Best Cat Scratching Post: How to Choose One Your Cat Will Use

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Learn more

This page is for cat owners whose sofa, carpet or door frame is taking the damage, and for anyone setting up a home for a new cat. It explains why cats scratch, what veterinary and cat welfare groups say makes a good scratching post, where to put it, and which posts and scratchers from our catalog fit which cat.

The short answer: for most cats, start with a tall, heavy, sisal-covered post that does not wobble, such as the SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post, and put it next to the spot your cat already scratches. Add a horizontal cardboard scratcher like the Necoichi Cozy Scratcher Bowl for cats that scratch rugs, and a wall-mounted board like Bootsie’s Combination Scratcher where floor space is tight. A cat tree such as the Feandrea 37.8 inch tree combines scratching with climbing and resting.

How we chose: picks are based on brand specs, the product pages of the brands that make them and what named reviewers and veterinary and cat welfare sources say. We have not tested these scratchers ourselves.

Why cats scratch

Scratching is normal, necessary cat behavior, not bad manners. Cornell Feline Health Center explains that it removes the worn outer sheath of the claws and leaves scent from glands in the paws, marking territory. Cats also scratch to stretch, especially after waking. So the goal is not to stop scratching, but to give your cat something better to scratch than your furniture. The American Association of Feline Practitioners runs its Claw Friendly program on this idea, as a humane alternative to declawing.

What makes a good scratching post

Tall enough for a full stretch

International Cat Care says a post should be tall enough for your cat to scratch while standing at full stretch on its hind legs. The AAFP puts it as a sturdy post taller than the cat’s body length. For most adult cats that means a post of around 30 inches or more, so check the height before you buy.

Heavy and stable

A post that tips or wobbles while the cat pulls on it can scare a cat off it for good. International Cat Care says the post should be heavy enough not to move. Look for a wide, heavy base or a way to fix it to the wall.

The right surface

Sisal, a tough natural fiber, is the most common choice for vertical posts because claws catch and shred it satisfyingly. Pioneer Pet says woven sisal fabric is more durable than wound sisal rope. Corrugated cardboard is popular for horizontal scratchers: cats like it, but it wears out and sheds fibers, so it needs replacing. The AAFP notes that many cats prefer sisal rope, while others prefer cardboard, carpet or wood, so it is worth trying more than one texture.

Vertical and horizontal

Cats have preferences. The AAFP says most cats like to scratch vertically, but VCA recommends offering both vertical and horizontal surfaces, since some cats prefer to scratch flat on the floor. Watch what your cat scratches now: an upright sofa arm points to a post, a rug points to a flat scratcher.

Where to put a scratching post

• Next to the problem spot. Cornell suggests starting the post right beside the place your cat already scratches, then moving it gradually if you want it elsewhere.
• Near where your cat sleeps. Cats scratch on waking, so the AAFP suggests a post near the bed.
• Where the cat spends time. VCA notes that a post in a corner of a room nobody uses may not help. Scratching is partly a message, so it belongs in shared spaces.
• Enough of them. In multi-cat homes, International Cat Care recommends one post per cat plus one more, in different places.

Getting your cat to use it

The AAFP suggests rewarding your cat at the post with things it already likes: treats, catnip, interactive play, or petting and grooming. Dragging a wand toy across the post invites a scratch. The AAFP is clear that cats should never be punished for scratching, since punishment can make a cat more anxious. Regular nail trims, which the AAFP also recommends, reduce damage while your cat learns. For a full plan to protect your sofa while your cat learns, see how to stop a cat scratching furniture.

Our picks for scratching posts and scratchers

SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post, 32 in

The classic tall sisal post. At 32 inches, most cats can stretch out fully, and the 16 x 16 inch base keeps it from tipping. The surface is woven sisal on a wood frame, and it assembles with two screws (PetsRadar). PetsRadar ranked it as its top cat scratching post for the full-stretch height and stable base, while noting that not every cat takes to it. Hauspanther calls it an all-time classic (the maker sent them a sample).

Necoichi Cozy Cat Scratcher Bowl

A horizontal option for cats that scratch rugs and carpets. It is a bowl of corrugated cardboard, about 15.7 x 15.7 inches and 4.7 inches high, that cats can scratch and also curl up in. The scratching pad is reversible and replaceable, and refill pads are sold separately (Hauspanther). As with all cardboard, expect some shedding; vacuum around it and replace the pad when it is worn flat. Pair it with a tall post for cats that also stretch up.

SmartCat Bootsie’s Combination Scratcher

A 24 x 7 inch woven sisal board from the makers of the Ultimate post that mounts on a wall with the included hardware or lies flat on the floor on rubber feet (Pioneer Pet). Mounted, it saves floor space and cannot wobble; set the top at least as high as your cat reaches on its hind legs, and fix it into a stud or with proper anchors. Hauspanther liked it but found it can slide on hard floors when used flat, so put a rug under it.

Feandrea Cat Tree, 37.8 in Multi-Level Condo

For cats that want to climb and perch as well as scratch. It has sisal-wrapped posts and a sisal ramp, plus a plush cave, a basket and a padded top perch, and comes with an anti-tip kit (PetsRadar). PetsRadar named it the best medium-sized cat tree. The posts are shorter than a dedicated 32 inch post, so a big cat that stretches tall may still want a separate scratching post.

Mistakes to avoid

• Buying a short, light post that wobbles or tips over.
• Hiding the post in a spare room or corner your cat never uses.
• Offering only a vertical post to a cat that scratches flat rugs, or the other way round.
• Throwing out a worn, shredded post too soon. Cats often like it best that way, as long as it is still stable.
• Punishing your cat for scratching instead of redirecting it.

FAQ

How tall should a cat scratching post be?

Tall enough for your cat to scratch at full stretch on its hind legs, according to International Cat Care. For most adult cats that is around 30 inches or more.

Do cats prefer sisal or cardboard?

It varies by cat. Sisal is the usual choice for tall vertical posts and lasts longer; cardboard is popular for flat and angled scratchers. Many cats use both, so offering one of each is a good start.

Where should I put my cat’s scratching post?

Next to the place your cat already scratches, near where it sleeps, and in rooms where the family spends time. Cornell suggests moving it gradually once your cat uses it.

Why won’t my cat use the scratching post?

Common reasons are a post that is too short or wobbly, the wrong surface or direction, or a spot your cat does not care about. Try a taller, heavier post right next to the furniture it scratches, and reward your cat for using it.

How many scratching posts does a cat need?

At least one, ideally more. International Cat Care suggests one per cat plus one extra in multi-cat homes, placed in different areas.

For wand toys, puzzle feeders, dog toys and more, read our dog and cat toys buying guide, or see all toys.