approved Cat Scratch Post|Grey 002 | ![]() | Scratch Tower With Platforms Offers Comfort and Stability | Tower | 33 x 33 x 60 cm | Particle Board | Wide Base | Removable Cushions, Birds-Eye Perch, Lounging Platforms, Relax Pads | |
5 | Mewoo Scratch n' Swing Cat Scratching Post | ![]() | Post With Catnip Features Keep Cats Stimulated For Longer | Pole | 43 x 50 x 28 cm | Sisal | Small Base | Catnip-Infused Flag, Dangling Plush Ball | |
6 | Mewoo Twilight Purr Cat Scratching Post | ![]() | Durable Scratching Post For Cats Of Any Size | Pole | 44 x 34 x 74 cm | Sisal | Wide Base | Supports up to 15 kg, Fleece Cushion | |
7 | DUDU Pet Cat Toys Scratching Post | ![]() | Multi-Functional Play Tower For Play And Rest | Pole | unknown | Sisal | Wide Base | ||
8 | Pawise Cat Scratch & Play|28499 | ![]() | Cat Scratcher With Rounded Shape and Catnip | Wall | 33 x 33 x 6 cm | Cardboard | Small Base | Balls Inside Circular Track, Reversible Scratch Surface | |
9 | Pet Express Approved Cat Condo|SJ11 1312 | ![]() | Multi-Level Cat Condo With Sisal Scratching Posts | Box/Condo | unknown | Sisal | Wide Base | Faux Fur Finish | |
10 | DUDU Pet Cat Climbing Frame Scratching Board | ![]() | Multi-Layer Cat Tree With Durable Material To Last Longer | Box/Condo | unknown | Sisal | Wide Base | Cat Bed, Multiple Levels |
Orientation | Wall |
---|---|
Dimensions | 44 x 44 x 7 cm |
Material | Corrugated Board |
Base Stability | Wide Base |
Additional Features | 4-in-1 Functionality, Circular Track with 2 Balls, Replacable Parts |
Orientation | Pole |
---|---|
Dimensions | 18 x 18 x 80 cm |
Material | Sisal |
Base Stability | Wide Base |
Additional Features |
Orientation | Pole |
---|---|
Dimensions | 17.5 x 25 x 28 cm |
Material | Sisal |
Base Stability | Wide Base |
Additional Features | Includes Plush Ball Toy, Heavy Base |
Orientation | Tower |
---|---|
Dimensions | 33 x 33 x 60 cm |
Material | Particle Board |
Base Stability | Wide Base |
Additional Features | Removable Cushions, Birds-Eye Perch, Lounging Platforms, Relax Pads |
Orientation | Pole |
---|---|
Dimensions | 43 x 50 x 28 cm |
Material | Sisal |
Base Stability | Small Base |
Additional Features | Catnip-Infused Flag, Dangling Plush Ball |
Orientation | Pole |
---|---|
Dimensions | 44 x 34 x 74 cm |
Material | Sisal |
Base Stability | Wide Base |
Additional Features | Supports up to 15 kg, Fleece Cushion |
Orientation | Pole |
---|---|
Dimensions | unknown |
Material | Sisal |
Base Stability | Wide Base |
Additional Features |
Orientation | Wall |
---|---|
Dimensions | 33 x 33 x 6 cm |
Material | Cardboard |
Base Stability | Small Base |
Additional Features | Balls Inside Circular Track, Reversible Scratch Surface |
Orientation | Box/Condo |
---|---|
Dimensions | unknown |
Material | Sisal |
Base Stability | Wide Base |
Additional Features | Faux Fur Finish |
Orientation | Box/Condo |
---|---|
Dimensions | unknown |
Material | Sisal |
Base Stability | Wide Base |
Additional Features | Cat Bed, Multiple Levels |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Exequiel Brobio, DVM.
Scratching is one of the cats' natural instincts. It would require patience and time for them to discover and actually use cat scratching posts. You can introduce smaller scratching pads or other pads with similar texture and material, then once they use it more, you can slowly transition to bigger cat scratching posts. Don't forget to reward them with treats for good behavior!
With all the love, fun, and attention that our pet cats bring into our lives, it's natural to want to take care of them properly. They need many things, like nutritious food, a good place to sleep in, the right-sized litterbox, and even cat treats. Below are some of the other accessories you can buy for your furry friend to keep them happy, safe, and content.
Author: Chloe Gian S. Jundez
Re-editor: Beatrice Fajardo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: PETKIT|4 in 1 Cat Scratching Toy
No. 2: GCATS|Cat Scratching Post
No. 3: Bonsi|Cat Scratching Post
No. 4: Pet Express|Approved Cat Scratch Post|Grey 002
No. 5: Mewoo|Scratch n' Swing Cat Scratching Post
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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