Cats love to scratch, and it’s an instinctive behavior. And your cat is most likely no different.
The problem is that it can aggravate you, especially if your furniture is paying the price. That’s where cat scratchers become essential.
Without the right scratching post, your possessions will continue to be at the mercy of their paws. And you want that.
So, we’ve compiled a list of the best cat scratchers available to help you make the right choice. These scratchers would save your household items from destruction and make your feline one happy creature.
10 Best Cat Scratchers Reviewed
As the name suggests, this is the ultimate scratching post for your pet, especially if you’re on the hunt for a vertical scratcher.
The Sisal-covered post is taller than most other scratchers at 32”, which is particularly significant if your cat is on the bigger side. With this scratcher, they’ll get a full vertical body stretch and tone their muscles.
The base is also wide (16”×16”) and solid, ensuring that the post doesn’t tip over when your cat scratches. This sturdiness also means that it can accommodate more than one cat.
Moreover, the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post is easy to assemble, and you must attach the post to the base using the two included screws.
The sisal fiber used around the scratching post makes this scratcher durable and gives your cat a great scratching experience.
These features make the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post a cat owner’s favorite. The ratings are a testament to that.
It comes at a great price compared to other Sisal scratchers of similar quality and size.
1st Runner Up
The MidWest Cat Furniture serves multiple purposes.
Aside from the scratcher, other features will undoubtedly captivate your cat.
As animals that spend most of their time on the ground but love to climb, cats appreciate elevated territory. That’s why the high-rise perch on this scratcher is such a great feature.
It allows your cat to climb and survey its environment from the top.
Moreover, this scratching post has multiple resting benches allowing your pet to lounge and play.
There’s also a cubby retreat – a cozy and secluded area for your cat to rest. It has dual compartments and can be used by two different cats.
Your cat can play, rest and stretch thanks to this fantastic scratcher.
This scratcher is another cat-owner favorite. It’s so loved because its green color appeals to cats and diverts their focus away from other furniture.
Made from the same high-quality material used in making carpets, this scratcher is just right for scratching. Its wide base is strong and can’t be easily knocked over. It even has a dangling ball – a great feature that can keep your cat engaged for hours.
Customers also appreciate how this scratcher fits into their homes as it blends well with the furniture.
Another tall post, the Refined Feline Calypso Cat Scratcher, is efficient and aesthetically pleasing.
At 31” high, this scratcher enables your cat to get a full stretch while clawing, allowing it to tone its muscles and mark its territory satisfactorily.
It’s also easy to assemble and comes preassembled to a small base. However, there’s an additional stronger base you can easily attach to the post.
This extra base prevents the scratcher from tipping over, even if your cat is large.
Finally, it’s made with poly rattan, making this scratching post durable.
If you’ve had cat scratchers in the past, you may have noticed that some tend to produce a lot of shavings. With the MyZoo Cylinder Sisal Cat Scratching Post, you won’t need to worry about this. The rattan weave remains on the round wood, regardless of how hard your cat scratches.
Another great feature of this product is that you can mount it on the wall (in both horizontal and vertical angles) or place it on a floor stand. Only a few scratchers offer both orientations, which satisfies different cats’ preferences and allows them to stretch from all angles
We love the Fukumaru Cat Activity for its multi-functional feature. With this set, your cat won’t just be scratching.
They’ll play, lounge, jump, and rest as well. And did we forget to mention that it’s also wonderful?
But let’s focus on the stretching post it comes with.
At 36.6”, this scratcher is taller than most. Your cat can get a full-on vertical stretch, toning his muscles.
The design is also sleek and eco-friendly. With this scratcher, you won’t have to worry about unpleasant odors or molds, and that’s because it has no distinctive smell and it is mold-resistant.
Additionally, this set is quite suitable for cats of all ages – kittens, prime, mature and senior cats.
Finally, Fukumaru offers quality assurance. Therefore, if the scratcher develops a fault within a month, you can return it and get a refund.
This scratcher certainly catches the eye. But it’s not just a pretty scratcher; it’s also efficient. The design is just perfect for lounging and scratching. And you don’t have to worry about it moving while in use.
Catguru, the infinity Scratcher, comprises 100% recycled cardboard, soy-based inks, and non-toxic gloves. In simpler terms, it’s eco-friendly.
Still, because of its superior construction, it lasts longer than most other scratchers.
You are going to enjoy how much your cat enjoys this scratcher.
Cats love the hammock. It’s quite the place to nap – relaxed and cozy, just as they like it.
The faux fur is also soft and designed to complement your cat’s fur. Your cat will snuggle up against it and never want to leave.
This product also has a customized box for playing. Not only does your cat have a good scratch, but it also naps and plays, thanks to the Alwikdie Cat Tree.
Refrain from letting its complex look fool you. It’s easy to assemble, taking just a few seconds.
This versatile cat scratcher can be placed in different hanging and standing positions to stimulate your cat during playtime.
You can hang it on the wall to encourage stretching or place it on the floor.
The post also comes with two hanging screws and four non-stop rubber pads. But don’t worry; it takes a little time to set up.
Finally, its wooden frame is eco-friendly and would look lovely in your home.
The Pawz Road Cat Scratching Post and Pad is perfect for cats that prefer horizontal scratchers. It satisfies your cat’s needs while barely occupying the house’s space.
Covered with 100% Sisal material, this scratcher is great for your cat to scratch and stretch.
It also comes with a detachable spring ball attached to it. This toy would engage your cat, keeping it entertained for an extended period.
Why Do Cats Scratch?
You’ve undoubtedly wondered why your cat loves to scratch so much. You might even think they’re doing it to get under your skin. However, we’re sure that’s not the case.
According to experts, there are several reasons for this behavior.
Establishment of Territory
Cats are very territorial, and they communicate their presence through scratching. When your cat scratches, it’s not just the scratches left behind.
The scent glands in their paws secrete chemicals that leave a distinctive odor. We humans can’t smell it, but other cats do. By establishing their terrority, there is reduced physical confrontation with other animals.
Maintenance of Nails
Scratching helps cats to file their claws. It also allows them to shed the outer layers of their nails as they grow.
Strengthening of Muscle Health
If you pay close attention to your cat, you’ll notice that it scratches just after a nap. Cats scratch a lot during the day but almost always do so after waking up. It is excellent exercise.
When they scratch, their muscles are stretched out; this is a healthy habit and should be encouraged.
The surfaces chosen are usually firm and resistant to the force they exert while stretching. They wouldn’t want to fall or hurt themselves.
An Emotional Outlet
Cats also scratch to display different emotions. From excitement to frustration, scratching functions as an outlet of emotions for felines.
With over 20,000 positive reviews from satisfied customers, the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post easily stands out amongst other cat scratchers.
Its height, weight, and width are suited for a seamless scratching experience. The base (16” × 16”) is solid and can resist the force exerted by the cat when scratching and stretching. The screws underneath the base are recessed. Even when the post glides on the floor, the screws won’t scratch it.
Cats like heights, and this product checks this box. Its height is pretty tall at 32”. Even better, it’s stable and won’t topple over when your cat climbs.
The entire post is covered with Sisal material. Sisal is a natural fiber cat’s love, and the material provides resistance, allowing cats to scratch.
On average, it takes 10 minutes to set up this scratcher. However, it can be used for quite a while. This scratcher’s durability is a vital feature, and customers can attest to this fact.
