If you’ve made your way to this article (welcome!), you’re no doubt looking for the best cat scratching post but aren’t too sure which one to choose.
Perhaps you’ve done a lot of searching and are inundated with choices, or maybe you’re a first-time cat owner looking for some guidance and to be pointed in the right direction; either way, you’ve made a wise choice clicking on this article.
Why?
Because this is the only guide to the best cat scratching posts you’re ever going to need to read. You’ll not only learn what makes a fantastic cat scratching post, but which scratching posts currently available in the UK we recommended the most. In short, you’ll learn absolutely everything you need to know and will be fully clued up and ready to make a purchase by the end of this post. So, without further ado, let’s begin!
Cat Scratching Posts: An Introduction
Choosing a scratching post for your cat isn’t a difficult process, but it is one that requires plenty of thought and some knowledge in order to make the right decision.
When we say ‘the right decision’, we do, of course, mean for your cat rather than yourself, which is one of the most common mistakes cat owners make. Instead of thinking about what their cat needs, they base everything on what appeals to them, which, as they’re not a cat, doesn’t make much sense!
Of course, I’m not accusing you of making such an error, but rule number one of buying a cat scratching post is to put your cat first and your feelings and thoughts to the back of the queue. After all, you’re not going to be scratching and playing with it, are you…?!
Ultimately, you must find a scratching post that your cat wants to scratch more than anything else in your house. To do so, it must tick the following boxes:
- Sufficient height.
- Sturdy.
- Appropriate material for scratching and shredding.
- Both horizontal and vertical surfaces.
- A range of surfaces and materials.
Now we’ve established the characteristics of what makes the best cat scratching post, let’s take a look at each in turn.
Cats Like Tall Scratching Posts
Ok, so by tall, we don’t mean eight feet tall from floor to ceiling (!), but we do mean tall enough to enable your cat to fully stretch and expand its body while having a good scratch. Stretching is an important part of scratching as it allows your cat to stretch all of its muscles, which helps to maintain (and potentially improve) flexibility. I know cats already seem like they’re made of rubber, but they need a good scratching post to keep their exceptional yoga skills up to scratch – no pun intended! A scratching post that is too short won’t allow your cat to fully stretch their body, which may cause long term health issues. We recommend buying a post that is at least 75cm in height.
Cat Scratching Posts Should Be Sturdy
Sturdiness is another essential trait where cat scratching posts are concerned – and there are several reasons for this.
Firstly, if the scratching post wobbles, it’s highly likely that your cat simply will not use it. One of the primary reasons why cats scratch certain objects over other objects is due to stability. In the wild, a cat would rub against a tree or other immovable objects; therefore, you have to replicate this as best you can.
Secondly, if the scratching post wobbles, it’s potentially unsafe – and your cat will be well aware of this. A scratching post that is unstable may fall over or onto your cat, which has the potential to cause injury or, at best, will make them think twice about using it in future, making it a waste of money.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that the taller the post is, the sturdier it needs to be. Large scratching posts are typically heavy and could cause serious injury if it were to land on your beloved cat, so if you’re considering buying a large post, always ensure it has a heavy base to ensure your cat can’t topple it over.
Cat Scratching Post Materials: What’s The Best Material?
If you’ve already looked at cat scratching posts online, you’ll no doubt have come across a wide array of materials that have probably left you scratching your head wondering which is the best one (again, no pun intended!).
Unfortunately, most are designed for one reason: to be attractive to humans and entice us to buy. However, what is appealing to humans isn’t usually attractive to or practical for cats, so rule number one is don’t be wowed by aesthetics; instead, opt for something that a cat will love to sink their claws into. Here are a few pointers:
- Studies indicate that cats (in nature) prefer to mark territory with long, shredding marks – a primal instinct that still resides in the brain of domestic cats; therefore, materials that ‘shred’ is always a good choice.
- Carpet is not a good choice. Although there are so many cat scratching posts available on the market that are covered in carpet, this really isn’t a good idea. Why? Because if they get a taste for scratching carpet, they might start shredding your actual carpets! Always choose a material that is completely different from anything else you have in your home. Furthermore, carpet really isn’t long enough, and cats can often get their claws caught in the tiny loops.
- Sisal fabric is a fantastic choice for cat scratching posts. Not only is sisal fabric heavy-duty, but cats also seem to love scratching and attacking it as it shreds under their claws in a very satisfying way. Finding a material that actually shreds is imperative. However, it’s important to make the distinction between sisal fabric and sisal rope. The latter is often used for scratching posts, but the former is generally accepted as a better choice as it shreds more easily (although does offer enough resistance) and your cat is less likely to catch their claws on it. Moreover, sisal rope doesn’t allow for a continuous shredding motion, which is less satisfying for your cat.
Are Cardboard Cat Scratchers A Good Choice?
Although cardboard is often dismissed as a poor choice of material for a catch scratching post, it is, in fact, a really good option – provided it is heavy-duty corrugated cardboard. Not only will it feel great, but it will also make a satisfying noise – two things that cats want (and need) in a scratching post. When looking for cardboard cat scratchers online, you’ll find that most are either angled or flat as opposed to the traditional post shape; however, hollow cardboard tubes make superb cat scratching posts for two reasons: firstly, they are really rather sturdy, which is, as we learnt above, a critical factor when choosing a cat scratching post; and secondly, because they make lots of noise when scratched – something that cats love!
Cats Like Both Vertical and Horizontal Surfaces
If you’ve ever seen a cat stretch, you’ll know that they like to stretch in all directions; therefore, when searching for a scratching post, it’s wise to find one that allows your cat to stretch both horizontally and vertically or, alternatively, if your budget allows, purchase two or more scratching posts that allow a full range of stretching and scratching directions.
The best of both worlds would be to have a tall (vertical) post and a flat (horizontal) scratcher, with the former (ideally) covered in sisal fabric and the latter with a cardboard insert to ensure a different experience and sensation when using each individual scratching post. The more options you give your cat, the less likely they are to scratch other things in your house.
Should You Buy a Cat Scratching Post With a Perch?
We think that cat scratching posts that come with a perch are a fantastic idea. Why? Because it gives your cat a space of their own, rather than taking over (and potentially damaging) your furniture. In the wild, cats often like to be up high (in a tree, for example) so they can survey what’s going on beneath them. It gives them a great vantage point and makes them feel safe and secure, so replicating this in your house is undoubtedly a good idea. Of course, you don’t want a post that is too high as this has the potential to cause injuries, but one that is high enough to give your cat a good view of the room.
Cats Love a Range of Scratching Surfaces
To stop cats from helping themselves to your carpet, sofa, cabinets, or anything else in your home, it’s essential to keep them occupied with a wide array of scratching materials. Boredom often leads to destructivity, so keeping your cat interested is absolutely vital. By ‘interested’, we mean that they have the urge to scratch and play with the posts and toys you’ve provided them with and don’t feel the need to test out the sharpness of their claws or their scratching ability on anything else in your home.
Our top tip here is to purchase a cat scratching post that includes a horizontal platform on top (i.e. a perch) and place this in front of a window. This will allow your four-legged friend to scratch in all directions, climb, and sit atop their perch and have the ability to watch what’s going on inside as well as out; they can even sleep on their perch! By providing all of this in one area, your cat will feel like they have their own space where they can do three of the five things cats most like to do: scratch, survey, and sleep (the other two are eat and hunt). Moving the post to a new window every once in a while will help to ensure your cat doesn’t become bored of the same view.
For More Variety, Why Not Consider Angled Scratchers with Cardboard Inserts?
In recent times, angled cat scratchers have become more prevalent, and given the wide array currently available online, it’d certainly be wise to consider buying one if your budget allows.
As mentioned above, cats love to scratch vertically and horizontally, but to make things even more interesting for them, why not give them another angle? Furthermore, most angled cat scratchers contain cardboard, which, as we already know, is loved by cats due to its feel and the noise it makes when scratched.
Angled scratchers allow your cat to stretch their muscles in a slightly different direction and manner, meaning they will activate muscles that may otherwise not be activated (at all or particularly well) during a vertical or horizontal stretch.
From experience, we have found that placing an angled scratcher where your cat has decided to help himself, e.g. on a carpet in a certain room, is the best option as he will replace his usual behaviour will scratching the angled scratcher.
Ultimately, when choosing a cat scratcher, it is crucial to provide your cat with as many different and interesting options as possible as this will keep him away from everything else your hold dear, i.e. your sofa, carpets, cabinets, wardrobes, chairs etc.! It’s not an exact science, and what will provide the most satisfaction and enjoyment will vary from cat to cat, but on the whole, the above advice should stand you in good stead.
The Best Cat Scratchers Currently Available in the UK
Now we’ve looked at all the factors that should be considered prior to purchasing a new cat scratcher; it’s time to look at the cat scratcher posts we think are the best currently available in the UK today. Of course, this list is subjective, but given that we know a thing or two about cat and cat scratching posts and that we want you to get the best products for your money, we think this list is the best anywhere on the World Wide Web…we’re modest, honestly!
#1 – PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher & Lounge
Size: 86cm x 27cm x 27cm
We absolutely love this cat scratcher and ‘lounge’ from PetFusion. Why? For several reasons.
Firstly, it’s different. One look at it tells you that it’s not your normal cat scratching post, that’s for sure! Not only does it provide your cat with many angles to scratch and stretch on, but it also provides them with their very own ‘lounge’ area on which they can relax, survey, and sleep.
Secondly, it’s made from heavy-duty cardboard, which is a firm favourite of cats and is certainly one of the better materials for their claws. Furthermore, it’s made from recycled cardboard, making it even better for the environment (we love anything sustainable!).
Thirdly, it’s reversible, meaning your cat gets twice the amount of scratching pleasure for the cost of one single cat scratcher, i.e. it’s a win-win for both you and your beloved four-legged friend.
And finally, it’s super durable and lightweight, meaning not only will it stand up to a lot of scratching and shredding, but it can also be placed pretty much anywhere in your home. Plus, it comes in three attractive colours: white, slate grey, and walnut brown, so you can even match it to your own décor!
If you’re looking for something similar but bigger, PetFusion offers a jumbo-sized version which is 99cm x 28cm x 36 cm, which can be found here:
#2 – PawHut Cat Tree Tower for Climbing, Playing & Scratching
Size: 109cm x 60cm x 40cm
As we mentioned above, the best thing you can do is provide your cat with ‘everything under one roof’, as this will help to stave boredom, give them their own space, and provide them with an area to unleash their scratching, stretching, and shedding skills! The Cat Tree Tower from PawHut does all of this and a little more on top.
As you can see from the image of the product above, this tree tower has it all: several scratching posts, a scratchable base, a rattan cat box at the bottom (with a scratchable roof), a hanging ball, and a perch on top. Aside from an angled scratcher, this cat tree tower has absolutely everything your cat needs to enjoy and relax in. If you’re after one piece of furniture that ticks all the boxes, this is the one for you.
#3 – PetFusion Ultimate Cat Window Climbing Perch with Sisal Scratching Post
Size: 115cm x 54cm x 41cm
If you’re looking for a simple, straightforward tall scratching post with a perch on top, this should be the first one you look at. Not only is it safe and sturdy thanks to its heavy-duty design and suction cups on the base (these provide additional stability that many other scratching posts don’t offer), it also provides your cat with the opportunity to stretch and scratch, in addition to providing them with a perch on which they can survey their territory or have a little snooze whenever they so desire.
Although this doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of some of the other cat scratchers and towers on this list, for the price, it is exceptional value and given that it’s made by PetFusion, it’s safe to say it’s a high-quality product. Furthermore, it’s made from durable MDF and sisal, which is one of the best materials for cat scratching posts, bar none. Plus, at 115cm high, it gives your cat a great vantage point, particularly if placed near a window.
#4 – Aibuddy Incline Cat Scratcher and Lounge
![Aibuddy Cat Scratcher, Incline Scratching Pad Cardboard Lounge Bed with Ball Toy Catnip [ 68 x 36 x 27 cm，Multiple Scratching Angles,Superior Cardboard & Construction]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/412UXNb95iL._SL160_.jpg)
Size: 68cm x 36cm x 27cm
Given that we have spoken at length about angled cat scratchers, there’s no way we couldn’t include on in this list! After careful consideration, the one we’ve gone for is the Aibuddy incline cat scratcher and lounge.
Why have we chosen this particular angled cat scratcher?
Well, it provides both vertical and angled scratching, which will help your cat to stretch different muscles and put their scratching skills to work in different ways. Plus, it has a little cubby hole in which your cat curl up and have a snooze or simply keep a secure eye on what’s going on around them. And, it’s got a ball toy within the angled surface, which makes for interesting and fun play. However, it’s not only packed with features, but it’s also relatively inexpensive at a penny under thirty quid. Therefore, if you’re looking for a multi-function cat scratcher but on a strict budget, this might be a good option for you to look at. Oh, and it’s pretty lightweight too, meaning it can be moved from room to room and placed pretty much anywhere, which is perfect for keeping cats entertained and staving off boredom.
The Best Cat Scratching Posts: A Summary
The aim of this article is to furnish you with everything you need to know about cat scratching posts and what the best options are here in the UK, so we hope, now you’ve finished reading, that you feel you know more than enough to make a purchase with confidence.
However, if you do need more advice or any further suggestions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, as we’d be more than happy to impart our expert knowledge to you. Have a great day!
