Cats use scratching as a strategy to launch stress, to assist stretch and flex their our bodies, and to go away a scent and visible mark on their territory — a.ok.a. your sofa. Scratching additionally helps take away the outer layers of their claws, which as soon as useless, must be eliminated.
So, there are all kinds of causes that your cat goes to really feel like having a scratch, and pretty much as good cat dad and mom, it’s as much as us to offer alternatives that don’t contain ruining your comfortable furnishings.
A fast have a look at widespread cat purchasing websites will reveal a staggering variety of choices with regards to cat scratchers. However how are you aware which one goes to fit your cat? That’s the place our critiques are available in!
A Fast Comparability of Our Favorites in 2024
The 11 Finest Cat Scratchers
1. Hepper Hello-Lo Trendy Cat Scratcher – Finest General
The Hepper Hello-Lo Cat Scratcher is a game-changer with regards to cat scratchers. What makes it our choose for the perfect cat-scratching publish? Effectively, for starters, it’s adjustable with three totally different positions. Your cat won’t ever get bored as a result of you’ll be able to swap it as much as preserve them nimble and entertained. It additionally has a glossy and fashionable design that may look nice in any room.
Nevertheless it’s not nearly being fancy; it’s constructed robust with stable birch plywood and a non-toxic gloss coating. The curved design is sort of a mini-gym for them, serving to them stretch, train, and keep mentally sharp. And right here’s the kicker: you’ll be able to exchange the cardboard half, so it lasts virtually without end. It at the moment solely is available in one coloration possibility, nevertheless it’s an incredible possibility in our opinion. So, if you happen to’re seeking to spoil your cat and provides them the perfect scratching expertise, the Hepper Hello-Lo Cat Scratcher is the best way to go.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for a few years and determined to take a controlling possession curiosity, in order that we may benefit from the excellent designs of this cool cat firm!
Professionals
- Trendy, fashionable design
- Inexpensive
- Curved to encourage stretching and scratching
- Alternative cardboard obtainable
- Sturdy and sturdy
Cons
- At the moment solely is available in one coloration possibility
2. Petlinks Sea Ramp Cat Scratcher — Funds Purchase
When you’re in search of the perfect finances cat scratcher, then we positively advocate the Petlinks Sea Ramp Cat Scratcher. This gives wonderful worth for cash however can be fashionable and received’t look misplaced in a contemporary residence. In case your cat has taken a liking to scratch seagrass baskets, then it is a nice answer as a result of it’s made with the identical materials!
The sloped floor is nice for encouraging cats to stretch out to their full size whereas scratching, a function that many vertical scratchers miss. It additionally comes with a sachet of catnip which you could sprinkle over the floor to encourage your cat to come back and examine this for the primary time. The one subject we’ve with this cat scratcher is that it’s just a little too small and light-weight for bigger cat breeds.
To conclude, we predict that is the perfect low cost cat scratcher you will discover.
Professionals
- Nice worth for cash
- Fashionable design
- Sloped to encourage scratching
- Consists of catnip
Cons
- Not heavyweight for bigger cats
3. Scratch Lounge Cat Scratcher Lounge
The Scratch Lounge Unique Cat Scratcher Lounge is our subsequent cat scratcher on the record as a result of it’s set to revolutionize the best way that your cat scratches! The distinctive, three-sided design permits loads of area in your cat to scratch horizontally, nevertheless it’s additionally designed to indulge your cat’s love of nesting into smaller areas. This scratcher is comprised of recycled paper, which means it’s not solely nice in your cat but in addition environmentally pleasant!
This scratcher comes with a small sachet of catnip which you could sprinkle on the primary few occasions your cat makes use of it. After that, it’s assured to turn out to be a favourite toy. If the scratcher begins trying a bit worn, merely flip over the surfaces to disclose a brand-new aspect. The one motive this missed out on the highest two locations on this record is that it’s dearer than a number of the different cat scratchers on the market. However the tremendous sturdy and double-sided design signifies that you shouldn’t have to spend money on one other cat scratcher for fairly a while!
Professionals
- Lengthy-lasting
- Distinctive design
- Comes with catnip
- Reversible building
4. Ok&H Pet Merchandise Kitty Tippy Scratch n’ Monitor Cat Scratcher
In case your cat likes to play as a lot as a scratch, then the Ok&H Pet Merchandise Kitty Tippy Scratch n’ Monitor Cat Scratcher consists of every thing you could preserve them entertained for hours! Both sides of this cat scratcher has an indentation for the included balls to sit down in, which means your cat can have loads of enjoyable batting them about. You may as well add rockers to the bottom, so this scratcher will tip from one aspect to the opposite as your cat performs.
The massive measurement is ideal for greater breeds, as they’ll have loads of area to stretch out after they wish to scratch. Some cats can simply take away the balls from the runners, wherein case, you’ll want to seek out after which exchange them (solely in your cats to knock them out once more, in fact!). This scratcher isn’t reversible, so as soon as the highest aspect has been scratched into oblivion, you’ll have to spend money on one other one.
Professionals
- Good for giant cats
- Loads of interactive options
- Consists of catnip
Cons
- Not reversible
- Balls can come out of runners
5. SmartyKat Scratch Scroll Cat Scratcher
The progressive form of the SmartyKat Scratch Scroll Cat Scratcher is designed to permit your cat to make use of it as a toy on the identical time — it even features a dangly, detachable feather to tempt them into taking part in. The impartial colours mix nicely into any residence and embody a mix of carpet and sisal to enchantment to all cats!
Simply bear in mind that in case you have a bigger cat, they in all probability received’t be capable of stretch out to their full size utilizing this scratcher, so whereas they could play with the toy, the unique function of the scratcher is perhaps missed! Some cats favor to snuggle up on or beneath this scratcher for a nap, nevertheless it’s good for smaller cats and kittens.
Professionals
- Progressive form
- Totally different surfaces
- Features a toy
Cons
- Cats can’t attain full stretch
- Not carpeted beneath
- Not massive sufficient for giant cats
6. Ok&H Pet Merchandise Scratch Ramp Cat Scratcher
When you’re in search of the last word cat scratcher, then look no additional than the Ok&H Pet Merchandise Scratch Ramp Cat Scratcher. We awarded this our greatest total class as a consequence of its intelligent mixture of a scratching ramp and a toy — with catnip! Some cats want just a little encouragement to begin utilizing their cat scratcher, and with this providing from Ok&H Pet Merchandise, you get loads of probabilities to tempt your cat.
The massive cardboard space encourages scratching, whereas the 2 balls inside a runner will preserve your cat entertained and able to get their claws out (making it the perfect cat scratcher to file nails). In truth, the one factor we didn’t like about this cat scratcher is that the included bag of catnip is small. You would possibly end up desirous to complement that with extra, however in fact, your cat would possibly take an prompt liking to this scratcher — no catnip required!
Professionals
- Nice worth for cash
- Consists of toys and catnip
- Lengthy-lasting
- Simple to assemble
Cons
- The bag of catnip is small
7. Petstages Simple Life Scratch, Snuggle and Relaxation Cat Scratcher
When you’re in search of a colourful and attention-grabbing cat scratcher, then the Petstages Simple Life Scratch, Snuggle and Relaxation Cat Scratcher will go well with you and your cats completely. The round central cat scratcher kinds a shallow bowl, which is inviting for scratching and is ideal in your small cat to curve into for a nap. As with most of the cat scratchers in our evaluate, this product additionally features a small sachet of catnip.
This cardboard scratcher can rise up nicely to smaller cats, however massive cats may not be capable of curl up within the central part and might knock the legs off after prolonged use. This could’t be refilled both, so as soon as the cardboard on the highest has been scratched to bits, it’ll be time to spend money on a brand new cat scratcher.
Professionals
- Consists of catnip
- Curved scratching floor
- Can be used as a mattress
Cons
- Legs can come unstuck
- Not massive sufficient for giant cats
- Not refillable
8. Van Ness Cat Scratcher Pad
When you’re in search of a primary and finances cat scratcher pad, then the Van Ness Cat Scratcher Pad goes to do the job. This extensive scratcher is comprised of 100% recycled corrugate cardboard that sits inside a cardboard field. It additionally features a sachet of USDA Licensed Natural catnip which you could sprinkle over the floor.
The design of this scratcher is kind of primary, so don’t anticipate any further options like balls, rockers, or a slope. In truth, some cats don’t take pleasure in scratching on a horizontal function, so that you would possibly discover that your cat isn’t on this. Fortunately sufficient, it’s good worth for cash, so it’s definitely price attempting it out if you could save your furnishings out of your cat’s claws!
Professionals
- Good worth for cash
- Consists of catnip
Cons
- Primary design
- Some cats don’t like a flat floor
- Not reversible
9. Ok&H Pet Merchandise EZ Mount Window Scratcher
The progressive design of this cat scratcher means you’ll be able to mount it in your window for a double-purpose scratcher and window mattress multi function! You may simply and securely repair this to your window utilizing the included suction-cup-mounting system. Once you wish to pull your curtains or blinds, this may be folded as much as sit vertically towards the window.
Whereas loads of cats love sitting up excessive, they don’t all the time really feel comfy scratching whereas they’re up there! So, you would possibly discover that your cat loves this as a seat, however they may not use it for its meant function! In the event that they do, although, you’ll have to preserve a detailed eye on the integrity of the cardboard as they begin to scratch via it. If it appears prefer it’s beginning to weaken, then don’t hesitate to interchange it!
Professionals
- Double-purpose design
- Consists of catnip
Cons
- Costly
- Some cats received’t use it to scratch
- Cords can get in the best way
10. Ok&H Pet Merchandise EZ Mount Window Cat Scratcher with Catnip
When you don’t have a lot flooring area for a cat scratcher however nonetheless wish to encourage your cat away out of your furnishings, then the Ok&H Pet Merchandise EZ Mount Window Cat Scratcher with Catnip might be your finest guess. This vertical cardboard cat scratcher is designed to repair onto your window utilizing robust suction cups on the high and base of the plastic holder.
It additionally comes with catnip, which you’ll sprinkle over it to encourage your cat to make use of it. However be warned that some cats merely don’t like vertical scratchers! It’s good which you could place this on totally different heights, however bigger cats could also be robust sufficient to drag this off your window, after which they could not use it in any respect.
Professionals
- Doesn’t take up flooring area
Cons
- Small
- Costly
- Can get pulled off the window
- Cats might not use it
11. Ok&H Pet Merchandise Stretch n’ Scratch Cat Scratching Ramp
When you’re looking out for a cat scratcher that’s a contact faraway from the usual designs, then the Ok&H Pet Merchandise Stretch n’ Scratch Cat Scratcher is price a second look. This cardboard scratcher could be assembled in three other ways: as an upright massive letter “A,” as a double-width ramp, or as a slim up-and-down ramp.
Whereas the flexibility is nice, that is nonetheless just a little too small and light-weight for bigger cats. They are going to simply be capable of transfer this round and knock it over! The primary subject is that they received’t truly be capable of stretch out to full size, so they could not find yourself utilizing it in any respect. It’s additionally costly, so if you happen to don’t thoughts taking a threat, this may very well be a sensible choice, however be ready for the truth that your cat could reject it totally.
Cons
- Too small for giant cats
- Light-weight design
- Can topple over
- Costly
Purchaser’s Information: Discovering the Finest Cat Scratchers
Offering a cat scratcher is an effective way to save your furnishings from being attacked by your overenthusiastic cat. All cats have an instinctive urge to scratch, and this isn’t one thing that we should always try to discourage them from doing, because it’s completely regular and wholesome habits. What we are able to do, although, is encourage our cats to scratch on an acceptable floor, as an alternative of chair legs, sofa arms, and door jambs!
Right here are some things to look out for when selecting the perfect scratcher to fit your cat:
- That is logical, however the greater your cat, the larger the scratcher you’ll want! Cats love to have the ability to attain a full physique stretch whereas scratching and could ignore a scratcher that doesn’t permit them to do this. When you’re taking a look at horizontal or angled scratchers, purpose for one that’s no less than the identical size as your cat’s physique, minus their tail.
- Some cat scratchers, particularly the cardboard varieties, could be simply knocked over. This solely has to occur a couple of times earlier than your cat decides to disregard it and transfer on to one thing that feels extra secure and safe beneath their paws.
- All of the cat scratchers on this evaluate are comprised of cardboard, seagrass, carpet, or sisal. Some are comprised of a mix of supplies. Most cats love cardboard scratchers, as they’ll really feel the cardboard give beneath their claws, however loads of cats additionally take pleasure in different supplies. It might be just a little little bit of trial and error to seek out the mixture that most closely fits your cat. In fact, the perfect answer is to offer a couple of totally different scratchers with totally different supplies, however that isn’t all the time an possibility both financially or by way of area obtainable.
- Cat scratching posts could be vertical, horizontal, or at an angle. Some cat scratchers let you place them at totally different angles, and others are fastened. Angled cat scratchers are normally a protected guess as a result of your cat can get a full muscle stretch on them. Many cats additionally love each vertical and horizontal scratchers, so once more, it is perhaps a case of attempting a couple of and seeing which they like. You may as well make your individual DIY cat scratching publish and mix this with cheaper cardboard variations for a full assortment of choices.
- It’s true that cardboard cat scratchers are inevitably going to be much less sturdy than these made with supplies like carpet or sisal. However the truth that cats simply love cardboard scratchers is an efficient sufficient motive to spend money on one, and so they’re normally cheaper than different variations. Search for a cardboard scratcher with reversible sides, in order it wears out, you’ll be able to flip the cardboard over and successfully double the time that it’ll final.
In relation to instructing your cat to make use of their new scratching publish moderately than your furnishings, catnip is a superb hack! Many cat scratchers include a small sachet of catnip. Merely sprinkle this over the scratcher, and encourage your cat to come back and play. They may take a liking to their new scratcher immediately, or chances are you’ll have to encourage them with a toy or treats as nicely. Most cats love the chance to discover and scratch a brand new floor.
You may place their new scratcher close to the place they already take pleasure in scratching, and also you would possibly discover that your cat mechanically begins to make use of the scratcher instead of the outdated floor. In the event that they don’t, gently transfer them over to it whenever you see them utilizing no matter floor they scratched earlier than, and see in the event that they’ll switch that scratch onto what you need them to make use of as an alternative!
Some cats become bored with scratching in a single place or wish to mark their territory someplace totally different. In that case, it’s a good suggestion to have a couple of totally different scratchers round the home or to maneuver the one scratcher that you just do have whenever you discover that your cat is utilizing it much less. Refresh the catnip whenever you transfer it, and your cat ought to love utilizing it afresh!
How We Chosen Our Record of Cat Scratchers
Catster has an skilled, knowledgeable crew of writers, editors, and veterinarians who fastidiously think about a variety of parameters when selecting the cat scratchers. This consists of however is just not restricted to buyer critiques, model repute, veterinary expertise, hands-on testing, and naturally, our cats have a say within the course of too! We purpose to pick out and evaluate solely the perfect merchandise obtainable, that can assist you make the absolute best selection and most knowledgeable choice in your and your cat’s wants.
Why Belief Catster?
A trusted on-line model since 2001, Catster has quite a lot of expertise with cat scratchers. Our crew of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is devoted to serving to you make the perfect choice in your valuable cats. Our purpose is to offer the perfect data obtainable for cat homeowners to assist cats stay their finest life attainable. To do that, we scour critiques from essentially the most trusted sources obtainable and this, mixed with our veterinary crew’s expertise and experience, helps us collect the perfect choices obtainable to readers. Our crew is deeply invested within the well being and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that knowledgeable data and veterinary steerage will assist you to make the suitable decisions—for you and your cats!
Conclusion
For the general finest cat scratcher, we picked the Hepper Hello-Lo Trendy Cat Scratcher. This scratcher has loads of options that your cat will love, together with the three-way setup and thick cardboard that’s constructed to final.
When you’re in search of the perfect worth cat scratcher, take a look at the Petlinks Sea Ramp Cat Scratcher as an alternative. This lengthy angled scratcher is ideal for bigger cats to get a full stretch, and the minimalist type will go well with most properties.
Permitting our cats to discover a full vary of pure behaviors is an important a part of holding your cat pleased and wholesome, to not point out holding their nails in verify. This is applicable much more so for indoor cats which have fewer alternatives to seek out their very own place to scratch. So, if you happen to haven’t but invested in a cat scratcher, don’t delay. Our critiques of finest cat scratchers and finest cat scratching posts to file nails ought to have given you loads of concepts to get began!
Featured Picture Credit score: Khairil Azhar Junos, Shutterstock
