The Best Cat Posts

If you have a cat at home, you know that scratching posts are essential for both you and your pet. They help your cat fulfill an instinctive need while also protecting your furniture from claw marks. They come in all shapes and sizes, some with beds to snooze on and others with built-in toys to bat at. Read on to discover the best cat posts on the market today. Be sure to keep your cat's personality in mind as you decide which one you'll want to bring home.

What to Look For

While considering durability, surface covering type, and opportunities for fun, we gathered and reviewed the best cat posts to purchase today. We first fell in love with the Amazon Basics Hammock Cat Post for its multipurpose design that lets kitties scratch, sleep, and play. We also enjoyed the SupSoft product for its three different-textured posts that can keep cats mentally stimulated for extended periods of time. Which cat post will be best for your pet and your home? Scroll through the following picks to find out.

Amazon Basics Hammock Cat Post

Sleep and scratch

This product offers two spots to scratch, a dangling toy, and a cozy bed for nap time.
Best Overall

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With two spaced-out scratching posts, this product can work well in both single and multi-cat homes. The hanging hammock bed gives kitties a fun place to nap, and the dangling ball invites them to engage in a new form of playtime as well. The large, sturdy square base is much less likely to tip than the narrow, single-post variety. Both posts are wrapped in jute, which is all-natural, durable, and enticing for felines.

Pros:

  • Reasonably priced
  • Simple assembly process
  • Two colors to choose from
  • Cats of all ages and sizes can use the bed
  • The hanging toy is replaceable if needed

Cons:

  • Shorter than some other premium cat posts

MeCool Premium Playtime Cat Post

Time to play

This piece is tall, durable, and filled with toys.
Runner Up

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This cat post is designed to last through extended periods of use with its weighted wooden base and natural sisal hemp rope covering. It can be set almost anywhere without pet parents worrying about tipping. The two toys add a fun touch and help convince cats to try out the post. You can choose your preferred height since 22 and 34 inch versions are available. There are also several neutral color options, making it easy to find a cat post that blends into your living space.

Pros:

  • Only a few steps are needed for assembly
  • No tools required
  • The smaller version is ideal for young kittens
  • Sturdy enough for safe climbing
  • Still affordably priced

Cons:

  • Heavier than most cat posts due to the weighted base

SupSoft Three-Piece Cat Post

Scratch with your senses

This pick offers several materials to scratch on, so your kitty can choose their favorite.
Best Texture Variety

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This innovative cat post offers three different scratching spaces, ensuring every kitty will have their preferences met. The separate posts are covered in jute, sisal, and gabardine carpet for three fully-unique textures. The base is wooden to prevent tipping, and it also has a built-in ball track that your kitties can chase and bat at. The balls are stuck inside, so you don’t ever have to worry about them getting lost. The hanging toys on top also help to keep cats occupied.

Pros:

  • The different textures can help you find your new cat’s scratching preferences
  • Ideal for multi-cat homes
  • Offers plenty of mental stimulation
  • Assembly only takes a couple of minutes 

Cons:

  • The wooden base isn’t comfortable to lie on 

Amazon Basics Tall Square Cat Post

Built to last

This strong, four-sided tower offers almost endless claw sharpening for your kitten.
Most Durable

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This cat post is built with longevity in mind. Its square design is not only more difficult to tip, but it also provides more surface space for scratching. The base is made of wood for added strength, and the post is covered in jute carpet. Moreover, the 35 inch height is ideal for cats of all ages and life stages. And the assembly only requires one step, so your pets will get to play soon after this arrives in the mail.

Pros:

  • Heavier and more sturdy than most cat posts
  • The hanging toy is removable and replaceable
  • Works well in multi-cat homes
  • The square design can be pushed into a corner to save space
  • Durable enough to be climbed

Cons:

  • Only one color/design is available

Pawz Road Cactus Cat Post

A prickly pick

This adorable scratching post brings a fun style into your home.
Best Design

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This cute cactus cat post will bring a pop of color and joy into your home. You may enjoy its presence just as much as your cat does. For your pet specifically, however, it offers two different textures to be scratched. The multi-post design adds more life to the product, as well as makes it work well in multi-cat homes. Two sizes are available to choose from, with the smaller being ideal for kittens and the larger working better for adult cats.

Pros:

  • Natural sisal rope covering
  • Durable base
  • Built-in batting toy
  • Fun to climb
  • Easy to assemble

Cons:

  • The smaller size is only safe for cats that weigh up to 10 pounds 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cat posts 100% necessary?

Cats need to sharpen their claws, and they will find another place to do it if they aren’t offered their own scratching post. Many cats will destroy furniture by sharpening their claws on it when posts are not present.

How long do cat posts last?

Cat posts can last from several months to a couple of years, depending on their quality and how often they are used. If you want a version that will last as long as possible, it’s important to choose premium materials like jute fiber and wooden bases. It can also help to choose larger products since these have more surface area to scratch before they’re finished.

About the Author

Jessica has two kids, but she's a parent to numerous pets, including cats, dogs, and even reptiles. Needless to say, she's an animal lover. She admits to spoiling her furry friends, and now wants to share her decades of experience in pet care with the rest of the world to help others find the best products for their four-legged families.

Why Trust Us

Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.