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Best Cat Scratchers 2025
Written by Emily Bayne
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 07/31/2024, edited: 01/17/2025
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
Investing in a cat scratcher is one of the best ways to combat destructive clawing. Although there are thousands of different models available, as a cat mom of two, I can assure you that they all aren't created equal! Individual preferences may vary, but most people can agree that a quality scratcher has a mess-free scratching surface, durability, stability, and is an appropriate size. After all, no one wants a scratching pad that they have to sweep around every time their cat uses it! Likewise, no kitty likes short and flimsy scratchers that fall over when they go to sharpen their claws!
In this article, we will explore our favorite cat scratching posts so your kitty never has to go a day without purr-fect nails without wrecking your furniture or carpet!
Overview
EveryYay Scratch-n-Play Cat Scratch Post
If there is one thing we love, it is compact and multi-purpose pet products! This scratching post isn't just a place for your kitty to sharpen their claws, but it is an all-in-one self-service grooming station with a built-in arch comb for your kitty to brush their fur and (pet themselves).
Although this post is only 18 inches high, the arch shape ensures your kitty can still get a good stretch in while using it!
EveryYay Scratch-n-Play Cat Scratch Post
Why Wag! loves EveryYay Scratch-n-Play Cat Scratch Post
- Has a built-in comb so your kitty can scratch their back and keep their coat nice and shiny without your help
- Unique shape to keep the post compact while still allowing your cat to stretch out while scratching
Considerations & concerns
- Better suited for smaller cats and kittens
What pet parents say about EveryYay Scratch-n-Play Cat Scratch Post
"My crew usually don't like small scratchers, so I'm hesitant to buy them these days. This one came for free from Petco from their sampling program and was an instant hit!! Between the post, the pad, and the back scratcher underneath, it clearly has something for everyone. They absolutely love this thing!! I tried to take a photo and my oldest boy couldn't resist a good stretch on it!"
Read more reviews on Petco.
Image sourced from Petco. Copyright EveryYay.
Frisco Heavy Duty Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo
We cannot rave enough about the Frisco Heavy Duty Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo.
If you've been debating a cat tree condo but can't justify the price, this is a great, budget-friendly option that also doubles as a scratching post for a fraction of the price of most cat condos.
This kitty dream house has two perches and a floor-level condo for your kitty to nap. As for scratching, your kitty can choose between 3 of its sisal rope posts to sharpen their nails.
Available colors:
- Cream
- Gray
Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo
Why Wag! loves Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo
- The cover comes off easily for cleaning
- Has multiple sleeping and scratching surfaces
- Amazing price point
- Condo, cat tree, and three scratching posts all in one!
Considerations & concerns
- Since this brand is a Chewy exclusive, you will only be able to purchase it through the Chewy website
- Assembly can be difficult for some
What pet parents say about Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo
"This is a pretty good tower for the price! I picked this one because of the larger size for the platforms cause one of my cats is a little big, and they are excellent for him[.] My only complaint is I feel that the soft grey material will not last long, it's very thin and I can see my boys ripping it up pretty quickly. They love it though, as I type this both of them are curled up sleeping on it already.
It was also a little tricky to put together, particularly the little house. Lining up the posts inside it with the screws was very frustrating and time consuming. After I did that part the rest only took me maybe 10-15 min to finish. It's also quite heavy so I won't be attaching it to the wall."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Chewy, Inc.
SmartCat The Ultimate Cat Scratching Post
If you're in the market for a simple yet sturdy scratcher, this sisal post is a great option.
At 32 inches in height, it is tall enough for cats to stretch out to scratch and solid enough to prevent it from tipping.
Pet parents love this one in particular because it doesn't shed or make messes like a lot of scratchers do. Also, the 16-inch base is compact without sacrificing durability.
Plus, it comes in two neutral colors that will match almost any decor!
Available colors:
- Beige
- Gray
SmartCat Ultimate Cat Scratching Post
Why Wag! loves the SmartCat Ultimate Cat Scratching Post
- At nearly 20 lbs, this post is heavy enough for even large cats to use without falling over
- Doesn't shed like corrugated scratchers
- Made with non-toxic paint and materials
- Large enough for kitties to stretch out and scratch (which can help prevent destructive clawing of furniture and walls!)
Considerations & concerns
- Some reviewers complain that the scratcher had an unpleasant odor
- A tad pricey for a more basic post
- SmartCat doesn't sell additional replacement parts for this post
What pet parents say about SmartCat Ultimate Cat Scratching Post
"This scratching post can't be tipped over by even large cats. It lasts, and lasts for years. I now have 4 of these scratching posts, and 2 of them are close to 20 years old. Young cats will climb it like a tree, and you can purchase the Smart Cat Perch to attach to the top. Rub cat nip into the fibers for a special treat. It may take your cat some time to use it, but once they do, they will love it! It is very well build and looks nice anywhere."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright SmartCat.
Frisco Cactus Cat Scratching Post
If you are as crazy about plants as you are about cats, you'll want to get your paws on this scratching post!
I received this, as a gift for my kitty Bilbo. Let me tell you, he LOVED it. We had this cactus for months, and it held up well to my two cats; sadly, it was not a match for my kindergartener, who ended up breaking it, but I am sure it would have lasted years had she not attempted to climb it herself!
We have gone through many scratching posts, and my boys have no interest in most of them because they are too short — this cactus post, however — was the purr-fect height for them to stretch and scratch their hearts out!
Sizes:
- 33-inch tri post
- 22-inch single post
Frisco Cactus Cat Scratching Post
Why Wag! loves Frisco Cactus Cat Scratching Post
- This product has three separate posts making it great for multicat households
- Has a heavy base to prevent tipping.
- Assembly is quick work
- Comes in two sizes
Considerations & concerns
- The top portion of the cactus is soft and not suitable for perching
- If the hole where the screw attaches to the cactus becomes stripped, that section becomes unusable
What pet parents say about Frisco Cactus Cat Scratching Post
"This is the second time we have purchased this item. My granddaughter adopted a rescue cat and loved the cactus design. Ashoka loves it! It is super cute in design, she wore the first one down. My granddaughter tried to mend the first one and Ashoka wouldn't use it! Grammy to the rescue, we wanted the same design and strength and Asoka is back in love with her scratching cactus!!!"
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Chewy, Inc.
PetPals Group Catry Sunflower Cat Scratching Post
Need something to brighten up your living space? This sunflower scratching post by PetPals will do just that! At 17 inches high and just over a foot wide, this post is great for smaller spaces, and the flower blossom can be positioned at an angle to provide more vertical scratching space, or parallel to the base to make a nice perch.
We love that the scratching pad and post are both made out of sisal rope, which doesn't make a mess like cardboard scratchers! Your kitty's personality is sure to blossom with the addition of this post!
PetPals Sunflower Scratching Post
Why Wag! loves PetPals Sunflower Scratching Post
- The blossom can be set up to lay flat or slightly tilted and has a nice surface area
- Customers say it is very sturdy and strong enough for heavier cats to perch on
- Adorable design that will brighten up any space.
- Comes with a 30-day warranty
Considerations & concerns
- The post is on the shorter side
- Some pet parents complain that it tips over if their cats play too rough on it.
What pet parents say about PetPals Sunflower Scratching Post
"I absolutely love this! First off, it was so easy to put together and I love that you can choose for it to either lay flat or be at an angle. The little bee toy that is attached is adorable and my kitten loves it. I have it set up under the bedroom window as a perch for him to lay on. I absolutely recommend this!"
Read more reviews on Petco.
Image sourced from Petco. Copyright PetPals.
FAQ
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