The Best Cat Scratching Board To Keep Those Claws Tip-Top

The Best Cat Scratching Board To Keep Those Claws Tip-Top

SOS—which of course, translates to: Save Our Sofas. Yep, having a great cat scratching board at home will lead your cat safely away from your couch and other upholstery, giving them a safe and satisfying spot to scratch their talons.

By Molly Wolfe May 05, 2023

Did you know the best way to deter your kitties from scratching your couch to death? The answer is simple: a great cat scratching board. With one of these beauties, your cat will have a ready-to-go spot to scratch their claws, saving your couch and other upholstery from the perils of sharp talons.

These boards are essentially flat boards covered in cardboard or sisal fabric—similar to sisal rope, which is commonly wrapped around scratching posts and cat trees. You can pick one up for anywhere between $20 to $80 (and sometimes beyond), so there’s sure to be a scratching board out there to suit your budget. We’ve handpicked our favorites from some of the top online stores to help you shop wisely. Read on and check them out:

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Top Pick Kells Eco-Friendly Cat Scratching Post

Kells Cat Scratching Board

Best Cat Scratching Board to Consider

Not sure what to look for? Take a look at our tips to help you shop:

Material: Look for a board made from a sturdy material that can withstand scratching and won’t easily tip over. Sisal fabric is a popular choice as it’s durable and cats love the texture.

Size: Consider the size of your cat and the space you have available. A larger board may be necessary for bigger cats, but you also want to make sure it fits in your home without being an eyesore.

Cost: Cat scratching boards come in a range of prices, so choose one that fits your budget. Keep in mind that a higher price tag generally indicates better quality materials and construction; like many things, it’s a “get what you pay for” situation.

Other features: Some boards come with additional features like integrated cat toys or catnip pouches. These can be nice bonuses, but make sure they don’t detract from the primary purpose of the board: providing a safe and satisfying scratching surface for your beloved feline.

Ultimately, the best cat scratching board is one that your cat will actually use! So take your cat’s preferences into account when making your choice, and don’t be afraid to try out a few different options until you find the perfect fit.

Kells Eco-Friendly Cat Scratching Post

The Kells Eco-Friendly Cat Scratching Post is a great way to help your cat scratch without damaging your furniture. It’s also an alternative to declawing, which can be painful and expensive. The scratching post provides a place for your cat to stretch their muscles and relieve stress, which will help them stay healthy and happy; so, you’re helping your kitty while saving your furniture in one fell swoop.

And, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option for your feline friend, this scratching board has everything you need and is ready to go as soon as it arrives: so, that kitty can get her claws into something good ASAP.

Top Pick
Kells Cat Scratching Board

Kells Cat Scratching Board

$15.99

Buy on Wayfair

Pros:

  • Made from sustainable wood
  • Great eco-friendly choice
  • Lots of space to scratch
  • Great price tag
  • Catnip included

Cons:

  • A bit plain-looking

Ahkeel Scratching Board for Cats

Ah, the eternal struggle of cat owners: how to keep our feline friends happy while also preserving our furniture. Enter the Ahkeel Scratchers and Scratching Post: this innovative product is the perfect solution for cat owners who want to keep their cats’ claws healthy and their furniture scratch-free. Made from premium recycled materials, the Ahkeel Scratching Post provides a durable and attractive surface for your cat to scratch to their heart’s content. Plus, with a wall-mounted design, this product encourages your cat to get the exercise they need while also saving your furniture from their sharp little claws.

Runner Up
Ahkeel Scratchers and Scratching Post

Ahkeel Scratchers and Scratching Post

$14.99

Buy on Wayfair

Pros:

  • Made from recycled paperboard
  • Non-toxic for your kitty
  • Wall-mounted
  • Organic catnip included
  • Budget-friendly

Cons:

  • Wall-mounting takes a bit more effort

PetFusion Cat Scratching Board

By PetFusion, this cat scratching board is super effective at tempting your felines away from your curtains, couch, and other upholstery. Covered in eco-friendly and recycled cardboard, this one provides a satisfying spot for your cats to get their claws stuck into. We like the slightly curved design, giving this board an element of elevated style that you don’t usually see, too. Thanks to the durable construction and super dense cardboard, this should last a while yet, so you’re sure to get your money’s worth here.

Best for Floor
Cat Scratching Board

Cat Scratching Board

$25.23

Buy on Wayfair

Pros:

  • Made with recycled and recyclable cardboard
  • Thick and durable
  • Sleek curved design
  • Tested to international safety standards

Cons:

  • A bit pricier than others

Tucker Murphy Pet Scratchpad for Cats

This handy scratchpad by Tucker Murphy is a wonderful choice if you’re on the hunt for a bargain. The sturdy and durable design makes a great spot for your cats to flex their talons, and you can simply refill it when the board has passed its best. The plastic base keeps the scratchpad firmly in place, so your kitty can go to town on it without it slipping all over the place, too. This one will sit wherever you pop it, with no wall-mounting or installation required; simply find a convenient spot, maybe spray a bit of catnip to sweeten the deal, and watch as your feline saunters right past your couch and onto their new scratchpad.

Best Refillable
Randi Scratching Board

Randi Scratching Board

$14.99

Buy on Wayfair

Pros:

  • Easily refillable
  • Sturdy plastic base
  • No installation required
  • Great price tag

Cons:

  • Can get expensive when not on sale

Eco-Friendly Cat Scratching Board

If you’re a cat mama looking for a stylish and eco-friendly solution to your cat’s scratching needs, the Kells Eco Vertical Standing Cat Scratching Board is the way to go. This unique product is made from sustainable zboard , providing a surface that’s perfect for your cat to scratch to their heart’s content. What’s more, the vertical design of this board allows your cat to stretch that spine and get bendy, which is great for their overall health and well-being. Finally, the board is easy to assemble and comes with a sturdy base for added stability, so you can rest assured that your cat will be safe and secure while they scratch away.

Also Consider
Kells Eco Vertical Standing Cat Scratching Board

Kells Eco Vertical Standing Cat Scratching Board

$33.99

Buy on Wayfair

Pros:

  • Vertical design is great for stretching
  • Sustainable materials
  • Freestanding
  • Good value for money

Cons:

  • A bit of assembly required

Frequently Asked Questions

Are scratch boards safe for cats?

Yes, scratch boards are generally safe for cats; in fact, they can even be beneficial to their health and well-being. Indeed, scratching is a natural behavior for cats that helps them stretch and tone their muscles, sharpen their claws, and mark their territory. So, think about picking up a great-quality scratch board to provide a safe and satisfying alternative to your furniture.

How do you show a cat to use a scratching board?

Introducing your cat to a new scratching board is actually quite easy. Start by placing the board near the cat’s favorite resting spot or in an area where they frequently scratch (this may be next to your couch). Encourage your cat to interact with the board by using a toy or a bit of catnip; a good catnip spray should get them interested. Then, praise and reward your cat with a tasty treat when they use the board, and remember to be patient as they get used to it. With a little encouragement, your cat will be scratching away in no time

What is the purpose of a cat scratching board?

Basically, a cat scratching board is a device that allows your feline friend to indulge in one of their most natural behaviors. It’s essentially an elevated surface with a rough texture (usually covered in sisal fabric or similar), which they can use to scratch and sharpen their claws.

Do cardboard cat scratchers make a mess?

Cardboard cat scratchers do tend to be messier than for-purpose sisal fabric ones. However, for the most part, cardboard cat scratchers are a tidy option for keeping your feline friend’s claws in check. Plus, they’re cheap, eco-friendly, and your cat will love it.

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