Best Cat Scratching Posts for 2020

Not only is this the best scratching post overall, but it is also the best heavy-duty, best sturdy and best large cat scratching post we found. We love a product which ticks all the boxes.

It features a sisal rope scratching area, as well as a soft plush base which makes it comfortable for them to feel safe on. The pole is covered in 60 metres of rope, so it is strong and sturdy to boot, pretty much unable to unravel.

A generous height of 70cm means cats who love to stretch up high can reach, and the diameter could accommodate a few cats at once if they tend to fight over the space. Because it is so wide and sturdy, not even the most hyperactive of cats could bring it down, nor will they if they jump on top of it.

Many users have said that it is the only post their cat will touch as they have turned their noses up at thinner, cheaper and less substantial models. Others have said it has lasted them for years. If you’re struggling to find one your cat will go near but want to ensure it doesn’t fray within hours, it’s a great bet.

Some cats either won’t or can’t reach up high. If this is the case for yours, then a flatter scratching pad could do the trick.

It is a good idea to get one of these if your cat seems to use the carpet mostly to do their scratching at the moment, as opposed to stretching up. They’d be more likely to use it if comfortable.

The curved build offers something a bit different and it can also be used as a resting spot for any cats who need a nap but actively avoid any bed you’ve ever bought. As it is quite long, they will still be able to exercise their shoulders and spine by stretching when they wake up.

It would also be a good product for kittens and younger cats who aren’t quite balanced enough yet to go vertical but need to learn how to scratch from a young age. The entire thing is just made out of cardboard, so if it does get damaged, not only did it not cost much but it can be recycled too. This also offers something a bit more gentle than sisal.

For cats who adore tearing your sofa to shreds as opposed to using any form of dedicated post, this chair protector could be the answer.

It just sits alongside your sofa, but rather than them having access to the fabric, they are deceived into using this scratcher. If your cat is beyond training, or if you have a kitten who can’t quite understand ‘no’ yet, it could save you from a lot of damage.

The scratcher is safe and secure too, as you rest the sofa leg on the base of the unit. This keeps it upright and in the perfect position so there are no injuries. It comes with a dangly mouse attached as a form of encouragement so they are more likely to be drawn towards it.

An elevated bed makes for the perfect place for your cat to relax, out of the way of a hectic home or kids/other cats bothering them.

Not only does the post encourage them to not scratch furniture and sofas, but the bed also gives them the perfect resting spot when the job is done. Having both as one could be great for territorial cats who like to have their own area and a sense of privacy.

It is simple to assemble, with just a few bolts to tighten which makes it safe for jumping and running around. The bed is fairly large too, unlike a lot of the other similar 2-in-1 models out there.

Training your kitten to use a scratching post when they are young could save a lot of ruined furniture and painful claws in later life, but the likelihood is that they are going to have to be doing this without actually realising it.

A lot of kitten training involves making experiences fun, rewarding and interactive. This pad brings playtime to life. It is a chaser, mimicking real prey, but as they scramble about they can scratch their claws without really knowing that is what they are doing.

Made from cardboard, it can be more gentle than sisal material, reducing the likelihood of their claws catching and sticking. Catnip is included to increase their activity, and the entire unit contains different textures and colours which should get them used to explore in later life.

This jute rope scratcher, infused with catnip to increase levels of hyperactivity, adds a different dimension to keeping claws perfect.

The rounded shape offers something different, encouraging more of a play centre as opposed to a task. A teaser toy will show them what to do and draw them towards it, but this is removable if you feel they are getting a bit too overactive.

The height isn’t as tall as a lot of posts, so it could be good for cats who don’t like to stretch and scratch too much but who need something more than a flat panel. As it is round, it has a low centre of gravity so could be good for cats who regularly knock things over.

Perfect for rolling playtime, scratching and exploring all into one, this tunnel gives your cat somewhere to tire themselves out.

Infused with catnip, they will be sent into a frenzy and climb over and into the tunnel, keeping their claws in check at the same time. It could also be a great product if your cat likes to hideaway after a long day, yet see the world and what is going on.

It is nice and sturdy so you don’t have to worry about it tipping over or becoming damaged. And it will hold the attention of any cats who aren’t interested in any other form of post, which is good for encouragement.

Scratching surfaces and posts are essential for cats, especially ones which are always indoors, but homes don’t always have the space to keep them.

This fish, which hangs on your door, not only saves space but gives your cat somewhere to stretch up and keep their claws intact. If they struggle to get used to it, a quick spray with catnip could ensure it appeals to them.

It doesn’t have to be hung on the door – some users have reported just leaving it in the floor, where it has the same effect as a post but takes up less room, and gives your cat something to move around and play with.

A wall-mounted scratching post kills a few birds with one stone. You don’t have to set it on the floor where it takes up space, it is secured so you don’t have to monitor your cat and the post at all times, and it also gives them a bit of a play centre.

They can lounge and play while maintaining their claws. Platforms allow them to climb, and there is a hammock so they can have a bit of rest and relaxation in between runs.

The entire main post is a scratching surface so they can choose where they feel is most comfortable. It could also be the perfect answer to two or three cats fighting over space in your home as there is plenty of room for everyone.

Able to attach to a wall, door or piece of furniture securely, this would make an ideal panel for any cats who are a little wild and you don’t trust with a post which could be knocked over.

It could also be good for any older cats or nervous cats who could become spooked or injured with a wobbly post. As it can attach to furniture it could also protect that sofa or doorframe which your kitty has become partial to ripping to shreds. It comes with the mounting kit which is needed.

You can lay it down on the floor too if you wish, and the faux fur backing will keep it relatively still against a mat or carpet.