Cats use scratching as a option to launch stress, to assist stretch and flex their our bodies, and to go away a scent and visible mark on their territory — a.okay.a. your sofa. Scratching additionally helps take away the outer layers of their claws, which as soon as useless, should be eliminated.
So, there are all kinds of causes that your cat goes to really feel like having a scratch, and nearly as good cat mother and father, it’s as much as us to offer alternatives that don’t contain ruining your gentle furnishings.
A fast have a look at standard cat procuring 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 evaluations are available in!
A Fast Comparability of Our Favorites in 2024
The 11 Greatest Cat Scratchers
1. Hepper Hello-Lo Trendy Cat Scratcher – Greatest General
The Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher is a game-changer with regards to cat scratchers. What makes it our choose for the most effective cat-scratching publish? Properly, for starters, it’s adjustable with three totally different positions. Your cat won’t ever get bored as a result of you may swap it as much as maintain them nimble and entertained. It additionally has a glossy and trendy design that can look nice in any room.
Nevertheless it’s not nearly being fancy; it’s constructed powerful with strong 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 may substitute the cardboard half, so it lasts virtually eternally. It at the moment solely is available in one coloration possibility, nevertheless it’s an amazing possibility in our opinion. So, if you happen to’re trying to spoil your cat and provides them the most effective 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!
Execs
- Trendy, trendy design
- Reasonably priced
- Curved to encourage stretching and scratching
- Substitute cardboard accessible
- Sturdy and sturdy
Cons
- At present solely is available in one coloration possibility
2. Petlinks Sea Ramp Cat Scratcher — Finances Purchase
Should you’re searching for the most effective funds cat scratcher, then we positively advocate the Petlinks Sea Ramp Cat Scratcher. This presents wonderful worth for cash however can be trendy and gained’t look misplaced in a contemporary dwelling. In case your cat has taken a liking to scratch seagrass baskets, then it is a nice resolution 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 challenge we’ve got with this cat scratcher is that it’s slightly too small and light-weight for bigger cat breeds.
To conclude, we expect that is the most effective low cost cat scratcher you will discover.
Execs
- Nice worth for cash
- Fashionable design
- Sloped to encourage scratching
- Contains catnip
Cons
- Not heavyweight for bigger cats
3. Scratch Lounge Cat Scratcher Lounge
The Scratch Lounge Original Cat Scratcher Lounge is our subsequent cat scratcher on the listing 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 to your cat to scratch horizontally, nevertheless it’s additionally designed to indulge your cat’s love of nesting into smaller areas. This scratcher is produced from recycled paper, that means it’s not solely nice to your cat but additionally environmentally pleasant!
This scratcher comes with a small sachet of catnip which you could sprinkle on the primary few instances 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 facet. The one cause this missed out on the highest two locations on this listing is that it’s costlier than among the different cat scratchers on the market. However the tremendous sturdy and double-sided design implies that you shouldn’t have to put money into one other cat scratcher for fairly a while!
Execs
- Lengthy-lasting
- Distinctive design
- Comes with catnip
- Reversible development
4. Ok&H Pet Merchandise Kitty Tippy Scratch n’ Observe Cat Scratcher
In case your cat likes to play as a lot as a scratch, then the K&H Pet Products Kitty Tippy Scratch n’ Track Cat Scratcher consists of every part it’s essential to maintain them entertained for hours! Either side of this cat scratcher has an indentation for the included balls to take a seat in, that means your cat can have loads of enjoyable batting them about. It’s also possible to add rockers to the bottom, so this scratcher will tip from one facet 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 once they wish to scratch. Some cats can simply take away the balls from the runners, through which case, you’ll want to search out after which substitute them (solely to your cats to knock them out once more, after all!). This scratcher isn’t reversible, so as soon as the highest facet has been scratched into oblivion, you’ll have to put money into one other one.
Execs
- Good for giant cats
- Loads of interactive options
- Contains catnip
Cons
- Not reversible
- Balls can come out of runners
5. SmartyKat Scratch Scroll Cat Scratcher
The revolutionary form of the SmartyKat Scratch Scroll Cat Scratcher is designed to permit your cat to make use of it as a toy on the similar time — it even features a dangly, detachable feather to tempt them into enjoying. The impartial colours mix properly into any dwelling and embrace a mixture of carpet and sisal to attraction to all cats!
Simply bear in mind that you probably have a bigger cat, they most likely gained’t be capable to stretch out to their full size utilizing this scratcher, so whereas they may play with the toy, the unique goal of the scratcher may be missed! Some cats desire to snuggle up on or below this scratcher for a nap, nevertheless it’s excellent for smaller cats and kittens.
Execs
- Revolutionary form
- Completely different surfaces
- Features a toy
Cons
- Cats can’t attain full stretch
- Not carpeted beneath
- Not massive sufficient for large cats
6. Ok&H Pet Merchandise Scratch Ramp Cat Scratcher
Should you’re searching for the last word cat scratcher, then look no additional than the K&H Pet Products Scratch Ramp Cat Scratcher. We awarded this our greatest general class because of its intelligent mixture of a scratching ramp and a toy — with catnip! Some cats want slightly 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 maintain your cat entertained and able to get their claws out (making it the most effective 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 after all, your cat would possibly take an instantaneous liking to this scratcher — no catnip required!
Execs
- Nice worth for cash
- Contains toys and catnip
- Lengthy-lasting
- Straightforward to assemble
Cons
- The bag of catnip is small
7. Petstages Straightforward Life Scratch, Snuggle and Relaxation Cat Scratcher
Should you’re searching for a colourful and attention-grabbing cat scratcher, then the Petstages Easy Life Scratch, Snuggle and Rest Cat Scratcher will go well with you and your cats completely. The round central cat scratcher types a shallow bowl, which is inviting for scratching and is ideal to your small cat to twist into for a nap. As with lots of the cat scratchers in our overview, this product additionally features a small sachet of catnip.
This cardboard scratcher can get up properly to smaller cats, however massive cats may not be capable to curl up within the central part and might knock the legs off after prolonged use. This may’t be refilled both, so as soon as the cardboard on the highest has been scratched to bits, it’ll be time to put money into a brand new cat scratcher.
Execs
- Contains catnip
- Curved scratching floor
- May also be used as a mattress
Cons
- Legs can come unstuck
- Not massive sufficient for large cats
- Not refillable
8. Van Ness Cat Scratcher Pad
Should you’re searching for a fundamental and funds cat scratcher pad, then the Van Ness Cat Scratcher Pad goes to do the job. This huge scratcher is produced from 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 fundamental, so don’t anticipate any extra options like balls, rockers, or a slope. In truth, some cats don’t get pleasure from 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 value making an attempt it out if it’s essential to save your furnishings out of your cat’s claws!
Execs
- Good worth for cash
- Contains catnip
Cons
- Primary design
- Some cats don’t like a flat floor
- Not reversible
9. Ok&H Pet Merchandise EZ Mount Window Scratcher
The revolutionary design of this cat scratcher means you may mount it in your window for a double-purpose scratcher and window mattress multi functional! You’ll be able to 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 in opposition to 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 supposed goal! In the event that they do, although, you’ll have to maintain a detailed eye on the integrity of the cardboard as they begin to scratch by means of it. If it appears prefer it’s beginning to weaken, then don’t hesitate to switch it!
Execs
- Double-purpose design
- Contains catnip
Cons
- Costly
- Some cats gained’t use it to scratch
- Cords can get in the best way
10. Ok&H Pet Merchandise EZ Mount Window Cat Scratcher with Catnip
Should you don’t have a lot ground area for a cat scratcher however nonetheless wish to encourage your cat away out of your furnishings, then the K&H Pet Products EZ Mount Window Cat Scratcher with Catnip might be your greatest guess. This vertical cardboard cat scratcher is designed to repair onto your window utilizing sturdy 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 sturdy sufficient to drag this off your window, after which they might not use it in any respect.
Execs
- Doesn’t take up ground area
Cons
- Small
- Costly
- Can get pulled off the window
- Cats could not use it
11. Ok&H Pet Merchandise Stretch n’ Scratch Cat Scratching Ramp
Should you’re looking out for a cat scratcher that’s a contact faraway from the usual designs, then the K&H Pet Products Stretch n’ Scratch Cat Scratcher is value a second look. This cardboard scratcher might be assembled in three other ways: as an upright massive letter “A,” as a double-width ramp, or as a slender up-and-down ramp.
Whereas the flexibility is nice, that is nonetheless slightly too small and light-weight for bigger cats. They are going to simply be capable to transfer this round and knock it over! The primary challenge is that they gained’t truly be capable to stretch out to full size, so they might not find yourself utilizing it in any respect. It’s additionally costly, so if you happen to don’t thoughts taking a threat, this might be a good selection, however be ready for the truth that your cat could reject it solely.
Cons
- Too small for giant cats
- Light-weight design
- Can topple over
- Costly
Purchaser’s Information: Discovering the Greatest Cat Scratchers
Offering a cat scratcher is a good way to save your furniture 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 attempt 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 applicable floor, as a substitute of chair legs, sofa arms, and door jambs!
Right here are some things to look out for when selecting the most effective 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 enable them to do this. Should you’re taking a look at horizontal or angled scratchers, intention for one that’s not less than the identical size as your cat’s physique, minus their tail.
- Some cat scratchers, particularly the cardboard sorts, might 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 steady and safe below their paws.
- All of the cat scratchers on this overview are produced from cardboard, seagrass, carpet, or sisal. Some are produced from a mixture of supplies. Most cats love cardboard scratchers, as they will really feel the cardboard give below their claws, however loads of cats additionally get pleasure from different supplies. It might be slightly little bit of trial and error to search out the mixture that most accurately fits your cat. In fact, the most effective resolution is to offer a number of totally different scratchers with totally different supplies, however that isn’t all the time an possibility both financially or by way of area accessible.
- Cat scratching posts might be vertical, horizontal, or at an angle. Some cat scratchers let you place them at totally different angles, and others are mounted. Angled cat scratchers are often a secure 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 may be a case of making an attempt a number of and seeing which they like. It’s also possible to make your personal DIY cat scratching post 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 just love cardboard scratchers is an efficient sufficient cause to put money into one, and so they’re often cheaper than different variations. Search for a cardboard scratcher with reversible sides, in order it wears out, you may flip the cardboard over and successfully double the time that it’ll final.
In terms of educating your cat to make use of their new scratching publish slightly than your furnishings, catnip is a good 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 right away, or you might have to encourage them with a toy or treats as properly. Most cats love the chance to discover and scratch a brand new floor.
You’ll be able to place their new scratcher close to the place they already get pleasure from scratching, and also you would possibly discover that your cat routinely 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 if 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 a substitute!
Some cats get tired of 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 number of totally different scratchers round the home or to maneuver the one scratcher that you just do have if you discover that your cat is utilizing it much less. Refresh the catnip if 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 workforce of writers, editors, and veterinarians who rigorously contemplate a variety of parameters when selecting the cat scratchers. This consists of however just isn’t restricted to buyer evaluations, model popularity, veterinary expertise, hands-on testing, and naturally, our cats have a say within the course of too! We intention to pick and overview solely the most effective merchandise accessible, that can assist you make the very best alternative and most knowledgeable choice to your and your cat’s wants.
Why Belief Catster?
A trusted on-line model since 2001, Catster has a number of expertise with cat scratchers. Our workforce of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is devoted to serving to you make the most effective choice to your valuable cats. Our intention is to offer the most effective data accessible for cat house owners to assist cats dwell their greatest life doable. To do that, we scour evaluations from essentially the most trusted sources accessible and this, mixed with our veterinary workforce’s expertise and experience, helps us collect the most effective choices accessible to readers. Our workforce is deeply invested within the well being and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that knowledgeable information and veterinary steering will allow you to make the precise selections—for you and your cats!
Conclusion
For the general greatest cat scratcher, we picked the Hepper Hi-Lo Modern 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.
Should you’re searching for the most effective worth cat scratcher, try the Petlinks Sea Ramp Cat Scratcher as a substitute. This lengthy angled scratcher is ideal for bigger cats to get a full stretch, and the minimalist fashion will go well with most houses.
Permitting our cats to discover a full vary of pure behaviors is an important a part of preserving your cat joyful and wholesome, to not point out preserving their nails in examine. This is applicable much more so for indoor cats which have fewer alternatives to search out their very own place to scratch. So, if you happen to haven’t but invested in a cat scratcher, don’t delay. Our evaluations of greatest cat scratchers and greatest 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