The 5 Best Modern Cat Scratchers For Curious Claws

The 5 Best Modern Cat Scratchers For Curious Claws

Concealed claws are every feline's hidden weapon, and to keep them sharp and healthy they need a place to play.

By Jack Gorman April 07, 2023

Though they may not show them while you shower them with affection, each and every cat hides a set of claws within their delicate paws. To keep them sharp in the wild, they’d rely on sharpening them against bark or plant fiber, but at home, nothing beats a cat scratcher (or perhaps a cat tree!). Introducing cat furniture to your home can sometimes disturb the delicate balance of design, though. What’s more, offering your four-legged friend a place to scratch could save your furniture from rips and tatters. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a selection of versatile modern cat scratchers that look great and are sure to withstand some punishment in the process.

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Top Pick SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post

Ultimate Scratching Post

Best Modern Cat Scratcher to Consider

Choosing the right post for your cat is essential, and if you find a well-fitting design they’re sure to make the most of it. Cat scratchers range in size, with compact designs suitable for kittens and larger posts that will encourage adult cats to stretch as they play. If your cat has used a scratching post before, it might also have a preference for materials. While all the designs we reviewed offer a suitable challenge for curious claws, some cats tend to prefer scratching pads made from sisal, cardboard, or even carpeted materials.

Our overwhelming favorite is the ultimate scratching post from SmartCat. Built with larger felines in mind, this towering unit stands 32 inches tall, offering plenty of room for fully-grown cats to stretch it out as they scratch away. The four scratching surfaces are constructed from dense sisal weave, offering a pleasing touch and durable resistance to wear. If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, the scratching pad from Adolug is a great place to start. This reversible pad is made from recycled cardboard, and features a curved geometry on top so your cats can approach from all angles of attack.

Don’t miss out on the rest of our favorites, read on below and your furry friend is sure to thank you later.

SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post

Whether you’re the pet parent to an unusually energetic feline or a whole host of kittens, this gargantuan scratching post from SmartCat offers more than enough for them to sink their claws into. Standing 32 inches tall, this extra-large scratching post gives athletic cats all the space they need to flex and stretch while they scratch away. The post is lined with fibrous and durable woven sisal, mimicking the natural tree bark wild cats would naturally scratch on. And it’s all mounted on a super sturdy 16-inch-squared base for stable support without tipping or wobbling.

Top Pick
Ultimate Scratching Post

Ultimate Scratching Post

$79.99

Buy on Amazon

Pros:

  • Easy assembly with just two screws
  • Four thick scratching walls for long-lasting fun
  • Suitable for cats of all life stages
  • Neutral color blends with most furniture

Cons:

  • This large post might not suit smaller spaces

Adolug Cat Scratch Pad

If your furry friend tends to make short work of any scratching apparatus you introduce them to, you might be reluctant to spend too much on a new purchase. This affordable offering from Tucker Murphy is a suitable challenge for cats large and small. It’s made with catnip, so your cats should be over there like a shot (thus saving your couch from destruction!). Made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper, it’s an environmentally friendly option, too.

Best On A Budget
Chong Recycled Paper Scratching Board

Chong Recycled Paper Scratching Board

$30.99

Buy on Wayfair

Pros:

  • Made from recycled materials
  • Doubles as a comfortable cat bed
  • Curved wave design encourages scratching from different angles

Cons:

  • Paper design isn’t water-resistant

Wall Mounted Cat Scratching Post

Though our feline companions might sometimes feel like they’re the masters of the house, sometimes cat furniture can take up a lot of space leaving an unsightly impression in a room. If you’re looking to reap the benefits of a cat scratching post without sacrificing the floor space demanded by larger posts, this wall-mounted unit from Wayfair is a great alternative. Hang it on the wall by your cat’s favorite place, and you’re sure to save on clutter compared to bulky freestanding posts. And with a coarse scratching pad made from sustainable (and recycled!) paperboard, even the toughest claws are sure to find a challenge within.

Best Wall Mounted
Ahkeel Scratchers and Scratching Post

Ahkeel Scratchers and Scratching Post

$14.99

Buy on Wayfair

Pros:

  • Wall hanging means you can choose the height to suit your cat
  • Sturdy mounting hardware won’t wobble
  • Silverline catnip included

Cons:

  • You’ll need to spend a moment on installation

Reversible Infinity Scratcher

This curvy cat scratcher from Tucker Murphy is an unusual alternative to traditional scratching post designs. Made from recycled corrugated cardboard, its coarse surface is tough and durable whether hosting adult cats or kittens. And to help them stretch above, the curved contours above and inside encourage them to flex every inch of their bodies as they play. With a hollow interior, this infinity scratcher is the perfect playpen for kittens and smaller breeds. But even larger adult cats will love the challenge. And, best of all, it’s reversible for twice the lifespan.

Best Long-Lasting
Reversible Infinity Scratcher

Reversible Infinity Scratcher

$59.99

Buy on Wayfair

Pros:

  • Doubles as a cat bed
  • Lasts super long thanks to reversible design
  • Sturdy gluing makes this scratching post ultra durable
  • Stylish

Cons:

  • The largest cats might not be able to reach the scratching pads inside

Cactus Cat Scratcher

Though most cats might not be acquainted with the spiny succulents common in arid environments around the world, this charming cactus scratching post is certainly a stylish centerpiece for any living room. And this design isn’t just about style over substance, either. With a tough sisal weave on the surface, it’s sure to deliver a pleasing resistance as your cats scratch away. The post comes mounted on a sturdy circular stand, so it’s durable enough to stand up to the most ferocious attacks without toppling over. And assembly is easier than ever, with just a few twists and turns required to install every component.

Best Novelty Design
PetnPurr Cactus Cat Scratcher

PetnPurr Cactus Cat Scratcher

$43.99

Buy on Wayfair

Pros:

  • Dangling ball toy included
  • The green decor will brighten any space
  • The porous weave is easy to infuse with catnip and other treats

Cons:

  • Not to everyone’s taste

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right scratching post for my cat?

The size of your cat, as well as their preferences, will help determine what type of scratching post to buy. Generally, a taller and sturdier post is the best choice for larger cats since it can offer them more surfaces and stability. Consider one with a variety of materials that match your decor such as sisal rope or carpet which helps make it more appealing to scratch on.

What should I do if my cat is not using their scratching post?

Try placing some treats near the scratching post and actively encouraging them when they go near it so that they become familiarized with the object. Additionally, make sure you are providing enough stimulation throughout their day with different toys to keep them entertained and engaged. Also, consider spritzing some catnip or calming pheromone spray on the surface of the holder to make it even more enticing.

How often should I replace a scratching post?

Scratching posts are meant to be replaced when they no longer serve their purpose effectively due to wear-and-tear or other damage over time. Telltale signs of wear include loosening components or fraying materials. When replacing, look for similar elements in terms of material makeup, height, and sturdiness so you can ensure your pet remains comfortable while using its new furniture.

Are there any tips for training my cat to use its scratch post properly?

Absolutely! Make sure you have multiple rewards ready such as special treats specifically earmarked for being used during this process until your pet has fully integrated these habits into its daily routine.

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