A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Apr. 25, 2024
Cats scratch to stay physically and emotionally healthy. Choose one of these cat-tested and pet-parent-approved cat scratching posts to keep felines happy (and your furniture safe).
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One of the top behavior complaints I’m asked to address as a certified animal behavior consultant is cats scratching the furniture. Clawing goes beyond kneading behavior, when cats “make biscuits” out of happiness. There’s no stopping this normal feline scratching behavior, but you can combat it with a cat scratching post.
Cats tell us the type of surface they prefer by scratching up illegal targets. That varies from upholstery to carpet, wood or even cardboard. So if there are claw marks on the sofa, choose a cat scratching post with similar fabric.
Not every feline wants the same cat scratching post. Cats all have some behaviors in common, but they’re also individuals. Some kitties want to scratch high overhead and need a vertical scratching post. Others prefer to stretch out and scratch on horizontal surfaces. My old lady cat, Seren, used to lie on her back and scratch the underside of the furniture, pulling herself along the floor. My current boy, Karma-Kat, first rubs against me and then uses my pant leg as a moveable scratch post.
Whatever your cat prefers, there’s a scratching post to suit them.
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No room for a giant cat condo? Cats still need legal scratching opportunities, and the Frisco 20-Inch Cat Tree offers great value in a compact form that’s easy to assemble. This piece includes two sisal-covered posts for scratching and a hammock suspended between them. One prime scratch time is when cats first wake up, so the configuration offers a double-your-fun option. The two suspended pom-pom toys tempt cats to bat them, and clawing at the toys gives her a taste for sharpening those needles on the posts instead of furniture. This miniature cat tree fits in even tiny apartments. Plus, at the economical price, adding more than one to your home provides multiple cats all the claw options they desire.
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Does your cat love to scratch cardboard boxes? The Double Cat Scratcher gets horizontal scratchers’ purr a-rumbling and won’t break the bank. The material shreds easily, making the cat’s markings satisfying. Costing under $9 each—even less in multiples—these scratchers easily go everywhere your cat loves to lounge. She just may choose to snooze on the box and wake up to a convenient morning scratch. The outside frame comes in four colorful-yet-neutral styles, and you can order refills of the reversible cardboard insert separately. Did I mention this scratcher comes with potent catnip to get the action started?
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The Frisco Faux Fur Condo may be an investment, but the real “splurge” comes from all the ways a cat can enjoy this scratching post and tree. Cats adore lounging up high, and the 6-foot platforms tempt them to scale the heights. With eight levels, including a fun hideout near floor level, this unit offers perching opportunities for multiple cats at once. Even better, felines can choose to scratch horizontally, vertically or (like my old lady cat) overhead. They get access to sisal and fur-like fabric, a rope teaser and suspended toys to add to the fun. This tall piece reinforces your cat’s opinion of herself as the queen, and the high levels may also persuade her to stay off your countertops.
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This cat scratching post tower offers three lookout perches, a hiding box and two cat hammocks. The Go Pet Club Cat Condo comes in five colors and includes multiple scratch surfaces and levels. The steady base provides added security even if multiple cats are racing up and down the ladder or the pass-through hole on the first level. Sadly, jumbo-sized cats probably won’t fit on the hammocks or in the condo. In that case, use those spaces as toy storage compartments and entice your cats to “fish” out the fun toys. If your cat is a stubborn one, opt for some cat-proof furniture, too.
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Nothing beats this simple, effective scratching post from SmartCat for durability and cat acceptance. My own Karma-Kat votes with his claws and adores this Pioneer Ultimate Scratching Post. Elegant and easy to move, cats love the woven sisal surface that gives claws an excellent workout while the sturdy base keeps it in place. It’s tall enough for a full-body stretch, but compact to fit in a range of rooms.
For cats who prefer horizontal scratching, this option works just as well on its side. We placed ours between the sofa and a side chair, and that eliminated Karma’s claws on the furniture. Although he’s used it for years, it stands up to Karma’s assault and still looks new. SmartCat priced it reasonably, so you can get more than one and place them in all your cats’ favorite scratch locations.
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This SmartyKat Hanging Scratcher simply hangs over a doorknob, a huge convenience for small-space pet owners. Cats often want to scratch near entryways and passages, like halls, to mark the important territory. This low-tech and low-cost option is catnip-infused, but keep in mind that about one-third of cats won’t react to catnip. I recommend including these along with other cat scratching post options. Remember, cats like multiple locations and surfaces, so this is an inexpensive supplemental option.
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This Pawz Road Cat Scratching Post and Pad works well for all cats, but even better for kittens. The horizontal sisal post offers several ways for a cat to interact with it, including climbing on top of the bar, biting it or lying down and clawing around it. This affordable scratching post takes up little space and features a soft pad for additional scratching opportunities. For larger adult cats who outweigh some posts or platforms, this configuration lets them bully and tear up the sisal to their chubby hearts’ content. As for kittens, consider this a starter kit for the babies learning what to do with those paws. It includes a removable ball on a spring, but please supervise interactions with metal components. I’d recommend removing it altogether and finding a better cat toy.
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