Cats are notorious for shredding up carpets, furniture, toys, cardboard, and even walls with their sharp claws. Scratching is in their nature, and it helps them maintain their claws’ sharpness and relieve stress. If you’re trying to keep your cats from scratching up your favorite sofa, a quality scratching post can help.
Cats are naturally attracted to scratching posts, and they love anything with a good texture that they can dig their claws into. Giving them the right outlet can help them scratch the post instead of your plush belongings. Lucky for you, we’ve narrowed down the best of the best wood cat scratching posts to help you find the one that’s right for you.
Best Wood Cat Scratching Posts to Consider
If you’re in the market for a new scratching post, there are a few things you should look at before buying. You should think about the size of your cats, how many cats you have, and how playful your furry friends are.
First, it’s important to consider the size of your cats. Cats typically like to stretch out when they scratch, so it’s rare that they scratch a post in an area that’s low to the ground. They tend to aim for the parts of the post that are eye level or higher, so it can help to get a taller post if you have large cats. Even if your cats are small, getting a taller post may leave more room for them to scratch in the future instead of getting bored once all the sisal they can reach is shredded.
Next, you should consider how many cats you have. One scratching post may be enough for one cat, but it may be a stretch with two. A good rule of thumb is to have at least one scratching post per cat in your home. Some structures have multiple posts in one design, which can be a great bargain if you have multiple cats.
Last, it’s important to consider how playful your cats are. If you have very energetic, ornery cats, it can help to get a scratching post with included toys like dangling balls and feathers. This can help them stay entertained so they’re less likely to get bored and take to tearing apart your furniture.
Once you’ve narrowed down your basic requirements, it’s time to go shopping. Keep reading to see all our top picks.
PEEKAB Cat Scratching Post
Cats and kittens can be extremely playful, and if you’re looking for a scratching post that can help keep them occupied beyond the normal scratching process, this may be the post for you. With four added toys to keep your cats busy, this scratching post from Peekab is a one-stop play machine.
It features two dangling bird toys, a hanging ball, and an interactive spinning ball toy at the base for nonstop entertainment. On top of all that, the base is made of strong MDF wood and comes with anti-slip feet to keep it from sliding around on the floor. With all its included features at such a low price, this well-rounded scratching post is a great bargain.
Pros:
- Good price
- High-quality sisal
- Plenty of included toy attachments
- Anti-slide feet for the base
Cons:
- May be prone to tipping over
Natural Scratch Cat Scratching Post
Scratching is a natural inclination for cats, and if you’re looking to provide a more organic habitat for them to scratch in, this wood scratching post is about as natural as it gets. It may look like just a plain wooden post, but this accessory is specially made for cats.
Made of either cedar or cork, this scratching post has a texture that’s soft enough for cats to get their claws into, but rigid enough to provide some resistance when they dig in. It even has a mouse hole and toy antenna string to keep your furry friends busy. For a more natural scratching solution, you can’t go wrong with this wooden scratching post.
Pros:
- Wood is soft enough to scratch, but also durable
- Comes in cedar or cork
- Has a hole and toy attachment for playing
Cons:
- Doesn’t have any sisal material
- May shed wood on the floor
VETRESKA Cat Scratching Post
If you have a knack for the finer things in life, you may want to check out this high-end scratching post from Vetreska. With its unique cactus-themed design and sturdy construction, this scratching post is made for the long haul, even if you have highly playful cats.
It features an extra-wide post, PVC pipes beneath the sisal, and a thick wooden base for security. The top branches of the cactus even act as a perch for your cats to climb on. Whether you want strong build quality or a fun aesthetic, this scratching post has you covered.
Pros:
- Unique cactus design
- Extra-wide post
- Made with PVC and a large wooden base
Cons:
- Very pricey
7 Ruby Road Wall-Mounted Cat Scratching Post
If you have limited floor space or live in a cramped apartment, this wall-mounted scratching post may be just what you need to make the most of your layout. With a versatile design that can be either hung on the wall or laid on the floor for easy access, this scratching post is in a league of its own.
You can install this post at any height that suits your cat, and when it gets scratched up over time, you can flip it upside down to let your cat scratch the other side as well. It won’t slide, tip, or fall over, making it perfect for rowdy cats that like to live on the wild side.
Pros:
- Can be used on the floor or the wall
- Adjustable height for installation
- You can rotate it so it lasts twice as long
Cons:
- The included hardware is sub-par
PAWZ Road Ultimate Scratching Post
If you want a scratching post that’s built to take on the toughest climbers and roughest scratchers, look no further. This ultra-thick post from Pawz Road features a sturdy tower, heavy base, and durable construction that make it a force to be reckoned with.
Aside from its sturdy design, it also has a plush-covered base that’s perfect for lounging, and the top of the post doubles as a perch that your cats can hop on whenever they want a bird’s eye view of the room. It’s built to prevent tipping and sliding, even for large cats. For a value that won’t get scratched away, this post is a sure winner.
Pros:
- The top doubles as a perch
- Very thick post and base
- A plush-covered base for lounging
Cons:
- The toy is fragile and can be removed easily
Frequently asked Questions
Are all cat scratching posts made of wood?
Most cat scratching posts are made of some type of wood with sisal rope or jute attached on the outside. While the quality of wood may vary, it’s rare to find a scratching post that’s made of anything other than wood. Some are made of particle board, which is technically not real wood, but it’s sourced from shreds of actual wood. This is a popular choice because of its affordability and lightweight construction.
How can I keep my cat scratching post from tipping over?
The simple answer is to purchase a scratching post with a heavy, sturdy base. However, this is sometimes still not enough to keep the post from tipping over, especially if you have large, energetic cats. Taller posts sometimes come with a wall-mounted security attachment that screws into the wall to secure the post. While shorter posts don’t often include these features, it’s possible to secure the post to the wall using rope, zip ties, or even velcro.
What height scratching post should I get?
In general, you should aim to get a scratching post that’s about as tall as your cat is when they’re stretching up on their hind legs. Cats typically like to stretch out when they scratch, and their height will be the extent of their reach. It’s always better to go a bit higher, as to allow for more room to scratch.
How many scratching posts should I have for multiple cats?
A good rule of thumb is that you should have one scratching post for each cat in your home. This allows them to have their own scratching space and leaves them with enough surface area to scratch that they won’t usually resort to scratching on your furniture. However, when the sisal starts to wear out, they may lose interest and start scratching other items in the house. That’s when it may be time to purchase a new post.
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