Become a credit card member today!Best* Cat Scratching Posts
Does your cat scratch up your furniture, carpets or curtains? Scratching is a natural behavior for cats—but can be a nuisance for pet parents. If you’re wondering how to get a cat to stop scratching, it may be time to look at our best-selling cat scratching posts.. This simple piece of furniture helps your cat fulfill their need to scratch.
What to look for in cat scratching posts
Material
Classic carpet-based cat scratchers used to be the norm, but now the most popular materials include sisal, corrugated cardboard and cork. The best cat scratching posts to file nails tend to be made of sisal or jute, which provide the ideal rough surface to help remove worn outer claws. Cats also love shredding cardboard—but make sure the cardboard components of your post are replaceable.
Size and Use
The best type of scratching post for cats depends on their size and scratching habits. There are posts made for vertical scratchers—think cats who scratch the walls and sides of your couch—and horizontal scratchers, for example, cats who like to scratch your carpets. Cats like to stretch when they scratch, so a vertical post that’s as tall as they are is ideal. If the scratcher includes a perch and your feline is on the heavier side, you’ll also want to check the weight limits.
Style
You want to buy the best-quality cat scratching post—but you also want it to look great in your home. Cat scratchers typically come in neutral colors that match any décor, like tan, gray and brown. Add a little extra style with a two-tone cat scratching post or a pop of color by choosing one with brightly colored toys. You’ll get a scratching post both you and your cat will love.
Pet parent faves
These best-selling cat scratching posts are the ones most frequently purchased by Petco’s pet parent customers, and they encompass a wide range of styles, materials and price points.
Midwest
Forte Grand Scratching Post
If your cat is tall or long, this could be the one for them. The tallest on our list—at nearly 3.5-feet—this scratching post has an extra-wide base to help keep it sturdy. The plush fabric entices your cat while the sisal wrapping satisfies their nail grooming needs. The large size is also great for big cats or multiple cats.
Features:
- 41-inches high
- Ultra-soft brown faux fur that easily wipes clean
- Sisal-wrapped support for scratching
SmartCat
Ultimate Scratching Post
This scratching post gets rave reviews for being well-crafted, heavy and durable. It has a sturdy construction that doesn’t wobble, thanks to a specially designed base. At 2.5-feet high, it’s another one of our best-selling cat scratching posts for taller felines.
Features:
- 32-inches high
- Made of durable woven sisal
- Sturdy base helps eliminate wobbling
- Assembles easily with two included screws
Kitty City
Scratch Perch for Cats
Your kitty doesn’t just need to scratch—they also need to play and perch. This scratching post has a fun jingle ball toy to attract them, plus a soft, carpeted cover on top for perching. The sturdy brown base complements wood floors, and the neutral colors fit any décor.
Features:
- 32-inches high
- Made of premium woven sisal
- Perch holds pets up to 40 lbs.
- 6-month limited warranty for missing or damaged parts
EveryYay
Scratchin' the Surface Cat Scratcher with Toys
Don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on a cat scratcher? This option from EveryYay is one of our best-selling cat scratching posts that offers high value for a relatively low price. Made from enticing plush carpet with two feather toys, you’ll love this fun scratching post.
Features:
- 17.5-inches high
- Two replaceable feather toys
- Fun design provides a place to both scratch and play
You & Me
Sisal Cat Scratching Post
Sisal is a yarn-like material made from the leaves of the agave plant. It’s durable and coarse and quickly became a popular material for the best-selling cat-scratching posts to file nails. This option from You & Me is wrapped top-to-bottom in sisal and includes an adorable ball for playtime.
Features:
- 18.75-inches high
- Made from durable sisal material
- Gray plaid base is stylish and modern
You & Me
Dual Texture Cat Scratch Post
For some cats, two textures are better than one—and those cats will likely love this cat scratching post from You & Me. The coarse jute on the top helps your cat groom their nails, while the durable carpet on the bottom entices them to knead. It even has a dangling jute ball for playtime.
Features:
- 24.5-inches high
- Two scratching surfaces to intrigue and satisfy your cat
- Sturdy base helps to prevent tipping and wobbling
- Stylish tan and gray contrasting complements your décor
EveryYay
Sisal and Seagrass Orb Cat Scratching Post
This best-selling cat scratching post provides surfaces for both horizontal and vertical scratchers—even the base is covered in sisal and seagrass. The post has two orb shapes built-in to interest your cat, and there’s a dangling seagrass ball to add a little fun.
Features:
- 18-inches high
- Free of toxic chemicals and artificial colors
- Made with renewable sisal and seagrass
You & Me
Raised Runway Cat Scratch Post
The best type of scratching post for cats isn’t always obvious—many cats love multiple surfaces and textures, and some even change their minds. That’s why this post has it all—vertical sisal, cardboard and coarse carpet surfaces, plush perches and a dangling feather toy to top it all off. Better yet, the cardboard scratcher is easily replaceable.
Features:
- 21-inches high
- Supports a maximum pet weight of 25 lbs.
- Cats can scratch, climb and play all in one place
Trixie
DreamWorld Baza Cat Scratching Post
After a busy day of scratching and playing, your cat needs a place to take a nice, long nap. This option from Trixie has a plush hammock between its two posts that’s perfect for getting cozy—and that makes it one of the best scratching posts for older cats. The attached furry ball matches the theme and provides enrichment.
Features:
- 19.5-inches high
- Dual posts are wrapped in sisal
- Ultra-plush, long-haired material on top and bottom
The Best Cat Carrier for Price:
Go Pet Club
Classic Gray Cat Tree with Sisal Covered Posts
Want to go all out? Sometimes the best-quality cat scratching post isn’t a post at all—it’s a tree. This 5-foot-tall, 3-level play structure has tons of places to play and hide, including ladders, hammocks and platforms. The quiet cubbyhole is the perfect place to nap, and there are sisal-covered posts on every level so your cat can scratch whenever the mood strikes.
Features:
- 62-inches high
- Made of natural sisal rope and durable MDF boards
- High-quality faux fur finish
- Comes with all tools and instructions for easy assembly
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Learn More About Cat Scratching Posts
While your pet may have individual preferences, in general, cats like sturdy scratching posts they can really dig their claws into. Lots of cats find shredding corrugated cardboard satisfying and enjoy carpet-like materials, while sisal and jute provide coarse textures good for grooming nails. If you’re not sure what your cat likes best, try out several different styles to see what they gravitate towards. Learn more in our Cat Scratching Posts and Furniture Guide and check out our New Cat Owner Guide for more keys to having a happy, well-behaved pet.
Many cats prefer having choices when it comes to their scratching posts, so at least two are recommended for a single-cat household. Some cat parents put one in each room to help save their furniture from damage. Make sure they are different styles to provide a little variety. And if you have multiple cats, you’ll usually want at least one post per cat—they’re not fond of sharing. Check out our Cat Care Sheet to see what else you’ll need to get for your cat.
Even the best-selling cat scratching posts will show wear and tear over time, but when to replace them depends on the material. Sisal or jute cat scratchers can last a year or more, while cardboard lasts about 3 or 4 months. The good news is that many cardboard cat scratchers have replaceable inserts, so you can just replace the carboard instead of the entire post.
*Based on petco.com sales data.
