The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Cat Scratchers

Why Do Cats Scratch?

Before diving into the world of cat scratchers, it's important to understand why your feline friend loves to scratch. Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, allowing them to stretch their bodies, maintain their claw health, and mark their territory with both visible marks and scents. It's also a way for them to express emotions like excitement or stress.

Types of Cat Scratchers

When it comes to cat scratchers, there is a variety to choose from. Here are the most common types:

1. Vertical Scratchers: These are tall and allow cats to stretch their bodies fully. They often come as posts wrapped in sisal, carpet, or jute.

2. Horizontal Scratchers: These lie flat on the ground and are great for cats who prefer to scratch while lying down. They often come in corrugated cardboard or sisal.

3. Incline Scratchers: These scratchers have a sloped surface, which is preferred by some cats. They usually combine different textures.

4. Scratcher Lounges: These are multifunctional, serving as a scratcher and a resting place. They're often made from corrugated cardboard in a curve shape.

How to Choose the Right Scratcher

Here are some tips for picking the right scratcher for your cat:

• Observe Your Cat's Behavior: Does your cat prefer vertical or horizontal surfaces? Do they scratch after a nap or while playing? Observations can guide your choice.

• Material Matters: Most cats prefer sisal fabric or corrugated cardboard. These materials are durable and provide a satisfying scratch.

• Location is Key: Place the scratcher near your cat's favorite resting area or where they frequently scratch.

• Size and Stability: Ensure the scratcher is tall or long enough for your cat to stretch fully. It should also be stable and not wobble to prevent any accidents.

Top Tips for Getting Your Cat to Use the Scratcher

• Introduce Gradually: Let your cat explore the scratcher on their own. You can sprinkle catnip or place their favorite toy near it to make it more appealing.

• Positive Reinforcement: Whenever your cat uses the scratcher, offer praise, pets, or treats.

• Never Punish: If your cat scratches an unwanted area, do not punish them. Instead, redirect them gently to the scratcher.

Cat scratchers are an essential item for any cat owner. They provide a healthy outlet for your cat's scratching instincts, protect your furniture, and can even serve as a resting area. With the variety of options available, you're sure to find one that your cat loves and that fits nicely into your home. Happy scratching!

Our selected scratchers for cats

Poils Bebe L Shape Cat Scratcher Review

The Poils Bebe L Shape Cat Scratcher is a thoughtful product for any cat owner looking to save their furniture from the natural scratching behavior of their feline friends. This 26.8-inch scratcher is designed to offer a safe, durable, and eco-friendly scratching option for indoor cats of all sizes. Here's a breakdown of what makes it stand out:

Pros:

1. Safety First: Made from non-toxic corrugated paper, it prioritizes your cat's safety, ensuring they're scratching in a harmless environment.
2. Durable and Thick: With a 1.9 inches thick cardboard surface, it's built to withstand the rigorous scratching of even the most enthusiastic cats.
3. Space-Saving Design: Its L-shape not only provides variety in scratching angles but also saves floor space and helps protect walls.
4. Eco-Friendly: Constructed from 100% recyclable heavy-duty cardboard, it's a purchase you can feel good about.
5. Engaging for Cats: Comes with an engaging toy ball and catnip to attract and keep your cat's interest.

Customer Feedback:

The Poils Bebe L Shape Cat Scratcher has received an overall high rating of 4.5 stars from customers, indicating general satisfaction. Here are some points derived from customer reviews:

• Easy to Assemble: Many users found the scratcher easy to put together, adding to its convenience.
• Sturdiness: The product's sturdiness received positive notes, though some mentioned it might require frequent tightening due to active use.
• Value for Money: Most users felt the scratcher provided good value for its price, especially given its size and durability.
• Durability: The durability was generally praised, but some mentioned the natural wear due to scratching, which is expected with cardboard scratchers.

Cons:

• Messy: Some customers noted that the corrugated cardboard can create a mess with bits coming off as the cat scratches. Regular clean-up might be necessary.
• Not Replaceable Parts: A few customers expressed a wish for replaceable parts to extend the life of the scratcher, as it can wear down over time.

Overall, the Poils Bebe L Shape Cat Scratcher stands out for its safety, eco-friendliness, and thoughtful design. It offers a robust solution for cat owners looking to provide their pets with a satisfying and safe scratching area. While it might get a bit messy and wear down over time, its benefits seem to outweigh these minor drawbacks, making it a popular choice among cat owners looking for a reliable scratching pad.

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PEEKAB Cat Scratching Post Review

The PEEKAB Cat Scratching Post is a premium vertical scratcher designed to entertain and engage indoor cats and kittens while keeping their nails healthy. Made with natural and premium quality materials, this 25-inch sisal toll scratch post has garnered positive attention for its durability, design, and interactivity. Here's a detailed review:

Pros:

1. Durable Sisal Fiber Post: The scratcher is wrapped in 100% natural sisal, known for its durability and appeal to cats.
2. Interactive Toys: It includes interactive toys at the base and two birds on the branches, providing cats with hours of entertainment.
3. Sturdy Construction: The square base is made of strong P2-MDF wood, ensuring stability and preventing tilting or rocking.
4. Easy to Assemble: Customers appreciated the quick and simple screw assembly process, which includes all the necessary tools.
5. Aesthetic and Practical Design: Its neutral beige color and compact dimensions make it a suitable addition to any room.

Customer Feedback:

The PEEKAB Cat Scratching Post has received a commendable average rating of 4.5 stars. Customers have highlighted several aspects:

• Entertainment Value: Many noted that their cats were instantly drawn to the post and the attached toys, providing endless playtime.
• Easy Assembly: The ease of assembling the product was a common praise among users, noting it as a hassle-free experience.
• Sturdiness and Quality: The overall sturdiness and build quality have been positively mentioned, with users appreciating its resilience against active feline use.
• Aesthetics: The design and neutral color have been acknowledged as fitting well with various home decors.

Cons:

• Stability Issues for Larger Cats: Some customers noted that while the base is sturdy, it might not be wide enough for very active or larger cats, leading to wobbling.
• Durability of Toys: A few customers mentioned that the attached toys, while initially engaging, might not withstand aggressive play over time.

The PEEKAB Cat Scratching Post offers a robust solution for cat owners seeking a durable and interactive scratching option. Its combination of a sturdy sisal post with engaging toys makes it a well-rounded choice for keeping cats entertained and furniture safe. While it may have some stability limitations for larger cats, its overall design, quality, and ease of assembly make it a popular choice among cat owners looking for a reliable and attractive indoor scratcher.

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Review of the Meowoou 35-inch Cat Scratching Post

The Meowoou 35-inch Cat Scratching Post is a distinctive, tall scratching post designed to cater to the natural scratching instincts of indoor cats. Made from natural materials with an eye-catching design, it has garnered positive reviews for its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Here's a detailed review:

Pros:

1. Stable and Durable: The scratching post is constructed with a wider and thicker base, ensuring stability for all cat sizes. The 6.6 lbs weight further adds to its steadiness, providing a secure scratching environment.
2. Decorative and Functional: The 33'' tall post is not just a scratcher but also a decorative piece for homes. Designed to mimic a palm tree, it adds a tropical flair to your space while offering an enjoyable scratching surface for cats.
3. Natural Sisal Rope: The post is wrapped in sisal rope made from agave plants, providing a durable and attractive material for cats to scratch and stretch on.
4. Interactive Hanging Ball: An added hanging ball toy induces playful behavior, encouraging cats to engage more with the post.
5. Customer Service Assurance: Meowoou promises attentive customer service for any inquiries or issues, ensuring buyer confidence.

Customer Feedback:

With an overall rating of 4.6 stars, the Meowoou Cat Scratching Post has been well-received. Key highlights from customer reviews include:

• Satisfaction with Stability: Many customers have noted the post's stability, appreciating that it doesn't tip or wobble easily.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The unique palm tree design has been a hit among buyers, adding a fun element to their homes while being functional for their cats.
• Quality of Material: Users have found the sisal rope and overall build quality to withstand the scratching and climbing of their cats, indicating good durability.
• Ease of Assembly: The post has been praised for its straightforward assembly, with all necessary tools included.

Cons:

• Stability for Active Cats: While generally stable, a few customers suggested that very active or large cats might cause the post to tip, recommending placement near a wall or heavy furniture for added security.
• Longevity of Attached Toys: Like many cat toys, the durability of the attached ball might vary with the aggressiveness of individual cats, with some users noting they had to remove or replace it.

The Meowoou 35-inch Cat Scratching Post is a sturdy, decorative, and fun option for cat owners looking to provide their pets with a dedicated scratching area. Its natural sisal material, interactive toy, and unique design make it more than just a scratcher; it's a piece of home decor that cats love. While consideration should be given to placement and the potential need to supervise or modify for very active cats, this scratching post stands out for its quality, design, and overall value, making it a favored choice for cat owners seeking a blend of functionality and style.

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Review of Amazon Basics Cat Tower with Hammock and Scratching Posts

The Amazon Basics Cat Tower is a compact and cozy haven for indoor cats, featuring a plush hammock and two scratching posts. Designed to offer a combination of rest and activity, it has quickly become a favorite among pet owners. Here’s a detailed look at what makes this cat tower stand out:

Pros:

1. Compact and Functional Design: Measuring 15.8 x 15.8 x 19.7 inches, it provides a snug resting spot and scratching area without taking up much space.
2. Engaging Hammock: The plush hammock is a hit among cats, offering them a soft, elevated spot to nap and observe their surroundings.
3. Durable Scratching Posts: Wrapped in natural jute fiber, the scratching posts offer an ideal texture for cats to maintain their claws, redirecting their scratching from furniture to the tower.
4. Easy Assembly: Users have noted its ease of assembly, making it a quick addition to any room.
5. Sturdy and Stable: Despite its lightweight, the cat tower maintains stability, giving cats a secure place to leap, scratch, and relax.

Customer Feedback:

With a high average rating of 4.7 stars, the Amazon Basics Cat Tower has garnered widespread praise. Here’s what customers have to say:

• Cats Love It: Many reviews mention how quickly their cats took to the hammock and scratching posts, indicating its appeal to feline instincts.
• Quality Material: The jute fiber and overall build quality have impressed users, ensuring durability against cat scratching.
• Space-Saving: Its compact size has been appreciated for fitting well in various room sizes without being obtrusive.
• Value for Money: For its features and durability, customers feel they’ve received great value, making it an affordable yet high-quality choice.

Cons:

• Size Limitation for Larger Cats: While perfect for small to medium breeds, larger cats might find the hammock a bit snug or the tower less accommodating.
• Hammock Cleaning: Some users noted that cleaning the hammock could be challenging as it's not detachable, suggesting improvements like a removable, washable cover.

The Amazon Basics Cat Tower with Hammock and Scratching Posts is a well-loved addition to the cat furniture market, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and activity for indoor cats. Its compact size, combined with the comfort of a hammock and the utility of scratching posts, makes it a versatile choice for cat owners. While it might be more suited for smaller breeds, its overall stability, quality, and design make it a popular choice, especially for those seeking a functional, attractive, and budget-friendly option for their feline friends.

Find on Amazon.